JP2009204981A - Liquid crystal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal device capable of displaying and inputting data by a simple configuration and a reliable method. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid crystal device (20) comprises: a liquid crystal cell (10) having a liquid crystal layer (17) held between a first substrate (11) and a second substrate (16) at least one of which is flexible, and a plurality of electrodes provided on the first and second substrates; a driving means applying a voltage for display to the electrodes; a first detecting means (40) detecting a capacitive change in electrodes by electrostatic coupling method; and a second detecting means (40) detecting changes in an electrostatic capacitance through the electrodes when the first or second transparent substrate is pressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device, and more particularly to a liquid crystal device having two detection means.

  A liquid crystal display device having a display pixel electrode and a data input electrode is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a liquid crystal display device, when a data input pen touches the data input electrode, a signal from the data input electrode is sent to a coordinate determination processing circuit or the like via a signal cable connected to the pen. The coordinates specified by the pen can be determined.

  However, since a pen provided with a signal cable is required for data input, there is a problem that the liquid crystal display device cannot be reduced in size.

  Also, a touch sensor integrated liquid crystal display device is known (for example, Patent Document 2). In such a liquid crystal display device, a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode are provided on opposite substrates with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, and the user presses the substrate with a finger, whereby the first and second touches are provided. It is comprised so that an electrode may contact and a press position may be specified.

  In general, in order to keep the thickness of the liquid crystal layer constant, a granular spacer may be arranged in the liquid crystal layer, but the spacer moves when the liquid crystal layer itself is bent because the first and second touch electrodes are in contact with each other. Since the spacer does not work properly, it is necessary to devise measures to keep the thickness of the liquid crystal layer constant while allowing the liquid crystal layer itself to bend to some extent by arranging the columnar spacer. There was a bug.

  Furthermore, the substrate on the display surface side is formed of a flexible material, and when a predetermined location is pressed with a finger or the like, a change in the waveform of the drive signal of the liquid crystal display is detected and the pressed portion of the liquid crystal display There is known a liquid crystal display capable of detecting the XY coordinates (for example, Patent Document 3).

  However, in order to detect a change in the drive signal waveform, it is necessary to provide a complicated detection circuit.

Japanese Patent No. 3358744 (FIG. 2) JP 2001-75074 A (FIG. 3) JP-A-6-130360 (FIG. 1)

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating movement of a finger on a so-called touch sensor.

  Normally, when the user tries to press a predetermined location (for example, the portion of the letter “B”) on the display substrate 2 of the touch sensor, the user's finger 1 first traces around the predetermined location (FIG. 10). After that, there is a tendency to determine a position and press a predetermined place (see FIG. 10B). It should be noted that the user's finger 1 can trace a predetermined location (for example, arrow A in FIG. 10A) or write a circle.

  However, if the touch sensor first detects the position of the finger 1 while the user's finger 1 is tracing on the touch sensor, there is a problem that a false detection occurs. Such a problem is remarkable in a capacitance type touch sensor or the like.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal device capable of solving the above-described problems.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal device that allows display and data input with a simple configuration and a reliable method using two detection means.

  A liquid crystal device according to the present invention includes a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate, at least one of which is flexible, and a plurality of electrodes provided on the first and second substrates. A cell, driving means for applying a display voltage to the electrode, first detection means for detecting a capacitance change in the electrode by an electrostatic coupling method, and the first or second transparent substrate being pressed It has the 2nd detection means which detects the change of an electrostatic capacitance with the said electrode, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Furthermore, in the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, it is preferable that position information in the liquid crystal cell is obtained by a signal output from the first detection means.

  Furthermore, in the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, it is preferable that distance information between the first substrate and the second substrate in the liquid crystal cell is obtained by a signal output from the second detection unit.

  Furthermore, in the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, the period during which the voltage is applied to the electrode includes a display driving period for applying the display voltage and a voltage applied to the electrode by the first detecting means. It is preferable that a first detection driving period and a second detection driving period in which a voltage is output from the second detection unit to the electrode are included.

