Input device

An input device capable of precisely determining presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation on an operation screen is provided. An input device includes a display control unit that displays an operation screen on a display surface, a first detection unit that detects a passing state of an object in a first sensing layer in air formed to face the display surface, a second detection unit that detects a passing state of the object in a second sensing layer in air formed between the display surface and the first sensing layer, and a determination unit that determines presence or absence of the specific non-contact operation performed by the object based on respective detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-070743, filed on Apr. 2, 2019. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to an input device for receiving a specific non-contact operation performed on an operation screen by an object.

Related Art

In the food processing field and the medical field where hygiene management is strict, it is not preferable to use a touch panel display with which a finger of a user is in direct contact since the touch panel display may become a pathogen infection source. For this reason, in each of the aforementioned fields, it has been proposed to use an input device for receiving a specific non-contact operation performed on the operation screen by the finger of the user (for example, see patent literature 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2014-67071)).

A conventional input device forms an aerial image (real image) indicating an operation screen in an aerial display area, and detects movement of a finger of a user in a detection area facing the aerial image, thereby determining that a specific non-contact operation on the operation screen has been performed.

However, in the aforementioned conventional input device, for example, when a part of the body of the user unintentionally passes through the detection area, there is a risk of erroneous determination that a specific non-contact operation on the operation screen has been performed.

The disclosure provides an input device that can precisely determine the presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation on an operation screen.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, it provides an input device for receiving a specific non-contact operation performed on an operation screen by an object, including: a display control unit that displays the operation screen on a display surface; a first detection unit that detects a passing state of the object in a first sensing layer in air formed to face the display surface; a second detection unit that detects a passing state of the object in a second sensing layer in air formed between the display surface and the first sensing layer, and a determination unit that determines presence or absence of the specific non-contact operation performed by the object based on respective detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Moreover, it should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a comprehensive or specific example. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are described as arbitrary components.

[1-1. Configuration of Input Device]

First, a configuration of an input device2according to Embodiment 1 is described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 3.FIG. 1is a plan view illustrating the input device2according to Embodiment 1.FIG. 2is a side view illustrating the input device2according to Embodiment 1.FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the input device2according to Embodiment 1.

As illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the input device2includes a display unit4, a first detection unit6, and a second detection unit8. The input device2is applied as a user interface for operating a device (not illustrated) used in, for example, the food processing field or the medical field in a non-contact manner by an object18(for example, a finger of a user).

The first detection unit6detects a passing state of the object18in a first sensing layer16in air formed to face the display surface12of the display unit4. Specifically, the first detection unit6detects the number of passage places of the object18in the first sensing layer16.

The first sensing layer16corresponds to a virtual plane (XY plane) formed at an aerial position substantially parallel to the display surface12of the display unit4. In addition, the passage place of the object18in the first sensing layer16refers to a cross-sectional region of the object18in the first sensing layer16. For example, when one finger of the user passes through the first sensing layer16, there is one passage place of the object18in the first sensing layer16. Further, for example, when two fingers of the user pass through the first sensing layer16, there are two passage places of the object18in the first sensing layer16.

The first detection unit6includes, for example, a scan sensor, and is disposed to face a corner of the display unit4as illustrated inFIG. 1. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the first detection unit6includes a first light emitting unit20and a first light receiving unit22. The first light emitting unit20scans an infrared laser in the first sensing layer16in two-dimensional manner. The first light receiving unit22receives and detects light reflected by the object18passing through the first sensing layer16.

The second detection unit8detects a passing state of the object18in a second sensing layer24in air formed between the display surface12of the display unit4and the first sensing layer16. Specifically, the second detection unit8detects the number of passage places of the object18in the second sensing layer24. As illustrated inFIG. 2, a distance D between the second sensing layer24and the display surface12of the display unit4is a size (for example, about 1 cm to several centimeters) at which the object18does not directly come into contact with the display surface12of the display unit4when the object18passes through the second sensing layer24.

Moreover, the second sensing layer24is a virtual plane (XY plane) formed at an aerial position substantially parallel to the display surface12of the display unit4. In addition, the passage place of the object18in the second sensing layer24refers to a cross-sectional region of the object18in the second sensing layer24. For example, when one finger of the user passes through the second sensing layer24, there are one passage place of the object18in the second sensing layer24. Further, for example, when two fingers of the user pass through the second sensing layer24, there are two passage places of the object18in the second sensing layer24.

