Patent ID: 12259288

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Below, referring to the drawings, embodiments will be explained in detail. Note that, in the following explanation, similar components are assigned the same reference notations.

Summary of Light Emitting Apparatus

Referring toFIGS.1to7, the configuration of a light emitting apparatus1changing a mode of diffused light appearing on an outside surface of a cover member in accordance with deformation of the cover member by external force will be explained. First, referring toFIG.1, the light emitting apparatus1will be explained in brief.

FIG.1is a partial perspective view schematically showing the light emitting apparatus1at the surroundings of a cover member10. InFIG.1, components positioned inside of the cover member10are shown by broken lines. As shown inFIG.1, the light emitting apparatus1is provided with a housing20formed in a substantially cuboid shape and a cover member10arranged so as to cover the housing20.

In the present embodiment, the cover member10of the light emitting apparatus1is arranged so as to cover the upper area of the housing20. Therefore, the cover member10forms the top surface of the light emitting apparatus1. Further, in the present embodiment, at one side surface of the housing20of the light emitting apparatus1, a display device of the light emitting apparatus1, such as a liquid crystal panel, (for example, a liquid crystal display, dot matrix LED, etc., not shown) is provided. Therefore, in this Description, the surface on which the cover member10of the light emitting apparatus1is provided will be referred to as the “top surface”, and the surface on which the display device is provided will be referred to as the “front surface”. Further, in the following explanation, as shown inFIG.1, the front surface side of the light emitting apparatus1will be referred to as the “front” and the opposite side to that will be referred to as the “back”, while the right side and the left side when viewing the light emitting apparatus1from the front surface will be referred to as the “right” and “left”, respectively. Note that, at the front surface of the light emitting apparatus1, operating switches (not shown) may be provided instead of the display device or in addition to the display device.

The light emitting apparatus1is configured so that if the cover10deforms due to the user pressing the cover member10or other external force, the mode of diffused light appearing at the outside surface of the cover member10(the way the light of the cover member10is visually perceived) and the sound which the light emitting apparatus1emits change according to that deformation. More specifically, the light emitting apparatus1detects the state of deformation of the cover member10by an infrared sensor if the cover member10deforms due to external force, and changes the operation of a visible light emitting device for emitting visible light to the cover member10so that the mode of diffused light appearing at the outside surface of the cover member10changes in accordance with the state of deformation of the cover member10. Below, the various components and operation of the light emitting apparatus1will be explained concretely.

Overall Configuration of Light Emitting Apparatus

Next, referring toFIGS.1to4, the overall configuration of the light emitting apparatus1will be explained.FIG.2is a partial cross-sectional view of the light emitting apparatus1at the surroundings of the cover member10, seen in a direction of an arrow II-II ofFIG.1, andFIG.3is a partial cross-sectional view of the light emitting apparatus1at the surroundings of the cover member10, seen in a direction of an arrow ofFIG.1. Further,FIG.4is a disassembled perspective view of components of the light emitting apparatus1at the surroundings of the cover member10.

The cover member10of the light emitting apparatus1is a member deforming upon receiving external force and formed so that transmitted and diffused light appears at the outside surface of the cover member10if visible light is emitted from inside of the cover member10. As shown inFIGS.1to4, the cover member10is formed in a dome shape provided with a top part11of a flat substantially square shape and side parts12extending from the outer circumference of the top part11downward toward the outside. In the present embodiment, the cover member10is arranged to cover the top side of the housing20.

The housing20of the light emitting apparatus1is a member holding some of the parts forming the light emitting apparatus1inside of it. In the present embodiment, as shown inFIGS.2and3, the housing20is formed into a cuboid shape with an open top side. Inside of the housing20, a housing fastened member25fastened to the housing20, a printed circuit board30supported by the housing fastened member25, a reinforcing member40placed on the printed circuit board30, and a speaker50are provided. Therefore, the cover member10is arranged spaced apart from the housing fastened member25, the printed circuit board30, the reinforcing member40, and the speaker50provided at the inside of the housing20so as to cover the same.

The housing fastened member25is a member fastened to the housing20and supporting the printed circuit board30. The housing fastened member25is formed into a rectangular flat plate shape such as shown inFIG.4, and is arranged in the vicinity of the top side of the housing20so as to extend in parallel with the bottom plate of the housing20. The housing fastened member25is fastened by screws or any other fastening means (not shown) so as not to move with respect to the housing20. Note that, in the present embodiment, the housing fastened member25is configured as a separate member from the housing20, but may also be formed integrally with the housing20.

