JP2005339298A - Input device, and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device which can be made low in profile, is superior in layout performance and design, and informs the user of an input received, by providing an appropriate touch sensation to the user, and to provide an electronic device. <P>SOLUTION: The contact of the finger 4 of the user is detected by the sensor 2 of a capacitance sensor, etc., and a signal is inputted. When the sensor 2 detects the contact and the signal input is received, a drive signal is supplied to an actuator 3, such as a piezoelectric actuator, and thus the contact part of the finger 4 is vibrated and the vibration is transmitted to the user. Consequently, the user recognizes that input has been accepted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device and an electronic device, and more particularly to an input device and an electronic device that give a tactile sensation to a user.

  Conventionally, mechanical switches such as membrane switches and tactile switches are used as input devices for users in relatively small electronic devices such as digital still cameras, mobile phones, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

  FIG. 23 shows an example of the configuration of a membrane switch with a dome. The membrane switch 100 presses and bends the arch-shaped dome member 102 from the decorative surface 101 side, and electrically connects the conductor provided inside the dome member 102 to the circuit pattern on the film 103. It has a structure that turns on. The dome member 102 gives a tactile sensation to the user, and the spacer 104 gives a strong click feeling to the user. That is, when the spacer 104 on the dome member 102 is pushed by the user, the membrane switch 100 can make a trigger input to the device and make the user feel that the switch has been pushed.

  Some use a touch panel as an input device for a user. A touch panel can be used to input a trigger to a device simply by touching it with a finger or the like, and is used in a station ticket vending machine, a display for car navigation, and the like. The following Patent Document 1 describes a portable device in which a force sense device is embedded in a touch panel display and feedback can be given to a user's fingertip.

JP 2003-288158 A

However, the conventional mechanical switch as described above has the following problems.
(1) Thinning is difficult. For example, in a membrane switch with a dome, the thickness of the decorative surface + spacer + dome is about 0.5 mm.
(2) Since a notch for the switch is required on the casing surface, dust, water, etc. are likely to enter the casing.
(3) Since a place for arranging the mechanical switch on the outer surface of the housing is required, the design and the degree of freedom in design are reduced.
(4) Since the pressing feeling of the switch is mechanically determined, it is difficult to customize the tactile sense according to the user's preference or change the tactile sense according to the situation with the same switch.
(5) When changing the number, size, arrangement, etc. of the switch, it is necessary to newly design and manufacture, and it is difficult to change at low cost in a short period of time.

In addition, there are the following problems as devices become smaller.
(6) It is becoming difficult to secure switch space.
(7) The proportion of the switch in the housing increases, and the degree of freedom in design decreases.

  As a solution to these problems, there is a touch panel as described above. However, the touch panel is a touch panel with a tactile sensation as described in Patent Document 1, particularly when used for a display that requires a display equivalent to a photographic image quality, such as a digital still camera, because the panel is soiled by fingerprints. However, this is not always the optimal solution. Moreover, the touch panel needs to arrange | position a panel on the surface of an apparatus housing | casing, and did not fully solve the problem mentioned above.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device and an electronic apparatus that can be thinned, have excellent layout and design, and can give an appropriate tactile sensation to a user to notify that an input has been accepted. There is.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an input device for inputting a signal generated by contact, and is provided with a sheet-like sensor that is attached to a housing and detects contact, and a detection signal from the sensor. An input device comprising: a receiving controller; a sheet-like actuator that vibrates a housing; and a driving unit that supplies a driving signal to the actuator when contact is detected by a sensor.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus that uses a signal generated by contact as an operation signal, a sheet-like sensor that is attached to the casing and detects contact, a controller that receives a detection signal from the sensor, and a casing The electronic apparatus includes: a sheet-like actuator that vibrates the actuator; and a drive unit that supplies a drive signal to the actuator when the controller detects contact with the sensor.

  In the present invention, a sensor detects contact with a user's finger or the like, and a signal is input. When contact is detected by the sensor and the controller receives a signal input, supplying a drive signal to the actuator vibrates the casing and transmits the vibration to the user. Thereby, the user can sense that the input has been accepted.

