Patent Publication Number: US-2023152897-A1

Title: Input Device

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2021/029094 filed on Aug. 5, 2021, which claims benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-150706 filed on Sep. 8, 2020. The entire contents of each application noted above are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an input device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A conventional display device includes: a camera unit that takes a picture of a manipulation panel that displays a screen with item buttons arranged and accepts a manipulation performed by the user on an item button; a display unit that enables the user to visually recognize the manipulation panel and displays information; and a control unit that recognizes the position of the manipulation panel in a display area on the display unit and a current screen, which is a screen. currently displayed on the manipulation panel, according to imaging data obtained by imaging at the manipulation panel by the camera unit, and displays item information on the display unit so as not to overlap the manipulation panel, item information indicating the contents of the item buttons arranged on a screen shiftable from the current screen (see Japanese Unexamined Patent. Application Publication No. 2018-181261, for example). 
     With the conventional display device, the item buttons displayed on a screen shiftable from the current display are not hardware buttons, which are actually present, but are displayed as virtual images. Therefore, the user cannot directly touch the item buttons to manipulate them. This prevents the user from directly specifying and manipulating an item button for a screen to which to shift. From this viewpoint, the conventional display device is not good in maneuverability. 
     In view of this, the present invention provides an input device that is superior in maneuverability. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An input device in an embodiment of the present invention has: a panel having a front surface; a manipulation area provided on the front surface so as to be continuous in hierarchical form; a capacitance detection electrode provided in the manipulation area; a plurality of icon display portions provided in the manipulation area, each icon display portion representing one of a plurality of functions; and a tactile response generation portion provided in the manipulation area so as to be along the plurality of icon display portions. 
     An input device that is superior in maneuverability can be provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an exploded view of a door of a vehicle that includes an input device in an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates icons as well as a tree-like pattern of a convex portion on an outer layer; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a display on the input device; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates another display on the input device; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates another display on the input device; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates another display on the input device; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates another display on the input device; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates another display on the input device; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates another display on the input device; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates another display on the input device; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates another display on the input device; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates another display on the input device; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates another display on the input device; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates the structure of a controller; 
         FIG.  15    is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the controller; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates the placement of a tree-like pattern, a pattern, and icons on an outer layer in a variation of the embodiment; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates patterns of a capacitance detection electrode; and 
         FIG.  18    illustrates the principle of position detection by the capacitance detection electrode. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     An embodiment to which an input device in the present invention is applied will be described below. 
     Embodiment 
       FIG.  1    is an exploded view of a door  50  of a vehicle  10  that includes an input device  100 . The description below is based on an XYZ coordinate system. For convenience of explanation, the −Y-direction side will be referred to below as the downward side or “downward”, and the +Y-direction side will be referred to below as the upward side or “upward”. As an example, the +X direction refers to the forward of the vehicle  10  and the −X direction refers to the backward of the vehicle  10 . A plan view refers to an XY plan view. 
     The vehicle  10  is an automobile that can travel on a road by using, for example, an engine and/or a motor. The vehicle  10  may be equipped with autonomous driving functions at various levels stipulated by, for example, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International in the United States.  FIG.  1    illustrates part of an opening  11  in which the door  50  on the left side of the vehicle  10  is stored. An example of the door  50  is the door on the driver seat side. In the description below, a left-hand drive vehicle will be taken as an example of the vehicle  10 . However, the vehicle  10  may be a right-hand drive vehicle or a vehicle with a steering wheel placed at the center. The vehicle  10  may not be an automobile; for example, the vehicle  10  may be, for example, a railroad vehicle or the like. 
     The door  50  includes a door panel  51  and the input device  100 . In  FIG.  1   , the −Z-direction side with respect to the door panel  51  is the outer side of the vehicle  10 , and the +Z-direction side with respect to the door panel  51  is the interior side of the vehicle  10 . The input device  100 , which is attached to the interior side with respect to the door panel  51 , doubles as the inner panel of the door  50 . Here, descriptions of a window attached to the door  50 , a mechanism that opens and closes the window, and the like will be omitted. 
     The input device  100  includes a panel  110 , a circuit board  120 , an electrode seat  130 , light guides  140 , and gel seats  150 . The panel  110  has a board  110 A, a cushion  110 B, and an outer layer  110 C. When a hand touches a surface of the panel  110 , the surface being the surface of the outer layer  110 C on the +Z-direction side, or a hand is held over the surface of the panel  110 , the input device  100  can be manipulated for various functions of the vehicle  10 , such as, for example, the locking and unlocking of the door  50  and the turning on/off of an air conditioner and an audio device. 
     In the description below, it will be assumed as an example that the input device  100  is attached to the door  50 . However, the input device  100  may be attached to a portion other than the doors of the vehicle  10 . For example, the input device  100  may be attached to a center console, an armrest, or the like. In the description below, it will also be assumed as an example that the input device  100  is mounted in the vehicle  10 . However, the input device  100  may be mounted in a moving body other than the vehicle  10 , such as, for example, an airplane. Alternatively, the input device  100  may be attached to a stationary object such as, for example, a wall of a building or a fixed device. 
     The panel  110  doubles as the inner panel of the door  50 . The panel  110  is constituted by the board  110 A, cushion  110 B, and outer layer  110 C. The surface of the panel  110  is the surface of the outer layer  110 C on the +Z-direction side. 
     The board  110 A is a member used as the base of the panel  110 . The board  110 A is disposed between the electrode seat  130  and the cushion  110 B and has a convex portion  111  and a plurality of openings  112 . 
     The convex portion  111  is designed so as to be like a tree diagram in plan view. The convex portion  111  protrudes in the +Z direction from the surface of the board  110 A on the +Z-direction side. The convex portion  111  is formed from a transparent or translucent resin. Portions of the board  110 A other than the convex portion  111  are formed from an opaque resin. The convex portion  111  is an example of a first translucent portion. The board  110 A having the convex portion  111  of this type can be manufactured by, for example, two-color molding. The reason why the convex portion  111  protrudes in the +Z direction is that the input device  100  in an assembled form has, on the outer layer  110 C, a convex portion similar to the convex portion  111 . The reason why the convex portion  111  is transparent or translucent is to preferably transmit light emitted from light emitting diodes (LEDs)  121  provided on the circuit board  120 , which will be described later. The convex portion  111  also fulfills the role of guiding light emitted from the LEDs  121 . The reason why the convex portion  111  is shaped like a tree diagram will be described later with reference to  FIG.  2   . 