Further, in the present embodiment, the housing fastened member25has a plurality of columnar parts26and27for supporting the printed circuit board30and fastening the reinforcing member40. As will be understood fromFIGS.2to4, the columnar parts26and27extend upward on the top surface of the housing fastened member25. The outside columnar parts26are provided one each near the four corners of the housing fastened member25. Further, the center columnar parts27are provided one each near the intermediate portions between these outside columnar parts26at the four corners and the center. The outside columnar parts26have screw holes for holding bolts.

The printed circuit board30is a member holding the electronic components used in the light emitting apparatus1and electrically connecting these electronic components. The printed circuit board30, as shown inFIG.4, is formed into a rectangular flat plate shape, and is supported by the housing fastened member25. In particular, in the present embodiment, the printed circuit board30is supported by the center columnar parts27provided at the housing fastened member25, in the state where the front end parts of the center columnar parts27pass through center openings31provided at the printed circuit board30(seeFIG.4). Further, the printed circuit board30is supported by the outside columnar parts26provided at the housing fastened member25, in the state placed on the top surfaces of the outside columnar parts26.

On the surface of the printed circuit board30on the cover member10side, as electronic components, visible light emitting devices32emitting visible light toward the inside surface of the cover member10, an infrared sensor33utilizing infrared light to detect a state of deformation of the cover member10, and a control circuit34controlling the visible light emitting devices32and the infrared sensor33are provided. Therefore, the light emitting apparatus1is provided with the visible light emitting devices32, infrared sensor33, and control circuit34.

The reinforcing member40is a member keeping the cover member10from reaching the printed circuit board30whereby the printed circuit board30being damaged, when the cover member10is pressed by external force. The reinforcing member40is arranged between the printed circuit board30and the cover member10so as to cover the top surface of the printed circuit board30. In particular, in the present embodiment, the cover member10is attached to the reinforcing member40. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cover member10is fastened to the housing20through the reinforcing member40and the housing fastened member25. Further, in the present embodiment, the reinforcing member40is fastened to the housing fastened member25by bolts passed through the reinforcing member40and outside openings35of the printed circuit board30and screwed into the screw holes of the outside columnar parts26.

The speaker50is used so as to generate sound in accordance with deformation of the cover member10. The speaker50is attached to the housing20inside the housing20below the housing fastened member25. Note that, the speaker50may also be attached not to the housing20, but the housing fastened member25or other components inside the housing20.

The above-mentioned housing20, housing fastened member25, and printed circuit board30directly or indirectly support the visible light emitting devices32and the infrared sensor33(that is, the later explained infrared light emitting device331and infrared light receiving device332). Therefore, the housing20, the housing fastened member25, and the printed circuit board30configure a support member supporting the visible light emitting devices32, infrared light emitting device331, and infrared light receiving device332. In addition, the cover member10is arranged so as to cover the top side of the housing20, in particular so as to cover the top surfaces of the printed circuit board30and reinforcing member40. The printed circuit board30is provided with the visible light emitting devices32, the infrared sensor33, and the control circuit34, therefore the cover member10is arranged spaced apart from the visible light emitting devices32, infrared sensor33, and control circuit34and covering the same.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the housing20is formed into a cuboid shape. However, the housing20may also be formed into a circular columnar shape, polygonal columnar shape, or other shape. Further, the housing20opens upward, but may also open other than upward (for example, sideways). Further, the housing20may be formed with the open top surface slanted with respect to the vertical line and opening upward at a slant. In each case, the cover member10is arranged so as to cover the open surface of the housing20.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cover member10is fastened to the housing20through the reinforcing member40. However, the cover member10may also be directly attached to the housing20without going through the reinforcing member40and may be attached to the housing fastened member25.

Cover Member

Next, the cover member10will be explained in detail. In the present embodiment, the cover member10is formed in its entirety by semitransparent silicone of a uniform thickness. Therefore, the cover member10has flexibility by which it maintains its original shape such as shown inFIGS.1to4when not receiving external force, deforms in accordance with external force such as shown inFIG.5when receiving that external force, and returns to its original shape when no longer receiving external force. In particular, in the present embodiment, the cover member10has flexibility by which it deforms if pressed by a hand of a user.

Further, the cover member10is semitransparent, therefore transmits and diffuses visible light. Therefore, if visible light is emitted from inside of the cover member10toward the inside surface of the cover member10, the transmitted and diffused light appears at the outside surface of the cover member10and accordingly, from the outside of the cover member10, it appears as if the cover member10were shining. Further, the cover member10partially transmits infrared light and partially diffuses and reflects it. Therefore, if infrared light is emitted from the inside of the cover member10toward the inside surface of the cover member10, part of the infrared light striking the cover member10is reflected toward the inside of the cover member10.

