JP2011048833A - Input apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input apparatus for exhibiting a touch sensation similar to an operation of a key constituted of a mechanical switch through the use of a touch sensor. <P>SOLUTION: The input apparatus 1 is provided with: the touch sensor 11 for accepting input; a load detector 12 for detecting a press load against a touch surface of the touch sensor 11; a touch sensation exhibition unit 13 for vibrating the touch surface; and a controller 15 for controlling driving of the touch sensation exhibition unit 13 so as to exhibit a touch sensation to an object that presses the touch surface when a position of the input based on position information from the touch sensor 11 is shifted into a prescribed region during keeping a state where the press load to be detected by the load detector 12 satisfies a prescribed load criterion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device including a touch sensor.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in portable terminals such as mobile phones, there are some devices that employ an input device including a touch sensor such as a touch panel or a touch switch as an input device such as an operation unit or a switch that receives an operation input by a user. In addition to portable terminals, input devices equipped with touch sensors are widely used in information devices such as calculators and ticket machines, household appliances such as microwave ovens, televisions, and lighting equipment, and industrial equipment (FA devices). .

  As such a touch sensor, various systems such as a resistive film system, a capacitance system, and an optical system are known. However, any type of touch sensor accepts touch input by a finger or a stylus pen, and the touch sensor itself does not physically displace like a mechanical push button switch even when touched. .

  As described above, even if the touch sensor is touched, the touch sensor itself is not physically displaced. Therefore, even if the touch input is accepted, the operator cannot obtain feedback for the input. For this reason, the operator does not have the feeling of “pressed / released the press” when performing the operation input, and it is easy for the operator to repeatedly input such as touching the same position many times. May give.

  As a device for preventing such unnecessary repeated input, for example, a device that receives a touch input and makes a sound is known. In addition, for example, by changing the display mode such as changing the display color of an input object such as an input button displayed on the display unit corresponding to the input position, the input operation is confirmed by hearing or vision. Some of them are also known.

  However, the feedback method that works on hearing is difficult to confirm in a noisy environment and cannot be used when the device in use is in a mute state such as the manner mode. In addition, in the case of a feedback method that works visually, if the size of the input object displayed on the display unit is small, the input object is hidden under the finger and changes the display mode, especially when inputting with the finger. May not be confirmed.

  Therefore, a feedback method has also been proposed in which when the touch sensor accepts an input regardless of hearing or vision, the touch sensor is vibrated to present a tactile sensation to the fingertip of the operator (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-288158 A JP 2008-130055 A

  According to the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when an operation input to the touch sensor is received, a tactile sensation due to vibration can be presented to an operator's fingertip or the like. Therefore, an operator who performs input using such an input device can recognize by touch that the operation input performed on the touch sensor has been received by the input device.

  If these techniques are applied to the input device, there is an input to the touch sensor at a position corresponding to the input object such as an input button displayed on the display unit based on the position information from the touch sensor. Only in some cases can a tactile sensation be presented. That is, an input object such as a key or a button is displayed on the display unit. With the above-described technique, the touch sensor does not present a tactile sensation even if there is a touch input on the touch sensor corresponding to the position where the key does not exist. If there is a touch input on the touch sensor corresponding to the position where the position exists, a tactile sensation can be presented.

  However, the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 merely vibrate the touch sensor according to the input when the touch sensor receives the input. For this reason, in particular, when a button switch such as a mechanical push button switch (push button switch) is drawn on the top of the touch sensor, when the threshold value for accepting the input from the touch sensor is low, a finger or the like is placed on the touch sensor. A tactile sensation is presented only by lightly touching (touching). For this reason, there is a possibility that an erroneous operation is induced in response to an operation (touch) that the operator touches lightly before pushing the touch sensor. In addition, even if the operator does not intend to push the drawn button switch (even if no force is applied), a tactile sensation is presented according to the light touching operation (touch) before pushing the touch sensor. As a result, the operator feels uncomfortable. Here, the threshold value for accepting an input by touch of the touch sensor is a threshold value at which the touch sensor reacts. For example, in the resistive film method, the threshold value is a threshold value of the pressing force with which the upper conductive film contacts the lower conductive film. In the method, it is a detection threshold value of an electrical signal due to contact.

  By the way, there is a so-called slide input as a characteristic input method in an input mode using a touch sensor. The slide input is an input for moving the touch position while maintaining a state where the touch surface of the touch sensor is lightly touched (touched), that is, an input based on an operation of lightly tracing the touch surface.

  When the above-described slide input is performed using an input device to which the conventional technology as described above is applied, the touch sensor is used to try to present a tactile sensation as if a mechanical push button switch is being operated. The resulting inconvenience occurs. That is, in the touch sensor, when there is a slide input corresponding to a position where the key exists from a position where the key does not exist, the input device assumes that the key is pressed and presents a tactile sensation. Therefore, from the point of view of the operator, a tactile sensation is presented only by lightly tracing the drawn button switch without pushing it, resulting in an uncomfortable operation.

