Detection device

According to an aspect, a detection device includes: an insulating substrate including a plurality of detection electrodes; a transmission conductor disposed adjacent to the detection electrodes; a drive signal generator coupled to the transmission conductor; and a detector coupled to the detection electrodes. The drive signal generator generates a detection drive signal and supplies the detection drive signal to the transmission conductor. The detector detects a detection signal corresponding to a change in capacitance in the detection electrodes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Japanese Application No. 2017-192028, filed on Sep. 29, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a detection device and an electronic apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is well known that there are capacitance detection devices that detect the ridges and valleys on the surface of a finger to detect the pattern of a fingerprint (refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2004-317353, for example).

Capacitance detection devices are expected to increase the detection sensitivity.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, a detection device includes: an insulating substrate including a plurality of detection electrodes; a transmission conductor disposed adjacent to the detection electrodes; a drive signal generator coupled to the transmission conductor; and a detector coupled to the detection electrodes. The drive signal generator generates a detection drive signal and supplies the detection drive signal to the transmission conductor. The detector detects a detection signal corresponding to a change in capacitance in the detection electrodes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary aspects (embodiments) to embody the present invention are described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The contents described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Components described below include components easily conceivable by those skilled in the art and components substantially identical therewith. Furthermore, the components described below may be appropriately combined. What is disclosed herein is given by way of example only, and appropriate modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention and easily conceivable by those skilled in the art naturally fall within the scope of the invention. To simplify the explanation, the drawings may possibly illustrate the width, the thickness, the shape, and other elements of each component more schematically than the actual aspect. These elements, however, are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit interpretation of the present invention. In the present specification and the figures, components similar to those previously described with reference to previous figures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof may be appropriately omitted.

In this disclosure, when an element is described as being “on” another element, the element can be directly on the other element, or there can be one or more elements between the element and the other element.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a fingerprint detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of the fingerprint detection device.FIG. 3is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a fingerprint sensor included in the fingerprint detection device. As illustrated inFIG. 1, a detection device100includes a fingerprint sensor1, a detection controller11, a multiplexer14, a gate driver15, a detector40, and a transmission conductor70.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the fingerprint sensor1includes an insulating base101, a shield layer24, a plurality of detection electrodes25, a plurality of thin-film transistors Tr, gate lines GCL, and data lines SGL. The shield layer24is provided on a first surface101aof the base101. The detection electrodes25are provided on the shield layer24. The gate lines GCL are coupled to gates of the respective thin-film transistors Tr. The data lines SGL are coupled to sources of the respective thin-film transistors Tr. The base101is made of glass, for example. The thin-film transistors Tr, the gate lines GCL, and the data lines SGL are provided between the first surface101aof the base101and the shield layer24, for example.

The multiplexer14and the gate driver15are provided on the first surface101aof the base101. The data lines SGL are coupled to the multiplexer14. The gate lines GCL are coupled to the gate driver15. The shield layer24is coupled to a fixed potential (e.g., a ground potential). This configuration prevents the electric potential of the detection electrodes25from affecting the data lines SGL and other components and becoming noise. The shield layer24may be in a floating state where its electric potential is not fixed.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, a capacitance detection conductor26and the transmission conductor70are disposed around the fingerprint sensor1. The capacitance detection conductor26is an electrode that detects proximity of an external object (e.g., a finger) to the fingerprint sensor1. If a finger comes closer to the capacitance detection conductor26, for example, capacitance is generated between the capacitance detection conductor26and the finger, thereby increasing the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26. The detection device100detects a change in the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26, thereby detecting proximity of an external object (e.g., a finger) to the fingerprint sensor1.

The transmission conductor70transmits drive signals Vs to the outside of the transmission conductor70. In the detection device100, for example, the capacitance detection conductor26is disposed outside the fingerprint sensor1, and the transmission conductor70is disposed outside the capacitance detection conductor26. In other words, the capacitance detection conductor26is disposed between the fingerprint sensor1and the transmission conductor70. The detection electrodes25, the capacitance detection conductor26, and the transmission conductor70are disposed separately from one another.

The detection controller11controls the operations of the fingerprint sensor1, the multiplexer14, the gate driver15, and the detector40. The detection controller11supplies the detection drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70. The gate driver15supplies scanning signals to the gate lines GCL based on signals supplied from the detection controller11, thereby selecting the detection electrodes25(refer toFIG. 12, which will be described later). The selected detection electrodes25are coupled to the multiplexer14via the data lines SGL. The multiplexer14couples the data lines SGL to the detector40based on signals supplied from the detection controller11.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, for example, the fingerprint sensor1includes the detection electrodes25, gate lines GCL(n), GCL(n+1), . . . , and data lines SGL(m), SGL(m+1), . . . , where n and m are integers equal to or larger than 1. The detection electrodes25are arrayed in a row direction (X-direction) and a column direction (Y-direction). In other words, the detection electrodes25are disposed in a matrix in the row direction and the column direction. The gate lines GCL(n), GCL(n+1), . . . are wiring that turns on and off the thin-film transistors Tr. The gate lines GCL(n), GCL(n+1), . . . are arrayed in the column direction (Y-direction) and extend in the row-direction (X-direction). The data lines SGL(m), SGL(m+1), . . . are wiring that outputs detection signals Svp. The data lines SGL(m), SGL(m+1), . . . are arrayed in the row-direction (X-direction) and extend in the column direction (Y-direction). In the following description, the gate lines GCL(n), GCL(n+1), . . . are simply referred to as the gate lines GCL when they need not be distinguished from one another. The data lines SGL(m), SGL(m+1), . . . are simply referred to as the data lines SGL when they need not be distinguished from one another.

The gate driver15selects predetermined gate lines (e.g., GCL(n) and GCL(n+2)) out of the gate lines GCL based on the signals supplied from the detection controller11. The gate driver15applies a predetermined voltage to the selected gate lines GCL(n) and GCL(n+2). As a result, the detection electrodes25belonging to the n-th row and the detection electrodes25belonging to the (n+2)-th row are coupled to the multiplexer14via the data lines SGL(m), SGL(m+1), . . . . The multiplexer14selects a data line SGL (e.g., SGL(m)) out of the data lines SGL based on the signals supplied from the detection controller11. The multiplexer14couples the selected data line SGL(m) to the detector40. As a result, the detection electrode25in the n-th row and the m-th column and the detection electrode25in the (n+2)-th row and the m-th column supply the detection signals Svpto the detector40.

The detector40is a circuit that detects the shape and the fingerprint of a finger. The detector40detects unevenness on the surface of a finger or the like in contact with or in proximity to the fingerprint sensor1based on the signals supplied from the detection controller11and the detection signals Svpoutput from the multiplexer14, thereby detecting the shape and the fingerprint of a finger. The detector40includes a detection signal amplifier42, an analog/digital (A/D) converter43, a signal arithmetic processor44, a coordinate extractor45, a synthesizer46, a detection timing controller47, and a storage48. The detection timing controller47controls the detection signal amplifier42, the A/D converter43, the signal arithmetic processor44, the coordinate extractor45, and the synthesizer46such that they operate synchronously with one another based on clock signals supplied from the detection controller11.

The detection signals Svpare supplied from the fingerprint sensor1to the detection signal amplifier42of the detector40. The detection signal amplifier42amplifies the detection signals Svp. The A/D converter43converts analog signals output from the detection signal amplifier42into digital signals.

The signal arithmetic processor44is a logic circuit that determines whether a finger is in contact with or in proximity to the fingerprint sensor1based on the output signals from the A/D converter43. The signal arithmetic processor44performs processing of extracting a signal of difference (absolute value |ΔV|) between the detection signals caused by a finger. The signal arithmetic processor44compares the absolute value |ΔV| with a predetermined threshold voltage. If the absolute value |ΔV| is lower than the threshold voltage, the signal arithmetic processor44determines that a finger is in a non-contact state. By contrast, if the absolute value |ΔV| is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage, the signal arithmetic processor44determines that a finger is in a contact or proximity state. The detector40thus can detect contact or proximity of a finger.

The signal arithmetic processor44receives the detection signals Svpfrom the detection electrodes25and performs arithmetic processing on the detection signals Svpbased on a predetermined code, which will be described later. The detection signals Svpresulting from the arithmetic processing are temporarily stored in the storage48. The signal arithmetic processor44receives the detection signals Svpthat have been stored in the storage48and performs decoding on the detection signals Svpbased on the predetermined code. The predetermined code is stored in advance in the storage48, for example. The detection controller11and the signal arithmetic processor44can read the predetermined code stored in the storage48at any desired timing. The storage48may be a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or a register circuit, for example.

The coordinate extractor45is a logic circuit that calculates, if the signal arithmetic processor44detects contact or proximity of a finger, the detection coordinates of the finger. The coordinate extractor45calculates the detection coordinates based on the detection signals resulting from decoding and outputs the obtained detection coordinates to the synthesizer46. The synthesizer46combines the detection coordinates output from the coordinate extractor45to generate two-dimensional information indicating the shape and the fingerprint of a finger in contact with or in proximity to the fingerprint sensor1. The synthesizer46outputs the two-dimensional information as output Vout from the detector40. Alternatively, the synthesizer46may generate an image based on the two-dimensional information and output the image information as the output Vout.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the detection controller included in the fingerprint detection device. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the detection controller11includes a clock signal generator110, a drive signal generator112, a gate driver controller114, a counter116, and a multiplexer controller118. The gate driver controller114includes a selection signal generator114A and an inversion circuit114B. The selection signal generator114A generates first selection signals Vgcl+(refer toFIG. 12, which will be described later). The inversion circuit114B generates second selection signals Vgcl−(refer toFIG. 12, which will be described later) by inverting the high level part and the low level part of the first selection signals Vgcl+.

The clock signal generator110generates clock signals. The clock signals are supplied to the counter116of the detection controller11and the detection timing controller47of the detector40, for example.

The counter116counts the pulse number of the clock signals generated by the clock signal generator110. Based on the measurement value of the pulse number, the counter116generates first timing control signals for controlling the timing to select the gate lines GCL and supplies them to the gate driver controller114. Based on the first timing control signals supplied from the counter116, the gate driver controller114generates selection signals (e.g., the first selection signals Vgcl+and the second selection signals Vgcl−illustrated inFIG. 12, which will be described later) for selecting the detection electrodes25(refer toFIG. 3). The gate driver controller114supplies the selection signals to the gate driver15. Based on the selection signals supplied from the gate driver controller114, the gate driver15supplies the scanning signals to a gate line GCL. As a result, a gate line GCL is selected out of the gate lines GCL. The detection electrodes25coupled to the selected gate line GCL are coupled to the respective data lines SGL.

Based on the measurement value of the pulses of the clock signals, the counter116generates second timing control signals for controlling the timing to select the data lines SGL. The counter116supplies the generated second timing control signals to the multiplexer controller118. Based on the second timing control signals supplied from the counter116, the multiplexer controller118transmits signals to the multiplexer14, thereby operating switches in the multiplexer14. As a result, a data line SGL is selected out of the data lines SGL. The selected data line SGL is coupled to the detector40via the multiplexer14.

The drive signal generator112generates the detection drive signals Vs and supplies them to the transmission conductor70.

The fingerprint sensor1illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3operates based on the basic principle of capacitance detection. The following describes the basic principle of detection performed by the fingerprint sensor1with reference toFIGS. 5 to 8.FIG. 5is a diagram for explaining the basic principle of mutual capacitance detection.FIG. 6is a diagram of an example of an equivalent circuit for explaining the basic principle of mutual capacitance detection.FIG. 7is a diagram of an example of waveforms of a drive signal and a detection signal in mutual capacitance detection.FIG. 8is a diagram schematically illustrating a state where AC rectangular waves travel from the transmission conductor to the detection electrodes via a finger. A drive electrode E1illustrated inFIG. 5corresponds to the transmission conductor70illustrated inFIG. 8. A detection electrode E2illustrated inFIG. 5corresponds to the detection electrode25illustrated inFIG. 8.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, for example, a capacitance element C1includes a pair of electrodes, that is, the drive electrode E1and the detection electrode E2facing each other with a dielectric D interposed therebetween. As illustrated inFIG. 6, a first end of the capacitance element C1is coupled to an alternating-current (AC) signal source (drive signal source) S, and a second end thereof is coupled to a voltage detector DET. The voltage detector DET is an integration circuit included in the detector40illustrated inFIG. 1, for example.