  According to the input device and the electronic apparatus of the present invention, since the sheet-like sensor and the sheet-like actuator are used, even a structure that gives a tactile sensation to the user can be thinned. In addition, by disposing the sensor and the actuator inside the housing, a notch for installing the input device can be eliminated from the housing surface, and dust, water, and the like can be prevented from entering the housing. Moreover, since an installation place is not required on the outer surface of the device casing, design and the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

  Since the housing is vibrated by receiving the input of the signal, the user can determine that the input has been made reliably.

  The sensor detects the position of the user's finger, pressing force, moving speed, acceleration, etc., and controls the vibration by the actuator according to the detection result. The tactile sensation can be changed according to the situation. Further, even when the number, size, arrangement, etc. of the switch are changed, it is possible to minimize the changed part, such as only changing the surface treatment for the housing.

  Further, since the sensor has flexibility, it can be installed in a curved housing. Furthermore, since the actuator only needs to be installed at an arbitrary location that vibrates the housing of the contact portion, the space required for the input device can be reduced. As a result, the proportion of the switch in the casing is reduced, and the degree of freedom in design can be improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an example of a schematic configuration of an electronic apparatus including an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, FIG. 2 shows the cross section seen from the arrow A direction in FIG. Reference numeral 1 denotes a relatively thin and hard electronic device casing made of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel or a synthetic resin. A sensor 2 and an actuator 3 are arranged inside the device housing 1.

  The sensor 2 detects contact of the user's finger 4 through the housing 1. The sensor 2 has a thin sheet shape (for example, a thickness of 0.1 mm), and is attached to the housing 1 with an adhesive member such as a double-sided tape or an adhesive. Moreover, the sensor 2 has flexibility, and even if the housing | casing 1 is a curved surface shape, it can affix without a gap along the curved surface.

  By making the sensor 2 into a thin sheet shape, the thickness of the input device can be reduced, and the electronic device can be made thinner. In addition, with a structure that can be deformed into a curved surface, the degree of freedom in designing electronic devices can be improved. Further, by incorporating the sensor 2 in the housing 1, the surface of the housing 1 can be flattened, the joints can be eliminated, the number of apparent switches can be reduced, and the design of the electronic device can be improved. . Furthermore, the dustproof and waterproof effect can be improved.

  As the sensor 2, for example, a capacitive sensor can be applied. An electrostatic capacitance type sensor utilizes the conductivity of a human finger or the like. The capacitance type sensor will be described with reference to FIGS. The capacitive sensor has two electrodes X and Y. As shown in FIG. 3, when nothing is approaching on the operation surface 5, the electric lines of force are directed from the electrode X to the electrode Y. As shown in FIG. 4, when the finger 4 approaches the operation surface 5, a part of the electric lines of force that have traveled from the operation surface 5 side of the electrode X toward the electrode Y are absorbed by the finger 4, and the capacitance value Decrease. The position of the finger 4 can be detected by sensing this change in capacitance value. In addition, when a capacitive sensor is attached to the inner surface of the housing 1 as the sensor 2, the capacitance value changes according to the force with which the finger 4 pushes the housing 1, so that the operation force by the finger 4, that is, the pushing force. The pressure can be detected. Also, finger movements such as movement speed and acceleration can be measured from changes in the contact position.

  The actuator 3 is an actuator using a piezoelectric material, and is deformed and bent by application of a voltage. The actuator 3 has a thin sheet shape and is fixed inside the housing 1 so as to give arbitrary vibration to the housing 1 including at least the contact portion of the finger 4.

  By making the actuator 3 into a thin sheet shape, the thickness of the input device can be reduced, and the electronic device can be reduced in thickness. Also, by incorporating the actuator 3 in the housing 1, the outer surface of the housing 1 can be flattened, the joints can be eliminated, the number of apparent switches can be reduced, and the design of the electronic device can be improved. Can do. Furthermore, the dustproof and waterproof effect can be improved.

  As the actuator 3, for example, a bimorph type piezoelectric actuator can be applied. FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a bimorph piezoelectric actuator. The bimorph type piezoelectric actuator 6 has two piezoelectric elements 8 and 9 fixed to each other with an elastic plate 7 made of an arbitrary metal or the like interposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 6A, the bimorph piezoelectric actuator 6 is configured such that one piezoelectric element 8 expands and the other piezoelectric element 9 contracts when a voltage is applied. Thus, when a voltage is applied, the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9 (hereinafter referred to as elements as appropriate) expand and contract, and the elements bend as shown in FIG. 6B. The bimorph piezoelectric actuator 6 uses vibration due to this bending.

