JP2012168723A - Detector and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detector capable of enhancing operability about an intuitive operation and an information processor including the detector.SOLUTION: A three-axis sensor unit 60 has a body part 30, an X-axis sensor part 61, a Y-axis sensor part 62 and a Z-axis sensor part 63. The body part 30 has one or more faces 32, 33 and 34, and a first axis 35, a second axis 36 and a third axis 37 whose directions in a three-dimensional space are different from one another are set along the one or more faces 32, 33 and 34. The X-axis sensor part 61, the Y-axis sensor part 62 and the Z-axis sensor part 63 are provided in the body part 30, and can independently detect the movement of a detection object along each of the first axis 35, the second axis 36 and the third axis 37.

Description

  The present invention relates to a detection apparatus capable of detecting contact or proximity of an object and an information processing apparatus including the detection apparatus.

  An information processing apparatus using a touch sensor panel capable of detecting coordinates instructed by contact or proximity of an object such as a user's finger has been proposed. In particular, in recent years, with the advancement of information processing capability and drawing processing capability, a table type information processing apparatus using a large touch sensor panel has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A display panel is installed on the upper surface of the table of such an information processing apparatus, and a graphical user interface (GUI) element and a content element are displayed on the display panel. In this type of information processing apparatus, while referring to a GUI element or a content element as an operation target displayed on the display panel by a user, for example, with respect to a touch sensor panel placed over the display panel, In addition, an apparatus that can intuitively perform various three-dimensional operations such as “grabbing” and “rotating” an operation target has been proposed.

  On the other hand, an information processing apparatus is known that includes an X-axis position sensor and a Y-axis position sensor that are arranged at two edge portions that are orthogonal to each other at the corners of the housing (see, for example, Patent Document 2). According to the information processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, the user touches the thumb and index finger of the right hand to the X-axis position sensor and the Y-axis position sensor, respectively, and moves the finger along the edge to display the information on the display screen. The pointer can be moved in the biaxial direction on the screen.

JP 2006-065558 (paragraph [0018], FIG. 1) JP 2009-157709 A (paragraph [0027], FIG. 1)

  In the information processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, a user performs intuitive input operations on a GUI element or a content element as an operation target by bringing a finger into contact with or close to a touch sensor panel. However, depending on the size of the table-type information processing apparatus and the size of the touch sensor panel that has been enlarged, when the user performs an input operation on the GUI element or content element displayed on the display panel, If the distance is large, the operability may be deteriorated.

  Therefore, in order to improve the operability with respect to the information processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, the use of the X-axis position sensor and the Y-axis position sensor of Patent Document 2 will be examined. The X-axis position sensor and the Y-axis position sensor of Patent Document 2 are only used to move the GUI element (pointer) displayed on the display screen in the two-axis direction. For example, the GUI element displayed on the display panel It is difficult to intuitively perform various three-dimensional operations such as “grabbing” and “rotating” content elements.

  In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a detection device capable of enhancing the operability regarding an intuitive operation and an information processing device including the detection device.

In order to achieve the above object, a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a three-dimensional object, a first sensor unit, a second sensor unit, and a third sensor unit.
The three-dimensional object has one or more planes, and a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that are different from each other in the three-dimensional space are set along the one or more planes.
The first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit are provided on the three-dimensional object, and are respectively along the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis. The movements of the three detection objects can be detected independently.

  Thereby, for example, the user moves one of the three detection objects along the first axis, moves another one along the second axis, and moves another one over. By moving along the third axis, an input operation can be performed on the detection device. For example, if three detection objects are user's fingers, the user can input three pieces of motion information at the same time by using three fingers. For example, if these three pieces of movement information are used as movement information in individual axial directions for 3D control, various three-dimensional operations can be intuitively performed on the displayed 3D object.

  The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis may have one intersection.

  Thus, the positional relationship is such that the user can input three pieces of motion information to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis with the finger of one hand, and the operability is improved.

  The first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit are in contact with the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis, respectively, along the one or more surfaces. The movement in the separation direction may be detected.

  As a result, the detection device can detect the movement of each detection target in the direction of moving toward and away from each axis along the plane, so that the user can perform the display on the 3D object being displayed. Various three-dimensional operations can be performed more intuitively.

The three-dimensional object may have three surfaces constituting one corner.
The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis may be set at the corner of the three-dimensional object.
The first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit are connected to and separated from the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis along the three surfaces, respectively. Directional motion may be detected.

  Accordingly, when the user uses three fingers with one hand, the three pieces of motion information are simultaneously input to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis set at the corners of the three-dimensional object. So that the operability is further improved.

An information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a three-dimensional object, a first sensor unit, a second sensor unit, a third sensor unit, and a control unit.
The three-dimensional object has one or more planes, and a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that are different from each other in the three-dimensional space are set along the one or more planes.
The first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit are provided on the three-dimensional object, and are respectively along the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis. The movements of the three detection objects can be detected independently.
The control unit causes the display unit to display an operation target capable of operating movements in three axis directions orthogonal to each other, and is detected by the first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit. Based on the movements of the detection object along the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis, the operation target displayed on the display unit in the three-axis direction Control movement.

  Thereby, for example, the user moves one of the three detection objects along the first axis, moves another one along the second axis, and moves another one over. By moving along the third axis, an input operation can be performed on the detection device. For example, if three detection objects are user's fingers, the user can input three pieces of motion information at the same time by using three fingers. For example, if these three pieces of movement information are used as movement information in individual axial directions for 3D control, various three-dimensional operations can be intuitively performed on the displayed 3D object.