  Further, in the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, the electrode to which the display voltage is applied is a display electrode, the electrode to which a voltage is applied from the first detection means is a sensor electrode, and the second The electrode to which a voltage is applied from the detection circuit is a pressing electrode, and is preferably an electrode provided separately from at least the display electrode and the sensor electrode.

  Furthermore, in the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the pressing electrode and the sensor electrode are the same electrode.

  Furthermore, in the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the pressing electrode and the sensor electrode are electrodes provided separately.

  In the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the liquid crystal device further includes a control unit that discriminates an input instruction location by the user when the first and second detection units detect a change in capacitance.

  According to the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the first detection unit and the second detection unit can reliably realize display and input position specification with a simple configuration. In the liquid crystal device 10, it is not necessary to bend the first and second transparent substrates 11 and 16 as the first transparent electrode 12 and the second transparent electrode are brought into contact with each other. Therefore, a normal spacer 18 can be used. There is no need to consider a special device for maintaining the thickness between the first and second transparent substrates 11 and 16.

  Hereinafter, a liquid crystal device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal cell 10 used in a liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

  The liquid crystal cell 10 includes a first transparent substrate 11, a second transparent substrate 16, a seal member 19, and a plurality of spacers that are arranged in order to maintain a gap between the first and second transparent substrates 11 and 16. 18, a liquid crystal layer 17 enclosed between the first and second transparent substrates 11 and 16 and the seal member 19 and the like. A first transparent electrode pattern 12 and a first alignment film 13 are formed on the first transparent substrate 11, and a second transparent electrode pattern 15 and a second alignment film 14 are formed on the second transparent substrate 16. Yes. It should be noted that the scale may differ from the actual for the sake of explanation.

  For the liquid crystal layer 17, a commonly used TN (twisted nematic) liquid crystal or the like is used.

  The first and second transparent substrates 11 and 16 are flexible and are formed of polycarbonate resin having a thickness of 100 μm. However, the first and second transparent substrates 11 and 16 are not limited to polycarbonate as long as they have transparency and flexibility. Modified acrylic resin, polymethacrylic resin, polyethersulfone resin, Polyethylene terephthalate resin, norboltene resin, glass or the like may be used, and the thickness may be 50 μm to 250 μm.

  The first and second transparent electrode patterns 12 and 15 are formed by depositing a transparent conductive film made of ITO having a thickness of about 0.03 μm on the first and second transparent substrates 11 and 16 by sputtering, respectively. It is patterned by removing unnecessary portions by etching. In the liquid crystal device 10, the liquid crystal layer 17 is configured to be switched between the transmissive mode and the non-transmissive mode when a predetermined voltage is applied between the first and second transparent electrode patterns 12 and 15.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transparent electrode pattern.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of the first transparent electrode pattern 12. In the example of FIG. 2A, the first transparent electrode pattern 12 includes a first segment electrode 101 having a character type “A”, a second segment electrode 102 having a character type “B”, and a character “C”. The third segment electrode 103 having a shape, the wiring 111 to the first segment electrode, the wiring 112 to the second segment electrode, the wiring 113 to the third segment electrode, and the first sensor provided around the first segment electrode Electrode 121, second sensor electrode 122 provided around second segment electrode, third sensor electrode 123 provided around third segment electrode, wiring 131 to first sensor electrode, second sensor Wiring 132 to the electrode for use, wiring 133 to the electrode for the third sensor, and the like.

  Further, the first sensor electrode 121 is arranged around the first segment electrode 101 and is configured to have an area larger than the area of the first segment electrode. Similarly, the second sensor electrode 122 is arranged around the second segment electrode 102 and is configured to have an area larger than the area of the second segment electrode. Further, the third sensor electrode 123 is arranged around the third segment electrode 103 and is configured to have an area larger than the area of the third segment electrode.