  In the case of a mechanical push button switch, when the operator moves the pressing position from a position where there is no switch to a position where the switch is located while applying a certain amount of pressing force, the tactile sensation (hereinafter, click) It should be expected to be presented). Similarly, in the case of a mechanical push button switch, when the operator moves the pressing position from a position where there is a switch to a position where there is no switch while applying a certain amount of pressing force, It is expected that a tactile sensation (hereinafter referred to as a release tactile sensation) that returns to the original unpressed state is presented. Also, in the case of a mechanical push button switch, the operator can move the pressing position from the position without the switch to the position with the switch or perform the reverse movement with a very weak pressing force. We expect that no click or release feel will be presented.

  However, in the case of the input device described above, when slide input is performed on the touch sensor, the presence / absence of a tactile sensation is determined based on position information from the touch sensor. Presents a tactile sensation. Therefore, even when the operator does not intend to push and traces on the touch sensor with a very weak pressing force, the input is accepted as a slide input, and there is a slide input at a position corresponding to the input object. The key is regarded as pressed and a tactile sensation is presented. For this reason, since the operator is presented with a tactile sensation that is not intended, the operator feels uncomfortable. Further, in this case, since an operation based on an input that is not intended is performed, the operator has a troublesome task of canceling or re-inputting the input.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention made in view of such circumstances is to provide an input device capable of presenting a tactile sensation as if a key or the like constituted by a mechanical switch is operated using a touch sensor. There is.

The invention of the input device according to claim 1 which achieves the above object
A touch sensor that accepts input;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
When the position of the input based on the position information from the touch sensor moves into a predetermined area while the pressure load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a predetermined load standard, the touch surface is pressed. A control unit that controls driving of the tactile sensation providing unit so as to present a tactile sensation with respect to the pressed object;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 2 is the input device according to claim 1,
When the input position based on the position information from the touch sensor moves outside the predetermined area while the pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a predetermined load standard, the control unit performs the touch The drive of the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation with respect to the pressed object pressing the surface.

  According to the present invention, when the input position based on the position information from the touch sensor shifts to the area corresponding to the input object while the pressing load satisfies the predetermined load standard, the touch surface is pressed. A tactile sensation is presented to the pressed object. Therefore, even when an input for moving the pressing position is performed, it is possible to present a tactile sensation as if a key or the like constituted by a mechanical switch is being operated using the touch sensor. For this reason, the operator can obtain a realistic operation feeling without any sense of incongruity as if the operator operated a mechanical push button switch while performing input using the touch sensor. Furthermore, since an operation based on an input not intended by the operator is avoided, the troublesomeness of the operator re-inputting is eliminated.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the mounting structure of the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of transfer in the key area | region by the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of transfer outside a key area | region by the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of the operation | movement and press load which the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention receives. It is a figure explaining the other example of the operation | movement which the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention receives, and a press load. It is a figure explaining the other example of the operation | movement which the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention receives, and a press load. It is a figure explaining the other example of the operation | movement which the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention receives, and a press load. It is a figure explaining the other example of the operation | movement which the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention receives, and a press load. It is a figure explaining the other example of the operation | movement which the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention receives, and a press load.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The input device according to the present embodiment is a touch sensor such as an input device used when inputting characters or numbers on a portable terminal, an ATM installed in a bank, or an input device used in a ticket vending machine installed in a station. Any input device can be used as long as it accepts an operator's touch input.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a touch sensor 11, a load detection unit 12, a tactile sensation providing unit 13, a display unit 14, and a control unit 15 that controls the overall operation.

  The touch sensor 11 is usually disposed on the front surface of the display unit 14 and press input (touch input) by an operator's finger or the like to keys, buttons, etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as “keys”) displayed on the display unit 14. Is received by the touch surface of the corresponding touch sensor 11. The touch sensor 11 is configured by a known method such as a resistance film method, a capacitance method, and an optical method. The load detection unit 12 detects a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 and is configured using an element that reacts linearly to the load, such as a strain gauge sensor or a piezoelectric element. The tactile sensation providing unit 13 vibrates the touch sensor 11 and is configured using, for example, a piezoelectric vibrator. The display unit 14 displays an input object such as an input button such as a push button switch (push button switch), and is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel.

  2 shows an example of the mounting structure of the input device 1 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 (a) is a sectional view of the principal part, and FIG. 2 (b) is a plan view of the principal part. The display unit 14 is housed and held in the housing 21. The touch sensor 11 is held on the display unit 14 via an insulator 22 made of an elastic member. In the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the display unit 14 and the touch sensor 11 are rectangular in plan view. In the present embodiment, the touch sensor 11 is held on the display unit 14 via the insulators 22 arranged at the four corners deviated from the display area A of the display unit 14 indicated by virtual lines in FIG.

  The casing 21 is provided with an upper cover 23 so as to cover the surface area of the touch sensor 11 that is out of the display area of the display unit 14, and is formed of an elastic member between the upper cover 23 and the touch sensor 11. An insulator 24 is provided.