When the AC signal source S applies an AC rectangular wave Sg at a predetermined frequency (e.g., a frequency of the order of several kilohertz to several hundred kilohertz) to the drive electrode E1(first end of the capacitance element C1), an output waveform (detection signal Vdet) illustrated inFIG. 7appears via the voltage detector DET coupled to the detection electrode E2(second end of the capacitance element C1). The AC rectangular wave Sg corresponds to the drive signal Vs output from the detection controller11illustrated inFIG. 1.

If a finger is neither in contact with nor in proximity to the fingerprint sensor1(non-contact state), an electric current corresponding to the capacitance value of the capacitance element C1flows in association with charge and discharge of the capacitance element C1. The voltage detector DET illustrated inFIG. 6converts fluctuations in an electric current I1depending on the AC rectangular wave Sg into fluctuations in the voltage (waveform V1indicated by the dotted line (refer toFIG. 7)).

By contrast, if a finger is in contact with or in proximity to the fingerprint sensor1(contact state), a finger Fin is in contact with the transmission conductor70(corresponding to the drive electrode E1) as illustrated inFIG. 8. The drive signals Vs (corresponding to the AC rectangular wave Sg) supplied from the detection controller11to the transmission conductor70affect the detection electrodes25(corresponding to the detection electrode E2) via the finger Fin and an insulating protective layer (e.g., an insulating resin)33provided to protect the fingerprint sensor1. In other words, the finger Fin acts as part of the drive electrode E1. In the contact state, the distance between the drive electrode E1and the detection electrode E2is substantially reduced. As a result, the capacitance element C1illustrated inFIG. 5acts as a capacitance element having a capacitance value larger than that in the non-contact state. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the voltage detector DET converts fluctuations in the electric current I1depending on the AC rectangular wave Sg into fluctuations in the voltage (waveform V2indicated by the solid line).

In this case, the waveform V2has amplitude larger than that of the waveform V1. The absolute value |ΔV| of the voltage difference between the waveform V1and the waveform V2varies depending on an effect of an external object, such as a finger, in contact with or in proximity to the fingerprint sensor1from the outside. To accurately detect the absolute value |ΔV| of the voltage difference between the waveform V1and the waveform V2, the voltage detector DET preferably performs operations having a period Reset for resetting charge and discharge of a capacitor based on the frequency of the AC rectangular wave Sg by switching in the circuit.

The detector40compares the absolute value |ΔV| with a predetermined threshold voltage. If the absolute value |ΔV| is lower than the threshold voltage, the detector40determines that a finger is in the non-contact state. By contrast, if the absolute value |ΔV| is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage, the detector40determines that a finger is in the contact or proximity state. If it is determined that a finger is in the contact or proximity state, the detector40detects capacitance changes caused by unevenness on the surface of the finger based on the difference in the absolute value |ΔV|.

FIG. 9is a sectional view of an exemplary configuration of an insulating substrate.FIG. 9is a view of part of a section along line A11-A12inFIG. 10, which will be described later. The fingerprint sensor1is provided on an insulating substrate10. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the insulating substrate10includes the base101made of glass, for example, a semiconductor layer103, a first interlayer insulating film105, a gate electrode107, a wiring layer109, a second interlayer insulating film111, a source electrode113, a drain electrode115, a third interlayer insulating film117, the shield layer24, a fourth interlayer insulating film121, the detection electrode25, the capacitance detection conductor26, and a passivation film131.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the insulating substrate10has a first detection region Rsen1, a transistor region Rtft, and a second detection region Rsen2. The first detection region Rsen1is provided with the detection electrodes25. The transistor region Rtft is provided with the thin-film transistors Tr. The second detection region Rsen2is provided with the capacitance detection conductor26.

The semiconductor layer103is provided on the first surface101aof the base101in the transistor region Rtft. The first interlayer insulating film105is provided on the base101and covers the semiconductor layer103. The upper surface of the first interlayer insulating film105is flattened.

The gate electrode107is provided on the first interlayer insulating film105in the transistor region Rtft. The second interlayer insulating film111is provided on the first interlayer insulating film105and covers the gate electrode107. The upper surface of the second interlayer insulating film111is flattened.

Through holes are formed in the second interlayer insulating film111and the first interlayer insulating film105in the transistor region Rtft. The bottom surface of the through holes corresponds to the semiconductor layer103. The source electrode113and the drain electrode115are provided on the second interlayer insulating film111in the transistor region Rtft. The source electrode113and the drain electrode115extend in the through holes formed in the second interlayer insulating film111and the first interlayer insulating film105in the transistor region Rtft. With this configuration, the source electrode113and the drain electrode115are coupled to the semiconductor layer103.

The third interlayer insulating film117is provided on the second interlayer insulating film111and covers the source electrode113and the drain electrode115. The upper surface of the third interlayer insulating film117is flattened. The shield layer24is provided on the third interlayer insulating film117. The fourth interlayer insulating film121is provided on the third interlayer insulating film117and covers the shield layer24. The upper surface of the fourth interlayer insulating film121is flattened. A through hole is formed in the fourth interlayer insulating film121and the third interlayer insulating film117. The bottom surface of the through hole corresponds to the drain electrode115. The detection electrode25is provided on the fourth interlayer insulating film121in the first detection region Rsen1. The detection electrode25extends in the through hole formed in the fourth interlayer insulating film121and the third interlayer insulating film117. With this configuration, the detection electrode25is coupled to the drain electrodes115. The capacitance detection conductor26is provided on the fourth interlayer insulating film121in the second detection region Rsen2. The passivation film131is provided on the fourth interlayer insulating film121and covers the detection electrode25and the capacitance detection conductor26.

The following describes an example of materials of the films provided on the base101. Examples of the first interlayer insulating film105include, but are not limited to, a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, etc. The first interlayer insulating film105is not necessarily a single layer and may be a multilayered film. The first interlayer insulating film105, for example, may be a multilayered film in which a silicon nitride film is formed on a silicon oxide film. Similarly, examples of the second interlayer insulating film111, the third interlayer insulating film117, and the fourth interlayer insulating film121include, but are not limited to, a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, etc. The second interlayer insulating film111, the third interlayer insulating film117, and the fourth interlayer insulating film121are not necessarily single layers and may be multilayered films.

Examples of the semiconductor layer103include, but are not limited to, a polysilicon film, an oxide semiconductor film, etc. The gate electrode107is made of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), or molybdenum (Mo) or is an alloy film of these metals. The source electrode113and the drain electrode115are titanium-aluminum (TiAl) films, which are made of an alloy of titanium and aluminum. The shield layer24, the detection electrodes25, and the capacitance detection conductor26are conductive films that allow visible light to pass therethrough. The property of allowing visible light to pass therethrough is hereinafter referred to as translucency. Examples of a translucent conductive film include, but are not limited to, an indium tin oxide (ITO) film. The passivation film131is an insulating film. The passivation film131is a film made of an inorganic material, such as a silicon nitride film, or a resin film.

FIG. 10is a plan view of an exemplary configuration of the fingerprint detection device. As illustrated inFIG. 10, the detection device100includes the insulating substrate10, a first circuit substrate20, and a second circuit substrate30. The insulating substrate10and the first circuit substrate20are disposed on a first surface30aof the second circuit substrate30. The first circuit substrate20is a flexible substrate. The second circuit substrate30is a rigid substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The first circuit substrate20couples the insulating substrate10and the second circuit substrate30.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the insulating substrate10is provided with the fingerprint sensor1, the multiplexer14, the gate driver15, and the counter116. The counter116couples the multiplexer14and the gate driver15via wiring. The fingerprint sensor1is coupled to the input side of the multiplexer14via a plurality of wiring16A.

The first circuit substrate20is provided with an analog front end (hereinafter, referred to as an AFE)21. The output side of the multiplexer14is coupled to a plurality of channels of the AFE21via a plurality of wiring16B. The capacitance detection conductor26is coupled to one channel of the AFE21via wiring16C. The counter116is coupled to the AFE21via wiring.

At least part of the functions of the detection controller11illustrated inFIG. 1and at least part of the functions of the detector40are included in an integrated circuit (IC) element80. Out of the various functions of the detector40illustrated inFIG. 1, the functions of the signal arithmetic processor44, the coordinate extractor45, the synthesizer46, the detection timing controller47, and the storage48, for example, are included in the IC element80. Out of the various functions of the detection controller11illustrated inFIG. 4, the functions of the clock signal generator110, the drive signal generator112, the gate driver controller114, and the multiplexer controller118are included in the IC element80. At least part of the functions of the detector40illustrated inFIG. 1are included in the AFE21. Out of the various functions of the detector40illustrated inFIG. 1, the functions of the detection signal amplifier42and the A/D converter43, for example, are included in the AFE21.

At least part of the functions of the detection controller11illustrated inFIG. 1may be included in the gate driver15. The functions of the selection signal generator114A and the inversion circuit114B included in the gate driver controller114, for example, may be included in the gate driver15. At least part of the functions of the detection controller11illustrated inFIG. 1or at least part of the functions of the detector40may be included in an IC element or a central processing unit (CPU), which is not illustrated, provided separately from the IC element80. The insulating substrate10may include an integrated circuit, which is not illustrated. In this case, at least part of the functions of the detection controller11illustrated inFIG. 1and at least part of the functions of the detector40may be included in the integrated circuit provided to the insulating substrate10. The functions of the signal arithmetic processor44out of the various functions of the detector40, for example, may be included in the integrated circuit provided to the insulating substrate10. The counter116may be included in the IC element80or the integrated circuit provided to the insulating substrate10.

The transmission conductor70and the IC element80are provided on the first surface30aof the second circuit substrate30. The IC element80is coupled to the transmission conductor70via wiring. The IC element80is also coupled to the AFE21via wiring. The transmission conductor70may have a ring shape surrounding the fingerprint sensor1. Alternatively, the transmission conductor70may have a shape lacking a part of a ring surrounding the fingerprint sensor1as illustrated inFIG. 10. The transmission conductor70, for example, may have a shape lacking one side of four sides of a rectangular ring surrounding the fingerprint sensor1. This configuration can prevent the transmission conductor70from overlapping the wiring16A that couple the fingerprint sensor1and the multiplexer14, for example. Alternatively, this configuration can prevent the transmission conductor70from overlapping the wiring16B that couple the multiplexer14and the AFE21. Consequently, this configuration can prevent the drive signals Vs supplied to the transmission conductor70from affecting the wiring16A or the wiring16B and becoming noise.

The following describes the method for detecting a fingerprint performed by the detection device100. The detection device100performs code division multiplex drive on detection electrode blocks25B each including a plurality of detection electrodes25, thereby detecting a fingerprint.FIG. 11is a diagram of selection patterns of the detection electrodes by code division multiplex drive. Pattern (A) ofFIG. 11indicates a selection pattern of the detection electrodes25in a first detection operation Td0. Pattern (B) ofFIG. 11indicates a selection pattern of the detection electrodes25in a second detection operation Td1. Pattern (C) ofFIG. 11indicates a selection pattern of the detection electrodes25in a third detection operation Td2. Pattern (D) ofFIG. 11indicates a selection pattern of the detection electrodes25in a fourth detection operation Td3.FIG. 12is a timing waveform chart of an exemplary operation performed by the detection device according to the first embodiment.