Note that, the cover member10may also be formed by a material other than semitransparent silicone. However, even in that case, the cover member10has to have flexibility by which it deforms upon receiving external force and in particular have flexibility by which it deforms upon receiving a pressing force by a person's hand. In addition, the cover member10has to be configured so as to transmit and diffuse visible light. Therefore, the cover member10is formed by a semitransparent material or, when the cover member10is formed by a transparent material, the inside surface or outside surface of the cover member10is formed with fine relief. Furthermore, the cover member10has to be formed so as to at least partially reflect infrared light, in particular diffuse and reflect it.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cover member10is formed by silicone which is overall semitransparent and partially diffuses and reflects infrared light. However, the cover member10may only partially be formed by semitransparent silicone (that is, a material having flexibility, transmitting and diffusing visible light, and reflecting infrared light), and be formed at other parts by another material. In this case, the other material may have a flexibility, visible light transmittability, and/or infrared light reflectivity different from silicone, and accordingly may also be transparent. Therefore, the other material may, for example, be a material not transmitting visible light. Specifically, for example, part of the cover member10(for example the center part) may be formed by silicone, which is semitransparent and partially diffuses and reflects infrared light, and the outer circumference part of the cover member10may be formed by another plastic. Alternatively, the cover member10may partially have fine relief at its inside surface or outside surface and not have relief at the remaining parts.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the cover member10has a shape provided with a top part11of a flat substantially square shape and side parts12extending from the outer circumference of the top part downward to the outside. However, the cover member10may also have a shape different from this. Therefore, for example, as shown inFIG.9, the cover member10may be formed into a semispherical shape or may be formed into a disk shape. When the cover member10is formed into a disk shape, the axis running through the center of the disk and extending perpendicular to the disk (that is, the line forming the center of rotational symmetry of the 3D shape) forms the axis passing through the center of symmetry of the cover member10(details of this axis explained later).

Printed Circuit Board

In the present embodiment, the printed circuit board30is arranged substantially parallel to the top part11of the cover member10, that is, so as to extend perpendicular with respect to the axial direction of the cover member10extending from a center of symmetry of the cover member10(broken line X-direction ofFIGS.1to3). Further, in the present embodiment, it is arranged so that when viewed from above (that is, in the present embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction passing through the center of symmetry of the cover member10), the center of the printed circuit board30is positioned at the center part of the cover member10.

As explained above, at the top surface of the printed circuit board30, the visible light emitting devices32, infrared sensor33, and control circuit34are attached. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the visible light emitting devices32and the infrared sensor33are arranged on the same surface of the printed circuit board30. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the visible light emitting devices32and the infrared sensor33are arranged at the same height in the axial direction passing through the center of symmetry of the cover member10. By the visible light emitting devices32and the infrared sensor33being arranged on the one printed circuit board30in this way, design and manufacture of the printed circuit board30are easy.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the light emitting apparatus1has only a single printed circuit board30. However, the light emitting apparatus1may also have a plurality of printed circuit boards, and the visible light emitting devices32, infrared sensor33, and control circuit34may be provided dispersed among these plurality of circuit boards. Further, in this case, the printed circuit boards may be positioned on different planes. Therefore, for example, the different printed circuit boards may be arranged vertically separated, the infrared sensor33may be arranged on a printed circuit board positioned relatively close to the cover member10, and the visible light emitting devices32may be arranged on a circuit board positioned relatively far from the cover member10. Due to this, the visible light emitting devices32are suitably separated from the cover member10, therefore it is possible to uniformly emit visible light at the cover member10. Further, the infrared sensor33is arranged close to the cover member10, therefore it is possible to reduce noise accompanying detection of the state of deformation of the cover member10by the infrared sensor33and improve the detection precision.

Visible Light Emitting Devices

The visible light emitting devices32are examples of visible light emitters for emitting visible light, and emit several colors of visible light. As the visible light emitting devices32, for example, color LEDs or monochrome LEDs, etc., are used. The visible light emitting devices32emit visible light toward the inside surface of the cover member10by a broad directivity angle. In particular, in the present embodiment, a plurality of visible light emitting devices32emit visible light in directions so that the inside surface of the cover member10as a whole is evenly irradiated with visible light emitted from the visible light emitting devices32.