  In the touch sensor 11 shown in FIG. 2, the surface member having the touch surface 11a is made of, for example, a transparent film or glass, and the back member is made of glass or acrylic. The touch sensor 11 has a structure in which when the touch surface 11a is pressed, the pressed portion is slightly bent (distorted) according to the pressing force, or the structure itself is bent slightly.

  On the surface of the touch sensor 11, a strain gauge sensor 31 for detecting a load (pressing force) applied to the touch sensor 11 is provided in the vicinity of each side covered with the upper cover 23 by adhesion or the like. Further, on the back surface of the touch sensor 11, a piezoelectric vibrator 32 for vibrating the touch sensor 11 is provided in the vicinity of two opposing sides by bonding or the like. That is, in the input device shown in FIG. 2, the load detection unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 is configured using four strain gauge sensors 31, and the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is configured using two piezoelectric vibrators 32. . And the touch surface 11a is vibrated by vibrating the touch sensor 11 by the tactile sensation providing unit 13. In FIG. 2B, the casing 21, the upper cover 23, and the insulator 24 shown in FIG. 2A are not shown.

  3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the operation of the input apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. When the input position based on the position information from the touch sensor 11 shifts to an area corresponding to the input object, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment remains in a state where the pressing load satisfies a predetermined standard. Present.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 shows an operation of presenting a tactile sensation when the input device 1 receives a touch input and the input is a position corresponding to a key or the like, or when the input device 1 shifts to a position corresponding to a key or the like. It is shown. When starting the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, input objects such as keys are displayed on the display unit 14 of the input device 1 before receiving a touch input to the touch surface of the touch sensor 11. The input object in the present embodiment can be an image that suggests to the operator a site that accepts input. For example, an image representing a state in which numbers and characters are drawn on the key top is displayed on the display unit 14 as the input object image.

  When the operation of the input device 1 according to the present embodiment starts, the control unit 15 monitors an input to the touch sensor 11 and monitors a load detected by the load detection unit 12. In step S11, when the touch sensor 11 detects an input (touch input) by a pressing target (pressed object) such as an operator's finger or a stylus pen, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S <b> 12, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies a predetermined criterion while increasing due to the pressing of the touch sensor 11. In addition, the load detection part 12 detects a load from the average value of the output of the four strain gauge sensors 31, for example. Here, the load satisfying the predetermined standard is set in advance to a value such as 1N (Newton) based on the pressing load when the operator performs a normal pressing operation, and the setting can be changed thereafter. Is preferred. In addition, this predetermined standard provides the operator with a pressure sensation for realistic tactile sensation, which will be described later, in order not to accept an operation when the operator has lightly touched unintentionally as an input. Therefore, an excessively low reference is not set in consideration of a pressing load at the time of pressing input based on the operator's intention (for example, an average value). Even if an input to the touch sensor 11 is detected in step S11, if the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 does not satisfy a predetermined standard in step S12, the operation according to the present embodiment is not performed.

  When a load satisfying a predetermined criterion is detected in step S12, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the position of the press input based on the position information from the touch sensor 11 exists in the predetermined area (step S13). In the present embodiment, the “predetermined area” is an area in the touch sensor 11 corresponding to a position where an input object for receiving an input such as a key or a button is displayed on the display unit 14. Since this “predetermined area” is an area corresponding to a key or the like, hereinafter, it is simply referred to as “key area” as appropriate.

  In step S13, when the position of the press input is within the key area, the control unit 15 changes the display mode of the input object corresponding to the position where the press input is detected and displays the change on the display unit 14 (step S13). S14). The change in the display mode of the input object performed in step S14 is, for example, an object drawing in which a key is depressed when a mechanical push button switch is pressed by an operator (hereinafter referred to as “ It is conceivable to change to “press display”. In addition, when changing the display mode of the input object, a display that emphasizes that the operator's press input has been received, such as by instantaneously changing the color or brightness of the input object, etc. May be performed.

  After performing the key press display in step S14, the control unit 15 drives the tactile sensation providing unit 13 with a predetermined drive signal, and vibrates the touch sensor 11 with a predetermined vibration pattern set in advance to present the tactile sensation ( Step S15). The tactile sensation providing unit 13 drives the two piezoelectric vibrators 32 in the same phase, for example. In this way, the input device 1 accepts a press input by a push operation based on the operator's intention.

  On the other hand, if the position of the press input is not in the key area in step S13, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the position of the input based on the position information from the touch sensor 11 has moved into the key area ( Step S16). That is, in this case, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the position of the pressing input has entered from the outside of the key area into the key area while the pressing load satisfies a predetermined standard. From the viewpoint of the action performed by the operator, this corresponds to the input object such as a key from a position other than the input object such as the key while applying a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard to the touch panel 11. This corresponds to an input for moving the pressed position on the touch panel 11 to the position to be performed.