The following describes code division multiplex drive performed on one detection electrode block25B(m) first. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the detection electrode block25B(m) includes four detection electrode25arrayed in the column direction (Y-direction). The four detection electrodes25are coupled to the common data line SGL(m) (refer toFIG. 3) via their respective thin-film transistors Tr. The gate driver15supplies the scanning signals to the gate lines GCL corresponding to the selected detection electrodes25in the detection electrode block25B(m), thereby turning on the thin-film transistors Tr. As a result, the selected detection electrodes25are coupled to the data line SGL(m), and the detection signal Svpis output from the data line SGL(m) to the multiplexer14.

The relation between the detection signal Svpoutput from the data line SGL(m) and the detection signals Siqoutput from the respective detection electrodes25is expressed by Expression (1). As indicated by Expression (1), the value obtained by integrating the detection signals Siqof the selected detection electrodes25is output as the detection signal Svp. In other words, the detection signal SVpis expressed by the sum of the signal values Siqoutput from the selected detection electrodes25. The detection signals Siqoutput from the detection electrodes25correspond to the detection signals Vdet in the basic principle of mutual capacitance touch detection described above.

The detection signal Svpis calculated by performing arithmetic processing on the signals output from the detection electrodes25selected from the detection electrode block25B(m) based on the predetermined code. The predetermined code is defined by a square matrix Hvin Expression (2), for example. The square matrix Hvis a Hadamard matrix the elements of which are either “1” or “−1” and certain two different rows of which are an orthogonal matrix. In the detection electrode block25B(m), for example, the detection electrodes25are selected based on plus and minus signs of the Hadamard matrix. Consequently, the phase of the signal output from the detection electrode block25B(m) (that is, the signals output from the selected detection electrodes25) is determined by the plus and minus signs of the Hadamard matrix.

The order of the square matrix Hvis equal to the number of detection electrodes25included in the detection electrode block25B(m), that is, four in the example illustrated inFIG. 11.

As illustrated in (A) to (D) ofFIG. 11, the following describes an example of code division multiplex drive by dividing it into four detection operations, that is, the first detection operation Td0, the second detection operation Td1, the third detection operation Td2, and the fourth detection operation Td3. The first detection operation Td0, the second detection operation Td1, the third detection operation Td2, and the fourth detection operation Td3include plus sign selection operations Td0+, Td1+, Td2+, and Td3+, and minus sign selection operations Td0−, Td1−, Td2−, and Td3−, respectively. In the following description, the plus sign selection operations Td0+, Td1+, Td2+, and Td3+are simply referred to as the plus sign selection operation Td+when they need not be distinguished from one another. Similarly, the minus sign selection operations Td0−, Td1−, Td2−, and Td3−are simply referred to as the minus sign selection operation Td−when they need not be distinguished from one another. The plus sign selection operation corresponds to a “first selection operation” according to this disclosure. The minus sign selection operation corresponds to a “second selection operation” according to this disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the plus sign selection operation Tdp+and the minus sign selection operation Tdp−are successively performed. In addition, the plus sign selection operation Tdp+and the minus sign selection operation Tdp−are alternately performed. In the plus sign selection operation Td+performed in a first period, the detection controller11(refer toFIG. 1) according to this embodiment selects the detection electrodes25serving as a first selection target based on the first selection signals Vgcl+corresponding to the elements “1” of the square matrix Hv. The detection controller11also selects the detection electrodes25serving as a second selection target not included in the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target out of the detection electrodes25. The detection controller11supplies the first selection signals Vgcl+to the gate driver15(refer toFIG. 1). The gate driver15supplies the scanning signals based on the first selection signals Vgcl+to the gate lines GCL (refer toFIG. 3).

As a result, the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target are in a coupled state to the detector40(refer toFIG. 1), and the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target are in a non-coupled state to the detector40. In the coupled state, the selected detection electrodes25are coupled to the detector40via the data line SGL and the multiplexer14(refer toFIG. 1). In the non-coupled state, the selected detection electrodes25are not coupled to the detector40. To distinguish the first selection target from the second selection target, the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target are hatched in (A) to (D) ofFIG. 11.

A first detection signal Svp+(p=0, 1, 2, and 3) is output from the detection electrodes25to the detector40via one data line SGL and the multiplexer14. The first detection signal Svp+is obtained by integrating the detection signals output from the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target selected based on the first selection signals Vgcl+. As described above, the first selection signal corresponds to the element “1” of the square matrix Hv.

In the minus sign selection operation Td−performed in a second period different from the first period, the detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target based on the second selection signals Vgcl−corresponding to the elements “−1” of the square matrix Hv. The detection controller11also selects the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target not included in the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target out of the detection electrodes25. The detection controller11supplies the second selection signals Vgcl−to the gate driver15(refer toFIG. 1). The gate driver15supplies, to the gate lines GCL (refer toFIG. 3), the scanning signals based on the second selection signals Vgcl−. As a result, the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target are in the coupled state, and the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target are in the non-coupled state. The detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the plus sign selection operation Td+correspond to the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target in the minus sign selection operation Td−. In other words, the minus sign selection operation Td−is an operation of inverting the selection pattern of the detection electrodes25selected in the plus sign selection operation Td+.

A second detection signal Svp−(p=0, 1, 2, and 3) is output from the detection electrodes25to the detector40via one data line SGL and the multiplexer14. The second detection signal Svp−is obtained by integrating the detection signals output from the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target selected based on the second selection signals. As described above, the second selection signals correspond to the elements “−1” of the square matrix Hv.

The signal arithmetic processor44(refer toFIG. 1) of the detector40calculates the difference between the first detection signal Svp+and the second detection signal Svp−. The signal arithmetic processor44thus calculates the detection signal Svp, that is, Svp=Svp+−Svp−. The signal arithmetic processor44outputs the detection signal Svpto the storage48to temporarily store it in the storage48.

If the order of the square matrix is four, four detection signals (Sv0, Sv1, Sv2, and Sv3) are obtained from one detection electrode block25B as indicated by Expression (3). In this case, the detection signals (Sv0, Sv1, Sv2, and Sv3) are calculated from the four first detection signals Sv0+, Sv1+, Sv2+, and Sv3+and the four second detection signals Sv0−, Sv1−, Sv2−, and Sv3−, respectively.

In the following description, let us assume a case where the detection signals Siqare expressed by: (Si0, Si1, Si2, Si3)=(1, 7, 3, 2), for example. The detection signal Si0is output from a detection electrode25(n). The detection signal Si1is output from a detection electrode25(n+1). The detection signal Si2is output from a detection electrode25(n+2). The detection signal Si3is output from a detection electrode25(n+3). In the fingerprint sensor1, one detection electrode block25B outputs one detection signal Svpobtained by integrating the detection signals Si0, Si1, Si2, and Si3. The detector40calculates the individual detection signal Siqby the arithmetic processing described below.

As illustrated in (A) ofFIG. 11, in the plus sign selection operation Td0+of the first detection operation Td0, the detection controller11(refer toFIG. 1) selects four detection electrodes25(n),25(n+1),25(n+2), and25(n+3) as the first selection target corresponding to the elements “1” in the first row of the square matrix Hv. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n),25(n+1),25(n+2), and25(n+3) are brought into the coupled state. The detection controller11selects no detection electrode25as the second selection target. The detection controller11supplies the drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70, whereby the detection electrode block25B(m) outputs the first detection signal Sv0+. The first detection signal Sv0+has a value of a signal obtained by integrating the detection signals Siqoutput from the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the plus sign selection operation Td0+. The first detection signal Sv0+is calculated by Expression (3): Sv0+=1×1+1×7+1×3+1×2=13.

In the minus sign selection operation Td0−of the first detection operation Td0, the detection controller11selects no detection electrode25as the first selection target corresponding to an element “−1” because an element “−1” is not present in the first row of the square matrix Hv. The detection controller11selects the four detection electrodes25(n),25(n+1),25(n+2), and25(n+3) as the second selection target. The detection controller11supplies the drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70, whereby the detection electrode block25B(m) outputs the second detection signal Sv0−. The second detection signal Sv0−has a value of a signal obtained by integrating the detection signals Siqoutput from the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the minus sign selection operation Td0−. As described above, the detection controller11selects no detection electrode25as the first selection target in the minus sign selection operation Td0−. Consequently, the second detection signal Sv0−is calculated by: Sv0−=0×1+0×7+0×3+0×2=0. A third detection signal Sv0, which is the difference between the first detection signal Sv0+and the second detection signal Sv0−, is calculated by: Sv0=Sv0+−Sv0−=13−0=13.

As illustrated in (B) ofFIG. 11, in the plus sign selection operation Td1+of the second detection operation Td1, the detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+2) as the first selection target corresponding to the elements “1” in the second row of the square matrix Hv. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+2) are brought into the coupled state. The detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n+1) and25(n+3) as the second selection target. The detection electrode block25B(m) outputs the first detection signal Sv1+. The first detection signal Sv1+has a value of a signal obtained by integrating the detection signals Siqoutput from the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the plus sign selection operation Td1+. The first detection signal Sv1+is calculated by Expression (3): Sv1+=1×1+0×7+1×3+0×2=4.

In the minus sign selection operation Td1−of the second detection operation Td1, the detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n+1) and25(n+3) as the first selection15target corresponding to the elements “−1” in the second row of the square matrix Hv. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n+1) and25(n+3) are brought into the coupled state. The detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+2) as the second selection target. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+2) are brought into the non-coupled state. The detection controller11supplies the drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70, whereby the detection electrode block25B(m) outputs the second detection signal Sv1−. The second detection signal Sv1−has a value of a signal obtained by integrating the detection signals Siqoutput from the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the minus sign selection operation Td1−. Consequently, the second detection signal Sv1−is calculated by: Sv1=0×1+1×7+0×3+1×2=9. A third detection signal Sv1, which is the difference between the first detection signal Sv1+and the second detection signal Sv1−, is calculated by: Sv1=Sv1+−Sv1−=4−9=−5.

As illustrated in (C) ofFIG. 11, in the plus sign selection operation Td2+of the third detection operation Td2, the detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+1) as the first selection target corresponding to the elements “1” in the third row of the square matrix Hv. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+1) are brought into the coupled state. The detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n+2) and25(n+3) as the second selection target. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n+2) and25(n+3) are brought into the non-coupled state. The detection controller11supplies the drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70, whereby the detection electrode block25B(m) outputs the first detection signal Sv2+. The first detection signal Sv2+is calculated by Expression (3): Sv2+=1×1+1×7+0×3+0×2=8.

In the minus sign selection operation Td2−of the third detection operation Td2, the detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n+2) and25(n+3) as the first selection target corresponding to the elements “−1” in the third row of the square matrix Hv. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n+2) and25(n+3) are brought into the coupled state. The detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+1) as the second selection target. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+1) are brought into the non-coupled state. The detection controller11supplies the drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70, whereby the detection electrode block25B(m) outputs the second detection signal Sv2−. The second detection signal Sv2−is calculated by: Sv2−=0×1+0×7+1×3+1×2=5. A third detection signal Sv2, which is the difference between the first detection signal Sv2+and the second detection signal Sv2−, is calculated by: Sv2=Sv2+−Sv2−=8−5=3.

As illustrated in (D) ofFIG. 11, in the plus sign selection operation Td3+of the fourth detection operation Td3, the detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+3) as the first selection target corresponding to the elements “1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hv. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+3) are brought into the coupled state. The detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n+1) and25(n+2) as the second selection target. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n+1) and25(n+2) are brought into the non-coupled state. The detection controller11supplies the drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70, whereby the detection electrode block25B(m) outputs the first detection signal Sv3+. The first detection signal Sv3+is calculated by Expression (3): Sv3+=1×1+0×7+0×3+1×2=3.