  The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis may have one intersection.

  The first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit are in contact with the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis, respectively, along the one or more surfaces. The movement in the separation direction may be detected.

The three-dimensional object may have three surfaces constituting one corner.
The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis may be set at the corner of the three-dimensional object.
The first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit are connected to and separated from the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis along the three surfaces, respectively. Directional motion may be detected.

  The control unit further causes the display unit to display an operation target capable of operating movements in two axial directions orthogonal to each other, and the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit detected by the second sensor unit. Controlling the movement of the operation target displayed on the display unit in the two-axis direction based on the movement of the detection target along each of the first axis and the second axis, and the third sensor The operation of the operation target displayed on the display unit may be controlled based on the movement of the detection target along the third axis detected by the unit.

  Thereby, for example, the user moves one of the three detection objects along the first axis, moves another one along the second axis, and moves another one over. By moving along the third axis, an input operation can be performed on the detection device. For example, if three detection objects are user's fingers, the user can input three pieces of motion information at the same time by using three fingers. For example, if two pieces of movement information among these three pieces of movement information are used for movement information in individual axial directions for 2D control, various two-dimensional operations can be intuitively performed on the displayed 2D object. Can be done. Further, if one piece of movement information among these three pieces of movement information is used for auxiliary operation, various auxiliary operations can be intuitively performed on the 2D object being displayed.

  According to the object of the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability for intuitive operation.

1 is a perspective view showing an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of information processing apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows a 3-axis sensor unit and a user's right hand. It is a perspective view which shows an X-axis sensor part, a Y-axis sensor part, and a Z-axis sensor part. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of information processing apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the X-axis sensor part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, a Y-axis sensor part, and a Z-axis sensor part. It is a perspective view which shows the 3 axis | shaft sensor unit which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and a user's right hand. It is a perspective view which shows an X-axis sensor part, a Y-axis sensor part, and a Z-axis sensor part. It is another perspective view which shows a triaxial sensor unit and a user's right hand. It is a perspective view which shows the X-axis sensor part which concerns on 4th Embodiment, a Y-axis sensor part, and a Z-axis sensor part. It is a perspective view which shows the X-axis sensor part which concerns on 5th Embodiment, a Y-axis sensor part, a Z-axis sensor part, and a vertex sensor part. It is a perspective view which shows the 3 axis | shaft sensor unit which concerns on 6th Embodiment, and a user's right hand. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the X-axis sensor part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the X-axis sensor part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the operation target in FIG. It is a perspective view showing a plurality of sensor parts concerning a 7th embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, an information processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a rectangular parallelepiped main body 30 (three-dimensional object) and legs 11 that support the main body 30 on, for example, a floor.
The main body 30 has a display panel (display panel 20 shown in FIG. 2) and a triaxial sensor unit 60.

  The display panel 20 is, for example, a large display panel having a size of, for example, more than 30 inches, made of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. The display panel 20 displays GUI (Graphic User Interface) elements such as icons and content elements such as images. The display panel 20 constitutes one surface of the rectangular parallelepiped main body 30. The peripheral edge of the display panel 20 is surrounded by a frame 10 as a dielectric.

  The triaxial sensor unit 60 (detection device) is provided at one corner 31 of the rectangular parallelepiped main body 30. More specifically, the triaxial sensor unit 60 is disposed inside the frame 10 as a dielectric. Here, the “corner portion 31” is a triangular pyramid portion constituted by three surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped main body portion 30 having different directions. In the present embodiment, the triaxial sensor unit 60 is provided at one corner 31 including the surface on which the display panel 20 of the main body 30 is provided. The triaxial sensor unit 60 can independently detect the movement of a detection target such as a user's finger along each of the three axes formed by the three surfaces of the corner portion 31.

[Hardware configuration of information processing device]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus.
As shown in the figure, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 40 is connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a main memory 43, a storage unit 51, a wireless communication processing unit 44, via a system bus 41, A network connection unit 49, an audio output processing unit 45 through an audio signal processing unit 45, a display control unit 47 and display panel 20 through a graphic calculation processing unit 46, and a three-axis sensor through a three-axis sensor unit interface 48 The unit 60 is connected.

The ROM 42 is a read-only memory in which programs and data for software processing to be executed by the information processing apparatus 1 are permanently stored.
The main memory 43 is a memory used as a work area for the CPU 40.
The storage unit 51 includes a large-capacity storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

The wireless communication processing unit 44 is an interface for processing bidirectional communication with an external device. Specifically, the wireless communication processing unit 44 is connected to the external device using a wireless medium such as light, radio wave, sound wave, and electromagnetic wave. To perform processing for wireless communication. Note that communication with an external device is not limited to wireless, and an interface for performing wired communication may be employed.
The network connection unit 49 processes a wired or wireless connection with a global network.

  The audio signal processing unit 45 generates an analog audio signal from a digital audio signal. The analog audio signal generated by the audio signal processing unit 45 is output as audio from the audio output unit 50 including a speaker or the like.

The graphic calculation processing unit 46 performs calculation processing such as generation of image data under the control of the CPU 40 and outputs the generated image data to the display control unit 47.
The display control unit 47 performs a drawing process on the image data supplied from the graphic calculation processing unit 46 and supplies the drawing data to the display panel 20.