As the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9, it is particularly desirable to use lead zirconate titanate (common name: PZT) having a large amount of generated displacement / applied voltage. The material composition can be changed by a small amount of additive or the like, but in the PZT having a constant d31 generally known as a constant indicating the displacement / voltage performance, it is 100 to 400 (× 10 ^−12). m / V) can be obtained.

  Crystals, lithium niobate, barium titanate, lead titanate, lead metaniobate, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), etc., provided that sufficient displacement / voltage characteristics can be obtained and the housing 1 can be vibrated These piezoelectric materials may be used as the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9.

  Electrodes are formed on the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9, respectively, and the electrode surfaces are insulated from each other. The electrode is formed on the element by plating, sputtering, vapor deposition, printing, baking, or the like. In addition, nickel, silver, gold | metal | money, copper etc. are used for an electrode material.

  It is more preferable to use a laminated bimorph type piezoelectric actuator for the actuator 3. FIG. 7 shows an example of the structure of a laminated bimorph piezoelectric actuator. The laminated bimorph type piezoelectric actuator 10 has a structure in which the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9 in the bimorph type piezoelectric actuator 6 are laminated for the purpose of improving the displacement / voltage of the piezoelectric element. By forming the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9 to be thin and laminating so that positive and negative voltages are alternately applied, the displacement amount can be increased and the voltage required for the displacement can be reduced. For example, by stacking elements having a thickness of 25 μm, the voltage required for displacement can be lowered to about 10V.

  The metal plate 13 is a plate having a thickness of 0.3 mm, for example, provided between the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9 in order to maintain strength. The metal plate 13 is mainly made of a metal material having conductivity such as a stainless alloy type or a nickel alloy type, but a non-conductive material may also be used.

  Here, an example of a method for fixing the actuator 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the example shown in FIG. 8, one end in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 8 is fixed to the housing 1, and the vibration in the arrow direction shown in FIG. 8A is generated at the other end by expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9. . The generated vibration is transmitted to the housing 1 and vibrates the housing 1. In this case, the other end, that is, the free end side can be greatly displaced to generate a large vibration. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, by applying a load to the displacement generating portion, the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9 are easily deformed for supporting one end, and the reaction force is transferred from the fixing portion to the housing 1 to the housing 1. The casing 1 can be vibrated efficiently.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 9 is supported by a support body 14 made of a foreign substance such as a frame in the housing 1, and the central portion between both ends by expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9. By the displacement, a structure in which the vibration in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The support 14 may be the housing 1. The generated vibration is transmitted to the housing 1 and vibrates the housing 1. In this case, since the piezoelectric element 9 is supported in a bridge shape at two points, the deformation with respect to the load applied to the displacement generating portion is smaller than in the case of the one-end support shown in FIG. Therefore, the amount of vibration at the displacement generating portion in the arrow direction shown in FIG. 9A is smaller than the amount of vibration in the case of the one-end support shown in FIG.

  Since the deformation of the element due to the load application substantially coincides with the load application direction, the fixing by the both ends support is suitable for supporting a certain amount of heavy objects and vibrating. When the casing 1 is vibrated, a larger click feeling is obtained when supporting both ends than when supporting one end. In particular, as shown in FIG. 9B, the piezoelectric element can be obtained by, for example, providing a load serving as a contact point with the casing 1 at a substantially central portion of the element so that both ends and the center of the element are fixed to the casing 1. Due to the expansion and contraction of 8 and 9, the housing 1 can be vibrated partially and clearly.

  The fixing method and displacement amount of the actuator 3 are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set according to characteristics such as the material of the housing 1. For example, one side of the actuator 3 may be fixed to the housing 1 and the housing 1 may be vibrated by expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric elements 8 and 9.