In the minus sign selection operation Td3−of the fourth detection operation Td3, the detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n+1) and25(n+2) as the first selection target corresponding to the elements “−1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hv. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n+1) and25(n+2) are brought into the coupled state. The detection controller11selects the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+3) as the second selection target. As a result, the detection electrodes25(n) and25(n+3) are brought into the non-coupled state.

The detection controller11supplies the drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70, whereby the detection electrode block25B(m) outputs the second detection signal Sv3−. The second detection signal Sv3−is calculated by: Sv3−=0×1+1×7+1×3+0×2=10. A third detection signal Sv3, which is the difference between the first detection signal Sv3+and the second detection signal Sv3−, is calculated by: Sv3=Sv3+−Sv3−=3−10=−7.

The signal arithmetic processor44sequentially calculates the detection signals Sv from the first detection signals Sv+and the second detection signals Sv−. The signal arithmetic processor44sequentially outputs the four detection signals (Sv0, Sv1, Sv2, Sv3)=(13, −5, 3, −7) to the storage48. The signal arithmetic processor44may store the four first detection signals Sv0+, Sv1+, Sv2+, and Sv3+and the four second detection signals Sv0−, Sv2−, and Sv3−in the storage48and then calculate the four detection signals Sv0, Sv1, Sv2, and Sv3after performing detection in all the periods.

The detection signal Si0d resulting from decoding is allocated to the detection electrode25(n). The detection signal Si1d resulting from decoding is allocated to the detection electrode25(n+1). The detection signal Si2d resulting from decoding is allocated to the detection electrode25(n+2). The detection signal Si3d resulting from decoding is allocated to the detection electrode25(n+3). Contact or proximity of a finger changes the values of the detection signals Si0d, Si1d, Si2d, and Si3d, which result from decoding, of the detection electrodes25disposed at the contact or proximity position.

With the code division multiplex drive described above, the signal arithmetic processor44performs decoding using Expression (4) on the partial detection signal values (Si0, Si1, Si2, Si3)=(1, 7, 3, 2), thereby calculating the detection signals (Si0d, Si1d, Si2d, Si3d)=(4, 28, 12, 8) resulting from decoding. As is clear from comparison between the detection signals (Si0, Si1, Si2, Si3)=(1, 7, 3, 2) and the detection signals (Si0d, Si1d, Si2d, Si3d)=(4, 28, 12, 8) resulting from decoding, the detection signal Siqd resulting from decoding has signal intensity of four times the signal intensity of the detection signal Siq. In other words, the detection device100can provide signal intensity of four times the signal intensity obtained in time division multiplex drive without raising the voltage of the drive signals Vs. The third detection signal Svpis calculated as the difference between the first detection signal Svp+and the second detection signal Svp−. When noise enters from the outside, a noise component in the first detection signal Svp+and that in the second detection signal Svp−are cancelled. Consequently, the detection device100can increase the noise resistance.

The detection controller11according to this embodiment switches the state of the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target selected based on the predetermined code and the state of the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target not included in the first selection target between the coupled state and the non-coupled state. The detector40performs decoding on the detection signals output from the detection electrodes25in each of the different selection patterns of the detection electrodes25.

FIG. 12is a timing waveform chart of an exemplary operation performed by the detector according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 12, the plus sign selection operation Tdp+and the minus sign selection operation Tdp−are successively performed. In addition, the plus sign selection operation Tdp+and the minus sign selection operation Tdp−are alternately performed. The plus sign selection operation Td0+, the minus sign selection operation Td0−, the plus sign selection operation Td1+, the minus sign selection operation Td1−, the plus sign selection operation Td2+, the minus sign selection operation Td2−, the plus sign selection operation Td3+, and the minus sign selection operation Td3−are successively performed in this order on one detection electrode block25B(m) (refer toFIG. 11), for example. The plus sign selection operation Td+and the minus sign selection operation Td−are performed at different timings. Consequently, this operation can suppress capacitive coupling between the detection electrodes and provide satisfactory detection sensitivity.

The following describes code division multiplex drive performed on a plurality of detection electrode blocks25B(m),25B(m+1),25B(m+2), and25B(m+3).FIGS. 13A to 16Bare diagrams of selection patterns of the detection electrodes by code division multiplex drive performed on a plurality of detection electrode blocks.FIGS. 13A, 14A, 15A and 16Aindicate the selection patterns of the detection electrodes25in the plus sign selection operations Td0+, Td1+, Td2+, and Td3+.FIGS. 13B, 14B, 15B, and 16Bindicate the selection patterns of the detection electrodes25in the minus sign selection operations Td0−, Td1−, Td2−, and Td3−.FIG. 17is a diagram of an example of the execution order of code division multiplex drive (output order of data).

As illustrated inFIGS. 13A to 16B, the four detection electrode blocks25B(m),25B(m+1),25B(m+2), and25B(m+3) each include the four detection electrodes25(n),25(n+1),25(n+2), and25(n+3) arrayed in the column direction. The four detection electrode blocks25B(m),25B(m+1),25B(m+2), and25B(m+3) are arrayed at regular intervals in the row direction.

The four detection electrodes25included in the detection electrode block25B(m) are coupled to the data line SGL(m) via their respective thin-film transistors Tr. The four detection electrodes25included in the detection electrode block25B(m+1) are coupled to the data line SGL(m+1) via their respective thin-film transistors Tr. Similarly, the four detection electrodes25included in the detection electrode block25B(m+2) are coupled to the data line SGL(m+2), and the four detection electrodes25included in the detection electrode block25B(m+3) are coupled to the data line SGL(m+3). In the following description, the detection electrode blocks25B(m),25B(m+1),25B(m+2), and25B(m+3) are simply referred to as the detection electrode blocks25B when they need not be distinguished from one another.

The multiplexer14includes four switches SW(m), SW(m+1), SW(m+2), and SW(m+3), for example. The switch SW(m) couples the data line SGL(m) to the detector40and uncouples the data line SGL(m) from the detector40. The switch SW(m+1) couples the data line SGL(m+1) to the detector40and uncouples the data line SGL(m+1) from the detector40. Similarly, the switch SW(m+2) couples and uncouples the data line SGL(m+2) to and from the detector40, and the switch SW(m+3) couples and uncouples the data line SGL(m+3) to and from the detector40. In the following description, the switches SW(m), SW(m+1), SW(m+2), and SW(m+3) are simply referred to as the switches SW when they need not be distinguished from one another.

The detection device100performs the plus sign selection operation Td0+and the minus sign selection operation Td0−of the first detection operation Td0, the plus sign selection operation Td1+and the minus sign selection operation Td1−of the second detection operation Td1, the plus sign selection operation Td2+and the minus sign selection operation Td2−of the third detection operation Td2, and the plus sign selection operation Td3+and the minus sign selection operation Td3−of the fourth detection operation Td3on each of the detection electrode blocks25B.

The execution order of the plus sign selection operations Td0+, Td1+, Td2+, and Td3+and the minus sign selection operations Td0−, Td1−, Td2−, and Td3−performed on each of the detection electrode blocks25B is not limited. These operations are preferably performed in the order indicated by the arrow inFIG. 17, for example.

The detection device100, for example, sequentially performs the first detection operation Td0on the detection electrode blocks25B. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 13A, the multiplexer14turns on the switch SW(m) and turns off the switches SW(m+1), SW(m+2), and SW(m+3) based on the signals supplied from the multiplexer controller118(refer toFIG. 4). As a result, the data line SGL(m) coupled to the detection electrode block25B(m) out of the four data lines SGL is coupled to the detector40, and the other data lines SGL are not coupled to the detector40. In this state, the gate driver15(refer toFIG. 1) performs the plus sign selection operation Td0+of the first detection operation Td0as illustrated inFIG. 13Abased on the first selection signals Vgcl+supplied from the gate driver controller114(refer toFIG. 4). Subsequently, the gate driver15performs the minus sign selection operation Td0−of the first detection operation Td0as illustrated inFIG. 13Bbased on the second selection signals Vgcl−supplied from the gate driver controller114. The process of the plus sign selection operation Td0+and the minus sign selection operation Td0−of the first detection operation Td0is the same as that described with reference to (A) ofFIG. 11. As a result, the data line SGL(m) outputs the first detection signal Sv0+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv0−.

Subsequently, the multiplexer14turns on the switch SW(m+1) and turns off the switches SW(m), SW(m+2), and SW(m+3) based on the signals supplied from the multiplexer controller118. As a result, the data line SGL(m+1) coupled to the detection electrode block25B(m+1) is coupled to the detector40, and the other data lines SGL are not coupled to the detector40. In this state, the gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td0+of the first detection operation Td0based on the first selection signals Vgcl+supplied from the gate driver controller114. Subsequently, the gate driver15performs the minus sign selection operation Td0−of the first detection operation Td0based on the second selection signals Vgcl−supplied from the gate driver controller114. As a result, the data line SGL(m+1) outputs the first detection signal Sv0+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv0−.

Subsequently, the multiplexer14turns on the switch SW(m+2) and turns off the switches SW(m), SW(m+1), and SW(m+3) based on the signals supplied from the multiplexer controller118. As a result, the data line SGL(m+2) coupled to the detection electrode block25B(m+2) is coupled to the detector40, and the other data lines SGL are not coupled to the detector40. In this state, the gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td0+of the first detection operation Td0based on the first selection signals Vgcl+supplied from the gate driver controller114. Subsequently, the gate driver15performs the minus sign selection operation Td0−of the first detection operation Td0based on the second selection signals Vgcl−supplied from the gate driver controller114. As a result, the data line SGL(m+2) outputs the first detection signal Sv0+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv0−.

Subsequently, the multiplexer14turns on the switch SW(m+3) and turns off the switches SW(m), SW(m+1), and SW(m+2) based on the signals supplied from the multiplexer controller118. As a result, the data line SGL(m+3) coupled to the detection electrode block25B(m+3) is coupled to the detector40, and the other data lines SGL are not coupled to the detector40. In this state, the gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td0+of the first detection operation Td0based on the first selection signals Vgcl+supplied from the gate driver controller114. Subsequently, the gate driver15performs the minus sign selection operation Td0−of the first detection operation Td0based on the second selection signals Vgcl−supplied from the gate driver controller114. As a result, the data line SGL(m+3) outputs the first detection signal Sv0+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv0−.

Subsequently, the detection device100sequentially performs the second detection operation Td1on the detection electrode blocks25B. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 14A, the multiplexer14turns on the switch SW(m) and turns off the switches SW(m+1), SW(m+2), and SW(m+3) based on the signals supplied from the multiplexer controller118. As a result, the data line SGL(m) coupled to the detection electrode block25B(m) is coupled to the detector40, and the other data lines SGL are not coupled to the detector40. In this state, the gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td1+of the second detection operation Td1as illustrated inFIG. 14Abased on the first selection signals Vgcl+. Subsequently, the gate driver15performs the minus sign selection operation Td1−of the second detection operation Td1as illustrated inFIG. 14Bbased on the second selection signals Vgcl−. The process of the plus sign selection operation Td1+and the minus sign selection operation Td1−of the second detection operation Td1is the same as that described with reference to (B) ofFIG. 11. As a result, the data line SGL(m) outputs the first detection signal Sv1+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv1−.

Subsequently, the multiplexer14turns on the switch SW(m+1) and turns off the switches SW(m), SW(m+2), and SW(m+3) based on the signals supplied from the multiplexer controller118. As a result, the data line SGL(m+1) coupled to the detection electrode block25B(m+1) is coupled to the detector40, and the other data lines SGL are not coupled to the detector40. In this state, the gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td1+of the second detection operation Td1based on the first selection signals Vgcl+. Subsequently, the gate driver15performs the minus sign selection operation Td1−of the second detection operation Td1based on the second selection signals Vgcl−. As a result, the data line SGL(m+1) outputs the first detection signal Sv1+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv1−.