  In step S16, when the position of the press input has not shifted to the key area, the process returns to step S11, and the control unit 15 determines whether or not the input to the touch sensor 11 is still detected. When the input to the touch sensor 11 is no longer detected, it can be determined that the operator has removed his / her finger from the touch sensor 11, and thus the operation of the present embodiment ends. Further, when the input to the touch sensor 11 is still detected, the processing after step S12 described above is performed.

  On the other hand, when the position of the press input has moved into the key area in step S16, the control unit 15 changes the display mode of the input object corresponding to the position where the press input is detected (step S14), A tactile sensation is presented (step S15). That is, here, the control unit 15 has moved the input position based on the position information from the touch sensor 11 into the predetermined region while the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies the predetermined load standard. In this case, the drive of the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is controlled so that a tactile sensation is presented to the pressing target pressing the touch surface.

  The tactile sensation presented by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 to the pressed object in step S14 is preferably the click tactile sensation described above. In order to present a realistic click tactile sensation to the operator, the input device 1 performs the following operation to stimulate the tactile sense while stimulating the pressure sense of the operator. That is, the input device 1 stimulates the pressure sense until the load applied to the touch sensor 11 satisfies a reference (for example, 1N) that provides tactile sensation. And the touch surface 11a is vibrated to stimulate the sense of touch. Thereby, the input device 1 can present to the operator a click feeling similar to that obtained when a button switch such as a push button switch (push button switch) is pressed. Therefore, even if the push button switch is drawn on the upper part of the touch sensor, the operator performs an input operation on the touch sensor 11 while obtaining a realistic click feeling similar to that when the actual push button switch is operated. You can do it, so you don't feel uncomfortable. Further, since the input operation can be performed in conjunction with the consciousness that the touch sensor 11 is “pressed”, an input error due to simple pressing can be prevented.

  The drive signal when presenting the click sensation described above, that is, the constant frequency, period (wavelength), waveform, and amplitude for stimulating the sense of touch can be set as appropriate according to the click sensation presented. For example, when a tactile sensation represented by a metal dome switch used in a portable terminal is presented, for example, the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is driven by a drive signal for one cycle including a sine wave having a constant frequency of 170 Hz. The tactile sensation providing unit 13 is driven by such a drive signal, and the touch surface 11a is vibrated by about 15 μm in a state where the reference pressing load Pth is applied. Thereby, it is possible to present the operator with a realistic click feeling as if the user had clicked on an actual key.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation following the operation shown in FIG. Since the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is a continuation of the operation of FIG. 3, the position of the position corresponding to the input object displayed on the display unit 14 is maintained while the load detection unit 12 detects a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard. It starts from a state where the touch sensor 11 accepts input. That is, when the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 starts, the position of the press input exists in the key area, and the press load satisfies a predetermined standard. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 shows the operation when the position of the press input is no longer in the key area from the state where the position of the press input is in the key area.

  When the operation of the input device 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 starts, first, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 still satisfies a predetermined standard (step S21). ).

  In step S21, when it is determined that the pressing load no longer satisfies the predetermined standard, the control unit 15 changes the display mode of the input object that has been received and pressed and is displayed by pressing. The original input object is restored and displayed on the display unit 14 (step S23). When the display of the input object is restored in step S23, the drawing of the pressed display object performed in step 14 of FIG. 3 is performed when the operator presses the mechanical push button switch. For example, the display may be changed so that the key dent is restored. Also in this case, in order to emphasize that the operator's press input is no longer accepted, that is, that the press input has been released, a mode such as instantaneously changing the color or brightness of the input object is displayed. Also good.

  When the key press display is restored in step S23, the control unit 15 drives the tactile sensation providing unit 13 with a predetermined drive signal to vibrate the touch sensor 11 with a predetermined vibration pattern set in advance, thereby releasing the tactile sensation (release). (Tactile sensation) is presented (step S24).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S21 that the pressing load still satisfies the predetermined standard, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the position of the input based on the position information from the touch sensor 11 has moved outside the key area. Is determined (step S22). That is, in this case, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the position of the pressing input has moved out of the key area to the outside of the key area while the pressing load satisfies a predetermined standard. From the viewpoint of the operation performed by the operator, this corresponds to a position other than the input object such as the key from the position corresponding to the input object such as the key while applying a pressing load satisfying a predetermined standard to the touch panel 11. This corresponds to an input for moving the pressed position on the touch panel 11 to the position to be performed.

  In step S22, when the position of the pressing input has not shifted outside the key area, the process returns to step S21, and the control unit 15 determines whether or not the pressing load still satisfies a predetermined standard. In Step S21, when it is determined that the pressing load no longer satisfies the predetermined standard, the operations of Step S23 and Step S24 are performed as described above.

  On the other hand, when the position of the pressing input moves outside the key area in step S22, the control unit 15 restores the display of the input object that has been received and pressed (step S23), and presents the tactile sensation. The unit 13 is driven with a predetermined drive signal to present a tactile sensation (step S24). That is, here, the control unit 15 moves the position of the input based on the position information from the touch sensor 11 outside the predetermined region while the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies the predetermined load standard. In this case, the drive of the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is controlled so that a tactile sensation is presented to the pressing target pressing the touch surface.