  Next, the operation of the input device according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is an example of a block diagram illustrating a signal flow in the input device according to the embodiment. In an input device according to an embodiment, an A / D converter driver (ADC) 15, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16, a memory 17, and a D / A converter driver (DAC) 18 disposed in an electronic device are used. .

  The sensor 2 detects the position of the finger 4 from the change in the capacitance value due to the contact of the user's finger 4 and supplies a detection signal to the CPU 16 which is a controller via the A / D converter driver 15. The A / D converter driver 15 converts an analog signal from the sensor 2 into a digital signal that can be read by the CPU 16. The detection signal generated by this contact is input as an operation signal in the electronic device.

  The CPU 16 takes out the vibration waveform data corresponding to the detection signal supplied from the sensor 2 via the A / D converter driver 15 from the memory 17 and supplies it to the D / A converter driver 18. The vibration waveform data is data for driving the actuator 3. The memory 17 is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) in which vibration waveform data is stored. A plurality of vibration waveform data is registered in the memory 17 in advance, and the vibration waveform data supplied to the D / A converter driver 18 by the CPU 16 is controlled. It is possible to output the vibration with the waveform.

  The D / A converter driver 18 converts vibration waveform data based on a digital signal supplied from the CPU 16 into an analog signal for driving the actuator 3. The drive signal converted by the D / A converter driver 18 is supplied to the actuator 3. The actuator 3 vibrates when a voltage is applied by a drive signal from the D / A converter driver 18. When the actuator 3 vibrates, the housing 1 vibrates. Therefore, this input device generates vibration by the actuator 3 when the CPU 16 receives an input operation signal generated by the contact of the user's finger 4.

  For this reason, when the finger 4 touches the housing 1, a housing input / output function is realized in which the finger 4 receives vibration feedback from the housing 1.

  By enabling the CPU 16 to control at least one of the amplitude, frequency, and output timing of the drive signal, various tactile sensations can be given to the user. For example, in response to “tracing” input, which will be described later, by outputting analog vibration, it is possible to give the user a pseudo-tactile sensation as if the user is tracing the switch.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 11, an input in the input device according to the embodiment will be described by taking a digital still camera as an example. No switch member is provided on the outer surface of the housing 1 of the digital still camera, and the flat shape is provided.

  Usually, a digital still camera is used by holding the end of the housing 1 with one hand or both hands. As an example, this digital still camera is provided with an input switch at a portion gripped by the right hand. A sensor 2 is arranged at each finger position that can be operated while the user grasps the housing 1 with the right hand, and the rear surface of the housing 1 (the self side is the front surface and the opposite surface is the rear surface). Are provided with sensor regions 19, 20, and 21, a sensor region 22 is provided on the upper surface, and a sensor region 23 is provided on the front surface. The sensor regions 19 to 23 are regions in which the sensor 2 disposed under each finger can detect a finger contact.

  The sensor regions 19, 20, and 21 are provided in ranges that can be operated with the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger of the right hand, respectively, in a state where the housing 1 is grasped with the right hand. The sensor region 22 is provided in a range that can be operated with the right index finger. The sensor region 23 is provided in a range that can be operated with the right thumb. In the sensor areas 19, 20 and 21, point input is possible, in the sensor area 22, line input is possible, and in the sensor input 23, surface input is possible.

The point input will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12A, one switch by the sensor 2 is arranged immediately below the housing part touched by the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger. By the on / off operation of these three fingers, as shown in FIG. 12B, function setting of seven patterns (patterns A to G) is possible (in the figure, hatched portions indicate finger positions). When there are four switches, it is possible to input a multifunctional function switch of 15 patterns, 5 patterns, 31 patterns, and n switches (2 ⁿ -1) patterns. Therefore, in this digital camera, a plurality of contacts can be detected by the sensor 2 and a plurality of types of inputs corresponding to the detected combination of contacts can be performed.

  Line input will be described with reference to FIG. Two or more switches based on the sensor 2 are arranged linearly immediately below the portion of the housing 1 touched by the index finger (three in the example of FIG. 13). As a result, “tracing” input suitable for a zoom operation or the like is possible. At this time, an analog signal can be input when the sensor 2 senses the speed and acceleration of the switch operation.