     The plurality of openings  112 , which are formed along the convex portion  111  shaped like a tree diagram, are provided to transmit light emitted from LEDs  122  provided on the circuit board  120 . Although the board  110 A is illustrated as a plate-like member in  FIG.  1   , the board  110 A may have various concave portions and convex portions to match the design of the inner panel of the door  50  (the shapes of the door handle, the armrest, and the like). 
     The cushion  110 B is disposed between the board  110 A and the outer layer  110 C. The cushion  110 B gives elasticity to the outer layer  110 C. An example of the cushion  110 B is a member like a thin sheet formed from a sponge material. The cushion  110 B has an opening  115 B and a plurality of openings  116 B. 
     The opening  115 B has the same shape as the convex portion  111  on the board  110 A in plan view. The position of the opening  115 B matches the position of the convex portion  111 . Since the thickness of the cushion  110 B in the Z direction is smaller than an amount by which the convex portion  111  on the board  110 A protrudes in the Z direction, that is, the height of the convex portion  111  in the Z direction, the convex portion  111  protrudes from the surface of the cushion  110 B on the +Z-direction side in the +Z direction in a state in which the input device  100  is assembled. The opening  115 B transmits light emitted from the LEDs  121  and allows the convex portion  111  to protrude through the opening  115 B toward the +Z-direction side. 
     Each of the plurality of openings  116 B has the same shape as the plurality of openings  112  in the board  110 A. The positions of the plurality of openings  116 B match the positions of the plurality of openings  112 . The plurality of openings  116 B transmit light from the plurality of LEDs  122 . 
     The outer layer  110 C, which is positioned on the surface of the panel  110 , is a sheet-like translucent member having flexibility, with which the  110 C can be deformed along the convex portion  111  on the board  110 A. As an example, the outer layer  110 C is made of an artificial leather having translucency. The outer layer  110 C can transmit light emitted from the LEDs  121  and  122 . The outer layer  110 C forms a convex portion  115 C, which is shaped like a tree diagram in plan view, along the convex portion  111  protruding through the opening  115 B in the cushion  110 B toward the +Z-direction side. The surface of the outer layer  110 C on the +Z-direction side is a manipulation surface, on which a manipulation for the input device  100  is performed. The convex portion  115 C is an example of a tactile response generation portion that generates a tactile response to, for example, a finger of the user with which the user touches the convex portion  115 C. In a manipulation area, which will be described later, including a high-end manipulation area and at least one low-end manipulation areas, a portion other than the convex portion  115 C is an example of a portion other than the tactile response generation portion. 
     The circuit boar  120 , which is a printed circuit board (PCB), is disposed on the −Z-direction side of the electrode seat  130 . A plurality of LEDs  121  and a plurality of LEDs  122  are preferably mounted on the surface of the circuit board  120  on the +Z-direction side. The plurality of LEDs  121  are placed like a tree diagram in plan view so as to match the convex portion  111  on the board  110 A. Each LED  121  is an example of a first light source. The plurality of LEDs  122  are placed along the plurality of LEDs  121  placed like a tree diagram. Each LED  122  is an example of a second light source. Each LED  122  includes two LEDs that emit light in different colors. Here, descriptions of a lighting controller for the LEDs  121  and  122  will be omitted. 
     The electrode seat  130  is an example of a capacitance detection electrode. The electrode seat  130  is disposed between the circuit board  120  and the board  110 A. The electrode seat  130  detects a position at which the user has performed a manipulation on the surface of the outer layer  110 C. The electrode seat  130  has a plurality of transparent electrodes formed on one surface of a transparent substrate so as to extend in the X direction, and also has a plurality of transparent electrodes formed on another surface of a transparent substrate so as to extend in the Y direction. The transparent electrode is formed from, for example, an indium tin oxide (ITO) material. The electrode seat  130  is a set of electrodes that detect a change in capacitance between the electrode seat  130  and, for example, a finger of the user who performs a manipulation on the outer layer  110 C. An example of the electrode seat  130  is a self-capacitance detection type of sensor. 
     One light guide  140  is provided for each of the plurality of openings  112  in the board  110 A. The light guide  140  is a member that guides, in the +Z direction, light emitted from the relevant LED  122 . The light guide  140  is formed from, for example, a transparent resin. Portions, corresponding to the plurality of openings  112 , of the light guides  140  may be integrally formed from a light guide sheet. 
     The gel seat  150  is an example of a second translucent portion. One gel seat  150  is provided in each of the plurality of openings  116 B in the cushion  110 B. One mask sheet  151  is provided on the surface of each gel seat  150  on the +Z-direction side. The mask sheet  151  is a printout, produced on the surface of the gel seat  150 , of an icon representing one of various functions of the vehicle  10 . For easy understanding, the gel sheets  150  and mask sheets  151  are separated in  FIG.  1   . On the mask sheet  151 , a portion of the pattern, symbols, numerals, letters, or the like of the icon is transparent without being subject to printing, but a light shielding coating is printed on portions other than the pattern, symbols, numerals, letters, or the like. The transparent portion, on the mask sheet  151 , in which the pattern, symbols, numerals, letters, or the like of the icon is formed without a light shielding coating being printed, is a non-printed portion. The gel seat  150  has flexibility equivalent to the flexibility of the cushion  110 B. Therefore, the plurality of openings  116 B in the cushion  110 B can also give, to the outer layer  110 C, flexibility equivalent to the flexibility in portions in which the cushion  110 B is present. Thus, on the surface of the outer layer  110 C, the icons and portions other than the icons are made to be flush and produce similar tactile responses. 
     With the input device  100  described above, on the surface of the outer layer  110 C, only the convex portion  115 C shaped like a tree diagram in plan view appears and the icons formed on the gel seats  150  are invisible when the LEDs  121  and  122  are turned off. 