  FIG. 2B shows an example of the second transparent electrode pattern 15. In the example of FIG. 2B, the second transparent electrode pattern 15 includes the first counter electrode 201 disposed at a position facing the first segment electrode 101, and the second transparent electrode pattern 15 disposed at a position facing the second segment electrode 102. The second counter electrode 202, the third counter electrode 203 disposed at a position facing the third segment electrode 103, the wiring 211 connecting the respective counter electrodes, and the first electrode disposed at a position facing the first sensor electrode 121. The sensor counter electrode 221, the second sensor counter electrode 222 disposed at a position facing the second sensor electrode 122, the third sensor counter electrode 223 disposed at a position facing the third sensor electrode 123, the first sensor A wiring 231 to the counter electrode 221, a wiring 233 to the second sensor counter electrode 223, a wiring 233 to the third sensor counter electrode 223, and the like are configured.

  The first counter electrode 201, the second counter electrode 202, the third counter electrode 203, and the wiring 210 are all applied with the same potential and function as a common electrode.

  Note that the numbers, types, and shapes of the segment electrodes and the counter electrodes, the numbers and shapes of the sensor electrodes and the sensor counter electrodes, and the like shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples, and are not limited thereto.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating capacitance between the sensor electrode and the sensor counter electrode illustrated in FIG. 2 and the finger.

  FIG. 3A shows a state where the user's finger 1 is gently tracing on the first transparent substrate 11 disposed on the viewing side of the liquid crystal device 10. As illustrated, when the user's finger 1 is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the first transparent electrode 121, a capacitance Ch is generated between the user's finger 1 and the first sensor electrode 121. In addition, a capacitance CL exists between the first sensor electrode 121 and the first sensor counter electrode 221. In such a state, by detecting the capacitance Ch, the position on the first transparent substrate 11 on which the user's finger 1 is placed can also be detected. However, the user's finger 1 is detected on the first transparent substrate. 11 is traced on the sensor electrode arranged in the vicinity of the locus of the finger 1 of the user, the detection is performed one after another, and only the portion that the user really wants to select is detected accurately. The case where it is not possible will occur.

  FIG. 3B shows a state in which the user's finger 1 is pressed on the first sensor electrode. As shown in the figure, when the user's finger 1 presses on the first sensor electrode, an electrostatic capacitance Ch is generated between the user's finger 1 and the first sensor electrode 121, and flexible. As the first transparent substrate 11 bends, the distance between the first sensor electrode 121 and the first sensor counter electrode 221 changes, and the capacitance therebetween changes from CL to CL ′. Here, since the electrostatic capacity is inversely proportional to the distance between the electrodes, CL ′> CL.

  In the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, not only the detection of the electrostatic capacitance Ch induced by the approach of the user's finger 1 but also the static due to the user's finger 1 pressing the flexible first transparent substrate 11. Only when a change in electric capacity (CL → CL ′) is detected, it is determined that an input instruction has been given by the user, and a portion where the user's finger 1 is placed is detected. Therefore, even if the user's finger 1 simply traces on the first transparent substrate 11, there is no false detection.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal device 20 according to the present invention.

  The liquid crystal device 20 includes a liquid crystal cell 10, a first power supply voltage VDD 1, a first constant current power source 21, a capacitance Ch generated between the first sensor electrode 121 disposed in the liquid crystal cell 10 and the finger 1, The first fixed capacitance Cs1 arranged in parallel with the capacitance Ch, the second power supply voltage VDD2, the second constant current power supply 22, the first sensor electrode 121 and the first sensor counter electrode 221 arranged in the liquid crystal cell 10. Capacitance CL (CL ') generated between the second fixed capacitance Cs2 and the detection unit 40 (amplifier circuit 23, switching circuit 24, switch SW25, comparison circuit). 26, a PWM unit 27, a timer unit 28, a timer unit oscillator 29, and a control unit 30 including a CPU and the like, and a drive circuit (not shown) for displaying by each segment electrode And a), and the like.

