Input Apparatus Electronic Device And Sensor Sheet
Abstract:
There is provided an input apparatus including a deformable sheet like operational member having a plurality of key areas; an electrode substrate having a plurality of first electrode lines and a plurality of second electrode lines disposed facing to a plurality of the first electrode lines and crossing with a plurality of the first electrode lines being capable of electrostatically detecting a change in a distance to each of a plurality of the key areas; and a support having a plurality of structures connecting the electrode substrate and the operational member first spaces formed between a plurality of the structures corresponding to each of a plurality of the key areas and second spaces formed between a plurality of the structures common to a predetermined plurality of the key areas.
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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
2. GOTO Tetsuro
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
3. KANO Toshio
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
4. TANAKA Hideo
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
5. HASEGAWA Hayato
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
6. ITAYA Takashi
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
7. TANAKA Takayuki
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
8. IIDA Fumihiko
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
9. SUZUKI Tomoaki
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
10. NISHIMURA Taizo
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
11. TAKAHASHI Yuji
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
12. ITOSHIRO Yasushi
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
13. SHINKAI Shogo
c/o SONY CORPORATION 1 7 1 Konan Minato ku Tokyo
1080075
Specification
Description
Title of Invention: INPUT APPARATUS, ELECTRONIC DEVICE
AND SENSOR SHEET
Technical Field
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP
2013-010448 filed January 23, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
The present technology relates to an input apparatus, an electronic device and a
sensor sheet capable of electrostatically detecting an input operation.
Background Art
[0002] In a so-called keyboard widely used as a key input apparatus, a sinking (a stroke) and
a feeling (a click feeling) provided when a predetermined key is pressed by a finger
enable a good and stable key input. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a
keyboard including a membrane switch having contact points composed of a pair of
electrodes disposed at a position corresponding to the key, and a key member disposed
facing to the contact point such that the contact points are contacted by pushing down
the key member.
[0003] On the other hand, there is also known an input apparatus capable of key inputting by
touching a keyboard displayed on a display. For example, Patent Literature 2 discloses
an input device where GUI parts such as a software keyboard are displayed on a touch
panel having a function of a display device, and when a key displayed is touched, the
key is displayed.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0004] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2012-129140
PTL 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2012-146267
Summary
Technical Problem
[0005] In recent years, a thin keyboard is demanded. By the configuration described in
Patent Literature 1, thinning of the keyboard is limited. Also, as the contact points
should be positioned corresponding to each key, the positions of the contact points
should be undesirably changed depending on key layouts.
[0006] On the other hand, in the input apparatus described in Patent Literature 2, an operator
cannot rest fingers on keys displayed on a screen, and has to touch a desired key area
while the fingers are always floated. Thus, operability is low. In addition, the stroke
feeling and the click feeling cannot be provided, and there is a disadvantage of being
unsuitable for a high-speed input.
[0007] In view of the circumstances as described above, there is a need to provide an input
apparatus, an electronic device and a sensor sheet capable of accepting a plurality types
of possible key layouts while providing operability of a key input.
Solution to Problem
[0008] According to an embodiment of the present technology, there is provided an input
apparatus including an operational member, an electrode substrate and a support.
The operational member has a plurality of key areas.
The electrode substrate has a plurality of first electrode lines and a plurality of
second electrode lines disposed facing to a plurality of the first electrode lines and
crossing with a plurality of the first electrode lines and is capable of electrostatically
detecting a change in a distance to each of a plurality of the key areas.
The support has a plurality of structures, first spaces and second spaces. A plurality
of the structures connects the electrode substrate and the operational member. The first
spaces are formed between a plurality of the structures corresponding to each of a
plurality of the key areas. The second spaces are formed between a plurality of the
structures common to a predetermined plurality of the key areas.
[0009] The input apparatus allows an input operation to the key areas to be detected utilizing
a change in capacitances of the first and second electrode lines on the electrode
substrate based on a change in a facing distance to the key areas. In this way, the input
operation becomes possible while the fingers and the like are rest on the operational
member, thereby preventing the operability from degrading. The respective areas are
supported on the electrode substrate via the first and second spaces formed between a
plurality of the structures, thereby providing the predetermined stroke feeling and the
click feeling.
[0010] In addition, the second spaces are formed common to a predetermined plurality of the
key areas dissimilar to the first spaces formed corresponding to the respective key
areas. It is therefore possible to freely change the number or the position of the key
areas in the second space. Furthermore, a common support and a common electrode
substrate can be used for a plurality types of the operational members having different
key layouts in the second space.