  The surface input will be described with reference to FIG. Immediately below the portion of the housing 1 touched by the thumb, three or more sensors 2 are arranged in a plane (in the example of FIG. 14, five are arranged in a cross shape). Thereby, while viewing the screen, it is possible to perform a cross key operation such that the menu is scrolled by touching the four sensors 2 positioned up, down, left and right, and touching the center sensor 2. At this time, an analog signal can be input when the sensor 2 senses the speed and acceleration of the switch operation.

  The sensor 2 and the actuator 3 are preferably arranged immediately below a switch provided at a finger position that can be operated while the user grasps the housing 1. However, detection of contact with the switch and vibration to the contact portion are preferable. The arrangement of the switch, the sensor 2 and the actuator 3 is not limited to this. Further, the sensor 2 and the actuator 3 may not be provided for each switch.

  An arrangement example of the sensor 2 and the actuator 3 inside the housing 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the examples shown in FIGS. 15 to 19, one sensor 2 and one actuator 3 are arranged for four switches. No members related to the input device are arranged on the outer surface of the housing 1 corresponding to the operation surface of each figure, and switch images such as pictures and wrinkles by surface treatment (in the examples shown in FIGS. 15 to 19, Only four circles are marked. In this embodiment, each of the parts touched by the finger 4 by such a switch image is referred to as a switch. The switch image is not limited to a specific location, and the switch position by the sensor 2 may be movable in the sensor area.

  The sensor 2 detects the position of the user's finger 4 touching the circle mark indicating a switch, and the actuator 3 gives a tactile sensation to the user's finger 4 touching the circle mark. In addition, the broken line parts 24 and 25 shown in FIGS. 15-19 have each shown the arrangement | positioning location of the sensor 2 and the actuator 3, and align with the inner wall of the housing | casing 1 located in the broken line parts 24 and 25 suitably. Recesses for the like are provided.

  FIG. 15A shows an operation surface on which the switch of the housing 1 is arranged, and FIG. 15B shows a cross-sectional configuration between XX ′ shown in FIG. 15A. In this example, the sensor 2 is attached to the inner surface of the casing 1 directly below the switch, and the actuator 3 is fixed below the sensor 2 by one-end support.

  As a result, when the user touches the switch, the sensor 2 detects contact, and when the CPU 16 receives a detection signal from the sensor 2, a drive signal is supplied to the actuator 3 and the actuator 3 is driven. The movement of the actuator 3 is transmitted as vibration from the inside to the outside of the housing 1, and can give a tactile sensation to the user who is touching the switch. Since the actuator 3 is fixed by one-end support under the switch, vibration can be increased.

  16A shows an operation surface on which the switch of the housing 1 is arranged, and FIG. 16B shows a cross-sectional configuration between XX ′ shown in FIG. 16A. In this example, the sensor 2 is attached to the inner surface of the casing 1 directly below the switch, and the actuator 3 is fixed below the sensor 2 by supporting both ends. Note that a load serving as a contact point with the housing 1 is provided at the center of the actuator 3. That is, both ends and the center of the actuator 3 are fixed to the housing 1.

  As a result, when the user touches the switch, the sensor 2 detects contact, and when the CPU 16 receives a detection signal from the sensor 2, a drive signal is supplied to the actuator 3 and the actuator 3 is driven. The movement of the actuator 3 is transmitted as vibration from the inside to the outside of the housing 1, and can give a tactile sensation to the user who is touching the switch. Since the actuator 3 is fixed at both ends under the switch, the click feeling can be improved.

  17A shows an operation surface on which the switch of the housing 1 is arranged, FIG. 17B shows a cross-sectional configuration between XX ′ shown in FIG. 17A, and FIG. 17C shows a section between Y-Y ′ shown in FIG. The cross-sectional structure of is shown. In this example, the sensor 2 is attached to the inner surface of the casing 1 directly below the switch, and the actuator 3 is fixed in the vicinity of the actuator 3 by one-end support.

  As a result, when the user touches the switch, the sensor 2 detects contact, and when the CPU 16 receives a detection signal from the sensor 2, a drive signal is supplied to the actuator 3 and the actuator 3 is driven. The movement of the actuator 3 is transmitted as vibration from the inside to the outside of the housing 1, and can give a tactile sensation to the user who is touching the switch. Since the sensor 2 and the actuator 3 are not overlapped, the input device can be made thinner. A recess 26 is provided on the inner surface of the housing 1 so as to surround the sensor 2 and the actuator 3. By providing the recess 26, the vibration by the actuator 3 provided in an arbitrary place can be efficiently transmitted and vibrated immediately below the switch.

