A system for driving and controlling an open-area shield such as a window frame or door includes an open-area frame member having an opening; an open-area shielding member defining an open area together with the open-area frame member and made movable for shielding the open area; drive means for driving the open-area shielding member; closing drive instructing means for producing a closing drive instruction to drive the open-area shielding member in a direction to reduce the open area; a detection electrode disposed in at least one portion of the substantial peripheral edge of the open area; electrostatic capacity detecting means for detecting the electrostatic capacity of the detection electrode; obstruction setting means for setting the presence of an obstruction in the open area in accordance with the electrostatic capacity detected by the electrostatic capacity detecting means; and energization control means for energizing the drive means to close the same in response to the closing drive instruction of the closing drive instruciton means and for deenergizing the drive means when the obstruciton setting means sets the presence of an obstruction.