Subsequently, the multiplexer14turns on the switch SW(m+2) and turns off the switches SW(m), SW(m+1), and SW(m+3) based on the signals supplied from the multiplexer controller118. As a result, the data line SGL(m+2) coupled to the detection electrode block25B(m+2) is coupled to the detector40, and the other data lines SGL are not coupled to the detector40. In this state, the gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td1+of the second detection operation Td1based on the first selection signals Vgcl+. Subsequently, the gate driver15performs the minus sign selection operation Td1−of the second detection operation Td1based on the second selection signals Vgcl−. As a result, the data line SGL(m+2) outputs the first detection signal Sv1+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv1−.

Subsequently, the multiplexer14turns on the switch SW(m+3) and turns off the switches SW(m), SW(m+1), and SW(m+2) based on the signals supplied from the multiplexer controller118. As a result, the data line SGL(m+3) coupled to the detection electrode block25B(m+3) is coupled to the detector40, and the other data lines SGL are not coupled to the detector40. In this state, the gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td1+of the second detection operation Td1based on the first selection signals Vgcl+. Subsequently, the gate driver15performs the minus sign selection operation Td1−of the second detection operation Td1based on the second selection signals Vgcl−. As a result, the data line SGL(m+3) outputs the first detection signal Sv1+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv1−.

Subsequently, the detection device100sequentially performs the third detection operation Td2on the detection electrode blocks25B. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 15A, the multiplexer14turns on the switch SW(m) and turns off the switches SW(m+1), SW(m+2), and SW(m+3). As a result, the data line SGL(m) is coupled to the detector40, and the other data lines SGL are not coupled to the detector40. In this state, the gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td2+of the third detection operation Td2as illustrated inFIG. 15Aand then performs the minus sign selection operation Td2−of the third detection operation Td2as illustrated inFIG. 15B. The process of the plus sign selection operation Td2+and the minus sign selection operation Td2−of the third detection operation Td2is the same as that described with reference to (C) ofFIG. 11. As a result, the data line SGL(m) outputs the first detection signal Sv2+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv2−.

Also in the third detection operation Td2, similarly to the first detection operation Td0and the second detection operation Td1, the multiplexer14turns on and off the switches SW, thereby coupling the data lines SGL(m), SGL(m+1), SGL(m+2), and SGL(m+3) one by one to the detector40. The gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td2+of the third detection operation Td2and then performs the minus sign selection operation Td2−of the third detection operation Td2on the detection electrode block25B coupled to the detector40via the data line SGL. As a result, the data line SGL outputs the first detection signal Sv2+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv2−to the detector40.

Subsequently, the detection device100sequentially performs the fourth detection operation Td3on the detection electrode blocks25B. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 16A, the multiplexer14turns on the switch SW(m) and turns off the switches SW(m+1), SW(m+2), and SW(m+3). As a result, the data line SGL(m) is coupled to the detector40, and the other data lines SGL are not coupled to the detector40. In this state, the gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td3+of the fourth detection operation Td3as illustrated inFIG. 16Aand then performs the minus sign selection operation Td3−of the fourth detection operation Td3as illustrated inFIG. 16B. The process of the plus sign selection operation Td3+and the minus sign selection operation Td3−of the fourth detection operation Td3is the same as that described with reference to (D) ofFIG. 11. As a result, the data line SGL(m) outputs the first detection signal Sv3+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv3−.

Also in the fourth detection operation Td3, similarly to the first detection operation Td1and the second detection operation Td2, the multiplexer14turns on and off the switches SW, thereby coupling the data lines SGL(m), SGL(m+1), and SGL(m+2) one by one to the detector40. The gate driver15performs the plus sign selection operation Td3+of the fourth detection operation Td3and then performs the minus sign selection operation Td3−of the fourth detection operation Td3on the detection electrode block25B coupled to the detector40via the data line SGL. As a result, the data line SGL outputs the first detection signal Sv3+and then outputs the second detection signal Sv3−to the detector40.

The signal arithmetic processor44(refer toFIG. 1) calculates third detection signals (Sv0, Sv1, Sv2, and Sv3) for each of the detection electrode blocks25B. The third detection signal Sv0is calculated from the first detection signal Sv0+and the second detection signal Sv0−. The third detection signal Sv1is calculated from the first detection signal Sv1+and the second detection signal Sv1−. The third detection signal Sv2is calculated from the first detection signal Sv2+and the second detection signal Sv2−. The third detection signal Sv3is calculated from the first detection signal Sv3+and the second detection signal Sv3−. The signal arithmetic processor44outputs, to the storage48, the third detection signals (Sv0, Sv1, Sv2, and Sv3) for each of the detection electrode blocks25B. The signal arithmetic processor44decodes the third detection signals (Sv0, Sv1, Sv2, and Sv3) for each of the detection electrode blocks25B using Expression (4).

In each of the detection electrode blocks25B, the detection signal Si0d resulting from decoding is allocated to the detection electrode25(n). The detection signal Si1d resulting from decoding is allocated to the detection electrode25(n+1). The detection signal Si2dresulting from decoding is allocated to the detection electrode25(n+2). The detection signal Si3d resulting from decoding is allocated to the detection electrode25(n+3). In each of the detection electrode blocks25B, contact or proximity of a finger changes the values of the detection signals Si0d, Si1d, Si2d, and Si3d resulting from decoding of the detection electrodes25disposed at the contact or proximity position.

In each of the detection electrode blocks25B, the coordinate extractor45can calculate the coordinates of the detection electrodes25with or to which a finger is in contact or in proximity out of the detection electrodes25based on the detection signals Si0d, Si1d, Si2d, and Si3d resulting from decoding. The coordinate extractor45outputs the detection coordinates to the synthesizer46. The synthesizer46combines the detection signals Si0d, Si1d, Si2d, and Si3d resulting from decoding to generate two-dimensional information indicating the shape of the object in contact with or in proximity to the detection device100. The synthesizer46outputs the two-dimensional information as the output Vout from the detector40. Alternatively, the synthesizer46may generate an image based on the two-dimensional information and output the image information as the output Vout. The detector40may output the coordinates output from the coordinate extractor45, as the output Vout. The detector40does not necessarily include the coordinate extractor45or the synthesizer46. In this case, the detector40may output the detection signals Si0d, Si1d, Si2d, and Si3d resulting from decoding, as the output Vout.

The following describes the relation between an effect of noise and a detection timing with reference toFIGS. 18 to 20.FIG. 18is a schematic diagram for explaining the order of detection performed on the detection electrodes.FIG. 19is a graph schematically illustrating the relation between a sensor number and a correlation coefficient.FIG. 20is a diagram schematically illustrating periodic fluctuations of noise.FIGS. 18 to 20illustrate the relation between the effect of noise and the detection timing in a detection device having the same configuration as that of this embodiment.FIGS. 18 to 20are drawings for explaining how the effect of noise changes.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the detection electrodes25are selected in the order of the detection electrodes25(0),25(1),25(2), . . . , and25(7), to perform the detection operation. Specifically, a gate line GCL(0) is selected first. The multiplexer14turns on the switches one by one in the order of the switches SW(1), SW(2), SW(3), and SW(4). Only one of the switches SW(1), SW(2), SW(3), and SW(4) is turned on at a time, and the other switches are turned off. A transmission conductor, which is not illustrated, is disposed around the detection electrodes25(0),25(1),25(2), . . . , and25(7). The transmission conductor is supplied with the drive signals Vs. As a result, detection is performed on the detection electrodes25(0),25(1),25(2), and25(3) in order.

Subsequently, a gate line GCL(1) is selected. The multiplexer14turns on the switches one by one in the order of the switches SW(1), SW(2), SW(3), and SW(4). In a manner similar to the selection of the gate line GCL(0), only one of the switches SW(1), SW(2), SW(3), and SW(4) is turned on at a time, and the other switches are turned off. As a result, detection is performed on the detection electrodes25(4),25(5),25(6), and25(7) in order. The order of detection illustrated inFIG. 18is an example, and the order of detection according to this embodiment is not limited thereto.

The horizontal axis inFIGS. 19 and 20indicates the sensor number corresponding to the measurement order of the detection electrodes25. The vertical axis inFIG. 19indicates the correlation coefficients of the detection signals output from the respective detection electrodes25. The vertical axis inFIG. 20indicates the magnitude of a noise component. When noise enters the detector40, an error occurs in the detection signals of the detection electrodes25. As illustrated inFIG. 19, the correlation coefficients of the detection signals of the detection electrodes25tend to decrease as the sensor number increases. In other words, the error component caused by noise increases with the lapse of time. The error caused by an effect of noise increases between the detection signal of the detection electrode25(1) measured first and the detection signal of the detection electrode25(5) measured fifth, for example. This is because the noise component fluctuating on a cycle longer than an interval of measurement of data is dominant in the detection device as illustrated inFIG. 20.

For this reason, the detection device100preferably performs the plus sign selection operation Td+and the minus sign selection operation Td−alternately like Td0+, Td0−, Td1+, Td1−, . . . as illustrated inFIG. 17. This mechanism shortens the interval between the detection time for the first detection signal Svp+and the detection time for the second detection signal Svp−, thereby reducing the difference between the noise component included in the first detection signal Svp+and that included in the second detection signal Svp−. The third detection signal Svpis calculated as the difference between the first detection signal Svp+and the second detection signal Svp−by: Svp=Svp+−Svp−. Consequently, the noise component included in the first detection signal Svp+and that included in the second detection signal Svp−are cancelled in the third detection signal Svp.

As described above, the detection device100according to the first embodiment includes the insulating substrate10, the transmission conductor70, the drive signal generator112, and the detector40. The insulating substrate10includes a plurality of detection electrodes25. The transmission conductor70is disposed adjacent to the detection electrodes25. The drive signal generator112is coupled to the transmission conductor70. The detector40is coupled to the detection electrodes25. The drive signal generator112supplies the detection drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70. The detector40detects the third detection signals Svpcorresponding to changes in capacitance in the detection electrodes25. With this configuration, the drive signals Vs can be transmitted from the transmission conductor70to the detection electrodes25through the finger Fin or the like. The detection device of this embodiment can make unevenness on the surface of the finger more likely to be reflected on capacitance changes in the detection electrodes25than a case where the drive signals Vs are transmitted not through the finger Fin, thereby increasing the detection sensitivity to a fingerprint. Consequently, the detection device100can increase the detection sensitivity to an external object (e.g., the finger Fin).

The insulating substrate10includes the base101. The detection electrodes25are disposed on the first surface101aof the base101. As illustrated inFIG. 8, for example, a height h3of the transmission conductor70from the first surface101ais higher than a height h1of the detection electrodes25from the first surface101a. As illustrated inFIG. 8, for example, the height h3of the transmission conductor70from the first surface101ais higher than a height h2of the insulating resin33from the first surface101a. This configuration facilitates natural contact of the finger Fin with the transmission conductor70when the finger Fin comes closer to the detection electrodes25.

The detection electrodes25are arrayed in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction is the row direction, and the second direction is the column direction, for example. This configuration can increase the resolution for detecting the shape and the fingerprint of a finger.

The detection device100includes a coupling circuit that couples the detection electrodes25to the detector40and uncouples the detection electrodes25from the detector40. The coupling circuit is the detection controller11, the multiplexer14, and the gate driver15, for example. The coupling circuit performs the plus sign selection operation Td+. In the plus sign selection operation Td+, the coupling circuit causes the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target out of the detection electrodes25to be coupled to the detector40and causes the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target, which are not included in the first selection target, to be uncoupled from the detector40. The coupling circuit performs the minus sign selection operation Td−at a timing different from that of the plus sign selection operation Td+. In the minus sign selection operation Td−, the coupling circuit causes the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the plus sign selection operation Td+to be uncoupled from the detector40and causes the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target in the plus sign selection operation Td+to be coupled to the detector40. The detection device100thus can detect a fingerprint by code division multiplex drive. Consequently, the detection device100can provide the signal intensity higher than that obtained in time division multiplex drive without raising the voltage of the drive signals Vs. The plus sign selection operation Td+and the minus sign selection operation Td−are performed at different timings. Consequently, the detection device100can suppress capacitive coupling between the detection electrodes25and provide satisfactory detection sensitivity.