FIG.6is a plan view of the printed circuit board30. InFIG.6, to facilitate understanding of the constitution, the center and outside openings31and35are omitted. As shown inFIG.6, in the present embodiment, on the printed circuit board30, nine visible light emitting devices32are provided. The visible light emitting devices32are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the front-back direction and left-right direction. In particular, in the present embodiment, the visible light emitting devices32are arranged in three lines in the front-back direction and three lines in the left-right direction. The visible light emitting device32positioned at the center among these visible light emitting devices32is arranged at the substantial center of the printed circuit board30. In other words, the visible light emitting device32positioned at the substantial center among the visible light emitting devices32is arranged so as to be positioned superposed over the center part of the cover member10when viewed from above.

Note that, in the present embodiment, visible light emitting devices32are used as the visible light emitters, but as long as able to emit visible light, electric light bulbs or other devices other than visible light emitting devices32may also be used as the visible light emitters.

Further, in the present embodiment, the light emitting apparatus1is provided with nine visible light emitting devices32. However, the light emitting apparatus1may also be provided with another number of (including one) visible light emitting devices32. Even if the number of visible light emitting devices32is a number other than nine, for example, as shown inFIG.10in which the number of the visible light emitting devices32is four, the visible light emitting devices32are preferably arranged at equal intervals on the printed circuit board30. Due to this, the visible light emitting devices32can be used to emit visible light by a relatively uniform strength at the inside surface of the cover member10as a whole. In particular, if the visible light emitting devices32are arranged in odd number lines in the front-back direction, part of the visible light emitting devices32are preferably arranged at the substantial center in the front-back direction. If the visible light emitting devices32are arranged in odd number lines in the left-right direction, part of the visible light emitting devices32are preferably arranged at the substantial center in the left-right direction. Further, both if only a single visible light emitting device32is provided or if a plurality are provided, in each case preferably one visible light emitting device32is provided at a position superposed over a center part of the cover member10when viewed from above. Due to this, the inside surface of the cover member10as a whole can be irradiated with visible light.

Infrared Sensor

The infrared sensor33is a sensor outputting a signal corresponding to the state of deformation of the cover member10. In the present embodiment, the infrared sensor33outputs a signal corresponding to the strength of infrared light, which changes in accordance with the distance between the infrared sensor33and the inside surface of the cover member10. As shown inFIG.6, in the present embodiment, a single infrared sensor33is provided at the center part of the printed circuit board30. In other words, the infrared sensor33is arranged so as to be positioned superposed over the center part of the cover member10, when viewed from above. Further, the infrared sensor33is arranged at the front side (front surface side of light emitting apparatus1) from the visible light emitting device32arranged at the center part of the printed circuit board30. In the present embodiment, the infrared sensor33is configured as an integral sensor provided with an infrared light emitting device331and an infrared light receiving device332. Further, in the present embodiment, the infrared sensor33is arranged so that the infrared light receiving device332is positioned at the front from the infrared light emitting device331.

The infrared light emitting device331is one example of an invisible light emitter emitting invisible light, and emits infrared light. As the infrared light emitting device331, for example, an infrared light LED, etc., is used. The infrared light emitting device331emits infrared light toward the inside surface of the cover member10by a broad directivity angle. In particular, in the present embodiment, the infrared light emitting device331, as shown inFIGS.2and3, emits infrared light so that the infrared light L emitted from the infrared light emitting device331strikes the center of the cover member10. In other words, the infrared light emitting device331emits infrared light so as to make the infrared light strike as broad a range as possible of the inside surface of the cover member10.

The infrared light receiving device332is one example of an invisible light receiver receiving invisible light and converting it to an electrical signal, and receives infrared light and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to its strength. As the infrared receiving device, for example, a photodiode, phototransistor, etc., is used. In the present embodiment, the infrared light receiving device332receives infrared light heading toward the infrared light receiving device over a relatively broad reception range (directivity angle of received light), and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the strength of the received infrared light as a whole. Therefore, the infrared light receiving device332receives infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting device331and reflected at the cover member, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the strength of the received infrared light.

Note that, in the present embodiment, as the invisible light emitter, the infrared light emitting device331is used, but as long as able to emit invisible light, a device other than the infrared light emitting device331may also be used as the invisible light emitter. Therefore, the invisible light emitter may, for example, be an LED emitting ultraviolet light, etc. Further, in the present embodiment, an infrared light receiving device332is used as the invisible light receiver, but as long as possible to receive invisible light emitted by the invisible light emitter, a device other than the infrared light receiving device332may also be used as the invisible light receiver. Therefore, when, for example, the invisible light emitter is an LED emitting ultraviolet light, etc., the invisible light receiver may also be a device receiving ultraviolet light emitted from the invisible light emitter.

