Input device

Abstract

An input device has a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The second electrode opposes to the first electrode while being spaced apart therefrom. The third electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode and rotatably or slidably provided relative to the second electrode. By the third electrode being brought into contact with or spaced apart from the second electrode, an electrical state between the first electrode and the second electrode changes. Based on this electrical change, a rotary manipulation or a slide manipulation is detected.

1 . An input device comprising:
 a first electrode;   a second electrode that opposes to the first electrode while being spaced apart from the first electrode; and   a third electrode that is spaced apart from the first electrode and rotatably or slidably provided relative to the second electrode,   wherein   the third electrode being in contact with or spaced apart from the second electrode changes an electrical state between the first electrode and the second electrode.   
     
     
         2 . The input device according to  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of the first electrodes,
 wherein each of the plurality of first electrodes includes a transmitter electrode, and a receiver electrode being electrically independent of the transmitter electrode.   
     
     
         3 . The input device according to  claim 2 , further comprising a fourth electrode that is electrically connected to the third electrode,
 wherein the fourth electrode is different from the transmitter electrode in potential.   
     
     
         4 . The input device according to  claim 3 , wherein the fourth electrode is connected to ground. 
     
     
         5 . The input device according to  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of the first electrodes and a plurality of the second electrodes,
 wherein.   the third electrode is spaced apart from the plurality of first electrodes and rotatably provided relative to the plurality of second electrodes,   the third electrode has an annularly formed pattern, and   the third electrode being in contact with or spaced apart from each of the plurality of second electrodes changes an electrical state between each of the plurality of first electrodes and opposing one of the plurality of second electrodes so that a phase difference occurs.   
     
     
         6 . The input device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a light-transmissive first base member that retains the first electrode. 
     
     
         7 . The input device according to  claim 6 , further comprising a light-transmissive second base member that retains the second electrode. 
     
     
         8 . The input device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a manipulation knob that is electrically connected to the third electrode. 
     
     
         9 . The input device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a fourth electrode that is electrically connected to the third electrode, wherein the fourth electrode is connected to ground.