  In the liquid crystal device 20, whether or not the user finger 1 is placed on the first sensor electrode 121 due to a capacitance change by the capacitive coupling method (first detection) and the first sensor electrode 121 is detected by the user. Whether the finger 1 is pressed is detected (second detection). In addition, it is preferable that VDD1 and VDD2 are sufficiently smaller than the potential difference Vth applied to the liquid crystal layer 17 because the liquid crystal display is not affected. Furthermore, the detection circuit (40) for performing the first detection and the second detection shown in FIG. 4 and the drive circuit for performing the display may be separate ICs, or within one IC. You may comprise so that it may incorporate in.

  The control unit 30 controls the switching circuit 24 to repeatedly detect the electrostatic capacitance Ch and detect the change from the electrostatic capacitance CL to CL ′. When the electrostatic capacity Ch is detected and then changed from the electrostatic capacity CL to the CL ′, the control unit 30 instructs the user to input (select) the segment corresponding to the first sensor electrode. Determine.

  When detecting the capacitance Ch (first detection), the switching circuit 24 connects the output of the amplifier circuit 23 and the comparison circuit 26 based on a control signal from the control unit 30. When the user's finger 1 is not placed on the first transparent substrate 11 corresponding to the first sensor electrode 121, the total capacitance charged by the first constant current source 21 is the first fixed capacitance Cs1. However, when the user's finger 1 is placed, the aforementioned capacitance Ch exists, and the total capacitance charged by the constant current source 21 is Cs + Ch.

  Initially, SW25 is OFF, the terminal voltage of the first fixed capacitance Cs1 is OV, and the output of the comparison circuit 26 is LOW. Then, the first fixed capacitance Cs1 is charged by the first constant current source 21, and the terminal voltage Vi of Cs1 increases. The terminal voltage Vi is constantly compared with the reference voltage Vref in the comparison circuit 26. When the terminal voltage Vi becomes equal to or higher than the reference voltage Vref, the output of the comparison circuit 26 becomes HIGH. Since the output of the comparison circuit 26 becomes HIGH, the SW 25 is turned on, so that the charge charged in the first fixed capacitance Cs 1 is discharged through the SW 25 and the terminal voltage Vi of the first fixed capacitance Cs 1. Returns to 0V. Therefore, the output of the comparison circuit 26 returns to LOW immediately. That is, the comparison circuit 26 repeatedly outputs LOW and HIG at a predetermined timing.

  The PWM unit 27 outputs a signal having a pulse width corresponding to the interval until the output of the comparison circuit 26 changes from LOW to HIGH. The timer unit 28 measures the number of pulses corresponding to the pulse width of the signal output from the PWM unit 27 based on the oscillation pulse from the oscillator 29 and outputs the measurement result to the control unit 30. Based on the measurement result, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the user's finger is placed on the first transparent substrate 11 corresponding to the first sensor electrode 121.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the terminal voltage Vi of Cs.

  FIG. 5A shows a case where the user's finger 1 is placed and the total capacitance is large by Ch, and FIG. 5B shows a case where the user's finger 1 is not placed and the total capacitance is small. Is shown. 5A and 5B, the vertical axis indicates the terminal voltage Vi of Cs, and the horizontal axis indicates time T.

  As shown in the figure, when the user's finger 1 is placed, the total capacitance is large, and therefore the user's finger 1 is not placed during the period T1 during which the output of the comparison circuit 26 switches from LOW to HIGH. Longer than the period T2. Therefore, the control unit 30 can determine whether or not the user's finger 1 is placed on the first sensor electrode 121 based on the measurement result from the timer unit 28.

  When detecting a change in capacitance (CL → CL ′) (second detection), based on a control signal from the control unit 30, the switching circuit 24 uses the second constant current power supply of the second fixed capacitance Cs2. The terminal on the 22 side is connected to the comparison circuit 26. When the user's finger 1 is not pressing on the first transparent substrate 11 corresponding to the first sensor electrode 121, the total capacitance charged by the second constant current source 22 is CL + Cs2, but the user When the finger 1 is pressed, the total capacitance charged by the second constant current source 22 is CL ′ + Cs2. Here, since the electrostatic capacity is inversely proportional to the distance between the electrodes, CL ′> CL, so CL ′ + Cs2> CL + Cs2.