The second detection unit8includes, for example, a scan sensor, and is disposed to face the corner of the display unit4as illustrated inFIG. 1. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the second detection unit8includes a second light emitting unit26and a second light receiving unit28. The second light emitting unit26scans an infrared laser in the second sensing layer24in a two-dimensional manner. The second light receiving unit28receives and detects light reflected by the object18passing through the second sensing layer24.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the input device2further includes a calculation processing unit30. The calculation processing unit30includes a detection processing unit32, a distance measurement calculation unit34, a determination unit36, an operation processing unit38, and a display control unit40.

The detection processing unit32computes the number of passage places of the object18in the first sensing layer16based on a detection signal from the first detection unit6. In addition, the detection processing unit32computes the number of passage places of the object18in the second sensing layer24based on a detection signal from the second detection unit8.

The distance measurement calculation unit34computes a position (two-dimensional coordinates) of the object18in the first sensing layer16based on a detection signal from the first detection unit6. In addition, the distance measurement calculation unit34computes a position (two-dimensional coordinates) of the object18in the second sensing layer24based on a detection signal from the second detection unit8.

The determination unit36determines the presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation performed on the operation screen10made by the object18based on respective computation results of the detection processing unit32and the distance measurement calculation unit34. Moreover, the specific non-contact operation is, for example, a non-contact single touch gesture, multi-touch gesture, etc. performed by the finger of the user on the operation screen10. The single touch gesture is a gesture performed by one finger (for example, the index finger) of the user, and is, for example, a gesture such as a tap. The multi-touch gesture is a gesture performed by two fingers (for example, the index finger and the thumb) of the user, and is, for example, a gesture such as pinch-in, pinch-out, rotation, etc. A determination process by the determination unit36will be described later in detail.

The operation processing unit38executes processing corresponding to the specific non-contact operation based on a computation result of the distance measurement calculation unit34and a determination result of the determination unit36. For example, when the user performs a single touch gesture on the icon14on the operation screen10in a non-contact manner, the operation processing unit38executes a process of selecting the icon14, etc. In addition, for example, when the user performs a multi-touch gesture on the operation screen10in a non-contact manner, the operation processing unit38executes a process of enlarging or reducing the display magnification of the operation screen10, etc.

[1-2. Operation of Input Device]

Next, an operation of the input device2according to Embodiment 1 is described with reference toFIG. 4toFIG. 7.FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow of the input device2according to Embodiment 1.FIG. 5Ais a diagram for description of a state in which the object18passes through the first sensing layer16at one place in the input device2according to Embodiment 1.FIG. 5Bis a diagram for description of a state in which the object18passes through the second sensing layer24at one place in the input device2according to Embodiment 1.FIG. 6is a diagram for description of a state in which the object18passes through each of the first sensing layer16and the second sensing layer24at two places in the input device2according to Embodiment 1.FIG. 7is a diagram for description of a state in which the object18passes through each of the first sensing layer16and the second sensing layer24at three places in the input device2according to Embodiment 1.

First, an operation of the input device2in the case that the user performs a single touch gesture is described with reference toFIG. 4toFIG. 5B.

As illustrated inFIG. 4and (a) ofFIG. 5A, when one finger of the user passes through the first sensing layer16, the first detection unit6detects the number of passage places of the object18(one finger) in the first sensing layer16(S101). The detection processing unit32computes the number of passage places of the object18in the first sensing layer16as “one place” based on a detection signal from the first detection unit6(“one place” in S102).

As illustrated in (b) ofFIG. 5A, the display control unit40displays the cursor42on the operation screen10when the object18passes through the first sensing layer16based on respective computation results of the detection processing unit32and the distance measurement calculation unit34(S103). In this state, by the user moving one finger along the first sensing layer16(that is, in the XY plane), the cursor42moves on the operation screen10following movement of the finger of the user. A sound may be output from a speaker (not illustrated) of the display unit4at the same time as the cursor42is displayed on the operation screen10.

Thereafter, as illustrated in (a) ofFIG. 5B, when the user passes one finger through the second sensing layer24, the second detection unit8detects the number of passage places of the object18(one finger) in the second sensing layer24(S104). The detection processing unit32computes the number of passage places of the object18in the second sensing layer24as “one place” based on a detection signal from the second detection unit8. Moreover, when one finger of the user passes through the first sensing layer16, there is one passage place of the object18in the second sensing layer24at all times. As illustrated in (b) ofFIG. 5B, when the object18passes through the second sensing layer24at one place in a state that the cursor42is superimposed on the icon14, the determination unit36determines that a single touch gesture is performed (S105).