  18A shows an operation surface on which the switch of the housing 1 is arranged, and FIG. 18B shows a cross-sectional configuration between XX ′ shown in FIG. 18A. In this example, the actuator 3 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 1 directly below the switch, and the sensor 2 is attached to the inner surface of the housing 1 so as to be parallel to the side.

  As a result, when the user touches the switch, the sensor 2 detects contact, and when the CPU 16 receives a detection signal from the sensor 2, a drive signal is supplied to the actuator 3 and the actuator 3 is driven. The movement of the actuator 3 is transmitted as vibration from the inside to the outside of the housing 1, and can give a tactile sensation to the user who is touching the switch. Since the sensor 2 and the actuator 3 are not overlapped with each other, the input device can be made thinner, and the actuator 3 is disposed immediately below the switch, so that vibration can be increased.

  FIG. 19A shows an operation surface on which the switch of the housing 1 is arranged, and FIG. 19B shows a cross-sectional configuration between XX ′ shown in FIG. 19A. In this example, the sensor 2 is affixed to the inner surface having a curved shape of the casing 1 directly below the switch, and the actuator 3 is fixed under the sensor 2 by one-end support.

  As a result, when the user touches the switch, the sensor 2 detects contact, and when the CPU 16 receives a detection signal from the sensor 2, a drive signal is supplied to the actuator 3 and the actuator 3 is driven. The movement of the actuator 3 is transmitted as vibration from the inside to the outside of the housing 1, and can give a tactile sensation to the user who is touching the switch. Since the sensor 2 has flexibility, even such a three-dimensional curved housing can be bonded without any gap along the curved surface.

  As described above, according to the input device and the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. By replacing switches and buttons that have been required as man-machine interfaces so far with the input device according to the embodiment in the housing 1 of the electronic device, the electronic device can be designed to have a flat feeling. In addition, an operation signal can be input by the finger 4 through the curved casing. Further, since the actuator 3 does not need to be disposed integrally with the sensor 2, the layout of the input device is facilitated. Therefore, the degree of freedom of design is increased, and for example, a unique product with an accessory feeling such as Tiffany Beans can be realized.

  Further, since the pressing feeling is not determined mechanically but based on the vibration waveform data stored in the memory 17, the vibration of the actuator 3 can be changed by changing the vibration waveform data. It is possible to give the user a feeling of pushing. Therefore, the push feeling can be customized by software, and an inexpensive and user-friendly device can be realized. The feeling of pressing can be customized by changing the vibration amplitude, frequency, output timing, and the like.

  In addition, since an input device can be disposed inside the housing 1 and an operation signal can be input and vibration can be output via the housing 1, an input device such as a switch or a button can be disposed on the housing 1. It is not necessary to provide a notch by drilling holes. Thereby, it is possible to prevent intrusion of dust, water and the like from the outside to the inside of the housing 1.

  Further, even when the number, size, arrangement, and the like of the switches arranged in the electronic device are changed, the change location can be minimized, for example, only the surface treatment needs to be changed for the housing 1. As a result, the design cost can be greatly reduced.

  For example, when applied to an imaging device capable of inputting and outputting audio, such as a digital video camera, audio information from a microphone, video information from a camera, tactile information from an input device according to an embodiment, and the like are registered in a database. The user can discriminate emotions according to the operator's TPO (Time Place and Occasion) based on the information stored in the display, and the voice information from the speaker, the video information from the display, and the tactile sense from the input device according to one embodiment. By outputting the information, a more detailed man-machine interface is possible.

  For example, when applied to an imaging device such as a digital still camera, even if the operator's eyes are nailed to the subject and the ears are blocked by the crowd, only the fingertips or hands It becomes possible to operate via tactile sense. In addition, when shooting in situations where there is no sound such as a piano recital, even if all audio output is turned off, feedback during operation and feedback of shutter timing can be given to the user, and operability is improved. improves.