  Note that the tactile sensation that the tactile sensation providing unit 13 presents to the pressed object in step S24 is preferably the release tactile sensation described above. The drive signal for driving the tactile sensation providing unit 13 when presenting the release tactile sensation can be the same as or different from the drive signal (for click sensation) at the time of pressing in step S15 in FIG. For example, the frequency of the drive signal (for click tactile sensation) at the time of pressing when the touch sensor 11 detects an input can be 170 Hz, and the frequency of the drive signal at the time of release can be 125 Hz. As a result, it is possible to present the operator with a realistic release tactile sensation different from the click tactile sensation as when the actual key is released. In this way, at the time of release after the click tactile sensation is presented by pressing, the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is driven with a predetermined driving signal, and the touch sensor 11 is vibrated with a predetermined predetermined vibration pattern in the same manner as when pressing. In addition, a release tactile sensation with respect to a click tactile sensation can be presented. Therefore, in combination with the click feeling at the time of pressing, it is possible to present to the operator a click feel that is closer to a push button switch.

  Hereinafter, specific examples of the operation of the input apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 will be further described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation and a pressing load in which the input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention receives a pressing input.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram schematically showing how the operator's finger presses the key area α and then releases the press. In FIG. 5A, a key area α is an area in the touch sensor 11 and corresponds to a position where an input object for receiving an input such as a key or a button is displayed on the display unit 14. In FIG. 5A, characters related to input such as “A” and “1” normally displayed on the key top of the input object are omitted. In FIG. 5A, the ratio of the size of the operator's finger to the key area α is for convenience of explanation, and does not reflect the actual size ratio.

  FIG. 5B is a graph showing the change over time of the pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 detected by the load detection unit 12 when the operation shown in FIG. 5A is performed. In FIG. 5B, the “predetermined reference” of the pressing load described above is indicated as Pth. Further, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the order of passage of time is shown by the numbers shown in parentheses. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, these numbers in parentheses are referred to as “time points”.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the time point (1) shows a state where the operator is about to press the key area α, and the time point (2) is a key area with a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined standard. A state (3) of the state where the inside of α is being pressed shows a state where the operator releases the press. When this operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 5B, the load detection unit 12 starts to detect the pressing load between the time point (1) and the time point (2) (that is, the operator with respect to the touch surface). The pressure load is not detected between time (2) and time (3) (that is, the operator releases the pressure on the touch surface). Further, at the time (2), the load detection unit 12 detects a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, the pressing load satisfies Pth slightly before the time (2), and slightly after the time (2). Thus, the pressing load does not satisfy Pth.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment presents a click feel when detecting a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined reference Pth in the key area α, and presses in the key area α. When the load does not satisfy the predetermined reference Pth, a release tactile sensation is presented. In FIG. 5 (B), just before the time point (2), the downward arrow (↓) shown below the time axis when the pressing load satisfies Pth is a tactile sensation as if the key is depressed. Means to be presented. Similarly, an upward arrow (↑) shown below the time axis when the pressing load no longer satisfies Pth slightly after the time point (2) is a release tactile feeling that the depressed key returns to the original. Means to be presented.

  In this embodiment, a click tactile sensation is provided when a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined reference Pth is detected in the key area, and a release tactile sensation is provided when the pressing load does not satisfy the predetermined reference Pth in the key area. . That is, the reference of the pressing load when presenting the click feeling and the criterion of the pressing load when presenting the release feeling have been described as the same value Pth. However, the load standard that provides the release tactile sensation may be set to a value that is 50% to 80% lower than the load standard that presents the click tactile sensation when pressed. In this way, when clicking on the same position (input object) and then releasing it, the sequential operation of input and input and the tactile sensation presentation timing match, and a realistic click tactile sensation and release without any sense of incongruity A tactile sensation can be presented.

  As described above, when the pressing load detected on the touch surface satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (step S12) and the pressing position is within the key area α (step S13), the input device 1 presents a click tactile sensation. (Step S15). Similarly, even when the pressing position is within the key area α (START in FIG. 4), the input device 1 releases when the pressing load detected on the touch surface does not satisfy the predetermined reference Pth (step S21). A tactile sensation is presented (step S24).

  As described above, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, if the operator presses the key area α with a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, a click feeling is obtained, and then the pressing load is reduced. A release tactile sensation is obtained when the predetermined reference Pth is not satisfied. Therefore, the operator can obtain a tactile sensation as if he / she is operating a key or the like constituted by a mechanical switch even when performing an operation input using the touch sensor.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation for receiving the pressing input and the pressing load by the input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6 and subsequent figures, the meanings of the symbols and the like are the same as those described in FIG. FIG. 6 (A) is a diagram schematically showing how the operator's finger presses inside the key area α, and then releases the key area α after leaving the key area α while maintaining the pressing. .