The triaxial sensor unit 60 is a detection device that can detect contact or proximity of a detection target. The triaxial sensor unit 60 includes an X axis sensor unit 61, a Y axis sensor unit 62, and a Z axis sensor unit 63. As the X-axis sensor unit 61, the Y-axis sensor unit 62, and the Z-axis sensor unit 63, a capacitance type is adopted here, but for example, a resistance film type, a light detection type, an ultrasonic detection type, etc. These sensors can also be used.
In addition to the triaxial sensor unit 60, a keyboard, various buttons, a mouse, a touch sensor panel superimposed on the display panel 20, and the like may be further provided as an input operation unit (not shown).

Here, the configuration of the three-axis sensor unit 60 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the three-axis sensor unit and the right hand of the user.
The triaxial sensor unit 60 is provided at one corner 31 of the rectangular parallelepiped main body 30. Here, the corner portion 31 is a triangular pyramid portion constituted by three surfaces of the main body portion 30 having different directions, that is, the first surface 32, the second surface 33, and the third surface 34.

  In the corner portion 31, the first surface 32, the second surface 33, and the third surface 34 form a ridge line therebetween. Here, the first axis 35 is on the ridgeline between the first surface 32 and the second surface 33, and the second axis is on the ridgeline between the first surface 32 and the third surface 34. 36, a third axis 37 is set on the ridgeline between the second surface 33 and the third surface 34, respectively. The first axis 35, the second axis 36, and the third axis 37 have one intersection as a vertex 38. In this embodiment, the first axis 35, the second axis 36, and the third axis 37 are orthogonal to each other. In the figure, the tip of the corner is a point (vertex 38), but it is actually a curved surface.

More specifically, the “first axis 35” is an axis corresponding to one long side constituting the surface (first surface 32) on which the display panel 20 of the main body 30 is provided. The “second shaft 36” corresponds to one short side constituting the surface (first surface 32) on which the display panel 20 of the main body 30 is provided, and is connected to the first shaft 35 via the vertex 38. It is an orthogonal axis. The “third axis 37” corresponds to a side in the height (thickness) direction of the main body 30, and is an axis orthogonal to the first axis 35 and the second axis 36 via the vertex 38.
The axes parallel to the first axis 35, the second axis 36, and the third axis 37 are referred to as an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, respectively.
The “first surface 32” is defined by the first shaft 35 and the second shaft 36, and refers to the surface of the main body 30 on which the display panel 20 is provided, that is, the upper surface of the main body 30. The “second surface 33” refers to a surface defined by the first shaft 35 and the third shaft 37, that is, one side surface of the main body 30. The “third surface 34” refers to a surface defined by the second shaft 36 and the third shaft 37, that is, another side surface of the main body 30.

  For example, the user moves the thumb U1 of the right hand on the first axis 35 along the X-axis direction, moves the index finger U2 on the second axis 36 along the Y-axis direction, and moves the middle finger U3 on the third axis. The input operation to the triaxial sensor unit 60 is performed by moving along the Z-axis direction on 37 (see the arrow in the figure). The first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, and the third shaft 37 are provided with an X-axis sensor unit 61, a Y-axis sensor unit 62, and a Z-axis sensor unit 63, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the X-axis sensor unit, the Y-axis sensor unit, and the Z-axis sensor unit.
The X-axis sensor unit 61 has a plurality of X-axis sensor electrodes 61a, 61b... Provided along the first axis 35. For example, the plurality of X-axis sensor electrodes 61 a, 61 b... Are arranged on the first shaft 35 at equal intervals on the region including the first shaft 35 of the first surface 32.

  The Y-axis sensor unit 62 has a plurality of Y-axis sensor electrodes 62a, 62b... Provided along the second axis 36. For example, the plurality of Y-axis sensor electrodes 62 a, 62 b... Are arranged on the second shaft 36 at equal intervals on the region including the second shaft 36 of the first surface 32.

  The Z-axis sensor unit 63 has a plurality of Z-axis sensor electrodes 63a, 63b... Provided along the third axis 37. For example, the plurality of Z-axis sensor electrodes 63 a, 63 b... Are arranged on the third shaft 37 at equal intervals on the region including the third shaft 37 of the third surface 34.

Here, the configuration of the X-axis sensor unit 61 will be described.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the X-axis sensor unit 61.

  The X-axis sensor unit 61 includes X-axis sensor electrodes 61a, 61b, and a capacitance detection circuit 64 connected thereto. .. Are provided between the X-axis sensor electrodes 61a, 61b... And the capacitance detection circuit 64, respectively. These switches 65a, 65b... Are cyclically switched so that one of them is sequentially turned on. When the detection target object contacts or approaches the X-axis sensor electrodes 61a, 61b,..., The capacitance between the X-axis sensor electrodes 61a, 61b,. The electrostatic capacitance detection circuit 64 connected to the X-axis sensor electrodes 61a, 61b... Converts these electrostatic capacitances into voltage values and outputs them to a first detection processing unit 71 (described later).

  The Y-axis sensor unit 62 and the Z-axis sensor unit 63 have the same configuration. That is, the Y-axis sensor unit 62 converts the detected capacitance into a voltage value and outputs it to the first detection processing unit 71. The Z-axis sensor unit 63 converts the detected capacitance into a voltage value and outputs it to a second detection processing unit 72 (described later).

  Note that the triaxial sensor unit 60 as a capacitive sensor is not limited to the contact of the detection target, but the detection target even if the detection target is close, that is, the detection target is separated from the triaxial sensor unit 60. Objects can be detected.