     When all LEDs  121  are turned on, the convex portion  115 C goes on. When all LEDs  122  are turned on, the icons formed on the gel seats  150  go on along the convex portion  115 C. When all LEDs  121  and all LEDs  122  are turned on, the convex portion  115 C goes on and the icons formed on the gel seats  150  go on along the convex portion  115 C. Therefore, when LEDs to be turned on are selected from all LEDs  121  and all LEDs  122 , various segments of the convex portion  115 C and various icons can be lighted. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates icons  170  as well as a tree-like pattern  160  formed by the convex portion  115 C on the outer layer  110 C. The tree-like pattern  160  formed like a tree diagram is a planar pattern formed by the convex portion  115 C, which appears on the surface of the outer layer  110 C on the +Z-direction side. The convex portion  115 C is a portion that protrudes in the +Z direction, the portion being part of the outer layer  110 C, as a result of the outer layer  110 C being pressed from the −Z-direction side by the convex portion  111  on the board  110 A. Therefore, the tree-like pattern  160  is the same as the planar shape of the convex portion  111  on the board  110 A. 
     The icon  170  is displayed on the surface of the outer layer  110 C when light emitted from the relevant LED  122  passes through the non-printed portion on the mask sheet  151  on the surface of the gel seat  150  and then passes through the outer layer  110 C. A portion in which the icon  170  is displayed, the portion being part of the surface of the outer layer  110 C, is an example of an icon display portion. The icon  170  displayed in the icon display portion is not limited to a pattern. Symbols, numerals, letters, and the like can also be used as the icon  170 . When the relevant LED  122  is turned off, the icon  170  does not appear on the surface of the outer layer  110 C. When the LED  122  is turned on, the icon  170  appears on the surface of the outer layer  110 C. For convenience of explanation,  FIG.  2    illustrates the icons  170  that appear on the surface of the outer layer  110 C when the LEDs  122  are turned on. 
     The tree-like pattern  160  includes patterns  161 ,  162 A,  162 B,  163 A,  163 B,  164 A,  164 B,  165 A,  165 B,  166 A, and  166 B as well as points A to E. Icons  170  include icons  171 ,  172 A,  172 B,  173 A,  173 B, and  173 C. The electrode seat  130  is disposed on the −Z-direction side of the patterns  161 ,  162 A,  162 B,  163 A,  163 B,  164 A,  164 B,  165 A,  165 B,  166 A and  166 B and the icons  171 ,  172 A,  172 B, 173 A,  173 B and  173 C. Therefore, when the position of a finger or the like is detected according to a change in capacitance detected on the electrode seat  130 , it is found that the place of the user&#39;s touch is which of the patterns  161 ,  162 A,  162 B,  163 A,  163 B,  164 A,  164 B,  165 A,  165 B,  166 A and  166 B and the icons  171 ,  172 A,  172 B,  173 A,  173 B and  173 C. 
     The patterns  161  to  166 B are placed so as to branch in hierarchical form, starting from the −X-direction side. Of these patterns, the pattern  161  present at the extreme end on the −X-direction side is at the highest level of the hierarchy, and the patterns  162  to  166 B are at lower hierarchical levels than the pattern  161 . There is no hierarchical relation in each of the patterns  161  to  166 B. 
     In each of the patterns  162 A to  166 B, however, the end closer to the pattern  161  will be referred to as the high end for convenience of explanation. 
     Of the patterns  161  to  166 B, a pattern closer to the pattern  161  with respect to each of the points A to E is a pattern on a high-end side and a pattern more distant from the pattern  161  with respect to each of the points A to E is a pattern on a low-end side. The points A to E are branch points at which the tree-like pattern  160  branches. The patterns  161  to  166 B are equivalent to branches of the tree-like pattern  160 . 
     The pattern  161 , which is between an end  161 A and the point A, is a segment at the highest level of the hierarchy among the patterns  161  to  166 B in hierarchical form. At the point A, the patterns  162 A and  162 B are linked to the pattern  161 . In other words, the pattern  161  branches to the patterns  162 A and  162 B at the point A. When viewed from the point A, an area in which the pattern  161  is present is an example of the high-end manipulation area. 
     Although no icon  170  is placed in the segment of the pattern  161 , an icon at a higher hierarchical level than the hierarchical levels of the icons  171  to  173 C may be placed along the pattern  161 . An example of an icon at a higher hierarchical level than the hierarchical levels of the icons  171  to  173 C is an icon assigned a function that selectively turns on and off the power of the input device  100  itself. 
     The pattern  162 A extends upward at an oblique angle from the point A, bends, and further extends to an end  162 A 1  in the +X direction. The pattern  162 A is a segment at a lower hierarchical level than the hierarchical level of the pattern  161 . As an example, two icons  171  are placed along the pattern  162 A. When viewed from the point A, an area in which the pattern  162 A and two icons  171  are placed is an example of the low-end manipulation area. 
     The two icons  171  are assigned functions that selectively lock and unlock the door. The two icons  171  are icons related to functions in a common category involved in door locking. Thus, groups eligible for manipulation, the groups being classified into a category or the like, can be collected as a desired pattern and can be placed in the low-end manipulation area. 
     The patterns  162 B is a segment extending between the points A and B. At the point B, the patterns  163 A and  163 B are linked to the pattern  162 B. In other words, the pattern  162 B branches to the patterns  163 A and  163 B at the point B. When viewed from the point B, an area in which the pattern  162 B is present is another example of the high-end manipulation area. 
     The pattern  163 A extends downward at an oblique angle from the point B so as to extend between the points B and D. When viewed from the point B, an area in which the pattern  163 A is present is another example of the low-end manipulation area. At the point D, the pattern  164 A and  164 B are linked to the pattern  163 A. In other words, the pattern  163 A branches to the patterns  164 A and  164 B at the point D. 
     The pattern  163 B extends from the point B in the +X direction so as to extend between the points B and C. When viewed from the point B, an area in which the pattern  163 B is present is another example of the low-end manipulation area. At the point C, the pattern  165 A and  165 B are linked to the pattern  163 B. In other words, the pattern  163 B branches to the patterns  165 A and  165 B at the point C. 
     The pattern  164 A extends from the point D to an end  164 A 1  in the +X direction. As an example, four icons  172 A are placed along the pattern  164 A. The pattern  164 A is a segment at a lower hierarchical level than the hierarchical level of the pattern  163 A. When viewed from the point D, an area in which the pattern  164 A and icons  172 A are placed is another example of the low-end manipulation area. 