In the plus sign selection operation Td+, the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target output the first detection signal Svp+to the detector40. In the minus sign selection operation Td−, the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target in the plus sign selection operation Td+output the second detection signal Svp−to the detector40. The detector40calculates the difference between the first detection signal Svp+and the second detection signal Svp−. The third detection signal Svpis calculated as the difference between the first detection signal Svp+and the second detection signal Svp−. When noise enters from the outside, the noise component in the first detection signal Svp+and that in the second detection signal Svp−are cancelled. Consequently, the detection device100can increase the noise resistance.

The coupling circuit selects the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target and the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target based on the plus and minus signs of a Hadamard matrix. This mechanism facilitates coding and decoding the detection signals Siqoutput from the detection electrodes25.

The detector40calculates the third detection signal Svpoutput from the detection electrodes25based on the first detection signal Svp+and the second detection signal Svp−. The first detection signal Svp+is obtained by integrating the detection signals output from the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target. The second detection signal Svp−is obtained by integrating the detection signals output from the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target. The third detection signal Svpis calculated as the difference between the first detection signal Svp+and the second detection signal Svp−, for example. The detector40decodes the third detection signal Svp, thereby calculating the detection signals output from the respective detection electrodes25. The detector40performs decoding based on the detection signal obtained by integrating the detection signals from the respective detection electrodes25. Consequently, the detection device100can provide the signal intensity higher than that obtained in time division multiplex drive without raising the voltage of the signal values at respective nodes.

The coupling circuit performs the plus sign selection operation Td+and the minus sign selection operation Td−successively. This mechanism shortens the interval between the detection time for the first detection signal Svp+and the detection time for the second detection signal Svp−, thereby reducing the difference between the noise component included in the first detection signal Svp+and that included in the second detection signal Svp−. Consequently, the detection device100can increase the noise resistance.

The detection device100includes the capacitance detection conductor26disposed adjacent to the detection electrodes25. With this configuration, the detection device100can detect proximity of the finger Fin or the like to the detection electrodes25by detecting changes in the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26. After detecting changes in the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26, the detection device100supplies the drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70to start fingerprint detection using the detection electrodes25. The following describes an example of the detection.

FIG. 21is a flowchart of an example of a detection process performed by the detection device according to the first embodiment. The detection device100(refer toFIG. 1) detects the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26(refer toFIG. 3) (Step ST1). Subsequently, the detection device100compares the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26with a predetermined value (Step ST2). When the finger Fin (refer toFIG. 3) comes closer to the capacitance detection conductor26, for example, capacitance is generated between the capacitance detection conductor26and the finger Fin, thereby increasing the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26. If the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26is equal to or larger than the predetermined value (Yes at Step ST2), the detection device100starts fingerprint detection performed by the fingerprint sensor1(refer toFIG. 3) (Step ST3).

If the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26is equal to or larger than the preset value, for example, the detection controller11supplies the drive signals Vs to the transmission conductor70. As described with reference toFIGS. 13A to 17, the detection controller11transmits signals to the gate driver15and the multiplexer14to perform fingerprint detection by code division multiplex drive. By contrast, if the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26is smaller than the predetermined value (No at Step ST2), the detection controller11supplies no drive signal Vs to the transmission conductor70. If the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor26is smaller than the predetermined value, the step of the detection process is returned to Step ST1. After performing fingerprint detection at Step ST3, the detection device100stops fingerprint detection performed by the fingerprint sensor1. Subsequently, the detection device100determines whether to continue the detection (Step ST4). If the detection device100determines to continue the detection (Yes at Step ST4), the step of the detection process is returned to Step ST1. By contrast, if the detection device100determines to finish the detection (No at Step ST4), the process illustrated inFIG. 21is finished.

The detection device100includes the first circuit substrate20and the AFE21. The first circuit substrate20is coupled to the insulating substrate10. The AFE21is provided on the first circuit substrate20. The detection electrodes25are coupled to the AFE21via the multiplexer14. The capacitance detection conductor26is coupled to the AFE21not via the multiplexer14. With this configuration, the multiplexer14need not be operated at Step ST1(standby mode) illustrated inFIG. 21. Consequently, the detection device100can reduce power consumption in the standby mode.

The capacitance of the capacitance detection conductor26is smaller than that of the transmission conductor70. This configuration can reduce loss of electric power in association with charge of the capacitance detection conductor compared with a case where the transmission conductor70is used as the capacitance detection conductor. Consequently, the detection device100can reduce power consumption in the standby mode.

The capacitance detection conductor26is disposed between the detection electrodes25and the transmission conductor70. With this configuration, the capacitance detection conductor26has an area smaller than that of the transmission conductor70. This configuration facilitates reduction in capacitance of the capacitance detection conductor26.

While the first embodiment describes a case where the number of detection electrodes25included in the detection electrode block25B(m) is four, the configuration is not limited thereto. The number of detection electrodes25may be two, three, or five or more. In this case, the order of the square matrix Hvalso varies depending on the number of detection electrodes25. The number of detection electrodes25included in a single detection electrode block25B(m) may be 16, for example. In this case, the order of the square matrix Hvis 16. A square matrix A in Expression (5) can be used as the square matrix Hvof order16. The square matrix A in expression (5) is a Hadamard matrix of order16and is a square matrix the elements of which are either “1” or “−1” and certain two different rows of which are an orthogonal matrix.

The first embodiment describes a case where the detection device100detects the shape and the fingerprint of the finger Fin. The detection device100, however, does not necessarily detect the finger Fin. The detection device100may detect not the finger Fin but a palm. Furthermore, the detection device100may detect both of the finger Fin and a palm. The detection device detects capacitance changes caused by unevenness on a palm, thereby detecting the shape and the palm print of the palm.

Second Embodiment

The first embodiment describes an exemplary operation performed when code division multiplex drive is employed to detect a fingerprint in the second direction Dy. A second embodiment of the present invention describes an exemplary operation performed when code division multiplex drive is employed to detect a fingerprint in the first direction Dxand the second direction Dy. The configuration of a detection device of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the detection device of this embodiment has the following mechanism.

FIGS. 22A to 22Dare diagrams for explaining an example of selection patterns of first electrodes selected as a selection target in a first detection operation and a second detection operation according to the second embodiment.FIGS. 23A to 23Dare diagrams for explaining an example of selection patterns of the first electrodes selected as a selection target in a third detection operation and a fourth detection operation.FIGS. 24A to 24Dare diagrams for explaining an example of selection patterns of the first electrodes selected as a selection target in a fifth detection operation and a sixth detection operation.FIGS. 25A to 25Dare diagrams for explaining an example of selection patterns of the first electrodes selected as a selection target in a seventh detection operation and an eighth detection operation.FIGS. 26A to 26Dare diagrams for explaining an example of selection patterns of the first electrodes selected as a selection target in a ninth detection operation and a tenth detection operation.FIGS. 27A to 27Dare diagrams for explaining an example of selection patterns of the first electrodes selected as a selection target in an eleventh detection operation and a twelfth detection operation.FIGS. 28Ato28D are diagrams for explaining an example of selection patterns of the first electrodes selected as a selection target in a thirteenth detection operation and a fourteenth detection operation.FIGS. 29A to 29Dare diagrams for explaining an example of selection patterns of the first electrodes selected as a selection target in a fifteenth detection operation and a sixteenth detection operation.

FIG. 22Aillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te00+of the first detection operation, andFIG. 22Billustrates a minus sign selection operation Te00−of the first detection operation.FIG. 22Cillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te01+of the second detection operation, andFIG. 22Dillustrates a minus sign selection operation Te01−of the second detection operation. InFIG. 22A, code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyis performed as follows: the detection electrodes25belonging to second detection electrode blocks BKNB(n), BKNB(n+1), BKNB(n+2), and BKNB(n+3) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as a first selection target in the square matrix Hvin Expression (2) corresponding to the elements “1” in the first row of the square matrix Hv.

The second detection electrode block BKNB(n) includes the detection electrodes25coupled to the gate line GCL(n). The second detection electrode block BKNB(n+1) includes the detection electrodes25coupled to the gate line GCL(n+1). The second detection electrode block BKNB(n+2) includes the detection electrodes25coupled to the gate line GCL(n+2). The second detection electrode block BKNB(n+3) includes the detection electrodes25coupled to the gate line GCL(n+3).

InFIG. 22A, the plus sign selection operation and the minus sign selection operation are simultaneously performed in code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dx. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m),25B(m+1),25B(m+2), and25B(m+3) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in a square matrix Hhin Expression (6) corresponding to the elements “1” in the first row of the square matrix Hh. The selected detection electrodes25are coupled to a first detector DET1via the multiplexer14. No detection electrode25is selected as the second selection target corresponding to an element “−1” of the square matrix Hhbecause an element “−1” is not present in the first row of the square matrix Hh.

The square matrix Hhin Expression (6) is a Hadamard matrix and is a square matrix the elements of which are either “1” or “−1” and certain two different rows of which are an orthogonal matrix. The order of the square matrix Hhis equal to the number of detection electrodes25included in the second detection electrode block BKNB(n), that is, four in the example illustrated inFIGS. 22A to 29D.

The first detector DET1and a second detector DET2illustrated inFIGS. 22A to 29Dcorrespond to the voltage detector DET (refer toFIG. 6) in the basic principle of capacitance detection described above. The first detector DET1and the second detector DET2, for example, are included in the detection signal amplifier42of the detector40illustrated inFIG. 1.

The signal obtained by integrating the detection signals of the detection electrodes25is output as a first detection signal Svh00++. A second detection signal Svh00+−satisfies Svh00+−=0. A detection signal Svh00+is calculated as the difference between the first detection signal Svh00++and the second detection signal Svh00+−: Svh00+=Svh00++−Svh00+−.

InFIG. 22B, code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyis performed as follows: the detection electrodes25belonging to the second detection electrode blocks BKNB(n), BKNB(n+1), BKNB(n+2), and BKNB(n+3) are not selected as the second selection target corresponding to an element “−1” of the square matrix Hvbecause an element “−1” is not present in the first row of the square matrix Hv.

A first detection signal Svh00−+and a second detection signal Svh00−−satisfy Svh00−+=Svh00−−=0. A detection signal Svh00−is calculated as the difference between the first detection signal Svh00−+and the second detection signal Svh00−−: Svh00−=Svh00−+−Svh00−−. A third detection signal Svh00in the first detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh00+and the detection signal Svh00−.

InFIGS. 22C and 22D, the selection patterns in code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyare the same as those illustrated inFIGS. 22A and 22B. In code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dx, the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+2) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the second row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+1) and25B(m+3) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the second row of the square matrix Hh. In the plus sign selection operation Te01+of the second detection operation illustrated inFIG. 22C, a detection signal Svh01+is calculated by: Svh01+=Svh01++−Svh01+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te01−of the second detection operation illustrated inFIG. 22D, a detection signal Svh01−is calculated by: Svh01−=Svh01−+−Svh01−−. A third detection signal Svh01in the second detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh01+and the detection signal Svh01−.

FIG. 23Aillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te02+of the third detection operation, andFIG. 23Billustrates a minus sign selection operation Te02−of the third detection operation.FIG. 23Cillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te03+of the fourth detection operation, andFIG. 23Dillustrates a minus sign selection operation Te03−of the fourth detection operation. InFIGS. 23A to 23D, code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyis performed in the same manner as that illustrated inFIGS. 22A to 22D. In other words, the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the square matrix Hvand the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target in the square matrix Hvare selected corresponding to the elements “1” in the first row of the square matrix Hv.