[Functional configuration of information processing device]
Next, a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 that detects and processes an input operation on the three-axis sensor unit 60 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus.
The information processing apparatus 1 includes an X-axis sensor unit 61, a Y-axis sensor unit 62, a Z-axis sensor unit 63, a first detection processing unit 71, a second detection processing unit 72, and an input information analysis unit 73. And an input designation unit 74 and a display instruction unit 75.

  The first detection processing unit 71 detects a change in capacitance relating to the X-axis sensor electrodes 61a, 61b,... Detected by the capacitance detection circuit 64, and the X-axis indicating the largest change amount among them. The position on the X axis corresponding to the sensor electrode is determined, and this position information is supplied to the input information analysis unit 73.

  The first detection processing unit 71 also detects a change in capacitance related to the Y-axis sensor electrodes 62a, 62b... Detected by the capacitance detection circuit 64, and shows the largest change amount among them. The position on the Y axis corresponding to the Y axis sensor electrode is determined, and this position information is supplied to the input information analysis unit 73.

  The second detection processing unit 72 detects a change in the electrostatic capacitance related to the Z-axis sensor electrodes 63a, 63b,... Detected by the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit 64, and shows the largest change amount among them. The position on the Z axis corresponding to the sensor electrode is determined, and this position information is supplied to the input information analysis unit 73.

The input information analysis unit 73 integrally processes the position information acquired from the first detection processing unit 71 and the second detection processing unit 72.
Specifically, the input information analysis unit 73 uses the position information acquired from the first detection processing unit 71 and the second detection processing unit 72 as 3D (three-dimensional) as an operation target displayed on the display panel 20. ) The object is processed as a movement in three axis directions orthogonal to each other and supplied to the display instruction unit 75.
Alternatively, the input information analysis unit 73 uses the position information acquired from the first detection processing unit 71 in the two-axis directions orthogonal to each other of 2D (two-dimensional) objects as operation targets displayed on the display panel 20. It is processed as a motion and supplied to the display instruction unit 75. The input information analysis unit 73 also processes the position information acquired from the second detection processing unit 72 as an auxiliary operation regarding the movement of the 2D object displayed on the display panel 20, and supplies it to the display instruction unit 75. . Specifically, the input information analysis unit 73 refers to a correspondence table in which functions are assigned to combinations of position information. The correspondence table includes, for example, “zoom” for a combination of position information corresponding to the movement (slide operation) of the detection target object along the third axis 37, and a short time with respect to the third axis 37 of the detection target object. Various functions are assigned to the position information supplied from the second detection processing unit 72, such as “determine” for the combination of position information corresponding to the contact (one-click operation). When the input information analysis unit 73 acquires the position information from the second detection processing unit 72, the input information analysis unit 73 reads out the function assigned to the combination of the position information acquired with reference to the correspondence table, and displays the read function in the display instruction unit 75. Supply. The correspondence table is stored in a readable / writable storage device such as an HDD or an SSD.

The input designation unit 74 supplies the 3D mode on / off signal to the input information analysis unit 73. The 3D mode on / off signal indicates that the position information supplied from the second detection processing unit 72 is processed by the input information analysis unit 73 as a function assigned to the correspondence table or displayed on the display panel 20. This is a signal for switching whether to process the movement of the 3D object in the Z-axis direction.
For example, when the 3D object is displayed by the application, the input specifying unit 74 processes the movement of the detection target along the third axis 37 as the movement of the 3D object displayed on the display panel 20 in the Z-axis direction. The 3D mode on signal to be switched is supplied to the input information analysis unit 73. Then, when the 2D object is displayed by the application, the input specifying unit 74 performs a 3D mode off signal for switching to process the movement of the detection target along the third axis 37 as a function assigned to the correspondence table. This is supplied to the input information analysis unit 73.

The display instruction unit 75 generates a drawing command based on the information about the movement of the 3D or 2D object, which is acquired from the input information analysis unit 73 and processed in an integrated manner based on the position information, and the generated drawing command Is supplied to the graphic arithmetic processing unit 46.
For example, when the 3D mode is on, the display instruction unit 75 rotates the 3D object displayed on the display panel 20 as an operation target in a direction including a 3-axis component, or moves the 3D object in a direction including a 3-axis component. A display to do (grab, lift) is performed. When the 3D mode is off, the display instruction unit 75 performs a display such that the 2D object as the operation target displayed on the display panel 20 is rotated or moved in a direction including a biaxial component.

According to the present embodiment, for example, the user moves the thumb U1 of the right hand on the first axis 35 along the X-axis direction, moves the index finger U2 on the second axis 36 along the Y-axis direction, By moving the middle finger U3 along the Z-axis direction on the third axis 37, three pieces of movement information can be simultaneously input to the three-axis sensor unit 60. Then, if these three pieces of movement information are used as movement information in the individual axial directions for 3D control, the input information analysis unit 73 processes the movement of the 3D object displayed on the display panel 20 in the three axial directions. Or 2D objects are processed as movements in two axes and auxiliary operations, and supplied to the display instruction unit 75.
In this way, the user can perform input operations in three axial directions with three fingers of one hand, so the user can “grab”, “rotate”, etc. the 2D or 3D object displayed on the display panel 20. It is possible to intuitively perform various three-dimensional operations.
Further, according to the present embodiment, in the information processing apparatus having a large panel as shown in FIG. 1, it is easy to operate the portion of the display panel 20 that is out of reach when operating. Can be done.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the X-axis sensor unit 61 provided along the first shaft 35, the Y-axis sensor unit 62 provided along the second shaft 36, and the third shaft 37. The information processing apparatus 1 including the three-axis sensor unit 60 including the Z-axis sensor unit 63 provided along the line A has been described. In each embodiment described below, an information processing apparatus including a three-axis sensor unit having an X-axis sensor unit, a Y-axis sensor unit, and a Z-axis sensor unit having a shape different from that of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the following description, the description of the same configuration and function as in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and different points will be mainly described. In this embodiment, each part of the triaxial sensor unit 80 having the same configuration as that of each part of the triaxial sensor unit 60 of the first embodiment is given a corresponding reference (80s), and overlapping description is given. Omitted.