  As described above, when the user's finger 1 is pressed, the total capacitance is large (CL ′ + Cs2). Therefore, the period T1 during which the output of the comparison circuit 26 is switched from LOW to HIGH is changed. It becomes longer than the period T2 when not pressed (CL + Cs2). Therefore, the control unit 30 can determine whether or not the user's finger 1 has pressed the first sensor electrode 121 based on the measurement result from the timer unit 28.

  In FIG. 4, the detection of the change in capacitance (Cs1 → Cs1 + Ch; CL + Cs2 → CL ′ + Cs2) is performed by the same detection unit (switch 25, comparison circuit 26, PWM unit 27, timer unit 28, oscillator 29, and control unit 30). Is going. However, since the capacitance change (CL → CL ′) is larger than the capacitance Ch, the amplifier circuit 23 is used.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of detection timing and liquid crystal drive timing.

  In FIG. 6, the vertical axis indicates the voltage (V) applied between the first segment 101 and the first counter electrode 201 (common electrode), and the horizontal axis indicates time (T). FIG. 6 shows a case where the portion of the first segment (character “A”) is in a transparent state.

  In the first period T10, a period T11 in which the capacitance Ch is first detected as the first detection is provided, and then a change in capacitance (CL → CL ′) is detected as the second detection. Next, a period T13 for driving the liquid crystal is provided. In the period T <b> 13, an OFF level voltage is applied to the first segment electrode 101, and an ON level voltage is applied to the first counter electrode 201. In the periods T11 and T12, the first segment electrode 101 and the first counter electrode 201 disposed in the vicinity of the first sensor electrode 121 and the first sensor counter electrode 221 are used to detect a minute change in capacitance. Both were configured to apply an OFF level voltage. For example, the first period T10 and the second period T20 can be set to 16.6 mS, and the periods T11, T12, T21, and T22 can be set to 2 mS.

  In the second period T20, in the period T23 for driving the liquid crystal, an ON level voltage is applied to the first segment electrode 101, and an OFF level voltage is applied to the first counter electrode 201. An alternating electric field is applied between the first counter electrode 201 and the first counter electrode 201. Thereafter, the first period T10 and the second period T20 are repeatedly executed. The difference between the ON level voltage and the OFF level voltage is the potential difference Vth applied to the liquid crystal layer 17.

  The control unit 30 controls the switching circuit 24 to detect the capacitance Ch in the periods T11 and T21, and controls the switching circuit 24 in the engines T12 and 22 to change the capacitance (CL → CL ′) is detected, and when the capacitance Ch and the change in capacitance (CL → CL ′) are detected together, the first transparent substrate 11 corresponding to the first sensor electrode 121 is detected. It is determined that the user's finger 1 is present, that is, the user has selected the first segment.

  In the liquid crystal device 20 shown in FIG. 4, only the portion for detecting the selection of the first segment by the user is shown, but actually the same detection is performed for all the segments. Further, the first detection method and the second detection method in the liquid crystal device 20 shown in FIG. 4 are merely examples, and other detection methods / detection circuits may be employed.

  As described above, in the liquid crystal device 20, for example, a predetermined alternating voltage is applied between a desired segment electrode and a common electrode, and segment display is performed by controlling transmission / non-transmission of the liquid crystal layer between the electrodes. (Passive drive) When the user selects a location where a segment is displayed, the user can specify the input position by the first detection and the second detection. As described above, in the liquid crystal device 20, the display and the input position can be specified with a simple configuration by incorporating the sensor electrode into the transparent electrode pattern for liquid crystal display. In the liquid crystal device 20, it is not necessary to bend the first and second transparent substrates 11 and 16 as the first transparent electrode 12 and the second transparent electrode are brought into contact with each other. Therefore, a normal spacer 18 can be used. There is no need to consider a special device for maintaining the thickness between the first and second transparent substrates 11 and 16.