InFIGS. 23A and 23B, code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxis performed as follows: the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+1) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the third row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+2) and25B(m+3) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the third row of the square matrix Hh. In the plus sign selection operation Te02+of the third detection operation illustrated inFIG. 23A, a detection signal Svh02+is calculated by: Svh02+=Svh02++−Svh02+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te02−of the third detection operation illustrated inFIG. 23B, a detection signal Svh02−is calculated by: Svh02−=Svh02−+−Svh02−. A third detection signal Svh02in the third detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh02+and the detection signal Svh02−.

InFIGS. 23C and 23D, code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxis performed as follows: the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+3) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+1) and25B(m+2) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hh. In the plus sign selection operation Te03+of the fourth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 23C, a detection signal Svh03+is calculated by: Svh03+=Svh03++−Svh03+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te03−of the fourth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 23D, a detection signal Svh03−is calculated by: Svh03−=Svh03−+−Svh03−. A third detection signal Svh03in the fourth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh03+and the detection signal Svh03−.

FIG. 24Aillustrates a plus sign selection operation Tem+of the fifth detection operation, andFIG. 24Billustrates a minus sign selection operation Tem−of the fifth detection operation.FIG. 24Cillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te11+of the sixth detection operation, andFIG. 24Dillustrates a minus sign selection operation Ten−of the sixth detection operation.FIG. 25Aillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te12+of the seventh detection operation, andFIG. 25Billustrates a minus sign selection operation Te12−of the seventh detection operation. FIG.25C illustrates a plus sign selection operation Ten+of the eighth detection operation, andFIG. 25Dillustrates a minus sign selection operation Ten−of the eighth detection operation.

As illustrated inFIGS. 24A to 24D and 25A to 25D, in code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxin the fifth to the eighth detection operations, the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhand the second selection target in the square matrix Hhare selected in the same manner as illustrated inFIGS. 22A to 22DandFIGS. 23A to 23D.

In the plus sign selection operation Te10+of the fifth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 24A, the detection electrodes25belonging to the second detection electrode blocks BKNB(n) and BKNB(n+2) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the square matrix corresponding to the elements “1” in the second row of the square matrix Hv. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m),25B(m+1),25B(m+2) and25B(m+3) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the first row of the square matrix Hh. In the plus sign selection operation Te10+of the fifth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 24A, a detection signal Svh10+is calculated by: Svh10+=Svh10++−Svh10+−.

In the minus sign selection operation Tem−of the fifth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 24B, the detection electrodes25belonging to the second detection electrode blocks BKNB(n+1) and BKNB(n+3) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target in the square matrix Hvcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the second row of the square matrix Hv. In the minus sign selection operation Te10−of the fifth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 24B, a detection signal Svh10−is calculated by: Svh10−=Svh10−+−Svh10−−. A third detection signal Svh10in the fifth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh10+and the detection signal Svh10−.

In the sixth detection operation illustrated inFIGS. 24C and 24D, the selection patterns in code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyare the same as those illustrated inFIGS. 24A and 24B. In code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dx, the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+2) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the second row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+1) and25B(m+3) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the second row of the square matrix Hh. In the plus sign selection operation Te11+of the sixth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 24C, a detection signal Svh11+is calculated by: Svh11+=Svh11++−Svh11+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te11−of the sixth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 24D, a detection signal Svh11−is calculated by: Svh11−=Svh11−+−Svh11−−. A third detection signal Svh11in the sixth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh11+and the detection signal Svh11−.

In the seventh detection operation illustrated inFIGS. 25A and 25B, the selection patterns in code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyare the same as those illustrated inFIGS. 24A and 24B. In code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxin the seventh detection operation, the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+1) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the third row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+2) and25B(m+3) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the third row of the square matrix Hh.

In the plus sign selection operation Te12+of the seventh detection operation illustrated inFIG. 25A, a detection signal Svh12+is calculated by: Svh12+=Svh12++−Svh12+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te12−of the seventh detection operation illustrated inFIG. 25B, a detection signal Svh12−is calculated by: Svh12−=Svh12−+−Svh12−−. A third detection signal Svh12in the seventh detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh12+and the detection signal Svh12−.

In the eighth detection operation illustrated inFIGS. 25C and 25D, the selection patterns in code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyare the same as those illustrated inFIGS. 24A and 24B. In code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxin the eighth detection operation, the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+3) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+1) and25B(m+2) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hh.

In the plus sign selection operation Te13+of the eighth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 25C, a detection signal Svh12+is calculated by: Svh13+=Svh13++−Svh13+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te13−of the eighth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 25D, a detection signal Svh13−is calculated by: Svh12−=Svh13−+−Svh13−−. A third detection signal Svh13in the eighth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh12+and the detection signal Svh13−.

FIG. 26Aillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te20+of the ninth detection operation, andFIG. 26Billustrates a minus sign selection operation Te20−of the ninth detection operation.FIG. 26Cillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te21+of the tenth detection operation, andFIG. 26Dillustrates a minus sign selection operation Te21−of the tenth detection operation.FIG. 27Aillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te22+of the eleventh detection operation, andFIG. 27Billustrates a minus sign selection operation Te23−of the eleventh detection operation.FIG. 27Cillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te23+of the twelfth detection operation, andFIG. 27Dillustrates a minus sign selection operation Te23−of the twelfth detection operation.

As illustrated inFIGS. 26A to 26D and 27A to 27D, in code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxin the ninth to the twelfth detection operations, the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhand the second selection target in the square matrix Hhare selected in the same manner as illustrated inFIGS. 22A to 22DandFIGS. 23A to 23D.

In the plus sign selection operation Te20+of the ninth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 26A, the detection electrodes25belonging to the second detection electrode blocks BKNB(n) and BKNB(n+1) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the square matrix Hvcorresponding to the elements “1” in the third row of the square matrix Hv. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m),25B(m+1),25B(m+2) and25B(m+3) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the first row of the square matrix Hh. In the plus sign selection operation Te20+of the ninth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 26A, a detection signal Svh20+is calculated by: Svh20+=Svh20++−Svh20+−.

In the minus sign selection operation Te20−of the ninth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 26B, the detection electrodes25belonging to the second detection electrode blocks BKNB(n+2) and BKNB(n+3) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target in the square matrix corresponding to the elements “−1” in the third row of the square matrix Hv. In the minus sign selection operation Te20−of the ninth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 26B, a detection signal Svh20−is calculated by: Svh20−=Svh20−+−Svh20−−. A third detection signal Svh20in the ninth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh20+and the detection signal Svh20−.

In the tenth detection operation illustrated inFIGS. 26C and 26D, the selection patterns in code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyare the same as those illustrated inFIGS. 26A and 26B. In code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dx, the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+2) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the second row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+1) and25B(m+3) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the second row of the square matrix Hh. In the plus sign selection operation Te21+of the tenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 26C, a detection signal Svh21+is calculated by: Svh21+=Svh21++−Svh21+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te21−of the tenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 26D, a detection signal Svh21−is calculated by: Svh21−=Svh21−+−Svh21−−. A third detection signal Svh21in the tenth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh21+and the detection signal Svh21−.

In the eleventh detection operation illustrated inFIGS. 27A and 27B, the selection patterns in code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyare the same as those illustrated inFIGS. 26A and 26B. In code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxin the eleventh detection operation, the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+1) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the third row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+2) and25B(m+3) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the third row of the square matrix Hh.

In the plus sign selection operation Te22+of the eleventh detection operation illustrated inFIG. 27A, a detection signal Svh22+is calculated by: Svh22+=Svh22++−Svh22+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te22−of the eleventh detection operation illustrated inFIG. 27B, a detection signal Svh22−is calculated by: Svh22−=Svh22−+−Svh22−−. A third detection signal Svh22in the eleventh detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh22+and the detection signal Svh22−.

In the twelfth detection operation illustrated inFIGS. 27C and 27D, the selection patterns in code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyare the same as those illustrated inFIGS. 26A and 26B. In code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxin the twelfth detection operation, the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+3) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+1) and25B(m+2) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hh.

In the plus sign selection operation Te23+of the twelfth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 27C, a detection signal Svh23+is calculated by: Svh23+=Svh23++−Svh23+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te23−of the twelfth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 27D, a detection signal Svh23−is calculated by: Svh23−=Svh23−+−Svh23−−. A third detection signal Svh23in the twelfth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh23+and the detection signal Svh23−.

FIG. 28Aillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te30+of the thirteenth detection operation, andFIG. 28Billustrates a minus sign selection operation Te30−of the thirteenth detection operation.FIG. 28Cillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te31+of the fourteenth detection operation, andFIG. 28Dillustrates a minus sign selection operation Te31−of the fourteenth detection operation.FIG. 29Aillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te32+of the fifteenth detection operation, andFIG. 29Billustrates a minus sign selection operation Te32−of the fifteenth detection operation.FIG. 29Cillustrates a plus sign selection operation Te33+of the sixteenth detection operation, andFIG. 29Dillustrates a minus sign selection operation Te33−of the sixteenth detection operation.

As illustrated inFIGS. 28A to 28D and 29A to 29D, in code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxin the thirteenth to the sixteenth detection operations, the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhand the second selection target in the square matrix Hhare selected in the same manner as illustrated inFIGS. 22A to 22DandFIGS. 23A to 23D.

In the plus sign selection operation Te30+of the thirteenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 28A, the detection electrodes25belonging to the second detection electrode blocks BKNB(n) and BKNB(n+3) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the square matrix Hvcorresponding to the elements “1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hv. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m),25B(m+1),25B(m+2) and25B(m+3) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the first row of the square matrix Hh. In the plus sign selection operation Te30+of the thirteenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 28A, a detection signal Svh30+is calculated by: Svh30+=Svh30++−Svh30+−.

In the minus sign selection operation Te30−of the thirteenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 28B, the detection electrodes25belonging to the second detection electrode blocks BKNB(n+1) and BKNB(n+2) are selected as the detection electrodes25serving as the second selection target in the square matrix corresponding to the elements “−1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hv. In the minus sign selection operation Te30of the thirteenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 28B, a detection signal Svh30−is calculated by: Svh30−=Svh30−+−Svh30−. A third detection signal Svh30in the thirteenth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh30+and the detection signal Svh30−.

In the fourteenth detection operation illustrated inFIGS. 28C and 28D, the selection patterns in code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyare the same as those illustrated inFIGS. 28A and 28B. In code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dx, the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+2) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the second row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+1) and25B(m+3) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the second row of the square matrix Hh. In the plus sign selection operation Te31+of the fourteenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 28C, a detection signal Svh31+is calculated by: Svh31+=Svh31++−Svh31+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te31−of the fourteenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 28D, a detection signal Svh31−is calculated by: Svh31−=Svh31−+−Svh31−−. A third detection signal Svh31in the fourteenth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh31+and the detection signal Svh31−.

In the fifteenth detection operation illustrated inFIGS. 29A and 29B, the selection patterns in code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyare the same as those illustrated inFIGS. 28A and 28B. In code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxin the fifteenth detection operation, the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+1) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the third row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+2) and25B(m+3) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the third row of the square matrix Hh.

In the plus sign selection operation Te32+of the fifteenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 29A, a detection signal Svh32+is calculated by: Svh32+=Svh32++−Svh32+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te32−of the fifteenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 29B, a detection signal Svh32−is calculated by: Svh32−=Svh32−+−Svh32−−. A third detection signal Svh32in the fifteenth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh32+and the detection signal Svh32−.