     As an example, the four icons  172 A are assigned functions that select TUNER representing a tuner, TV representing a television set, BT representing Bluetooth (registered trademark), and SD representing a secure digital (SD) card. The four icons  172 A are icons related to functions in a common category involved in external inputs. 
     The pattern  164 B extends downward at an oblique angle from the point D and extends to an end  164 B 1  in the +X direction while repeatedly bending. As an example, five icons  172 B are placed along the pattern  164 B. The pattern  164 B is a segment at a lower hierarchical level than the hierarchical level of the pattern  163 A. When viewed from the point D, an area in which the pattern  164 B and two icons  172 B are placed is another example of the low-end manipulation area. 
     As an example, the five icons  172 B are assigned functions that select MUTE representing a mute, VOL− representing a drop in volume, VOL+ representing an increase in volume, CH− representing a channel manipulation, and CH+ representing a channel manipulation. The five icons  172 B are icons related to functions in a common category involved in volume adjustment and channel selection. 
     The pattern  165 A extends from the point C to an end  165 A 1  in the +X direction. As an example, five icons  173 A are placed along the pattern  165 A. The pattern  165 A is a segment at a lower hierarchical level than the hierarchical level of the pattern  163 B. When viewed from the point C, an area in which the pattern  165 A and icons  173 A are placed is another example of the low-end manipulation area. 
     As an example, the five icons  173 A select the orientations of the outlet of an air conditioner. Specifically, the five icons  173 A select ↓ (downward), ↓→ (downward and frontward), → (frontward), ↓→ (downward and upward), and ↑ (upward) from the −X-direction side toward the +X-direction side. The five icons  173 A are icons related to functions in a common category involved in the selection of the orientation of the outlet of the air conditioner. 
     The pattern  165 B extends downward at an oblique angle from the point C to the point E so as to extend between the points C and E. When viewed from the point C, an area in which the pattern  165 B is present is another example of the low-end manipulation area. At the point E, the patterns  166 A and  166 B are linked to the pattern  165 B. In other words, the pattern  165 B branches to the patterns  166 A and  166 B at the point E. 
     The pattern  166 A extends from the point E to an end  166 A 1  in the +X direction. As an example, nine icons  173 B are placed along the pattern  166 A. The pattern  166 A is a segment at a lower hierarchical level than the hierarchical level of the pattern  165 B. When viewed from the point E, an area in which the pattern  166 A and icons  173 B are placed is another example of the low-end manipulation area. 
     As an example, the nine icons  173 B adjust the air flow rate of the air conditioner. The nine icons  173 B include an icon that selects OFF that stops an air flow and eight icons that adjust the air flow rate at eight levels, from the −X-direction side toward the +X-direction side. The nine icons  173 B are icons related to functions in a common category involved in the setting of the amount of air from the air conditioner. 
     The pattern  166 B extends from the point E to an end  166 B 1  in the +X direction. As an example, twelve icons  173 C are placed along the pattern  166 B. The pattern  166 B is a segment at a lower hierarchical level than the hierarchical level of the pattern  165 B. When viewed from the point E, an area in which the pattern  166 B and icons  173 C are placed is another example of the low-end manipulation area. 
     The twelve icons  173 C are assigned functions that select a temperature setting for the air conditioner. Specifically, the twelve icons  173 C set a temperature setting within the range of 18 degrees indicated by 18 to 29 degrees indicated by 29. The twelve icons  173 C are icons related to functions in a common category involved in the selection of a temperature setting for the air conditioner. 
     Which portion of the manipulation area is the high-end manipulation area or low-end manipulation area differs depending on, as an example, which of the points A to E is the reference of the high-end side and low-end side, as described above. An icon included in the high-end manipulation area with respect to any one of the points A to E is at a higher hierarchical level than an icon included in the low-end manipulation area located on the low-end side of the high-end manipulation area. An icon included in the low-end manipulation area is at a lower hierarchical level. An icon at a higher hierarchical level (higher end) is assigned, for example, a function with a higher-level concept when compared with a function assigned to an icon at a lower hierarchical level. 
     Next, how a display on the input device  100  shifts will be described with reference to  FIGS.  3  to  13   .  FIGS.  3  to  13    illustrate displays on the input device  100 . The displays in  FIGS.  3  to  13    appear on the outer layer  110 C. In  FIGS.  4  to  12   , the position of a finger F in contact with the outer layer  110 C is indicated by a circle denoted F. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an initial state in which all LEDs  121  and  122  are turned off and only the convex portion  115 C is thereby visible. Since, in the initial state, all LEDs  121  and  122  are turned off, there is nothing that indicates the presence of the input device  100  except that the convex portion  115 C is provided on the surface of the outer layer  110 C. That is, the initial state is similar to the state of the inner panel of a door that lacks the input device  100 , except that the convex portion  115 C is present. In a state in which the input device  100  is not manipulated, therefore, it is possible to provide an appearance similar to the appearance of a door that lacks the input device  100 . In other words, in the initial state, it is possible to provide an appearance in which a special scene with the input device  100  provided is excluded as much as possible and the convex portion  115 C is used as part of the design. 
     When the finger F comes into contact with the pattern  161  as illustrated in  FIG.  4   , a shift occurs from the initial state to a state in which the pattern  161 , the patterns  162 A to  166 B at lower hierarchical levels than the hierarchical level of the pattern  161 , and the icons  171  to  173 C are all lighted. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the functions, of the vehicle  10 , that can be manipulated on the input device  100 . When the user views the initial state many times while using the vehicle  10  many times, the user can learn the icons  170  of functions and the layout of the icons  170 . This enables the user to intuitively manipulate the input device  100 . 
     In  FIG.  4   , the LEDs  122  corresponding to the icons  171  (LOCK),  172 A (BT),  173 A (→),  173 B (at the fourth level from the lowest level), and  173 C ( 24 ), which represent currently selected settings, show a different luminescent color, which is a selection color, from the other LEDs  122 . The LED  122  can emit light in two luminescent colors, a selection color shown when an icon is selected and a non-selection color shown when no icon is selected. In  FIG.  4   , the icons  171  (LOCK),  172 A (BT),  173 A (→),  173 B (at the fourth level from the lowest level), and  173 C ( 24 ) are highlighted by being boldfaced. The selection color is red and the non-selection color is blue, as an example. 