  In addition, for example, when applied to an imaging device such as a digital still camera, a pseudo-shutter vibration is output at the time of shooting by a housing vibration, thereby providing a shutter timing to the user and a high-quality single-lens reflex camera while being a digital still camera. A comfortable operation feeling like a camera can be provided. In addition, by switching the strength of vibration, even when using gloves while skiing or diving, strong tactile feedback can be output by switching to strong vibration. A feeling of operation can be given to the user.

  In addition, by arranging the sensor 2 in an area that covers individual differences among users, it is possible to change the input position, that is, the switch position by the sensor 2, in a software manner. It is possible to enable input at positions that match the fingers of various users such as short persons and long persons.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the sensor 2 in the above-described embodiment is not limited to the capacitance type sensor, and if the input by the finger 4 can be detected through the housing 1, the pressure resistance change type sensor, the resistance film It may be a type sensor or a SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) type sensor. When the sensor 2 is a pressure resistance change type sensor, the force can be detected as an analog input, and a large number of switch inputs can be made in a small space. Further, the arrangement of the sensor 2 on the housing 1 is not limited to the one described in the above-described embodiment as long as the input by the finger 4 from the switch unit can be normally detected through the housing 1. .

  In addition, the actuator 3 in the above-described embodiment is not limited to the bimorph type piezoelectric actuator, and any other structure piezoelectric actuator or voice coil type vibration can be used as long as the casing 1 can be given arbitrary vibration. A small motor used for a motor, a vibrator of a mobile phone, or the like may be used. For example, a monomorph type piezoelectric actuator can be used as the actuator 3.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of the configuration of a monomorph piezoelectric actuator. When the monomorph type piezoelectric actuator is applied to the above-described embodiment, it has a configuration in which one piezoelectric element 31 is fixed to the housing 1. As shown in FIG. 21A, the monomorph piezoelectric actuator is configured such that, for example, the piezoelectric element 31 contracts when a voltage is applied. Thus, when a voltage is applied, the piezoelectric element 31 bends as shown in FIG. 21B. The monomorph type piezoelectric actuator uses vibration caused by this bending. That is, by fixing one side of the piezoelectric element 31 to the casing 1, the casing 1 can be vibrated by expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element 31. The fixing method of the monomorph type piezoelectric actuator is not limited to fixing one side of the piezoelectric element 31 to the housing 1, but may be fixed by one-side support, both-end support described in the above-described embodiment.

  The actuator 3 is more preferably a laminated monomorph type piezoelectric actuator. FIG. 22 shows an example of the structure of a laminated monomorph piezoelectric actuator. The laminated monomorph type piezoelectric actuator has a structure in which the piezoelectric elements 31 in the monomorph type piezoelectric actuator are laminated for the purpose of improving the displacement / voltage of the piezoelectric element 31. By forming the piezoelectric element 31 to be thin and having a structure in which positive and negative voltages are alternately applied, the displacement amount can be increased and the voltage required for the displacement can be reduced. For example, the voltage required for displacement can be lowered to about 10 V by forming the piezoelectric element 31 having a thickness of 25 μm by lamination.

  In addition, the arrangement of the actuator 3 on the housing 1 in the above-described embodiment is limited to that described in the above-described embodiment as long as an arbitrary vibration can be applied to the contact portion of the finger 4 of the housing 1. Is not to be done. If the actuator 3 is arranged in a dead space in the housing 1, the electronic device can be reduced in size.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the digital still camera including the input device in the portion gripped by the right hand has been described. However, the arrangement of the input device is not limited to this, and the portion gripped by the left hand or the portion gripped by both hands Alternatively, it can be arranged in a portion suitable for the arrangement of the switch. The input device according to the embodiment is not limited to a digital still camera, but can be applied to an input device of an imaging device such as a digital video camera, an electronic device such as a mobile phone, and a PDA.

  Further, the contact to the housing 1 sensed by the sensor 2 is not limited to the user's finger 4 but may be a stylus pen or the like.