  The triaxial sensor unit 80 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an X axis sensor unit 81, a Y axis sensor unit 82, and a Z axis sensor unit 83.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an X-axis sensor unit, a Y-axis sensor unit, and a Z-axis sensor unit according to the second embodiment.
The X-axis sensor unit 81 has a plurality of X-axis sensor electrodes 81a, 81b,... Disposed over the first surface 32 and the second surface 33 so as to intersect the first axis 35. For example, each of the plurality of X-axis sensor electrodes 81 a, 81 b... Has a first axis 35 from the vicinity of the diagonal line including the vertex 38 of the first surface 32 to the vicinity of the diagonal line including the vertex 38 of the second surface 33. It extends to intersect. The plurality of X-axis sensor electrodes 81a, 81b,... Are arranged at equal intervals and in parallel.

  The Y-axis sensor unit 82 includes a plurality of Y-axis sensor electrodes 82a, 82b,... Disposed over the first surface 32 and the third surface 34 so as to intersect the second axis 36. For example, each of the plurality of Y-axis sensor electrodes 82a, 82b... Has a second axis 36 from the vicinity of the diagonal line including the vertex 38 of the first surface 32 to the vicinity of the diagonal line including the vertex 38 of the third surface 34. It extends to intersect. The plurality of Y-axis sensor electrodes 82a, 82b,... Are arranged at equal intervals and in parallel.

  The Z-axis sensor unit 83 includes a plurality of Z-axis sensor electrodes 83a, 83b,... Disposed over the second surface 33 and the third surface 34 so as to intersect the third shaft 37. For example, each of the plurality of Z-axis sensor electrodes 83a, 83b... Has a third axis 37 from the vicinity of the diagonal including the vertex 38 of the second surface 33 to the vicinity of the diagonal including the vertex 38 of the third surface 34. It extends to intersect. The plurality of Z-axis sensor electrodes 83a, 83b,... Are arranged at equal intervals and in parallel.

  According to the present embodiment, an input operation is performed on the first, second, and third surfaces 32, 33, and 34, shifted from directly above the first, second, and third shafts 35, 36, and 37. Also, three pieces of motion information can be input to the three-axis sensor unit 60 at the same time. That is, since the triaxial sensor unit 80 can detect an input operation with a user's finger in a wide range, the operability for the user is improved.

<Third Embodiment>
In this embodiment, each part of the triaxial sensor unit 100 having the same configuration as that of each part of the triaxial sensor unit 60 of the first embodiment is given a corresponding reference (100s), and overlapping description is given. Omitted.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the three-axis sensor unit and the user's right hand according to the third embodiment.
For example, the user moves the index finger U2 of the right hand on the first surface 32 along the two-axis direction formed by the X axis and the Y axis, and the thumb U1 moves on the second surface 33 so that the X axis and the Z axis are aligned. The input operation to the triaxial sensor unit 100 is performed by moving along the biaxial direction formed by moving the middle finger U3 along the biaxial direction formed by the Y axis and the Z axis on the third surface 34 (see FIG. See arrow.) An X-axis sensor unit 110, a Y-axis sensor unit 120, and a Z-axis sensor unit 130 are provided on the first surface 32, the second surface 33, and the third surface 34.

  The X-axis sensor unit 110 detects the movement of the detection target in the contact / separation direction with respect to the first shaft 35 along the first surface 32 and the second surface 33. The Y-axis sensor unit 120 detects the movement of the detection target in the contact / separation direction with respect to the second shaft 36 along the first surface 32 and the third surface 34. The Z-axis sensor unit 130 detects the movement of the detection target in the contact / separation direction with respect to the third shaft 37 along the second surface 33 and the third surface 34.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the X-axis sensor unit, the Y-axis sensor unit, and the Z-axis sensor unit.
The X-axis sensor unit 110 includes a plurality of line-shaped receiving electrodes 111A, 111B... And a plurality of line-shaped transmitting electrodes 111a, 111b. The plurality of receiving electrodes 111 </ b> A, 111 </ b> B... Are arranged across the first surface 32 and the second surface 33 so as to intersect the first axis 35. For example, each of the plurality of receiving electrodes 111A, 111B... Intersects the first axis 35 from the vicinity of the diagonal line including the vertex 38 of the first surface 32 to the vicinity of the diagonal line including the vertex 38 of the second surface 33. Extend as you do. The plurality of receiving electrodes 111A, 111B... Are arranged at equal intervals and in parallel. The transmission electrodes 111a, 111b,... Are provided radially below the reception electrodes 111A, 111B,... So as to intersect the reception electrodes 111A, 111B,.