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the time point (1) shows how the operator is about to press the key area α, and the time point (2) is the key area with a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined standard. It shows a state where the inside of α is being pressed. At the time point (3), the operator moves the pressing position while pressing the key area α from the time point (2) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and moves from the key area α to the outside of the key area α. Is shown. The time point (4) is a state where the operator has pressed the outside of the key area α from the time point (3) with a pressing load satisfying a predetermined standard, and the time point (5) is the time when the operator presses It shows a state of canceling.

  When this operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 6B, the load detection unit 12 starts to detect the pressing load between the time point (1) and the time point (2) (that is, the operator with respect to the touch surface). Started to press). Further, at time (2), the load detection unit 12 detects a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, and the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth between the time (2) and the time (3). (That is, the operator moves the pressing position with a pressing load that satisfies Pth). Further, even during the period from the time point (3) to the time point (4), the load detection unit 12 still detects the pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (that is, the operator moves the pressing position with the pressing load that satisfies Pth). The pressing load does not satisfy Pth at time (4). Further, the load detection unit 12 does not detect the pressing load between the time point (4) and the time point (5) (that is, the operator has released the pressure on the touch surface).

  As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment presents a click feeling when detecting a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined reference Pth in the key region α, and the pressing load is a predetermined reference. When the pressed position shifts from the key area α to the key area α while satisfying Pth, a release tactile sensation is presented.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, at the time point (2), the downward arrow (↓) shown below the time axis when the pressing load satisfies Pth means that a click tactile sensation is presented. In (3), an upward arrow (↑) shown below the time axis means that a release tactile sensation is presented. At time (4), the pressing load does not satisfy Pth. However, at this point in time, the condition for presenting neither a click tactile sense nor a release tactile sense is satisfied, and therefore no tactile sensation is presented.

  As described above, when the pressing load detected on the touch surface satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (step S12) and the pressing position is within the key area α (step S13), the input device 1 presents a click tactile sensation. (Step S15). On the other hand, the input device 1 presents a release tactile sensation when the pressing position shifts from the key area α to the key area α (step S22) while the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (step S21) (step S22). S24).

  As described above, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, if the operator presses the key region α with a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, a click feeling is obtained, and then the predetermined reference Pth is satisfied. A release tactile sensation is obtained when the pressing position is shifted outside the key area α while maintaining the pressing load. Therefore, the operator can obtain a tactile sensation as if he / she is operating a key or the like constituted by a mechanical switch even when the touch position is moved using the touch sensor for input.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining still another example of the operation and the pressing load in which the input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention receives a pressing input. FIG. 7A is a diagram schematically showing how the operator's finger presses outside the key area α and then enters the key area α while maintaining the pressing, and then releases the press. .

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the time point (1) shows that the operator is about to press outside the key region α, and the time point (2) is the key region with a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined standard. It shows a state of pressing outside α. At the time point (3), the operator moves the pressing position while pressing outside the key area α from the time point (2) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and moves from outside the key area α to the key area α. Is shown. The time point (4) is a state where the operator has pressed the key region α from the time point (3) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and the time point (5) is the time when the operator presses It shows a state of canceling.

  When this operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 7B, the load detection unit 12 starts to detect the pressing load between the time point (1) and the time point (2) (that is, the operator with respect to the touch surface). Started to press). Further, at time (2), the load detection unit 12 detects a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, and the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth between the time (2) and the time (3). (That is, the operator moves the pressing position with a pressing load that satisfies Pth). Further, even during the period from the time point (3) to the time point (4), the load detection unit 12 still detects the pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (that is, the operator moves the pressing position with the pressing load that satisfies Pth). The pressing load does not satisfy Pth at time (4). Further, the load detection unit 12 does not detect the pressing load between the time point (4) and the time point (5) (that is, the operator has released the pressure on the touch surface).

  As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment has a tactile sensation when the pressing position shifts from outside the key area α to inside the key area α while the pressing load satisfies a predetermined reference Pth. When the pressing load detected in the key area α does not satisfy the predetermined reference Pth, a release tactile sensation is presented.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, at the time point (3), the downward arrow (↓) shown below the time axis means that a click feeling is presented, and at the time point (4), the pressing load is Pth. An upward arrow (↑) shown below the time axis when the condition is no longer satisfied means that a release tactile sensation is presented. At time point (2), the pressing load satisfies Pth (step S12), but the pressing position is not in the key area (step S13) and has not yet moved into the key area (step S16). It does not meet the conditions for presenting the click feel and release feel. Therefore, no tactile sensation is presented at this point.

  As described above, the input device 1 presents a click tactile sensation when the pressing position moves from the outside of the key area α to the key area α (step S16) while the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (step S12). (Step S15). On the other hand, even if the pressing position is within the key area α (START in FIG. 4), the input device 1 releases the tactile sensation when the pressing load detected on the touch surface does not satisfy the predetermined reference Pth (step S21). Is presented (step S24).