Moreover, when the single touch gesture is performed, a dedicated button or icon other than the icon14may be displayed on the operation screen10.

Next, an operation of the input device2when the user performs a multi-touch gesture is described with reference toFIG. 4andFIG. 6.

As illustrated inFIG. 4and (a) ofFIG. 6, when two fingers (for example, index finger and thumb) of the user pass through the first sensing layer16, the first detection unit6detects the number of passage places of the object18(two fingers) in the sensing layer16(S101). The detection processing unit32computes the number of passage places of the object18in the sensing layer16as “two places” based on a detection signal from the first detection unit6(“two places” in S102).

Based on respective computation results of the detection processing unit32and the distance measurement calculation unit34, the display control unit40displays the cursor42(see (b) ofFIG. 5A) on the operation screen10when the object18passes through the first sensing layer16(S106).

Thereafter, when the user passes the finger through the second sensing layer24, the second detection unit8detects the number of passage places of the object18(finger) in the second sensing layer24(S107). Moreover, when two fingers of the user pass through the first sensing layer16, the number of passage places of the object18in the second sensing layer24is two or one.

As illustrated in (b) ofFIG. 6, when two fingers of the user pass through the second sensing layer24, the detection processing unit32computes the number of passage places of the object18in the second sensing layer24as “two places” based on a detection signal from the second detection unit8(“two places” in S108). When the object18passes through the second sensing layer24at two places, the determination unit36determines that a multi-touch gesture has been performed (S109).

On the other hand, when one finger of the user passes through the second sensing layer24, the detection processing unit32computes the number of passage places of the object18in the second sensing layer24as “one place” based on a detection signal from the second detection unit8(“one place” in S108). The determination unit36determines that a single touch gesture is performed after a predetermined waiting time elapses from the time the object18passes through the second sensing layer24at one place (S105).

Next, an operation of the input device2when three fingers of the user unintentionally pass through each of the first sensing layer16and the second sensing layer24is described with reference toFIG. 4andFIG. 7.

As illustrated inFIG. 4and (a) ofFIG. 7, when three fingers (for example, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger) of the user pass through the first sensing layer16, the first detection unit6detects the number of passage places of the object18(three fingers) in the first sensing layer16(S101). The detection processing unit32computes the number of passage places of the object18in the first sensing layer16as “three places” based on a detection signal from the first detection unit6(“three places” in S102).

Based on respective computation results of the detection processing unit32and the distance measurement calculation unit34, the display control unit40displays the cursor42(see (b) ofFIG. 5A) on the operation screen10when the object18passes through the first sensing layer16(S110).

Thereafter, when the fingers of the user pass through the second sensing layer24, the second detection unit8detects the number of passage places of the object18(finger) in the second sensing layer24(S111). Moreover, when three fingers of the user pass through the first sensing layer16, the number of passage places of the object18in the second sensing layer24is three or fewer.

As illustrated in (b) ofFIG. 7, when three fingers of the user pass through the second sensing layer24, the detection processing unit32computes the number of passage places of the object18in the second sensing layer24as “three places” based on a detection signal from the second detection unit8. When the object18passes through the second sensing layer24at three places, the determination unit36determines that neither the single touch gesture nor the multi-touch gesture is performed (S112). In this instance, similarly to the case in which the object18passes through the second sensing layer24at two places or one place, the determination unit36determines that neither single touch gesture nor multi-touch gesture is performed.

Moreover, when the object18passes through the first sensing layer16at four or more places, the process proceeds from step S102to S110in the same manner as described above to execute respective processes of S110to S112, and it is determined that neither single touch gesture nor multi-touch gesture is performed.

As described above, the determination unit36determines the presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation performed by the object18based on the number of passage places of the object18in each of the first sensing layer16and the second sensing layer24.

For example, when the user intentionally performs a specific non-contact operation on the operation screen10, the number of passage places of the object18in the first sensing layer16is considered to be one or two. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit36determines that the specific non-contact operation on the operation screen10is performed.

On the other hand, for example, when a part of the body or the like of the user unintentionally passes through the first sensing layer16, the number of passage places of the object18in the first sensing layer16is considered to be three or more. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit36determines that the specific non-contact operation on the operation screen10is not performed.