[001 1] The electrode substrate may have a plurality of detector sections. A plurality of the
detector sections are formed at crossing regions of a plurality of the first electrode lines
and a plurality of the second electrode lines, and are configured such that capacitance
is variable depending on a relative distance to a plurality of the key areas.
Typically, a plurality of the detector sections are disposed corresponding to a
plurality of the key areas of the operational member, may not match the number or the
layout of the key areas, and may be designed to have the number or the layout so that
the input operation of each of the key areas can be detected.
[0012] In this case, a plurality of the structures is disposed on non-crossing regions of a
plurality of the first electrode lines and a plurality of the second electrode lines.
In this way, as the number of the detector sections facing to the respective key areas
increases, a detection sensitivity of the key input operation can be improved.
[0013] Typically, a plurality of the detector sections includes a predetermined plurality of
the detector sections capable of detecting an input operation to a predetermined
plurality of the key areas. A predetermined plurality of the detector sections may be
disposed on the second spaces such that the number of a predetermined plurality of the
detector sections is greater than the number of a predetermined plurality of the key
areas, or may be disposed on the second spaces at arrangement pitches different from
those of a predetermined plurality of the key areas.
In this way, layout freedom of the key areas in the second spaces can be increased.
[0014] The support may further have a through hole capable of communicating a plurality of
the first spaces and a plurality of the second spaces with outside air.
By providing the support with the through hole, internal pressures of the first and
second spaces can be changed depending on an outside pressure. This allows stable operability
can be assured not depending on usage environment.
[0015] The operational member may further have a conductor layer that is partly deformable
corresponding to the input operation to a plurality of the key areas against the electrode
substrate.
Thus, an adequate input operation is possible even when a user wears gloves, for
example.
[0016] The input apparatus may further include a control unit. The control unit is electrically
connected to the electrode substrate, and is capable of generating information about the
input operation to each of a plurality of the key areas based on outputs from a plurality
of the detector sections.
[0017] The control unit may have a memory, and an arithmetic unit. The memory stores key
layout information about a plurality types of operational members having different
layouts of a plurality of the key areas. The arithmetic unit executes input determination
to a predetermined plurality of the key areas based on the key layout information
stored in the memory and the outputs from a plurality of detector sections.
By this configuration, the adequate input operation can be determined on a plurality
of the operational members having different key layouts.
[0018] The arithmetic unit may generate different control signals depending on the amount
of the capacitance change in at least one detector section among a plurality of the
detector sections.
It is thus possible not only to determine on/off of the key areas but also to determine
whether or not the key areas are touched as well as an operational force or the like.
[0019] Alternatively, the arithmetic unit may generate a control signal when the amount of
the capacitance change in at least one detector section among a plurality of the detector
sections exceeds a predetermined value.
By this configuration, since the control signal is outputted to the device main unit
(processing apparatus) only when an operation to be controlled is done, it is possible to
decrease a signal throughput in the device main unit.
[0020] On the other hand, the control unit may be configured such that information about a
position of an operational object adjacent to the operational member can be generated
based on the capacitance change in a plurality of the first electrode lines and a plurality
of the second electrode lines.
In this way, it is possible to detect the finger movement on the operational members.
The input apparatus can be used as a pointing device.
[0021] The input apparatus may further includes a light source capable of emitting an i l
luminated light to illuminate a plurality of the key areas. The operational member is
composed of a light transmitting material capable of transmitting the illuminated light.
This allows visibility of each key area to be increased.
[0022] The light source may be disposed on anywhere, e.g., on the operational member, the
electrode substrate or the like.
[0023] When the light source is disposed on the operational member, the operational
member has a first surface where the input operation is made by the user, a second
surface facing to the support, a light guide section formed between the first surface and
the second surface and having a side face, and a diffuser section formed on the second
surface diffusing the illuminated light to a plurality of the key areas.
[0024] The diffuser section may be configured of a concave/convex section formed on the
second surface, or a bonded section of the second surface and a plurality of the
structures.
[0025] When the light source is disposed on the electrode substrate, the electrode substrate
supports a plurality of the first electrode lines and a plurality of the second electrode
lines, and further has a base material composed of a light transmitting material capable
of transmitting the illuminated light and having a side face. The light source is
disposed on the side face of the base material. A plurality of the structures is composed
of a light transmitting material capable of transmitting the illuminated light.