     When the finger F in the state illustrated in  FIG.  4    is moved to pass through the point A and is further moved along the pattern  162 A as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , a shift occurs to a state in which the pattern  162 A on which the finger F is positioned, the two icons  171 , and the pattern  161  between the finger F and the end  161 A are lighted. The other patterns  162 B to  166 B and icons  172 A to  173 C go off. This is done for easy visual recognition of the pattern on which the finger F is positioned, the patterns on the low-end side with respect to the finger F, and the icons  171  on the low-end side with respect to the position of the finger F. The reason why the pattern  161  is kept in the lighted state is to guide the user when the user returns the finger F to the high-end side. In the state in  FIG.  5   , the pattern  161  may not be lighted. 
     When the finger F in the state in  FIG.  5    is further moved in the +X direction and comes into contact with the icon  171  marked UNLOCK as illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the luminescent color of the icon  171  marked UNLOCK changes to the selection color and the luminescent color of the icon  171  marked LOCK returns to the non-selection color. When, in this state, the finger F is released from the surface of the outer layer  110 C after the elapse of a certain time with the finger F in contact with the icon  171  marked UNLOCK, the selection of the icon  171  marked UNLOCK is established. The establishment of the selection of the icon  171  is not limited to the manipulation to release the finger F from the surface of the outer layer  110 C after the elapse of a certain time with the finger F in contact with the icon  171 . Possible examples of manipulations to establish the selection of the icon  171  are to detect the pressing of the icon  171  with the finger F by having the electrode seat  130  detect a change in capacitance or by using a separately provided pressure sensor, to tap or double-click the icon  171  with the position of the finger F left unchanged, to flick the icon  171  in a predetermined direction (the upward direction, for example) with the position of the finger F left unchanged, to stop the movement of the finger F for a while with the position of the finger F left unchanged, and to release the finger F from the outer layer  110 C and then press a selection button immediately with the position of the finger F left unchanged. The selection button only needs to be placed at any position on the outer layer  110 C. 
     When the finger F in the state in  FIG.  5    is moved onto the pattern  163 B, the pattern  163 B on which the finger F is positioned, the patterns  165 A,  165 B,  166 A and  166 B on the low-end side with respect to the pattern  163 B, the icons  173 A to  173 C, and the patterns  161  and  162 B between the pattern  163 B and the end  161 A go on as illustrated in  FIG.  7   . This is done for easy visual recognition of the pattern on which the finger F is positioned, the patterns on the low-end side with respect to the finger F, and the icons  173 A to  173 C on the low-end side with respect to the position of the finger F. The reason why the patterns  161  and  162 B between the finger F and the end  161 A are kept in the lighted state is to guide the user when the user returns the finger F to the high-end side. In the state in  FIG.  7   , the patterns  161  and  162 B may not be lighted. 
     When the finger F in the state in  FIG.  7    is moved onto the pattern  165 B, a shift occurs to a state in which the patterns  165 B on which the finger F is positioned, the patterns  166 A and  166 B on the low-end side with respect to the pattern  165 B, the icons  173 B and  173 C, and the patterns  161 ,  162 B and  163 B on the low-end side with respect to the pattern  165 B go on, and the pattern  165 A and icons  173 A go off, as illustrated in  FIG.  8   . This is done for easy visual recognition of the pattern on which the finger F is positioned, the patterns on the low-end side with respect to the finger F, and the icons  173 B and  173 C on the low-end side with respect to the position of the finger F. The reason why the patterns  161 ,  162 B, and  163 B on the high-end side with respect to the position of the finger F are kept in the lighted state is to guide the user when the user returns the finger F to the high-end side. In the state in  FIG.  8   , the patterns  161 ,  162 B and  163 B may not be lighted. 
     When the user first touches the pattern  164 B in the initial state (see  FIG.  3   ), the pattern  164 B on which the finger F is positioned, the icon  172 B, and the patterns  161 ,  162 B and  163 A between the pattern  164 B and the end  161 A go on as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . This is done to accept a manipulation that may be performed when the user remembers the position of a desired icon and directly touches a desired pattern. 
     When the finger F in the state in  FIG.  9    is moved in the +X direction along the pattern  164 B and is stopped on the icon  172 B marked VOL− representing a drop in volume, the luminescent color of the icon  172 B marked VOL− is switched to the selection color. In this state, a countdown for the volume of the audio device continues while the finger F is in contact with the icon  172 B marked VOL−. The volume is lowered by an amount equal to the countdown performed during a time while the finger F is in contact with the icon  172 B marked VOL−. When the finger F is released from the outer layer  110 C, the volume at that time is set. 
     When the finger F is moved to a position on the high-end side in the state as illustrated in  FIG.  11    in which the finger F is in contact with the pattern  166 A and with the sixth icon  173 B involved in the setting of an air flow rate, the pattern  166 A, icons  173 B, and patterns  161 ,  162 B,  163 B and  165 B are lighted, and the sixth icon  173 B involved in the setting of an air flow rate is in the selection color, the display shifts as illustrated in  FIG.  12   . 
     In  FIG.  12   , the finger F has been moved to the pattern  165 B. Therefore, the pattern  166 B and icons  173 C are further lighted unlike the state in  FIG.  11   . In addition, the luminescent color of the sixth icon  173 B involved in the setting of an air flow rate has been returned from the selection color to the non-selection color. 
     When the finger F in  FIG.  12    is moved to the icon  173 C marked  24 , which is used to set the temperature setting of the air conditioner to  24  degrees, and the finger F is released from the outer layer  110 C to establish the temperature setting, the lighted state of the icon  173 C marked  24  in the selection color may be kept for several seconds as illustrated in  FIG.  13    without making the icon  173 C marked  24  immediately go off. Thus, the user can visually recognize the established setting when the user sees the input device  100  after the user has released the finger F from the outer layer  110 C. This enhances usability. In this case, when the setting of an icon  173 B involved in the setting of an air flow rate has been established in succession as part of a series of manipulations without the finger F being released, the icon  173 B may go on similarly and may be held in the selection color. Furthermore, when a manipulation for the air conditioner has been established, all icons involved in the settings of the air conditioner, which are in the same high-end category, may be lighted. In this case, the currently selected icon may be held in the selection color. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates the structure of a controller  180  included in the input device  100  (see  FIG.  1   ). The controller  180  is implemented by a computer that includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an input/output interface, an internal bus, and the like. An electronic control unit (ECU)  20  is connected to the controller  180 . The ECU  20  controls the air conditioner, the audio device, and other device in the vehicle  10 . The ECU  20  may be of a type that controls autonomous driving functions. The ECU  20  may be a plurality of ECUs, each of which is independent for one device, or may be a single ECU that implements all functions. 