Therefore, in the input device2according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to precisely determine the presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation on the operation screen10, and it is possible to avoid an erroneous operation and the like of a device having the input device2as a user interface.

[2-1. Configuration of Input Device]

Next, a configuration of an input device2A according to Embodiment 2 is described with reference toFIG. 8andFIG. 9.FIG. 8is a plan view illustrating the input device2A according to Embodiment 2.FIG. 9is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the input device2A according to Embodiment 2. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the same components as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, in the input device2A according to Embodiment 2, respective configurations of a first detection unit6A and a second detection unit8A are different from the configurations in Embodiment 1.

Specifically, the first detection unit6A includes an optical array sensor, and has a plurality of first light emitting units44, a plurality of first light receiving units46, a plurality of second light emitting units48, and a plurality of second light receiving units50.

The plurality of first light emitting units44is disposed at intervals along a first side52aof the display unit4. The plurality of first light receiving units46is disposed at intervals along a second side52bfacing the first side52aof the display unit4. That is, each of the plurality of first light emitting units44is disposed corresponding to each of the plurality of first light receiving units46. Each of the plurality of first light emitting units44linearly irradiates an infrared ray (indicated by a one-dot chain line inFIG. 8) toward the plurality of first light receiving units46. Each of the plurality of first light receiving units46receives the infrared ray from the plurality of first light emitting units44.

The plurality of second light emitting units48is disposed at intervals along a third side52cof the display unit4. The plurality of second light receiving units50is disposed at intervals along a fourth side52dfacing the third side52cof the display unit4. That is, each of the plurality of second light emitting units48is disposed corresponding to each of the plurality of second light receiving units50. Each of the plurality of second light emitting units48linearly irradiates an infrared ray (indicated by a one-dot chain line inFIG. 8) toward the plurality of second light receiving units50. Each of the plurality of second light receiving units50receives the infrared ray from the plurality of second light emitting units48.

A first sensing layer16A is formed in a region surrounded by the plurality of first light emitting units44, the plurality of first light receiving units46, the plurality of second light emitting units48, and the plurality of second light receiving units50. When the object18(seeFIG. 2) passes through a predetermined position of the first sensing layer16A, the light from the first light emitting unit44and the second light emitting unit48corresponding to the predetermined position is blocked by the object18, and thus the light is not received by the first light receiving unit46and the second light receiving unit50corresponding to the predetermined position. Accordingly, the first detection unit6A detects the size (area) of the object18at the predetermined position of the first sensing layer16A.

In addition, the second detection unit8A detects the presence or absence of the object18in the second sensing layer24. Similar to Embodiment 1, the second detection unit8A includes a scan sensor. Moreover, the second detection unit8A may include an optical array sensor similarly to the first detection unit6A.

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG. 9, in the input device2A according to Embodiment 2, respective configurations of a detection processing unit32A and a determination unit36A of a calculation processing unit30A are different from those in Embodiment 1.

The detection processing unit32A computes the size of the object18in the first sensing layer16A based on a detection signal from the first detection unit6A. In addition, the detection processing unit32A determines the presence or absence of the object18in the second sensing layer24based on a detection signal from the second detection unit8A.

The determination unit36A determines the presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation performed on the operation screen10by the object18based on respective computation results of the detection processing unit32A and the distance measurement calculation unit34. In the present embodiment, the specific non-contact operation is a non-contact single touch gesture on the operation screen10, for example. A determination process by the determination unit36A will be described later in detail.

[2-2. Operation of Input Device]

Next, an operation of the input device2A according to Embodiment 2 is described with reference toFIG. 10.FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow of the input device2A according to Embodiment 2.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, when the object18passes through the first sensing layer16A, the first detection unit6A detects the size of the object18in the first sensing layer16A (S201). The detection processing unit32A computes the size of the object18in the first sensing layer16A based on a detection signal from the first detection unit6A.

When one finger of the user passes through the first sensing layer16A, the detection processing unit32A determines that the size of the object18in the first sensing layer16A is equal to or smaller than a threshold (YES in S202). Here, for example, the threshold is an area corresponding to the average size of one finger. Based on respective computation results of the detection processing unit32A and the distance measurement calculation unit34, the display control unit40displays the cursor42(see (b) ofFIG. 5A) on the operation screen10when the object18passes through the first sensing layer16A (S203).