[0026] The light source may be disposed on a back face of the base material. In this case, the
electrode substrate supports a plurality of the first electrode lines and a plurality of the
second electrode lines, and further has a base material composed of a light transmitting
material capable of transmitting the illuminated light. A plurality of the structures is
composed of a light transmitting material capable of transmitting the illuminated light,
and the light source is composed of a sheet-like light source facing to the operational
member via the electrode substrate.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present technology, there is provided an
electronic device including an operational member, an electrode substrate, a support
and a controller.
The operational member has a plurality of key areas.
The electrode substrate has a plurality of first electrode lines and a plurality of
second electrode lines disposed facing to a plurality of the first electrode lines and
crossing with a plurality of the first electrode lines, and is capable of electrostatically
detecting a change in a distance to each of a plurality of the key areas.
The support has a plurality of structures, first spaces and second spaces. A plurality
of the structures connects the electrode substrate and the operational member. The first
spaces are formed between a plurality of the structures corresponding to each of a
plurality of the key areas. The second spaces are formed between a plurality of the
structures common to a predetermined plurality of the key areas.
The controller has a control unit electrically connected to the electrode substrate, and
is capable of generating information about the input operation to each of a plurality of
the operational members based on outputs from a plurality of the detector sections.
[0028] According to an embodiment of the present technology, there is provided a sensor
sheet including a first wiring substrate, a second wiring substrate, and a support.
The first wiring substrate has a plurality of first electrode lines.
The second wiring substrate is disposed facing to the first wiring substrate, and has a
plurality of second electrode lines and forms detector sections at crossing regions of a
plurality of the first electrode lines and a plurality of the second electrode lines.
The support is disposed on the first wiring substrate, and includes a plurality of
structures, a first concave part and a second concave part. A plurality of the structures
is disposed on non-crossing regions of a plurality of the first electrode lines and a
plurality of the second electrode lines. The first concave part is formed between a
plurality of the structures, and houses at least one detector section. The second concave
part is formed between a plurality of the structures, and house two or more detector
sections.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0029] As described above, according to the present technology, a plurality types of possible
key layouts is accepted while providing operability of a key input.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0030] [fig.l]Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an input apparatus according to a
first embodiment of the present technology.
[fig.2]Fig. 2 is a plan view of the input apparatus.
[fig.3]Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross- sectional view of a main part of the input apparatus.
[fig.4A]Fig. 4A is a main part plan and sectional view showing an alternative em
bodiment of an operational member configuration in the input apparatus.
[fig.4B]Fig. 4B is a main part plan and sectional view showing an alternative em
bodiment of an operational member configuration in the input apparatus.
[fig.4C]Fig. 4C is a main part plan and sectional view showing an alternative em
bodiment of an operational member configuration in the input apparatus.
[fig.5A]Fig. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an alternative em
bodiment of an operational member configuration in the input apparatus.
[fig.5B]Fig. 5B is a schematic cross- sectional view showing an alternative embodiment
of an operational member configuration in the input apparatus.
[fig.6]Fig. 6 is a plan view of a first wiring substrate configuring an electrode substrate
in the input apparatus.
[fig.7]Fig. 7 is a plan view of a second wiring substrate configuring the electrode
substrate.
[fig.8]Fig. 8 is a plan view of a support in the input apparatus.
[fig.9]Fig. 9 is a main part enlarged view of Fig. 8.
[fig.lO]Fig. 10 is a main part plan view of a bottommost area in the support shown in
Fig. 8.
[fig. 11A]Fig. 11A is a main part schematic diagram showing an alternative em
bodiment of a support configuration.
[fig. 1lB]Fig. 1IB is a main part schematic diagram showing an alternative em
bodiment of a support configuration.
[fig. 1lC]Fig. 11C is a main part schematic diagram showing an alternative em
bodiment of a support configuration.
[fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a main part schematic diagram showing an alternative embodiment of
the support configuration.
[fig.l3]Fig. 13 is a plan view showing capacitative elements formed between
electrodes being at right angles to each other.
[fig.l4A]Fig. 14A is a main part plan view showing an alternative embodiment of two
electrode configuration.
[fig.l4B]Fig. 14B is a main part plan view showing an alternative embodiment of two
electrode configuration.