In the sixteenth detection operation illustrated inFIGS. 29C and 29D, the selection patterns in code division multiplex drive in the second direction Dyare the same as those illustrated inFIGS. 28A and 28B. In code division multiplex drive in the first direction Dxin the sixteenth detection operation, the detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m) and25B(m+3) are selected as the first selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hh. The detection electrodes25belonging to the first detection electrode blocks25B(m+1) and25B(m+2) are selected as the second selection target in the square matrix Hhcorresponding to the elements “−1” in the fourth row of the square matrix Hh.

In the plus sign selection operation Te33+of the sixteenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 29C, a detection signal Svh33+is calculated by: Svh33+=Svh33++=Svh33+−. In the minus sign selection operation Te33−of the sixteenth detection operation illustrated inFIG. 29D, a detection signal Svh33−is calculated by: Svh33−=Svh33−+−Svh33−−. A third detection signal Svh33in the sixteenth detection operation is calculated as the difference between the detection signal Svh33+and the detection signal Svh33−.

As described above, the signal arithmetic processor44(refer toFIG. 2) performs the first to the sixteenth detection operations, thereby calculating data of 16 detection signals Svh. The data of the detection signals Svh are stored in the storage48. The coordinate extractor45(refer toFIG. 2) receives the data of the detection signals Svh from the storage48and performs decoding on the data based on Expression (7).
Sid=Hv×Svh×Hh(7)

Sid indicates signals resulting from decoding and is a matrix corresponding to the detection electrodes25illustrated inFIGS. 22A to 29D. Hvis a square matrix in Expression (2) and is a transformation matrix in the second direction Dy. Hhis a square matrix in Expression (6) and is a transformation matrix in the first direction Dx. The coordinate extractor45(refer toFIG. 1) performs decoding, thereby acquiring the detection signals of the detection electrodes included in the first detection electrode block25B(m) or the second detection electrode block BKNB(n). The coordinate extractor45can calculate the two-dimensional coordinates of a finger or the like in contact with or in proximity to the detection device100based on the signal Sid resulting from decoding. By performing decoding based on the detection signal obtained by integrating the detection signals of the detection electrodes25, the detection device of this embodiment can also provide signal intensity of 16 times the signal intensity obtained in time division multiplex drive, without raising the voltage of the signal values at respective nodes.

The detection device of this embodiment performs the plus sign selection operation and the minus sign selection operation successively, thereby increasing the noise resistance. To measure the four detection signals in a time division manner in the first detection operation illustrated inFIGS. 22A to 22D, for example, the detection device of this embodiment preferably measures the first detection signal Svh00++, the second detection signal Svh00+−, the first detection signal Svh00−+, and the second detection signal Svh00−−in this order. This mechanism shortens the interval between the detection time for the first selection target and detection time for the second selection target in the square matrix Hh, thereby cancelling the noise components in the detection signals. Alternatively, the detection device of this embodiment may measure the four detection signals in the order of the first detection signal Svh00++, the first detection signal Svh00−+, the second detection signal Svh00+−, and the second detection signal Svh00−−. This mechanism shortens the interval between the detection time for the first selection target and the detection time for the second selection target in the square matrix Hv, thereby cancelling the noise components in the detection signals. Still alternatively, the detection device of this embodiment may perform the plus sign selection operation successively a plurality of times and then perform the minus sign selection operation. The order of the detection operations illustrated inFIGS. 22A to 29Dmay be appropriately modified.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 30is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of an electronic apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated inFIG. 30, an electronic apparatus200according to the third embodiment includes the detection device100(refer toFIG. 3) described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment and a liquid crystal display350coupled to the detection device100, for example. The liquid crystal display350includes a TFT substrate310, a counter substrate320, and a liquid crystal layer. The TFT substrate310is provided with thin-film transistors (TFTs) and other components. The liquid crystal layer (not illustrated) is disposed between the TFT substrate310and the counter substrate320. In this example, the TFT substrate310includes a pad electrode311. The pad electrode311is coupled to a pad electrode28of the first circuit substrate20via an ACF369, for example. Alternatively, the TFT substrate310may be coupled to the insulating substrate10via one or more of the first circuit substrate20, a circuit substrate (not illustrated), and wiring (not illustrated).

With this configuration, the electronic apparatus200with a detection function can transmit the result of detection of a fingerprint or the like performed by the detection device100to the liquid crystal display350. The electronic apparatus200can turn on and off the power supply of the liquid crystal display350based on the result of detection of a fingerprint or the like performed by the detection device100or display the detection result on the liquid crystal display350. The electronic apparatus200includes the detection device100. Consequently, the electronic apparatus200can increase the detection sensitivity to an external object (e.g., the finger Fin).

While the third embodiment describes the liquid crystal display350as a coupled device coupled to the detection device, the coupled device is not limited to the liquid crystal display. The coupled device may be an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, for example. Alternatively, the coupled device may be a device other than a display.

While exemplary embodiments according to the present invention have been described, the embodiments are not intended to limit the invention. The contents disclosed in the embodiments are given by way of example only, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Appropriate changes made without departing from the spirit of the invention naturally fall within the scope of the invention.

The detection device and the electronic apparatus according to the present aspect may have the following aspects, for example.

(1) A detection device comprising:

an insulating substrate including a plurality of detection electrodes;

a transmission conductor disposed adjacent to the detection electrodes;

a drive signal generator coupled to the transmission conductor; and

a detector coupled to the detection electrodes, wherein

the drive signal generator generates a detection drive signal and supplies the detection drive signal to the transmission conductor, and

the detector detects a detection signal corresponding to a change in capacitance in the detection electrodes.

(2) The detection device according to (1), wherein

the insulating substrate includes a base,

a first surface of the base is provided with the detection electrodes, and

the height of the transmission conductor from the first surface is higher than the height of the detection electrodes from the first surface.

(3) The detection device according to (1) or (2), wherein the detection electrodes are arrayed in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction.

(4) The detection device according to (2) or (3), further comprising:

a coupling circuit configured to couple the detection electrodes to the detector and uncouple the detection electrodes from the detector, wherein

the coupling circuit performs a first selection operation of causing detection electrodes serving as a first selection target out of the detection electrodes to be coupled to the detector and causing detection electrodes serving as a second selection target, which are not included in the first selection target, to be uncoupled from the detector, and

the coupling circuit performs, at a timing different from a timing of the first selection operation, a second selection operation of causing the detection electrodes serving as the first selection target to be uncoupled from the detector and causing the detection electrodes serving as the second selection target to be coupled to the detector.

(5) The detection device according to (4), wherein the coupling circuit performs the first selection operation and the second selection operation on a detection electrode block basis, the detection electrode block including more than one of the detection electrodes.
(6) The detection device according to (4) or (5), wherein the coupling circuit determines the detection electrodes serving as the first selection target and the detection electrodes serving as the second selection target based on plus and minus signs of a Hadamard matrix.
(7) The detection device according to (6), wherein the detector calculates a detection signal output from each of the detection electrodes based on a first detection signal obtained by integrating detection signals output from the detection electrodes serving as the first selection target and on a second detection signal obtained by integrating detection signals output from the detection electrodes serving as the second selection target.
(8) The detection device according to any one of (4) to (7), wherein the coupling circuit performs the first selection operation and the second selection operation successively.
(9) The detection device according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising:

a capacitance detection conductor disposed adjacent to the detection electrodes.

(10) The detection device according to any one of (4) to (8), further comprising:

a capacitance detection conductor disposed adjacent to the detection electrodes;

a first circuit substrate coupled to the insulating substrate; and

an analog front end provided to the first circuit substrate, wherein

the detection electrodes are coupled to the analog front end via the coupling circuit, and

the capacitance detection conductor is coupled to the analog front end not via the coupling circuit.

(11) The detection device according to (9) or (10), wherein capacitance of the capacitance detection conductor is smaller than capacitance of the transmission conductor.

(12) The detection device according to any one of (9) to (11), wherein the capacitance detection conductor is disposed between the detection electrodes and the transmission conductor.

(13) The detection device according to any one of (9) to (12), wherein

the drive signal generator supplies, when a capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor is equal to or larger than a preset value, the drive signal to the transmission conductor, and

the drive signal generator does not supply, when the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor is smaller than the preset value, the drive signal to the transmission conductor.

(14) The detection device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the detection electrodes are arrayed in a row direction and a column direction.

(15) The detection device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the transmission conductor has a ring shape surrounding the detection electrodes.

(16) The detection device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the transmission conductor has a shape lacking a part of a ring surrounding the detection electrodes.

(17) An electronic apparatus comprising:

a detection device; and

a coupled device coupled to the detection device,

wherein the detection device includesan insulating substrate including a plurality of detection electrodes,a transmission conductor disposed a the detection electrodes,a drive signal generator coupled to the transmission conductor, anda detector coupled to the detection electrodes,

wherein the drive signal generator generates a detection drive signal and supplies the detection drive signal to the transmission conductor, and

wherein the detector detects a detection signal corresponding to a change in capacitance in the detection electrodes.

(18) The electronic apparatus according to (17), wherein

the insulating substrate includes a base,

a first surface of the base is provided with the detection electrodes, and

the height of the transmission conductor from the first surface is higher than the height of the detection electrodes from the first surface.

(19) The electronic apparatus according to (17) or (18), wherein the detection electrodes are arrayed in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction.

(20) The electronic apparatus according to (18) or (19), further comprising:

a coupling circuit configured to couple the detection electrodes to the detector and uncouple the detection electrodes from the detector, wherein

the coupling circuit performs a first selection operation of causing detection electrodes serving as a first selection target out of the detection electrodes to be coupled to the detector and causing detection electrodes serving as a second selection target, which are not included in the first selection target, to be uncoupled from the detector, and

the coupling circuit performs, at a timing different from a timing of the first selection operation, a second selection operation of causing the detection electrodes serving as the first selection target to be uncoupled from the detector and causing the detection electrodes serving as the second selection target to be coupled to the detector.

(21) The electronic apparatus according to (20), wherein the coupling circuit performs the first selection operation and the second selection operation on a detection electrode block basis, the detection electrode block including more than one of the detection electrodes.
(22) The electronic apparatus according to (20) or (21), wherein the coupling circuit determines the detection electrodes serving as the first selection target and the detection electrodes serving as the second selection target based on plus and minus signs of a Hadamard matrix.
(23) The electronic apparatus according to (22), wherein the detector calculates a detection signal output from each of the detection electrodes based on a first detection signal obtained by integrating detection signals output from the detection electrodes serving as the first selection target and on a second detection signal obtained by integrating detection signals output from the detection electrodes serving as the second selection target.
(24) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (20) to (23), wherein the coupling circuit performs the first selection operation and the second selection operation successively.
(25) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (17) to (24), further comprising:

a capacitance detection conductor disposed adjacent to the detection electrodes.

(26) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (20) to (24), further comprising:

a capacitance detection conductor disposed adjacent to the detection electrodes;

a first circuit substrate coupled to the insulating substrate; and

an analog front end provided to the first circuit substrate, wherein

the detection electrodes are coupled to the analog front end via the coupling circuit, and

the capacitance detection conductor is coupled to the analog front end not via the coupling circuit.

(27) The electronic apparatus according to (25) or (26), wherein capacitance of the capacitance detection conductor is smaller than capacitance of the transmission conductor.

(28) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (25) to (27), wherein the capacitance detection conductor is disposed between the detection electrodes and the transmission conductor.

(29) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (25) to (28), wherein

the drive signal generator supplies, when a capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor is equal to or larger than a preset value, the drive signal to the transmission conductor, and

the drive signal generator does not supply, when the capacitance value of the capacitance detection conductor is smaller than the preset value, the drive signal to the transmission conductor.

(30) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (17) to (29), wherein the detection electrodes are arrayed in a row direction and a column direction.

(31) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (17) to (30), wherein the transmission conductor has a ring shape surrounding the detection electrodes.

(32) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (17) to (30), wherein the transmission conductor has a shape lacking a part of a ring surrounding the detection electrodes.

(33) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (17) to (32), wherein the coupled device is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.