  The Y-axis sensor unit 120 includes a plurality of line-shaped receiving electrodes 121A, 121B... And a plurality of line-shaped transmitting electrodes 121a, 121b. The plurality of receiving electrodes 121 </ b> A, 121 </ b> B... Are disposed across the first surface 32 and the second surface 33 so as to intersect the second axis 36. For example, each of the plurality of receiving electrodes 121A, 121B... Intersects the second axis 36 from the vicinity of the diagonal line including the vertex 38 of the first surface 32 to the vicinity of the diagonal line including the vertex 38 of the third surface 34. Extend as you do. The plurality of receiving electrodes 121A, 121B,... Are arranged at equal intervals and in parallel. The transmission electrodes 121a, 121b,... Are provided radially below the plurality of reception electrodes 121A, 121B,... So as to intersect the reception electrodes 121A, 121B,.

  The Z-axis sensor unit 130 includes a plurality of line-shaped receiving electrodes 131A, 131B... And a plurality of line-shaped transmitting electrodes 131a, 131b. The plurality of receiving electrodes 131 </ b> A, 131 </ b> B... Are arranged across the second surface 33 and the third surface 34 so as to intersect the third axis 37. For example, each of the plurality of receiving electrodes 131A, 131B... Intersects the third axis 37 from the vicinity of the diagonal line including the vertex 38 of the second surface 33 to the vicinity of the diagonal line including the vertex 38 of the third surface 34. Extend as you do. The plurality of receiving electrodes 131A, 131B,... Are arranged at equal intervals and in parallel. The transmission electrodes 131a, 131b,... Are provided radially below the reception electrodes 131A, 131B,... So as to intersect the reception electrodes 131A, 131B,.

Here, the configuration of the X-axis sensor unit 110 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the X-axis sensor unit 110.

  The X-axis sensor unit 110 includes line-shaped transmission electrodes 111a, 111b,..., Line-shaped reception electrodes 111A, 111B, and so on, an oscillator 142, and a receiver 141.

  The oscillator 142 supplies an alternating current having a predetermined frequency (for example, 100 KHz) for transmission to the transmission electrodes 111a, 111b. The switches 143a, 143b,... Are provided between the oscillator 142 and the transmission electrodes 111a, 111b,. In addition, switches 143A, 143B,... Are provided between the receiving electrodes 111A, 111B,. These switches 143a, 143b... And switches 143A, 143B... Are cyclically switched so that one of them is sequentially turned on.

  The receiving electrodes 111A, 111B,... Are arranged so as to intersect the transmitting electrodes 111a, 111b,. The transmitting electrodes 111a, 111b,... And the receiving electrodes 111A, 111B,. In other words, a capacitor is formed at each intersection of the transmission electrodes 111a, 111b... And the reception electrodes 111A, 111B. Therefore, when the alternating current oscillated and output by the oscillator 142 is supplied to the transmission electrodes 111a, 111b,..., The reception electrodes 111A, 111B,. An alternating current flows through.

  That is, when the oscillator 142 applies an AC voltage to the transmission electrodes 111a, 111b,..., The reception electrodes 111A, 111B, based on capacitive coupling due to the capacitance of the capacitors between the transmission electrodes 111a, 111b,. An alternating current is generated at 111B and supplied to the receiver 141.

  The receiver 141 outputs the intensity of the alternating current input via the capacitor to the first detection processing unit 71 as a digital signal.

  Here, when a detection object having conductivity contacts or approaches the intersection of the transmission electrodes 111a, 111b,... And the reception electrodes 111A, 111B, the capacitance change due to the capacitor at the intersection occurs in the receiver 141. And obtained as a change in the intensity of the alternating current.

  The Y-axis sensor unit 120 and the Z-axis sensor unit 130 have the same configuration. That is, the Y-axis sensor unit 120 outputs the alternating current intensity as a digital signal to the first detection processing unit 71. The Z-axis sensor unit 130 outputs the intensity of the alternating current as a digital signal to the second detection processing unit 72.

  The first detection processing unit 71 applies to each reception electrode and transmission electrode corresponding to the capacitor showing the largest amount of change in capacitance in the X-axis sensor unit 110 based on the information input from the receiver 141. The corresponding X coordinate and Y coordinate are determined, and the coordinate information is supplied to the input information analysis unit 73.

  The first detection processing unit 71 also transmits each reception electrode and transmission corresponding to the capacitor that exhibits the largest change in capacitance in the Y-axis sensor unit 120 based on the information input from the receiver 141. X coordinates and Y coordinates respectively corresponding to the electrodes are determined, and the coordinate information is supplied to the input information analysis unit 73.

  The second detection processing unit 72 applies to each reception electrode and transmission electrode corresponding to the capacitor showing the largest change in capacitance in the Z-axis sensor unit 130 based on the information input from the receiver 141. The corresponding X coordinate and Y coordinate are determined, and the coordinate information is supplied to the input information analysis unit 73.

  The input information analysis unit 73 uses the coordinate information acquired from the first detection processing unit 71 and the second detection processing unit 72 in the three axis directions orthogonal to each other of the 3D object as the operation target displayed on the display panel 20. And is supplied to the display instruction unit 75.

In such a triaxial sensor unit 100, for example, the user simultaneously moves the index finger U2 of the right hand from the first axis 35 to the second axis 36 along the first surface 32, and the thumb U1 is moved to the third axis 37. From the first axis 35 to the first axis 35, and the middle finger U3 is moved from the second axis 36 to the third axis 37 along the third plane 34 (see arrows in FIG. 7). )
In such a case, the capacitor position where the change of the DC voltage occurs sequentially moves in the clockwise direction on the first surface 32, the second surface 33, and the third surface 34, respectively. The input information analysis unit 73 uses the coordinate information acquired from the first detection processing unit 71 and the second detection processing unit 72 as the three-dimensional various operations of the 3D object as the operation target displayed on the display panel 20, For example, it is processed as a movement in the rotation direction.