Thereafter, when one finger of the user passes through the second sensing layer24, the second detection unit8A detects the presence of the object18(one finger) in the second sensing layer24(S204). The detection processing unit32A determines that the object18is present in the second sensing layer24based on a detection signal from the second detection unit8A. The determination unit36A determines that a single touch gesture is performed when the object18passes through the second sensing layer24in a state that the cursor42is superimposed on the icon14(S205).

Returning to step S202described above, for example, when a wrist of the user passes through the first sensing layer16A, the detection processing unit32A determines that the size of the object18in the first sensing layer16A exceeds the threshold (NO in S202). In this case, the display control unit40does not display the cursor42on the operation screen10.

Thereafter, when the wrist, the finger, or the like of the user passes through the second sensing layer24, the second detection unit8A detects the presence of the object18(such as the wrist or the finger) in the second sensing layer24(S206). The detection processing unit32A determines that the object18is present in the second sensing layer24based on a detection signal from the second detection unit8A. When the object18passes through the second sensing layer24, the determination unit36A determines that the single touch gesture is not performed (S207).

As described above, the determination unit36A determines the presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation performed by the object18based on the size of the object in the first sensing layer16A and the presence or absence of the object18in the second sensing layer24.

For example, when the user intentionally performs a specific non-contact operation on the operation screen10, the size of the object18in the first sensing layer16A is considered to be smaller than or equal to the threshold. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit36A determines that a specific non-contact operation on the operation screen10is performed.

On the other hand, for example, when a part of the body or the like of the user unintentionally passes through the first sensing layer16A, the size of the object18in the first sensing layer16A is considered to exceed the threshold. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit36A determines that a specific non-contact operation on the operation screen10is not performed.

Therefore, in the input device2A according to Embodiment 2, as in Embodiment 1, it is possible to precisely determine the presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation on the operation screen10, and it is possible to avoid erroneous operation and the like of a device having the input device2A as a user interface.

The input devices according to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 of the disclosure have been described above, but the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the above respective embodiments may be combined.

In each of the aforementioned embodiments, the operation screen10is displayed on the display surface12of the display unit4including the liquid crystal display panel. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The operation screen may be, for example, an aerial image (real image) formed on a display surface which is an aerial display region, or may be a projection image projected on a display surface on a screen by a projector.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the first detection unit6(6A) and the second detection unit8(8A) are separately configured. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. These detection units may be integrally configured. That is, each function of the first detection unit6(6A) and the second detection unit8(8A) may be realized by one detection unit.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the first sensing layer16(16A) and the second sensing layer24are formed in the air. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and one or a plurality of third sensing layers may be further formed in the air between the second sensing layer24and the display surface12of the display unit4. In this case, the input device2(2A) includes one or a plurality of third detection units that detects a passing state of the object18in one or a plurality of third sensing layers, and the determination unit36determines the presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation performed by the object18based on a detection result of each of the first detection unit6(6A), the second detection unit8(8A), and the one or plurality of third detection units. Moreover, the determination unit36may determine that a specific non-contact operation by the object18is performed when the object18passes through the third sensing layer formed at a position closest to the display surface12of the display unit4.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the object18is the finger of the user. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the object18may be, for example, an indicator stick, etc.

(Other Modification Examples and the Like)

In addition, specifically, each of the above devices may be configured as a computer system including a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or the hard disk drive. Each device achieves a function thereof by the microprocessor operating according to the computer program. Here, the computer program is configured by combining a plurality of instruction codes indicating instructions for the computer in order to achieve a predetermined function.

Furthermore, some or all of the components configuring each of the aforementioned devices may be configured by a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). The system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating a plurality of components on a single chip. Specifically, the system LSI is a computer system including a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The system LSI achieves functions thereof by the microprocessor operating according to the computer program.

Furthermore, some or all of the components configuring each of the aforementioned devices may include an IC card or a single module that can be attached to and detached from each device. The IC card or the module is a computer system that includes a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The IC card or the module may include the ultra-multifunctional LSI described above. The IC card or the module achieves a function thereof by the microprocessor operating according to a computer program. This IC card or this module may have tamper resistance.

In addition, the disclosure may be the aforementioned methods. Further, the disclosure may be a computer program that realizes these methods by a computer, or may be a digital signal including the computer program.

Furthermore, in the disclosure, the computer program or the digital signal may be recorded in a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD, a semiconductor memory, etc. In addition, the disclosure may be the digital signal recorded in these non-transitory recording media.

In addition, in the disclosure, the computer program or the digital signal may be transmitted via an electric communication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, a data broadcast, etc.