  In the liquid crystal device 20, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 16 are made of a flexible material. However, it is not always necessary to make both the substrates flexible. good.

  Further, in the liquid crystal device 20, if the applied voltage level applied to the segment electrode or the like for display is the same as the applied voltage level applied to the detection electrode for the first and second detections, the circuit Design becomes easy. In this case, the liquid crystal may be inverted during the first and second detections. However, as described later, the first and second detection periods are sufficiently longer than the drive period for display. It is not a big problem because it is short.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the transparent electrode pattern.

  FIG. 7A shows an example of another first transparent electrode pattern 12 ′ that can be used instead of the first transparent electrode pattern 12 of the liquid crystal device 20, and FIG. 7B shows the second of the liquid crystal device 20. An example of another second transparent electrode pattern 15 ′ that can be used instead of the transparent electrode pattern 15 is shown. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the same components as those in FIG.

  7 (a) and 7 (b) are different from FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) in that the second transparent electrode pattern 15 'is a sensor counter electrode facing the sensor electrodes 121, 122 and 123, respectively. Instead, the first transparent electrode pattern 12 'has the first pressure detection electrode 140 and the wiring 141 therefor, and the second transparent electrode pattern 15' is the second pressure detection electrode 240 and therefore The wiring 241 is provided.

  As described above, in the liquid crystal device 20 according to the present invention, the detection of the capacitance Ch induced by placing the user's finger 1 on the first transparent substrate 11 (first detection), and the user's finger 1 The capacitance (CL → CL ′) that changes when the finger 1 presses the first transparent substrate 11 is detected (second detection). However, if any one of the first transparent substrates 11 is pressed, the entire first substrate 11 bends. Therefore, even if a plurality of sensor-facing substrates 221, 222, and 223 are not provided, at least one set for pressing detection is required. Any electrode pair is sufficient. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 7, the first press detection electrode 140 and the second press detection electrode 240 are used in place of the first sensor electrode 121 and the first sensor counter electrode 221 shown in FIG. The capacitance (CL → CL ′) that changes when the first finger 1 presses the first transparent substrate 11 is detected.

  Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2, it is necessary to dispose the sensor counter electrode for each segment. However, in the example of FIG. 7, the first press detection electrode 140 and the second press detection electrode 240 in the entire liquid crystal device 20. Therefore, the cost can be reduced. In the example of FIG. 7, only one pair of the first press detection electrode 140 and the second press detection electrode 240 is arranged. It is also possible to arrange a plurality of pairs of detection electrodes 140 and second press detection electrodes 240 at appropriate positions.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the period T11 for performing the first detection and the period T12 for performing the second detection are set as separate periods (time share). However, in order to perform the first detection as shown in FIG. If the electrodes (first sensor electrode 121, etc.) are different from the electrodes for performing the second detection (first press detection electrode 140 and second press detection electrode 240), the first detection and the second It is possible to set the same period without performing time sharing.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing still another example of the transparent electrode pattern.

  FIG. 8 shows still another first transparent electrode pattern 12 ″ that can be used in place of the first transparent pattern 12 of the liquid crystal device 20. Further, the second transparent electrode pattern 15 ″ corresponding to the first transparent electrode pattern 12 ″ shown in FIG. 8 is not shown because it is simply a solid electrode.

  In the example of the first transparent electrode pattern 12 ″ and the second transparent electrode pattern 15 ″ shown in FIG. 8, the segment electrodes (first segment electrode 101 and the like) are used instead of the sensor electrodes. The first detection described above is performed, and the second detection described above is performed using a solid electrode facing the segment electrode (first segment electrode 101 or the like) instead of the sensor electrode and the sensor counter electrode.