     The controller  180  has a manipulation detecting unit  181 , a lighting controller  182 , and a memory  183 . The manipulation detecting unit  181  and lighting controller  182  represent functions of programs executed by the controller  180  as functional blocks. The memory  183  functionally represents memories in the controller  180 . 
     The manipulation detecting unit  181  preferably detects the position at which a manipulation was performed on the outer layer  110 C, according to the result of detection by the electrode seat  130 . The manipulation detecting unit  181  transmits data of the detected position to the lighting controller  182 . When the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides that a manipulation has been established, the manipulation detecting unit  181  transmits data representing the established manipulation to the ECU  20 . As an example, the manipulation detecting unit  181  detects the position of the finger F described with reference to  FIGS.  3  to  13   . 
     The lighting controller  182  preferably controls the lighting of a plurality of LEDs  121  and a plurality of LEDs  122  according to the position data transmitted from the manipulation detecting unit  181 . As an example, the lighting controller  182  preferably controls the lighting of the plurality of LEDs  121  and plurality of LEDs  122  described with reference to  FIGS.  3  to  13   . 
     The memory  183  stores programs and data that are needed by the manipulation detecting unit  181  and lighting controller  182  to execute processing. The memory  183  also stores coordinate data, on the outer layer  110 C, of the patterns  161  to  166 B included in the tree-like pattern  160 , coordinate data, on the outer layer  110 C, of the icons  171  to  173 C, data representing the correspondence between the patterns  161  to  166 B and the plurality of LEDs  121 , and the correspondence between the icons  171  to  173 C and the plurality of LEDs  122 . 
       FIG.  15    is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the controller  180 . The controller  180  repeatedly executes the processing in  FIG.  15   . The flowchart in  FIG.  15    is just an example of processing executed by the controller  180 . The controller  180  can also execute processing that is not indicated in this flowchart. 
     When the processing starts, the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides whether a manipulation is in progress on any pattern (step S 1 ). 
     If the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides that a manipulation is in progress on any pattern (Yes in step S 1 ), the lighting controller  182  lights the pattern on which the finger F is positioned, patterns on the low-end side with respect to the pattern on which the finger F is positioned, icons placed along these patterns, and patterns between the end  161 A and the pattern on which the finger F is positioned (step S 2 ). Although the icons are lighted in the non-selection color, the selected icon may be lighted in the selection color to indicate the current selection. 
     The manipulation detecting unit  181  decides whether a manipulation is in progress at the position of any icon (step S 3 ). This is done to decide whether the user is in contact with any icon. 
     If the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides that a manipulation is in progress at the position of any icon (Yes in step S 3 ), the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides whether the manipulation at the position of the icon has been continued for a predetermined time or more (step S 4 ). This is done to decide whether the user is selecting any icon. The predetermined time only needs to be set in the range of about 0.1 second to about 0.5 second. 
     If the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides that the manipulation at the position of the icon has not been continued for the predetermined time or more (No in step S 4 ), the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides whether the icon is a non-selected icon (step S 5 ). The non-selected icon is an icon corresponding to an LED  122  the light luminescent color of which has not been changed to the selection color and that thereby emits light in the non-selection color. 
     If the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides the icon is a non-selected icon (Yes in step S 5 ), the lighting controller  182  turns on the LED  122  corresponding to the icon with the luminescent color switched from the non-selection color to the selection color (step S 6 ). Upon the termination of processing in step S 6 , the flow returns to decide whether a manipulation is to be performed for any other pattern. 
     The flow also returns even if the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides in step S 5  that the icon is not a non-selected icon (No in step S 5 ). In this case, the icon is lighted in the selection color, but a decision has been made in step S 4  that the predetermined time has not elapsed. 
     If the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides in step S 4  that the manipulation has been continued at the position of the icon for the predetermined time or more (Yes in step S 4 ), the lighting controller  182  causes the LED  122  corresponding to the icon at the position of the finger F to blink in the selection color and turns off the LED  121  corresponding to the pattern lighted at that time. Then, the manipulation detecting unit  181  determines that the selection of the icon has been established (step S 7 ). Then, the manipulation detecting unit  181  transmits, to the ECU  20 , data representing the type of the icon for which selection has been established, after which the ECU  20  performs control to operate the device, in the vehicle  10 , that corresponds to the icon. When, for example, a manipulation is performed on the icon  172 B marked VOL−, the volume of the audio device is lowered. Upon the termination of processing in step S 7 , the flow returns to decide whether a manipulation is to be performed for any other pattern. Although, in this embodiment, a manipulation is established only when the manipulation is continued for a predetermined time or more, the establishment may be based on a change in pressure applied to the manipulation panel during the manipulation or on a change in a contact area. 
     If the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides in step S 3  that a manipulation is not in progress at the position of any icon (No in step S 3 ), the flow returns to decide whether a manipulation is to be performed for any other pattern. 
     If the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides in step S 1  that a manipulation is not also in progress on any pattern (No in step S 1 ), the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides whether three seconds has elapsed after the selection of the icon was established in step S 7  (step S 8 ). The three seconds, which is an example, after the selection of the icon was established, is to allow for keeping the LED  122  corresponding to the icon turned on in the selection color. When the icon is kept lighted in the selection color even after the selection of the icon is established and then the user releases the finger F from the outer layer  110 C, the user can visually recognize the function for which the manipulation has been established. 
     If the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides that three seconds has not elapsed (No in step S 8 ), the flow returns. If the manipulation detecting unit  181  decides that three seconds has elapsed (Yes in step S 8 ), the lighting controller  182  turns off the LED  122  corresponding to the icon (step S 9 ). This completes a series of processing. Upon the completion of the processing in step S 9 , the flow returns to decide whether a manipulation is to be performed for any other pattern. 