In addition, the disclosure may be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, in which the memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor operates according to the computer program.

In addition, another independent computer system may be used for implementation by recording the program or the digital signal in the non-transitory recording medium and transferring the program or the digital signal or by transferring the program or the digital signal via the network, etc.

Moreover, in each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

The input device of the disclosure can be applied as, for example, a user interface for operating a device.

Other Configurations

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, it provides an input device for receiving a specific non-contact operation performed on an operation screen by an object, including: a display control unit that displays the operation screen on a display surface; a first detection unit that detects a passing state of the object in a first sensing layer in air formed to face the display surface; a second detection unit that detects a passing state of the object in a second sensing layer in air formed between the display surface and the first sensing layer, and a determination unit that determines presence or absence of the specific non-contact operation performed by the object based on respective detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

According to this embodiment, the passing state of the object in each of the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer is different between the case in which a user intentionally performs the specific non-contact operation on the operation screen and the case in which a part of the body of the user or the like unintentionally passes through each of the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer. For this reason, by determining the presence or absence of the specific non-contact operation performed by the object based on the passing state of the object in each of the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer, the determination unit can precisely determine the presence or absence of the specific non-contact operation on the operation screen. As a result, it is possible to avoid an erroneous operation and the like of a device having the input device as a user interface.

For example, in the input device according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first detection unit may detect the number of passage places of the object in the first sensing layer, and the second detection unit may detect the number of passage places of the object in the second sensing layer.

According to this embodiment, the determination unit can determine the presence or absence of the specific non-contact operation performed by the object based on the number of passage places of the object in each of the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer.

For example, in the input device according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the specific non-contact operation may be a non-contact single touch gesture for a predetermined display on the operation screen made by the object, and when the object passes through the first sensing layer at one place and passes through the second sensing layer at one place, the determination unit determines that the single touch gesture is performed.

According to this embodiment, the determination unit can determine that the single touch gesture is performed based on the number of passage places of the object in each of the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer.

For example, in the input device according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the specific non-contact operation may be a non-contact multi-touch gesture on the operation screen made by the object, and when the object passes through the first sensing layer at two places and passes through the second sensing layer at two places, the determination unit determines that the multi-touch gesture is performed.

According to this embodiment, the determination unit can determine that the multi-touch gesture is performed based on the number of passage places of the object in each of the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer.

For example, in the input device according to one embodiment of the disclosure, when the object passes through the first sensing layer at three places or more and passes through the second sensing layer at one place or more, the determination unit may determine that the specific non-contact operation is not performed.

According to this embodiment, the determination unit can determine that the specific non-contact operation is not performed based on the number of passage places of the object in each of the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer.

For example, in the input device according to one embodiment of the disclosure, when the object passes through the first sensing layer, the display control unit may display a cursor on the operation screen.

According to this embodiment, since the display control unit displays a cursor on the operation screen when the object passes through the first sensing layer, the user can easily recognize that the object passes through the first sensing layer.

For example, in the input device according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first detection unit may detect a size of the object in the first sensing layer, the second detection unit may detect presence or absence of the object in the second sensing layer, and the determination unit may determine that the specific non-contact operation is performed when the size of the object in the first sensing layer is smaller than or equal to a threshold and the object is detected in the second sensing layer, and determine that the specific non-contact operation is not performed when the size of the object in the first sensing layer exceeds the threshold and the object is detected in the second sensing layer.

According to this embodiment, the determination unit can determine the presence or absence of the specific non-contact operation performed by the object based on the size of the object in the first sensing layer and the presence or absence of the object in the second sensing layer.

For example, in the input device according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the input device may further include one or a plurality of third detection units that detects a passing state of the object in one or a plurality of third sensing layers in air formed between the display surface and the second sensing layer, and the determination unit determines the presence or absence of the specific non-contact operation performed by the object based on respective detection results of the first detection unit, the second detection unit, and the one or plurality of third detection units.

According to this embodiment, the determination unit can more precisely determine the presence or absence of the specific non-contact operation on the operation screen.

Moreover, the disclosure can be realized as a program for causing a computer to function as a characteristic processing unit included in an input device or a program for causing a computer to execute characteristic steps included in an aerial image display method. Needless to say, such a program can be distributed via a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) or a communication network such as the Internet.

According to the input device of the embodiment of the disclosure, it is possible to precisely determine the presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation on an operation screen.