[fig.l4C]Fig. 14C is a main part plan view showing an alternative embodiment of two
electrode configuration.
[fig.l4D]Fig. 14D is a main part plan view showing an alternative embodiment of two
electrode configuration.
[fig.l5A]Fig. 15A is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a key area
and a sensor area corresponding to the key area in the input apparatus.
[fig.l5B]Fig. 15B is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a key area
and a sensor area corresponding to the key area in the input apparatus.
[fig.l5C]Fig. 15C is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a key area
and a sensor area corresponding to the key area in the input apparatus.
[fig.l5D]Fig. 15D is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a key area
and a sensor area corresponding to the key area in the input apparatus.
[fig.l5E]Fig. 15E is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a key area
and a sensor area corresponding to the key area in the input apparatus.
[fig.l5F]Fig. 15F is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a key area
and a sensor area corresponding to the key area in the input apparatus.
[fig.l5G]Fig. 15G is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a key area
and a sensor area corresponding to the key area in the input apparatus.
[fig.l5H]Fig. 15H is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a key area
and a sensor area corresponding to the key area in the input apparatus.
[fig.l6A]Fig. 16A is a plan view of an operational member illustrating a key layout of
the input apparatus.
[fig.l6B]Fig. 16B is a plan view of an operational member having a key layout being
different from that shown in Fig. 16A.
[fig.l7A]Fig. 17A is a plan view showing a bottommost key arrangement in the key
layout shown in Fig. 16A.
[fig.l7B]Fig. 17B is a plan view showing a bottommost key arrangement in the key
layout shown in Fig. 16B.
[fig.l7C]Fig. 17C is a plan view showing a bottommost key arrangement in the key
layout shown in Fig. 16A or 16B.
[fig.l7D]Fig. 17D is a plan view of the support showing an area corresponding to the
key arrangement shown in Fig. 16A or 16B.
[fig.l7E]Fig. 17E is a view showing an alternative embodiment of the configuration
shown in Fig. 17D.
[fig.l8]Fig. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the input apparatus
[fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the input apparatus.
[fig.20]Fig. 20 is a view illustrating an operation of the input apparatus.
[fig.21]Fig. 2 1 is a view illustrating an operation of the input apparatus.
[fig.22]Fig. 22 is a view illustrating an operation of the input apparatus.
[fig.23]Fig. 23 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the input apparatus.
[fig.24]Fig. 24 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the input apparatus.
[fig.25]Fig. 25 is a block diagram showing an alternative embodiment of a con
figuration of the input apparatus.
[fig.26]Fig. 26 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device
including the input apparatus.
[fig.27]Fig. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device
including the input apparatus.
[fig.28]Fig. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an input apparatus according to a
second embodiment of the present technology.
[fig.29]Fig. 29 is a schematic side view showing a configuration example of an input
apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present technology.
[fig.30]Fig. 30 shows a configuration example of a predetermined key area including
parts A and B; the part A is a main part plan view and the part B is a B1-B 1 line
sectional view of the part A.
[fig.31]Fig. 3 1 shows another configuration example of the key area including parts A
and B; the part A is a main part plan view, and the part B is a B2-B2 line sectional
view of the part A.
[fig.32]Fig. 32 shows another configuration example of the key area including parts A
and B; the part A is a main part plan view, and the part B is a B3-B3 line sectional
view of the part A.
[fig.33A]Fig. 33A is a main part plan view showing another configuration example of
the key area.
[fig.33B]Fig. 33B is a B4-B4 line sectional view of Fig. 33A.
[fig.34A]Fig. 34A is a main part plan view showing another configuration example of
the key area.
[fig.34B]Fig. 34B is a B5-B5 line sectional view of Fig. 34A.
[fig.35]Fig. 35 is a schematic side view showing another configuration example of the
input apparatus.
[fig.36]Fig. 36 is a schematic side view showing another configuration example of the
input apparatus.
[fig.37]Fig. 37 is a schematic side view showing another configuration example of the
input apparatus.
[fig.38A]Fig. 38A is a schematic side view showing another configuration example of
the input apparatus.
[fig.38B]Fig. 38B is a schematic side view showing another configuration example of
the input apparatus.
[fig.38C]Fig. 38C is a schematic side view showing another configuration example of
the input apparatus.
Description of Embodiments
[0031] Hereinbelow, the embodiments according to the present technology will be described
referring to the drawings.
[0032]