It is a basic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the electronic device provided with the input device by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a basic diagram which shows the cross section of an electronic device. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of the electrostatic capacitance type sheet sensor in the state which is not sensing contact. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of the electrostatic capacitance type sheet sensor in the state which detected the contact. It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of a structure of a piezoelectric bimorph element. It is a figure for demonstrating the bending of a piezoelectric bimorph element. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of a laminated piezoelectric bimorph element. It is a figure for demonstrating the support method (cantilever support) of a piezoelectric bimorph element. It is a figure for demonstrating the support method (two-point support) of a piezoelectric bimorph element. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the flow of the signal with the input device by one Embodiment. It is a basic diagram for demonstrating the input by the digital still camera provided with the input device by one Embodiment. It is a basic diagram for demonstrating point input. It is a basic diagram for demonstrating line input. It is an approximate line figure for explaining field input. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a sensor and an actuator. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a sensor and an actuator. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a sensor and an actuator. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a sensor and an actuator. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a sensor and an actuator. It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of a structure of a piezoelectric monomorph element. It is a figure for demonstrating the bending of a piezoelectric monomorph element. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of a laminated piezoelectric monomorph element. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of the structure of a membrane switch with a dome.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Housing 2 ... Sensor 3 ... Actuator 4 ... Finger 8, 9, 31 ... Piezoelectric element 15 ... ADC
16 ... CPU
17 ... Memory 18 ... DAC
26 ... recess

Claims (23)

In an input device for inputting a signal generated by contact,
A sheet-like sensor that is attached to the housing and detects contact;
A controller for receiving a detection signal from the sensor;
A sheet-like actuator for vibrating the housing;
An input device, comprising: a drive unit that supplies a drive signal to the actuator when the contact is detected by the sensor. In claim 1,
The input device characterized in that the sensor can be arranged inside the housing. In claim 1,
The input device characterized in that the actuator can be arranged inside the housing. In claim 1,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is flexible and can be attached along a curved surface. In claim 1,
One end of the actuator is fixed, and the casing is vibrated by displacement of the other end. In claim 1,
An input device, wherein both ends of the actuator are fixed, and the casing is vibrated by displacement of a central portion. In claim 1,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein both ends and a central portion of the actuator are fixed to the casing, and the casing is vibrated by expansion and contraction of a piezoelectric element. In claim 1,
One side of the actuator is fixed to the casing, and the casing is vibrated by expansion and contraction of a piezoelectric element. In claim 1,
An input device, wherein the controller can control at least one of an amplitude, a frequency and an output timing of the drive signal. In electronic equipment that uses signals generated by contact as operation signals,
A sheet-like sensor that is attached to the housing and detects contact;
A controller for receiving a detection signal from the sensor;
A sheet-like actuator for vibrating the housing;
An electronic apparatus, comprising: a drive unit that supplies a drive signal to the actuator when the contact is detected by the sensor. In claim 10,
The electronic device is characterized in that the sensor is disposed inside the housing. In claim 10,
The electronic device is characterized in that the actuator is disposed inside the housing. In claim 10,
The electronic device is characterized in that the sensor has flexibility and is attached along a curved surface of the housing. In claim 10,
One end of the actuator is fixed, and the casing is vibrated by displacement of the other end. In claim 10,
An electronic apparatus, wherein both ends of the actuator are fixed and the casing is vibrated by displacement of a central portion. In claim 10,
The actuator is an electronic apparatus characterized in that both ends and a central part of the actuator are fixed to the casing, and the casing is vibrated by expansion and contraction of a piezoelectric element. In claim 10,
An electronic apparatus, wherein the actuator has one side fixed to a housing and vibrates the housing by expansion and contraction of a piezoelectric element. In claim 10,
An electronic apparatus, wherein the controller can control at least one of an amplitude, a frequency, and an output timing of the drive signal. In claim 10,
The electronic device is characterized in that the sensor is provided at a finger position that can be operated while the user holds the casing. In claim 10,
An electronic device characterized in that a position of a switch by the sensor is movable. In claim 10,
The electronic device is characterized in that the actuator is provided at a finger position operable by a user while holding the housing. In claim 10,
An electronic apparatus, wherein a recess for transmitting vibration of the actuator is provided in the housing. In claim 10,
An electronic apparatus characterized by detecting a plurality of contacts by the sensor and enabling a plurality of types of inputs corresponding to the detected combination of contacts.

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