Further, in the present embodiment, a single infrared sensor33is provided at the light emitting apparatus1, but a plurality of infrared sensors33may also be provided. Further, in the present embodiment, an integral sensor provided with an infrared light emitting device331and infrared light receiving device332is used, but a separate infrared light emitting device331and infrared light receiving device332may also be used. In this case, the number of the infrared light emitting devices331and the number of the infrared light receiving devices332need not be the same. Therefore, for example, a plurality of infrared light emitting devices331may be provided at the light emitting apparatus1and only a single infrared light receiving device332provided. Whatever the case, the light emitting apparatus1has one or more invisible light emitters and one or more invisible light receivers. If the number of invisible light emitters is greater, the range of emission of invisible light to the inside surface of the cover member10is broader. Further, if the number of invisible light receivers is greater, the range of reception of invisible light from the inside surface of the cover member10is broader. As a result, it becomes easier to detect deformation of the cover member10over a broad range of the cover member10. Note that, both when only a single invisible light emitter is provided and when a plurality are provided, preferably a single invisible light emitter is provided at a position superposed over a center part of the cover member10when viewed from above. Due to this, the invisible light emitter provided at a position superposed over the center part can be used to emit invisible light over the entire inside surface of the cover member10. Similarly, both when only a single invisible light receiver is provided and when a plurality are provided, preferably a single invisible light receiver is provided at a position superposed over a center part of the cover member10when viewed from above. The invisible light receiver provided at a position superposed over the center part can be used to receive invisible light from the entire inside surface of the cover member10. Further, when a plurality of invisible light emitters are provided, preferably the invisible light emitters are arranged at equal intervals with each other when viewed from above. Similarly, when a plurality of invisible light receivers are provided, preferably the invisible light receivers are arranged at equal intervals with each other when viewed from above.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as the infrared sensor33, a sensor having an infrared light emitting device331emitting infrared light by a broad directivity angle and an infrared light receiving device332receiving infrared light by a broad directivity angle is used. However, for example, a sensor having an infrared light emitting device having a high directivity such as an optical position sensor (PSD) and an infrared light receiving device having a broad light receiving region may also be used. Further, as the infrared light receiving device, a CCD image sensor or CMOS image sensor may be used. In this case, the infrared light receiving device can detect the strength of the infrared light at different positions of the light receiving region received by an infrared light receiving device having a two-dimensional light receiving region, and accordingly can identify the region in which the cover member10deforms. In this way, if using an optical position sensor or image sensor, the infrared light receiving device can not only detect the strength of the overall infrared light received, but can also detect the position of detection of the infrared light, the direction of detection of the infrared light, etc. Further, in this case, the control circuit34controls the mode of emission of visible light from the visible light emitting device32and the operation of the speaker50, in accordance with the position of detection of the infrared light, the direction of detection of the infrared light, etc. Therefore, the control circuit34can be said to control the mode of emission of visible light from the visible light emitting device32and the operation of the speaker50, in accordance with the state of reception of invisible light at the invisible light receiving device (which changes according to deformation of the cover member10). Further, by the mode of emission of visible light from the visible light emitting device32changing, the mode of diffused light appearing at the surface of the cover member10changes.

Control Circuit

The control circuit34is one example of a controller for controlling the mode of emission of visible light from the visible light emitting devices32, the mode of emission of infrared light from the infrared sensor33, and the operation of the speaker50. The control circuit34is electrically connected to the visible light emitting devices32, infrared sensor33, and speaker50. The control circuit34sends a drive signal to the visible light emitting devices32, and controls the on/off states, emission intensities, emitted color, etc. of the visible light emitting devices32. Further, the control circuit34controls the on/off state of the infrared light emitting device331of the infrared sensor33, and receives, from the infrared light receiving device332, an electric signal corresponding to the strength of infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives. In addition, the control circuit34sends an acoustic signal to the speaker50to control the sound which the speaker50generates. The specific control in the control circuit34will be explained later.

Reinforcing Member

As shown inFIG.4, the reinforcing member40is a substantially rectangular flat plate shaped member. The reinforcing member40is fastened to the housing fastened member25across the printed circuit board30, and is arranged so as to extend in parallel with and between the printed circuit board30and the cover member10except for the surroundings of the visible light emitting devices32and the infrared sensor33(that is, infrared light emitting device331and infrared light receiving device332). The reinforcing member40is formed to be thicker than the heights of the visible light emitting devices32, infrared light emitting device331, and infrared light receiving device332. Further, in the present embodiment, the reinforcing member40is formed by a harder material than the cover member10, which does not deform much at all even if pressed by the hand of the user.