     Although not illustrated in the flowchart, if manipulations are concurrently performed in two or more low-end manipulation areas, the manipulation detecting unit  181  may decide that these manipulations are unintentional and may ignore detection results for these manipulations. When the detection results are ignored, the two positions detected by the manipulation detecting unit  181  are output to neither the lighting controller  182  nor the ECU  20 . If the arm touches the outer layer  110 C immediately after the finger F touches the outer layer  110 C, for example, the manipulation detecting unit  181  also decides that the manipulation is unintentional and ignores the detection result for the manipulation. When the contact area of a touch to the outer layer  110 C has a predetermined size or more, the manipulation is likely to be unintentional. In this case as well, the manipulation detecting unit  181  may ignore the detection result for the manipulation. This is because, for example, the arm or another part of the body may unintentionally touch the outer layer  110 C. In detection as for the contact area, a change in capacitance detected by the electrode seat  130  can be used. 
     The manipulation detecting unit  181  may be structured so as to detect a manipulation in the manipulation area only while the vehicle  10  is autonomously driven. In this case, control processing described above with reference to the flowchart can be executed only during autonomous driving. Autonomous driving may be implemented by autonomous driving functions at various levels stipulated by, for example, the SAE International in the United States. Thus, even when part of the body unintentionally touches the manipulation area during normal driving, it is possible to prevent the touch from being mistakenly regarded as a manipulation. 
     As described above, the input device  100  detects manipulations on the tree-like pattern  160 , which is formed by the convex portion  115 C so as to be continuous in hierarchical form and to be recognizable through a tactile response to a fingertip or the like, and on the icons  170  disposed along the tree-like pattern  160 . Therefore, the icons  170  can be easily manipulated along the tree-like pattern  160 . Furthermore, since the tree-like pattern  160  is in hierarchical form, relationships among the icons  170  can be intuitively recognized easily, so manipulations are eased. 
     Therefore, the input device  100  superior in maneuverability can be provided. Since the tree-like pattern  160  is formed by the convex portion  115 C of the outer layer  110 C, the tree-like pattern  160  can be visually recognized and can be easily recognized through a tactile response to a fingertip or the like. Therefore, maneuverability can be enhanced. Although, in the above embodiment, the convex portion  115 C of the outer layer  110 C has been formed by the convex portion  111  of the board  110 A, the convex portion  115 C may be formed directly on the surface of the outer layer  110 C. A concave portion may be formed instead of the convex portion  115 C. Alternatively, small concave portions and convex portions may be continuously formed instead of the convex portion  115 C. This is because even if a concave portion or a combination of concave portions and convex portions is formed, the tree-like pattern  160 , which is continuous in hierarchical form and is recognizable through a tactile response to a fingertip or the like, can be implemented. 
     The convex portion  115 C is formed from a transparent or translucent resin so that the tree-like pattern  160  formed by the convex portion  115 C is displayed by being lighted. In addition, the input device  100  includes a plurality of LEDs  121  placed along the convex portion  115 C. Therefore, visibility for individual portions of the tree-like pattern  160  is enhanced. Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  that is more superior in maneuverability. 
     The input device  100  also includes a plurality of LEDs  122  in correspondence to icons  170  so that the icons  170  are displayed by being lighted as well as gel seats  150  on which mask sheets  151 , each of which represents one icon  170 , are printed. Therefore, the visibility of each icon  170  is enhanced and the function of the icon  170  can be visually recognized. Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  that is more superior in maneuverability. 
     The high-end manipulation area and low-end manipulation area are respectively provided on the high-end side and low-end side with respect to each of the points A to E on the tree-like pattern  160 . Therefore, relationships among the icons  170  can be intuitively recognized easily according to the hierarchy. Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  that is more superior in maneuverability. 
     When a manipulation is performed in any high-end manipulation area, the input device  100  lights and displays the patterns and icons included in one or a plurality of low-end manipulation areas present on the low-end side with respect to the high-end manipulation area. When a manipulation is performed in any low-end manipulation area, the input device  100  lights and displays the patterns and icons included in the low-end manipulation area. Therefore, a function to be selected can be sequentially recognized easily according to the hierarchy. Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  that is more superior in maneuverability. 
     When a manipulation is performed in any low-end manipulation area, the input device  100  lights and displays the patterns and icons included in the low-end manipulation area and the high-end manipulation areas present on the high-end side with respect to the low-end manipulation area. Therefore, not only the functions included in the low-end manipulation area but also the functions included in the high-end manipulation areas on the high-end side with respect to the low-end manipulation area can be sequentially recognized easily according to the hierarchy. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the structure of the tree-like pattern  160 , for example, when the user confirms patterns (branches) in the high-end manipulation areas on the high-end side with respect to the low-end manipulation area in which a manipulation is in progress or when the user returns from the low-end manipulation area in which a manipulation is in progress to a high-end manipulation area. Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  that is more superior in maneuverability. 
     When a manipulation is performed at the high end in any low-end manipulation area, the input device  100  lights and displays all patterns and icons included in the low-end manipulation area. Therefore, all selectable functions can be sequentially recognized easily according to the hierarchy, so the user can easily grasp the structure of the tree-like pattern  160 . Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  that is more superior in maneuverability. 
     When a manipulation is performed at a point toward the lower end in any low-end manipulation area, the input device  100  preferably makes the patterns and icons go off that are positioned in the low-end manipulation area and on the high-end side with respect to the manipulation position. Therefore, the icons on the low-end side with respect to the manipulation point can be easily recognized. Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  that is more superior in maneuverability. 
     The panel  110  is preferably a door panel, on the interior side, of the door  50  of the vehicle  10 . High-end manipulation areas and low-end manipulation areas are preferably placed along the front-back direction of the vehicle  10 . Since hierarchical levels are different in the front-back direction, the direction in which the hierarchical levels are provided can be easily recognized. Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  that is more superior in maneuverability. Although, in the above description, the back side of the vehicle  10  has been on the high-end side and the front side of the vehicle  10  has been on the low-end side, this may be reversed. 