  As described above, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the operator moves the pressing position into the key area α while maintaining the pressing load of the predetermined reference Pth, a click feeling is obtained, and thereafter A release tactile sensation is obtained when the pressing load that presses the key region α is weakened and does not satisfy the predetermined reference Pth.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining still another example of the operation for receiving the pressing input and the pressing load by the input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A shows that the operator's finger presses outside the key area α, then enters the key area α while maintaining the press, and then goes out of the key area α, and then releases the press. It is a figure which shows a mode schematically.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the time point (1) shows that the operator is about to press outside the key area α, and the time point (2) is the key area with a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined standard. It shows a state of pressing outside α. At the time point (3), the operator moves the pressing position while pressing outside the key area α from the time point (2) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and moves from outside the key area α to the key area α. Is shown. At the time point (4), the operator moves the pressing position while pressing the key area α from the time point (3) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and moves from the key area α to the outside of the key area α. Is shown. The time point (5) is a state where the operator has pressed the outside of the key area α from the time point (4) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and the time point (6) is the time when the operator presses It shows a state of canceling.

  When this operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 8B, the load detection unit 12 starts to detect the pressing load between the time point (1) and the time point (2) (that is, the operator with respect to the touch surface). Started to press). Further, at time (2), the load detection unit 12 detects a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, and the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth between the time (2) and the time (3). (That is, the operator moves the pressing position with a pressing load that satisfies Pth). Further, the load detector 12 still detects the pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference Pth from the time point (3) to the time point (4) and from the time point (4) to the time point (5) (that is, The operator moves the pressing position with a pressing load that satisfies Pth), and at time (5), the pressing load does not satisfy Pth. Furthermore, the load detection unit 12 does not detect the pressing load between the time point (5) and the time point (6) (that is, the operator releases the pressing on the touch surface).

  As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment has a tactile sensation when the pressing position shifts from outside the key area α to inside the key area α while the pressing load satisfies a predetermined reference Pth. Present. In addition, the input device 1 presents a release tactile sensation when the pressing position shifts from the key area α to the key area α while the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, at the time point (3), the downward arrow (↓) shown below the time axis means that a tactile sensation is presented, and at the time point (4), below the time axis. An upward arrow (↑) shown in the above means that a release tactile sensation is presented. At time point (2), the pressing load satisfies Pth (step S12), but the pressing position is not in the key area (step S13) and has not yet moved to the key area (step S16). It does not meet the conditions for presenting the click feel and release feel. Therefore, no tactile sensation is presented at this point. Further, at time point (5), the pressing load does not satisfy Pth. However, at this point in time, the condition for presenting neither the click feeling nor the release feeling is satisfied, and thus no tactile feeling is presented.

  As described above, the input device 1 presents a click tactile sensation when the pressing position moves from the outside of the key area α to the key area α (step S16) while the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (step S12). (Step S15). On the other hand, the input device 1 presents a release tactile sensation when the pressing position shifts from the key area α to the key area α (step S22) while the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (step S21) (step S22). S24).

  As described above, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the operator shifts the pressing position into the key area α while maintaining the pressing load of the predetermined reference Pth, a click feeling is obtained, and then the predetermined tactile sensation is obtained. The release tactile sensation is obtained when the pressing position is shifted to the outside of the key area α while maintaining the pressing load of the reference Pth.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining still another example of the operation and the pressing load in which the input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention receives a pressing input. FIG. 9A shows that the operator's finger presses outside the key area α, and then enters the key area α while maintaining the press and then goes outside the key area α, and then maintains the press. It is a figure which shows schematically a mode that the said press is cancelled | released after going out of the said key area | region (beta) after having entered in the key area | region (beta). As described above, the input device 1 performs the same operation as described above when performing an input for moving the pressing position so as to straddle a plurality of different key areas.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the time point (1) shows how the operator is going to press outside the key area α, and the time point (2) shows the key area with a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined standard. It shows a state of pressing outside α. At the time point (3), the operator moves the pressing position while pressing outside the key area α from the time point (2) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and moves from outside the key area α to the key area α. Is shown. At the time point (4), the operator moves the pressing position while pressing the key area α from the time point (3) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and moves from the key area α to the outside of the key area α. Is shown.

  Also, at time (5), the operator moves the pressing position while pressing outside the key area α or β from the time (4) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and from outside the key area β to inside the key area β. It shows how it moves to. At the time point (6), the operator moves the pressing position while pressing the inside of the key area β from the time point (5) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and moves from the key area β to the outside of the key area β. Is shown. The time point (7) is a state in which the operator has pressed the outside of the key area β from the time point (6) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and the time point (8) is a state where the operator presses It shows a state of canceling.

  Based on this operation, as shown in FIG. 9B, the input device 1 presents a click tactile sensation at time (3) and a release tactile sensation at time (4). Further, the input device 1 again presents a click tactile sensation at time (5) and again presents a release tactile sensation at time (6). Note that at the time (2), the pressing load satisfies Pth, but the input device 1 does not present a tactile sensation. At the time (7), the pressing load does not satisfy Pth, but the input device 1 does not present a tactile sensation.