FIG.7is a plan view of the reinforcing member40arranged on the printed circuit board30. As shown inFIGS.3and7, the reinforcing member40is provided with a rectangular flat plate shaped base part41, a flange part42provided around the outer circumference of the base part41, openings43formed at the base part41, and columnar parts44provided at the bottom surface of the base part41.

The base part41is arranged so as to extend substantially in parallel with the printed circuit board30, therefore, perpendicular to the axial direction passing through the center of symmetry of the cover member10. The base part41is formed with a plurality of circular openings43. The openings43are formed in the surroundings of all of the visible light emitting devices32and the infrared sensor33when viewed from above. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the base part41is formed with nine openings such as shown inFIG.7. Further, each opening43is arranged so that the visible light emitting devices32or the infrared sensor33(that is, the infrared light emitting device331and infrared light receiving device332) is positioned at the center thereof when viewed from above. In particular, in the present embodiment, the infrared sensor33and the visible light emitting device32at center are arranged aligned in the front-back direction, therefore an elliptically shaped opening43along in the front-back direction is formed around them.

As shown inFIG.4, the flange part42is offset above from the outer circumference of the base part41at the reinforcing member40, and extends in the circumferential direction (direction along top surface of base part41). As will be understood fromFIGS.2and3, the flange part42is inserted into a recessed part provided near the opening edge of the cover member10. Due to this, the cover member10is fastened to the reinforcing member40. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cover member10is not directly fastened to the housing20, but is fastened through the reinforcing member40.

As will be understood fromFIGS.2to4, the columnar parts44are used to cooperate with the columnar parts26of the housing fastened member25to fasten the printed circuit board30and reinforcing member40to the housing fastened member25. Therefore, the columnar parts44of the reinforcing member40are provided at positions corresponding to the columnar parts26of the housing fastened member25. In the present embodiment, the reinforcing member40is fastened to the housing fastened member25by the columnar parts44of the reinforcing member40receiving the front end parts of the columnar parts26of the housing fastened member25or the columnar parts26of the housing fastened member25receiving the front end parts44of the reinforcing member40.

According to the reinforcing member40configured and arranged in this way, it is possible to keep the cover member10from reaching the printed circuit board30and thus the printed circuit board30from being damaged, when the cover member10is pressed by external force. On the other hand, openings43are provided around the visible light emitting devices32and the infrared sensor33, therefore the reinforcing member40is not positioned in the range of emission of the visible light or infrared light, and accordingly interference between the visible light or infrared light and the reinforcing member40is prevented. In particular, in the present embodiment, circular openings43are provided around the visible light emitting devices32and the infrared sensor33, therefore it is possible to prevent interference while enhancing the effect of suppression of damage to the printed circuit board30. Further, by the circular openings43being provided around the visible light emitting devices32, it is possible to keep visible light or infrared light from being emitted from the visible light emitting devices32or the infrared sensor33in unnecessary directions.

Speaker

The speaker50is one example of a sound generating device for generating a sound. The speaker50is configured so as to generate a sound in accordance with deformation of the cover member10. The speaker50is arranged inside the housing20below the housing fastened member25. The speaker50is connected to the control circuit34on the printed circuit board30through a conducting wire (not shown) and generates sound based on an acoustic signal sent from the control circuit34.

Note that, in the present embodiment, a speaker50is used as a sound generating device, but as long as possible to generate a sound, a device other than the speaker50may be used as the sound generating device. Therefore, the sound generating device may, for example, be a bell, etc.

Operation

Next, operation of the light emitting apparatus1configured in this way will be explained. In the light emitting apparatus1of the present embodiment, when the cover member10is not pressed and is not deformed at all, visible light is not emitted to the cover member10and accordingly the cover member10does not appear to be shining. On the other hand, when cover member10is weakly pressed and deforms slightly, a small strength blue colored visible light is emitted to the cover member10and accordingly the cover member10appears to shine weakly blue in color. Furthermore, when the cover member10is strongly pressed and greatly deforms, a large strength red color visible light is emitted to the cover member10and accordingly the cover member10appears to shine strongly red in color. Furthermore, at this time, sound is generated. Below, operation of such a light emitting apparatus1will be explained in detail.

First, if the power of the light emitting apparatus1is turned on, the control circuit34starts the detection of the state of the deformation of the cover member10by the infrared sensor33. Therefore, the control circuit34makes the infrared light emitting device331emit infrared light, and receives an electrical signal corresponding to the strength of the infrared light received by the infrared light receiving device332from the infrared light receiving device332.

The infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting device331toward the cover member10is partially diffused and reflected at the inside surface of the cover member10. Part of the diffused and reflected infrared light strikes the infrared light receiving device332. Here, when the cover member10is not deformed at all as shown inFIGS.2and3, the inside surface of the cover member10is positioned relatively apart from the infrared sensor33. For this reason, the infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting device331is reflected and is broadly diffused when reaching the infrared light receiving device332. Accordingly, the strength of the infrared light reaching the infrared light receiving device332is small. Therefore, when the cover member10is not deformed at all, the strength of the infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives is small. On the other hand, if the cover member10is pressed and deforms, the inside surface of the cover member10is positioned relatively close to the infrared sensor33. For this reason, even when the infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting device331is reflected and reaches the infrared light receiving device332, it is not diffused that much. Accordingly, the strength of the infrared light reaching the infrared light receiving device332is large. Therefore, if the cover member10deforms, the strength of the infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives increases. The more the cover member10greatly deforms, the greater the strength of the infrared light received. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operations of the visible light emitting device32and the speaker50are controlled in accordance with the strength of the infrared light received by the infrared light receiving device332.

FIG.8is a flow chart showing a flow of control of the visible light emitting devices32and the speaker50, based on the reception strength of infrared light, by the control circuit34. The illustrated control is performed at constant time intervals (for example, 0.1 second intervals).

As shown inFIG.8, first, the control circuit34acquires the reception strength of the infrared light from the infrared light receiving device332(step S11). Next, the control circuit34judges if the acquired reception strength is less than or equal to a predetermined first reception strength S1(step S12). The first reception strength S1is a strength slightly higher than the strength of the infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332normally receives when the cover member10is not deformed at all.

If at step S12it is judged that the acquired reception strength is less than or equal to the predetermined first reception strength S1, that is, if it is judged that the cover member10is not deformed at all, the control circuit34does not make the visible light emitting devices32emit visible light and accordingly the emission strength by the visible light emitting devices32becomes zero (step S13). In addition, in this case, the control circuit34does not make the speaker50generate sound (Step S14).

On the other hand, if at step S12it is judged that the acquired reception strength is larger than the predetermined first reception strength S1, it is judged if the acquired reception strength is less than or equal to a second reception strength S2, which is higher than the first reception strength S1(step S15). The second reception strength S2, for example, is the strength of the infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives when pressing the center of the cover member10in by about ¼ of the height of the cover member10.

If at step S15it is judged that the acquired reception strength is less than or equal to a preset second reception strength S2, that is, if it is judged that the cover member10has slightly deformed, the control circuit34makes the visible light emitting devices32emit visible light at a relatively small strength (step S16). Further, in this case, the control circuit34makes the visible light emitting devices32emit blue visible light (step S17). In addition, in this case as well, the control circuit34does not make the speaker50generate sound (step S18).

If at step S15it is judged that the acquired reception strength is larger than the preset second reception strength S2, that is, if it is judged that the cover member10has greatly deformed, the control circuit34makes the visible light emitting devices32emit visible light at a relatively large strength (step S19). Further, in this case, the control circuit34makes the visible light emitting devices32emit red visible light (step S20). In addition, in this case, the control circuit34makes the speaker50generate music or other sound.

Advantageous Effects

In the above embodiments, if the cover member10is deformed by external force, the mode of emission of visible light emitted at the cover member10is changed. As a result, the mode of the diffused light appearing at the cover member10changes. Therefore, according to the above embodiments, it is possible to change the visual perception of the light of the cover member in accordance with deformation of the cover member by external force, whereby pleasing to a user.

Further, in the above embodiments, the visible light emitting devices32are arranged at equal intervals with each other. In addition, the top part11of the cover member10is arranged substantially parallel with the printed circuit board30. Therefore, the distances between the visible light emitting devices32and the inside surface of the cover member10is substantially constant. Furthermore, the cover member10has uniform thickness over its entirety. For this reason, according to the above embodiments, if emitting visible light by the visible light emitting devices32in the state of no deformation by external force, a uniform strength of visible light is emitted at the cover member10. As a result, in a region with no deformation by external force, it is possible to make transmitted and diffused light of a uniform strength appear at the outside surface of the cover member10. Further, if the cover member10deforms due to external force, a portion of the cover member10deformed and pressed in approaches the visible light emitting devices32, therefore it is possible to make that portion appear brighter than the other portions whereby pleasing to a user.