  In addition, the third embodiment can be realized by applying the circuit shown in FIG. 13 in two stages. That is, the transmitting electrodes 111a to 111f are configured in the same manner as in FIG. 13, and the receiving electrodes 111A to 111D are configured in the same manner as in FIG. The electrostatic capacitance detection circuit connected to the transmission electrodes 111 a to 111 f... Converts these electrostatic capacitances into voltage values and outputs them to the first detection processing unit 71. On the other hand, the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit connected to the reception electrodes 111A to 111D... Converts these electrostatic capacitances into voltage values and outputs them to the first detection processing unit 71. The first detection processing unit 71 uses the X axis based on the voltage value obtained by converting the capacitance of the transmission electrodes 111a to 111f and the voltage value obtained by converting the capacitance of the reception electrodes 111A to 111D. The upper position is determined, and this position information is supplied to the input information analysis unit 73. Although not described, the transmission electrodes 121a to 121f and the reception electrodes 121A to 121D, the transmission electrodes 131a to 131f, and the reception electrodes 131A to 131D can also be configured in the same manner as described above.

  Further, in FIG. 8, the transmission electrodes 111c and 111d may be integrated, the transmission electrodes 121c and 121d may be integrated, and the transmission electrodes 131c and 131d may be integrated.

FIG. 9 is another perspective view showing the three-axis sensor unit and the right hand of the user.
The triaxial sensor unit 100 as a capacitive sensor is not limited to the contact of the detection target, but the proximity of the detection target, that is, each finger U1, U2, U3 of the user's right hand is the triaxial sensor unit 100. It is also possible to detect a state in which it is separated from Therefore, for example, even if the user moves the right hand away from the triaxial sensor unit 100 and rotates clockwise (see the arrow in the figure), the triaxial sensor unit 100 can detect the movement of the right hand of the user, The input information analysis unit 73 uses the coordinate information acquired from the first detection processing unit 71 and the second detection processing unit 72 as a three-dimensional operation of the 3D object displayed on the display panel 20, for example, clockwise rotation. Can be treated as movement in direction.

  According to the present embodiment, the user can detect the movement of each detection object in the direction of coming into contact with and separating from each axis along the three surfaces with three fingers of one hand. Can perform various three-dimensional operations such as “rotate” a 3D object displayed on the display panel 20 more intuitively. Further, since the input operation at a position separated from the three surfaces can be detected by adopting the capacitance type sensor, the user can “grab” the 3D object displayed on the display panel 20, “ Various three-dimensional operations such as “rotate” can be performed more intuitively.

  In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the X-axis sensor unit 110 detects the movement of the detection object along the X-axis direction on the first shaft 35, and the Y-axis sensor unit 120 The movement of the detection object along the Y-axis direction on the second axis 36 is detected, and the Z-axis sensor unit 130 can detect the movement of the detection object along the Z-axis direction on the third axis 37. .

<Fourth Embodiment>
In this embodiment, each part of the three-axis sensor unit 200 having the same configuration as each part of the three-axis sensor unit 100 of the third embodiment is assigned a corresponding symbol (in the 200s), and overlapping description is provided. Omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an X-axis sensor unit, a Y-axis sensor unit, and a Z-axis sensor unit according to the fourth embodiment.

  In the three-axis sensor unit 100 of the third embodiment, the plurality of receiving electrodes 111A, 111B,... 121A, 121B, 131A, 131B, are arranged with the first surface 32, the second surface 33, and the third surface 34. Although arrange | positioned so that a substantially rectangular shape may be comprised above, it is not limited to this. Like the three-axis sensor unit 200 of the fourth embodiment shown in the figure, the plurality of receiving electrodes 211A, 211B,..., 221A, 221B, 231A, 231B. 33 and the third surface 34 may be arranged so as to form a substantially triangular shape.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In this embodiment, each part of the three-axis sensor unit 90 having the same configuration as that of each part of the three-axis sensor unit 60 of the first embodiment is given a corresponding reference (90s), and overlapping description is given. Omitted.

  A triaxial sensor unit 90 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is obtained by adding a vertex sensor electrode 94 to the triaxial sensor unit 60 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an X-axis sensor unit, a Y-axis sensor unit, a Z-axis sensor unit, and a vertex sensor unit according to the fifth embodiment.
The apex sensor electrode 94 is provided at the apex 38 of the corner portion 31. For example, the vertex sensor electrode 94 is provided along the third axis 37.

  The second detection processing unit 72 detects a change in the electrostatic capacitance of the vertex sensor electrode 94 and the Z-axis sensor electrodes 93a, 93b..., And the vertex sensor electrode 94 and the Z-axis sensor exhibiting the largest change amount among them. The coordinates corresponding to the electrodes 93a, 93b... Are determined, and this coordinate information is supplied to the input information analysis unit 73.

  The input information analysis unit 73 refers to a correspondence table in which functions are assigned to the coordinate information acquired from the second detection processing unit 72. In this correspondence table, for example, the second detection processing unit is “determined” for a combination of coordinate information corresponding to a short-time contact (one-click operation) of the detection target with the vertex sensor electrode 94. Various functions are assigned to the coordinate information supplied from 72. When the input information analysis unit 73 acquires the coordinate information from the second detection processing unit 72, the input information analysis unit 73 reads the function assigned to the combination of the coordinate information acquired with reference to the correspondence table, and displays the read function in the display instruction unit 75. Supply.