  As described above, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, a click tactile sensation is obtained when the operator shifts the pressing position into the key area α or β while maintaining the pressing load of the predetermined reference Pth. Further, according to the input device 1, a release tactile sensation is obtained when the operator shifts the pressing position outside the key area α or β while maintaining the pressing load of the predetermined reference Pth. Therefore, even when the operator uses the touch sensor to move the pressing position so as to straddle a plurality of key areas and perform input, the operator feels as if he / she is operating a key or the like configured by a mechanical switch. Obtainable.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining still another example of the operation of receiving the pressing input and the pressing load by the input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10A, the operator's finger presses inside the key area α, and then goes out of the key area α while maintaining the pressing, and then enters the key area β while maintaining the pressing. It is a figure which shows a mode that the said press is cancelled | released later roughly. As described above, the input device 1 performs the same operation as described above when performing an input for moving the pressed position between a plurality of different key areas.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the time point (1) shows how the operator is about to press the key area α, and the time point (2) is the key area with a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined standard. It shows a state where the inside of α is being pressed. At the time point (3), the operator moves the pressing position while pressing the key area α from the time point (2) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and moves from the key area α to the outside of the key area α. Is shown. At time point (4), the operator moves the pressing position while pressing outside the key area α or β from time point (3) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard, and moves from outside the key area β into the key area β. It shows how to do. Furthermore, the time point (5) is a state in which the operator moves the pressing position while pressing the inside of the key area β from the time point (4) with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard. Shows a state in which the pressure is released.

  Based on this operation, the input device 1 presents a click tactile sensation at time (2) and a release tactile sensation at time (3), as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the input device 1 again presents a click tactile sensation at time (4) and again presents a release tactile sensation at time (5).

  As described above, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, if the operator presses the key area α or β with a pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, a click feeling is obtained, and the key area α Alternatively, a release tactile sensation is obtained when the pressing load is weakened in β and the predetermined reference Pth is not satisfied. Further, according to the input device 1, when the operator moves the pressing position into the key area α or β while maintaining the pressing load of the predetermined reference Pth, a click feeling can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the input device 1, a release tactile sensation is obtained when the operator shifts the pressing position outside the key area α or β while maintaining the pressing load of the predetermined reference Pth.

  In addition, this invention is not limited only to the said embodiment, Many deformation | transformation or a change is possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, there is no mention of whether or not sound is generated when an operation is performed. However, in addition to the operation according to each of the embodiments described above, if the sound linked with the operation is appropriately generated, the operability of the input device can be further improved and the occurrence of erroneous input can be further reduced. In the above-described embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the case where one or two key areas exist on the touch surface of the touch sensor has been described. Naturally, a large number of three or more key areas are included. You can also have it. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for the sake of simplification of explanation, only the case where the pressing position of the operator's input moves in the horizontal direction has been described, but naturally, movement in any direction such as the vertical direction is also assumed. can do.

  Moreover, the load detection part in each embodiment mentioned above can be comprised using arbitrary number of strain gauge sensors. Furthermore, according to the input detection method in the touch sensor, for example, in the case of the resistance film method, the load detection unit uses a strain gauge sensor if the load can be detected from the change in the output signal based on the resistance change due to the contact area. It can be configured without. Alternatively, in the case of the electrostatic capacity method, if the load can be detected from the change in the output signal based on the change in the electrostatic capacity, it can be configured without using the strain gauge sensor.

  In addition, the tactile sensation providing unit may be configured using an arbitrary number of piezoelectric vibrators, or may be configured by providing a transparent piezoelectric element on the entire surface of the touch sensor, or can express vibration that presents tactile sensation. Can be configured to rotate once in one cycle of the drive signal. Furthermore, when the load detection unit and the tactile sensation providing unit are configured using a piezoelectric element, the load detection unit and the tactile sensation providing unit can be configured by sharing the piezoelectric element.

  Moreover, the input device according to the present invention drives the tactile sensation providing unit when the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a criterion for presenting a tactile sensation. However, the time when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit satisfies the standard for presenting a tactile sensation may be when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit reaches a standard value for presenting a tactile sensation. The pressing load detected by the load detection unit may exceed a reference value that provides tactile sensation. Further, it may be when a reference value for presenting a tactile sensation is detected by the load detection unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Touch sensor 11a Touch surface 12 Load detection part 13 Tactile sense presentation part 14 Display part 15 Control part 21 Case 22 Insulator 23 Upper cover 24 Insulator 31 Strain gauge sensor 32 Piezoelectric vibrator

Claims (2)

A touch sensor that accepts input;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
When the position of the input based on the position information from the touch sensor moves into a predetermined area while the pressure load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a predetermined load standard, the touch surface is pressed. A control unit that controls driving of the tactile sensation providing unit so as to present a tactile sensation with respect to the pressed object;
An input device comprising:   When the input position based on the position information from the touch sensor moves outside the predetermined area while the pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a predetermined load standard, the control unit performs the touch The input device according to claim 1, wherein driving of the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation with respect to a pressing target pressing the surface.

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