Further, in general, a user will often press the cover member10from the front surface side. Accordingly the front surface side of the cover member10will often be pressed. In the above embodiments, the infrared sensor33provided at the center part of the printed circuit board30is arranged at the front side from the visible light emitting device32provided at the center part of the printed circuit board30. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the sensitivity to deformation of the cover member10at the front surface side with a high frequency of being pressed by the user is increased.

Further, in the above embodiments, the cover member10is arranged to form the top surface of the light emitting apparatus1. As a result, the user can press the cover member10from above and can easily operate the cover member10.

Modifications

Above, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure were explained, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be revised and changed in various ways within the scope of the claims. Below, modifications of the above embodiments will be explained.

For example, the light emitting apparatus1need not be provided with the reinforcing member40and the speaker50.

Further, in the above embodiments, the cover member10is formed to have a uniform thickness, but it may also be formed to have thicknesses differing for different regions. For example, if forming the cover member10into a semispherical shape, the cover member10may, for example, be formed to be gradually thicker from the center toward the outer circumference. Due to this, the cover member10is formed thick in a region close in distance from the visible light emitting devices32and the cover member10is formed thin in a region far in distance from the visible light emitting devices32, and therefore the cover member10as a whole appears to uniformly shine when making the visible light emitting devices32emit light.

Further, in the above embodiments, the control circuit34changes the strength and color of the visible light emitted from the visible light emitting device32in three stages, in accordance with the strength of the infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives. However, in addition to or instead of the strength and color of the visible light, the control circuit34may change the pattern of emission of visible light from the visible light emitting devices32(on/off states or timing, etc., at the plurality of visible light emitting devices32) in accordance with the strength of infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives. Further, the control circuit34may also change the strength, color, and emission pattern of the visible light emitted from the visible light emitting devices32in two stages or four or more stages, or change the strength and color of the visible light continuously. Further, in the above embodiments, if the cover member10is not deformed, the control circuit34is made to not make the visible light emitting devices32emit visible light, but even in such a case, the control circuit34may make the visible light emitting devices32emit visible light (in this case, preferably relatively low strength visible light).

Further, in the above embodiments, the control circuit34changes whether or not to generate sound from the speaker50, in accordance with the strength of the infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives. However, the control circuit34need not change whether or not to generate sound, in accordance with the strength of infrared light (the light emitting apparatus1need not have the speaker50), or may change not only whether to generate sound from the speaker50, but also the magnitude and type of the same in accordance with the strength of the infrared light.

In addition, in the above embodiments, the control circuit34controls the mode of emission of visible light from the visible light emitting devices32and the operation of the speaker50, in accordance with the strength of the infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives. Here, the cover member10partially transmits infrared light, therefore infrared light at the outside of the light emitting apparatus1passes through the cover member10and strikes the infrared light receiving device332. Therefore, there is a possibility of the strength of the infrared light, which the infrared light receiving device332receives, changing in accordance with the environment at the outside of the light emitting apparatus1.

Therefore, the control circuit34may control the mode of emission of visible light from the visible light emitting devices32or the operation of the speaker50, based on the difference between the strength of infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives when the infrared light emitting device331does not emit infrared light and the strength of infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives when the infrared light emitting device331emits infrared light.

FIG.11is a flow chart, similar toFIG.8, showing the flow of control of the visible light emitting devices32and the speaker50by the control circuit34in the present modification. In the present modification, the control circuit34intermittently makes the infrared light emitting device331emit infrared light.

As shown inFIG.11, first, the control circuit34acquires the strength Sf of infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives when infrared light is not being emitted from the infrared light emitting device331, as the reception strength when the infrared light emitting device331is off (step S31). Next, the control circuit34acquires the strength Sn of infrared light which the infrared light receiving device332receives when infrared light is being emitted from the infrared light emitting device331, as the reception strength when the infrared light emitting device331is on (step S32). Next, the control circuit34calculates the difference of strength ΔS by subtracting the reception strength Sf when the infrared light emitting device331is off from the reception strength Sn when the infrared light emitting device331is on calculated in the above way (step S33). After that, at steps S34to S43, the control circuit34performs an operation similar to steps S12to S21ofFIG.8, except for using the difference of strength ΔS instead of the reception strength S.

Further, in the above embodiments, in the light emitting apparatus1, if the cover member10deforms, the mode of the diffused light appearing on the outside surface of the cover member10changes in accordance with the deformation, but in addition to or in place of this, the mode of display in the above-mentioned display device (liquid crystal display, etc.) may change in accordance with deformation of the cover member10.