  According to the present embodiment, the movement information of the detection target with respect to the vertex sensor electrode 94 is processed as an auxiliary operation related to the object movement displayed on the display panel 20 and supplied to the display instruction unit 75. Thereby, the user can intuitively perform auxiliary operations such as “decision”.

  In this embodiment, the apex sensor electrode 94 is added to the triaxial sensor unit 60 of the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second to fourth triaxial sensor units 80, 100, The configuration may be such that the apex sensor electrode 94 is added to the 200.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the three-axis sensor unit and the user's right hand according to the sixth embodiment.
The triaxial sensor unit 300 is provided at the corner 31 including the first surface 32 on which the display panel 20 of the main body 30 is provided, and the Z axis sensor unit is below the X axis sensor unit 61 and the Y axis sensor unit 62. Although 63 is arranged, it is not limited to this. As shown in the figure, the three-axis sensor unit 300 may be configured such that the Z-axis sensor unit 330 is disposed above the X-axis sensor unit 310 and the Y-axis sensor unit 320.

  15, a 3D (three-dimensional) object as an operation target 400 in FIG. 12 exists in a designated space, and these are represented by an X-axis sensor unit 310, a Y-axis sensor unit 320, and a Z-axis sensor unit 330. The operation is shown by. By this operation, the position of the operation target 400 is moved or rotated.

  As shown in FIG. 15, an information processing apparatus having a large space (this area is not necessarily limited to a limited area that can be seen, and may be treated as indicating a limit position of a predetermined operation range). In this case, even when an operation is performed on a range that cannot be reached when the operation is performed, this embodiment can easily perform the operation.

<Seventh Embodiment>
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a plurality of sensor units according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  The triaxial sensor unit 400 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of line-shaped sensor electrodes 410. The plurality of sensor electrodes 410 are provided radially on the first surface 32, the second surface 33, and the third surface 34 around the vertex 38. With this configuration, it is possible to detect only the movement in the rotation direction around the vertex 38 of the detection target.

  Or although the triaxial sensor unit 60 was provided in the corner | angular part 31 of the rectangular parallelepiped main-body part 30, it is not limited to this. Although illustration is omitted, a triangular pyramid-shaped three-dimensional object as a three-axis sensor unit is installed on a plane (for example, an arbitrary surface of the frame 10), and an X-axis sensor unit and a Y-axis are provided on the three hypotenuses of the triangular pyramid. It is good also as a structure which arrange | positions a sensor part and a Z-axis sensor part.

  Or although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, you may be a remote controller apparatus provided with the 3-axis sensor unit which can be communicated with the information processing apparatus 1 independently from the information processing apparatus 1. Also in this case, the remote controller device including the three-axis sensor unit is a three-dimensional object such as a triangular pyramid, for example, and an X-axis sensor unit, a Y-axis sensor unit, and a Z-axis sensor unit are arranged on three oblique sides of the triangular pyramid. What is necessary is just composition.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus 35 ... 1st axis | shaft 36 ... 2nd axis | shaft 37 ... 3rd axis | shaft 60,80,90,100,200,300,400 ... 3 axis | shaft sensor unit 61,81,91,110,210 , 310 ... X-axis sensor unit 62, 82, 92, 120, 220, 320 ... Y-axis sensor unit 63, 83, 93, 130, 230, 330 ... Z-axis sensor unit 71 ... First detection processing unit 72 ... First 2 detection processing unit 73 ... input information analysis unit 74 ... input designation unit 75 ... display instruction unit

Claims (9)

A three-dimensional object having one or more surfaces and having a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis different from each other in a three-dimensional space, set along the one or more surfaces;
A first sensor unit provided on the three-dimensional object and capable of independently detecting movements of three detection objects along each of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis; A detecting device comprising: a sensor unit and a third sensor unit. The detection device according to claim 1,
The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis have one intersection. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit are in contact with the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis along the one or more surfaces, respectively. A detector that detects movement in the away direction. The detection device according to claim 3,
The three-dimensional object has three surfaces constituting one corner,
The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are set at the corners of the three-dimensional object,
The first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit are connected to and separated from the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis along the three surfaces, respectively. A detection device that detects movement in the direction. A three-dimensional object having one or more surfaces and having a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis different from each other in a three-dimensional space, set along the one or more surfaces;
A first sensor unit provided on the three-dimensional object and capable of independently detecting movements of three detection objects along each of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis; A sensor unit and a third sensor unit;
The display unit displays an operation target capable of operating movements in three axis directions orthogonal to each other, and the first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the first sensor unit detected by the third sensor unit. Control for controlling the movement of the operation target displayed on the display unit in the three-axis direction based on the movement of the detection target along each of the axis, the second axis, and the third axis And an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis have one intersection. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit are in contact with the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis along the one or more surfaces, respectively. An information processing device that detects movement in the away direction. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,
The three-dimensional object has three surfaces constituting one corner,
The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are set at the corners of the three-dimensional object,
The first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, and the third sensor unit are connected to and separated from the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis along the three surfaces, respectively. An information processing device that detects direction movement. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 8,
The control unit further causes the display unit to display an operation target capable of operating movements in two axial directions orthogonal to each other, and the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit detect the first object. Controlling the movement of the operation target displayed on the display unit in the two-axis direction based on the movement of the detection object along each of the first axis and the second axis, and the third sensor An information processing apparatus that controls the operation of the operation target displayed on the display unit based on the movement of the detection target along the third axis detected by the unit.

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