  As shown in FIG. 6, since the period T11 in which the first detection is performed and the period T12 in which the second detection is performed are separate periods (time share), the detection is performed without using separate electrodes. It is possible. In the example of FIG. 8, it is not necessary to separately provide the sensor electrode and the sensor counter electrode, and in addition to the conventional effects, it is possible to reduce the cost.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing still another example of the transparent electrode pattern.

  FIG. 9A shows still another first transparent electrode pattern 12 ″ ″ that can be used instead of the first transparent pattern 12 of the liquid crystal device 20, and FIG. Still another second transparent electrode pattern 15 ″ ″ that can be used in place of the second transparent pattern 15 is shown.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the period T11 for performing the first detection, the period T12 for performing the second detection, and the period T13 for driving the liquid crystal are separated, as shown in FIG. All of the electrodes can be shared by one. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 9, a plurality of scanning electrodes are provided in the first transparent electrode pattern 12 ″ ″, a plurality of signal electrodes are provided in the second transparent electrode pattern 15 ″ ″, and the liquid crystal is matrix driven. In some cases, the present invention is applied.

  In the example of FIG. 9, the case where the character “A” is displayed using the scanning electrodes 140-1 to 140-7 and the signal electrodes 240-1 to 240-7 is shown. As described in FIG. 6, when the period T11 for performing the first detection, the period T12 for performing the second detection, and the period T13 for driving the liquid crystal are provided separately, the scanning electrode and the signal electrode are provided. The first detection and the second detection described above are performed, and for example, it is possible to detect whether or not the user's finger is placed on the portion displaying the character “A”.

It is a schematic sectional drawing of the liquid crystal cell 10 used for the liquid crystal device 20 which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a transparent electrode pattern. It is a figure which shows the electrostatic capacitance between the electrode for sensors, a sensor counter electrode, and a finger | toe. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the liquid crystal device 20 which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the terminal voltage Vi of Cs. It is a figure which shows an example of a detection timing and the drive timing of a liquid crystal. It is a figure which shows the other example of a transparent electrode pattern. It is a figure which shows the further another example of a transparent electrode pattern. It is a figure which shows the further another example of a transparent electrode pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a motion of the finger | toe on a transparent substrate.

Explanation of symbols

10 liquid crystal cell 11 first transparent substrate 12, 12 ′, 12 ″, 12 ″ ″ first transparent electrode pattern 15, 15 ′, 15 ″, 15 ″ ″ second transparent electrode pattern 16 second transparent substrate 20 Liquid crystal device 101, 102, 103 Segment electrode 121, 122, 123 Sensor electrode 140 First press detection electrode 201, 202, 203 Counter electrode 221, 222, 223 Sensor counter electrode 240 Second press detection electrode

Claims (8)

A liquid crystal cell comprising a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate, at least one of which is flexible, and a plurality of electrodes provided on the first and second substrates;
Driving means for applying a display voltage to the electrodes;
First detection means for detecting a capacitance change by electrostatic coupling in the electrode;
Second detection means for detecting a change in capacitance by the electrode when the first or second transparent substrate is pressed;
A liquid crystal device comprising:   The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein position information in the liquid crystal cell is obtained by a signal output from the first detection unit.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein distance information between the first substrate and the second substrate in the liquid crystal cell is obtained by a signal output from the second detection unit.   The period during which a voltage is applied to the electrode includes a display driving period for applying the display voltage, a first detection driving period in which a voltage is applied to the electrode by the first detection means, The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, further comprising a second detection driving period in which a voltage is output from the second detection means to the electrode.   The electrode to which the display voltage is applied is a display electrode, the electrode to which a voltage is applied from the first detection means is a sensor electrode, and the electrode to which a voltage is applied from the second detection circuit 5 is a pressing electrode, and is a liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is an electrode provided separately from at least the display electrode and the sensor electrode.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 5, wherein the pressing electrode and the sensor electrode are the same electrode.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 5, wherein the pressing electrode and the sensor electrode are separately provided electrodes.   The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a control unit that discriminates an input instruction location by a user when the first and second detection units detect a change in capacitance. .

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