     Although, in the above description, high-end manipulation areas and low-end manipulation areas have been placed along the front-back direction of the vehicle  10 , they may be placed in the vertical direction. In this case, since different hierarchical levels are positioned in the vertical direction, the direction in which the hierarchical levels are positioned can be easily recognized. Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  that is more superior in maneuverability. The upper side may be the high-end and the lower side may be the low end, or this may be reversed. 
     Icons included in the low-end manipulation area are involved in a common function. Therefore, a manipulation can be easily performed for each function, and the position at which a desired function is assigned can be easily recognized according to the hierarchy. Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  that is more superior in maneuverability. 
     When the manipulation detecting unit  181  is structured so that when manipulations are concurrently performed in two or more low-end manipulation areas, the manipulation detecting unit  181  ignores detection results for these manipulations, even if, for example, two portions of the body mistakenly touch the surface of the outer layer  110 C, patterns and icons are not lighted against the user&#39;s intention. In addition, it is possible to restrain devices in the vehicle  10  from being controlled by the ECU  20 . The manipulation detecting unit  181  may be structured so that when manipulations are substantially concurrently performed in two or more low-end manipulation areas, the manipulation detecting unit  181  accepts a first manipulation and ignores manipulations that are subsequently performed. 
     As described above, the manipulation detecting unit  181  may be structured so as to detect a manipulation in the manipulation area only while the vehicle  10  is autonomously driven. In this case, even when an intentional contact with the manipulation area is detected during normal driving, it is possible to prevent the touch from being mistakenly regarded as a manipulation. When execution is made possible only during autonomous driving, more icons that can implement various functions can be included than icons that the user can manipulate during driving. Thus, it is possible to provide the input device  100  on which manipulations can be performed for a greater variety of functions. 
     A placement as illustrated in  FIG.  16    may be used instead of the tree-like pattern  160  and icons  170  described above.  FIG.  16    illustrates the placement of a tree-like pattern  160 M, a pattern  165 M, and icons  170 M on an outer layer  110 CM in a variation of the embodiment. 
     The tree-like pattern  160 M is a miniaturized version of the tree-like pattern  160  illustrated in  FIG.  2   . In addition to the tree-like pattern  160 M, the pattern  165 M, which is linear and is separated from the tree-like pattern  160 M, is provided. The icons  170 M include two icons  171  marked LOCK and UNLOCK as in  FIG.  2   , six icons  172 M, and two icons  173 M. 
     As examples of the icons  172 M for use for the air conditioner, icons to select a mode, an air flow rate, and a temperature setting are disposed along patterns (branches) of the tree-like pattern  160 M. As the icons  172 M for used for the audio device, icons to select a source (sound source), a volume, and CH representing a channel are disposed along patterns (branches) of the tree-like pattern  160 M. The two icons  173 M disposed along the pattern  165 M are used to select + or −. 
     When any one of the icons  172 M for use for the air conditioner, which are marked MODE, AIR FLOW RATE, and TEMPERATURE, is selected and the two icons  173 M are manipulated, mode switching can made, the air flow rate can be increased or decreased, and the temperature setting can be raised or lowered. When any one of the icons  172 M for use for the audio device, which are marked SOURCE, VOLUME, and CH, is selected and the two icons  173 M are manipulated, a source can be selected, the volume can be adjusted, and a channel can be selected. When the icons  173 M used to select + or − is provided separately from the tree-like pattern  160 M as described above, the downsizing of tree-like pattern  160 M can be achieved. 
     So far, the tree-like pattern  160  and icons  170  have been lighted by the LEDs  121  and  122 . However, neither the tree-like pattern  160  nor the icons  170  may not be lighted or one of the tree-like pattern  160  and icons  170  may not be lighted. When the icons  170  are not lighted, the icons  170  may be provided on the surface of the outer layer  110 C by, for example, embossing or printing. 
     When neither the tree-like pattern  160  nor the icons  170  are lighted, a capacitance detection electrode  130 M may be provided, instead of the electrode seat  130 , at a position at which the capacitance detection electrode  130 M coincides with the tree-like pattern  160  in plan view without the LEDs  121  and  122  being provided on the surface of the circuit board  120 . The capacitance detection electrode  130 M only needs to be disposed on the surface of the circuit board  120 . Patterns of the capacitance detection electrode  130 M are illustrated in  FIG.  17   . 
     The capacitance detection electrode  130 M in  FIG.  17   , in which its patterns are illustrated, has pattern electrodes  131 M,  132 M,  133 MA,  133 MB,  134 MA,  134 MB,  135 MA,  135 MB, and  135 MC. The points A to E in  FIG.  17    correspond to the points A to E in  FIG.  2   . 
     The capacitance detection electrode  130 M has patterns like those obtained by segmenting the tree-like pattern  160  in  FIG.  2    at the points A to E. The pattern electrodes  131 M to  135 MC having these patterns may be placed in the vicinity of the tree-like pattern  160  so as to be along the tree-like pattern  160 , without being placed immediately below the tree-like pattern  160 . Therefore, the pattern electrodes  131 M to  135 MC do not need to be transparent. As an example, they can be formed from copper wires. 
       FIG.  18    illustrates the principle of position detection by the capacitance detection electrode  130 M. In  FIG.  18   , the pattern electrode  135 MA is indicated as a resistor in a state in which a capacitor equivalent to the finger F is in contact with the pattern electrode  135 MA, as an example. When the finger F touches the pattern electrode  135 MA, currents I 1  and I 2  flow from both ends of the pattern electrode  135 MA toward the finger F. The ratio between the values of the currents I 1  and I 2  changes depending on the position of the finger F between both ends of the pattern electrode  135 MA. This is due to the change in the ratio between a resistance from one end of the pattern electrode  135 MA to the position of the finger F and a resistance from the other end of the pattern electrode  135 MA to the position of the finger F. 
     This type of capacitance detection electrode  130 M is more inexpensive than the electrode seat  130  formed from an ITO material, so the cost of the input device  100  can be reduced. The capacitance detection electrode  130 M is also smaller in size than the electrode seat  130  in plan view, so the input device  100  can be downsized. 
     This completes the description of the input device in an exemplary embodiment in the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to specifically disclosed embodiments, but can be varied and modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the claims. 
     This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-150706 filed on Sep. 8, 2020, and the entire contents of the application are incorporated in this international application by reference in it.