JP2011048848A - Input device and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device of which the operation starts to be executed based on and a prescribed time after the depression of a key or a button, the input device notifying an operator about the configuration of the execution of the operation by the depressed key or button, and to provide a method for controlling the input device. <P>SOLUTION: The input device 1 includes: a touch sensor 11 which receives an input; a load detection part 12 for detecting a depression load to the touch surface of a touch sensor 11; a tactile feeling presentation part 13 for vibrating the touch surface; and a control part 15 for, when the depression load detected by the load detection part 12 continues in a prescribed period in a state in which a prescribed load reference is satisfied, controlling the tactile feeling presentation part 13 to present the tactile feeling to the depression object by which the touch surface is depressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device including a touch sensor and a control method for the input device.

  When operating the input device, when an input is made to a key or button constituted by a mechanical switch, the operator can obtain feedback based on a physical tactile sensation when inputting the key or button. That is, when the operator presses a key or button (hereinafter referred to as “key or the like”), a tactile sensation that the user has “pressed” the key or the like can be obtained. Such tactile sensation when pressing a key or the like has various tactile sensations depending on various factors such as the shape of the key or the like, the structure of the stroke or the mechanical switch constituting the key, and the like.

  By the way, when an operation input is performed on a key or the like of the input device, a terminal including the input device generally starts a predetermined operation immediately using the input as a trigger. For example, when an operator inputs a certain character from a keyboard, the character input device immediately displays the input character on the display unit in response to the input. Further, in the case of a switch that activates a machine that performs a predetermined operation, the machine immediately starts to operate when the switch is turned on. Therefore, in such an operation, there is also an aspect in which the operator obtains a tactile sensation of pressing a key or the like when inputting, and that the input is accepted and a predetermined operation is performed. That is, it is considered that the operator expects to start a predetermined operation by obtaining a tactile sensation by pressing a key or the like.

  However, in a terminal equipped with an input device, the predetermined operation does not always start when an input is accepted. For example, when the auto-repeat function is executed in the character input device, the first character is first input at the moment when the operator presses the key of a predetermined character. The same character is input continuously. “Auto repeat”, also called key repeat, is a function in which the same key is held down for a certain period of time, so that the corresponding characters are input continuously, not just one character. Say. Also, for example, in the case of a key lock / unlock function that switches between enabling / disabling operation input using keys, etc. in the input device, normally, a predetermined key, etc., is not pressed long so as not to be locked due to erroneous operation. And the lock is not applied. “Long press” refers to an input in which the same key or the like is pressed for a predetermined time.

  As described above, when an operation based on the input occurs after the time when the input is received, the input device having a key or the like constituted by a mechanical switch indicates that the operation has started. The operator cannot be notified by. That is, after pressing a key or the like constituted by a mechanical switch, the input device cannot present a tactile sensation to the operator by the key or the like regardless of the operation performed based on the application software or the like. In such a case, the operator recognizes whether or not his / her first input is properly received and the subsequent operation is properly executed based on the input by the pressed key or the like. I can't do it.

  For this reason, when an operation is executed after a long press of a predetermined key or the like as in the above-described key lock, the operator cannot determine that the operation is being executed by touch. The same applies to a case where a predetermined operation is continuously executed as long as the key or the like is continuously pressed as in auto repeat. In such a case, since the operator cannot confirm that the input is correctly received, it may be troublesome to perform the operation again just in case. In addition, since the operator cannot grasp the state in which the operation after the input is received, the operator does not know the timing for releasing the pressed state of the key or the like, and there is a possibility that an erroneous input is induced.

  Therefore, when an operation is executed after the input based on the operator's initial input, it is desirable that the input device notifies the operator of the execution state of the operation in some manner. Under normal circumstances, the progress of the operation after the input based on the operator's input can be recognized by observing various display states such as characters displayed on the display unit (display screen) of the input device. can do.

  However, depending on the environment in which the operator performs the operation input, the environment is not limited to the environment in which the operation input can be performed while always watching the display unit. In particular, since a small terminal such as a mobile phone is designed to be small in size, the display unit on which the input result is displayed is often small, and the input result may be difficult to visually recognize. In addition, in a terminal such as a mobile phone, the operator often operates the input device while performing other operations due to the characteristics of being carried and used, and the operation input is performed without gazing at the display unit. There are many things to do. In consideration of such circumstances, it is desirable to notify the operator of the execution state of the operation by means other than the display on the display unit.

  Furthermore, for example, even when a person with low vision or a blind person performs an operation input, it is difficult to perform an accurate operation input by gazing at the display unit. In addition, for example, when the input device and the display unit for displaying the input result are in different places, it is not possible to visually recognize that the input is properly received. Therefore, it is advantageous if the operator can recognize the progress state of the operation after the input based on the operator's input by a method other than vision.

  As means for notifying the operator of the progress of the operation after the input based on the operator's input by a method other than vision, a method for notifying the operator of the result based on the operation input by sound has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  The computer disclosed in Patent Document 1 can present to the operator by display or sound that the auto-repeat function is activated based on a long press of a key on the keyboard. If such a technique is applied, even if the display on the display unit (display screen) cannot be visually recognized, the operator can indicate the progress of the operation after the input based on the input by voice. I can grasp it.

Patent Publication 2003-58041

  However, the notification of information by voice is not always a situation that the operator can always recognize. For example, if the input device is used in a place where there is a lot of noise, or if the operator's hearing is inconvenient, the operation status after the input based on the operator's input will be notified by voice It is difficult for a person to recognize the sound by hearing. In addition, for example, in a public place where it is not desirable to make a sound, it may not be preferable to use an input device that notifies by voice in this way.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention made in view of such circumstances is to notify an operator of an execution mode of an operation to be started after a predetermined time based on pressing of a key or button by the pressed key or button. It is an object to provide an input device that can be used and a method for controlling the input device.

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 pressing load detected by the load detecting unit continues for a predetermined period in a state satisfying a predetermined load standard, the tactile sensation providing unit presents a tactile sensation with respect to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. A control unit for controlling
It is characterized by providing.

The invention of the control method of the input device according to claim 2 that achieves the above-mentioned object is as follows:
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;
An input device control method comprising:
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit continues for a predetermined period in a state satisfying a predetermined load standard, the tactile sensation providing unit presents a tactile sensation with respect to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. It is characterized by controlling.

According to the present invention, when the pressing load on the touch surface of the input device continues for a predetermined period in a state satisfying the predetermined load standard, the tactile sensation providing unit gives a tactile sensation to the pressing object pressing the touch surface. Present. Therefore, it is possible to notify the operator of the mode of execution of the operation that starts to be executed after a predetermined time based on the pressing of the key or button by the pressed key or button. For this reason, the operator can know whether or not the input made by the operator is properly received by the input device even in a situation where the display unit of the input device cannot be visually recognized. Furthermore, the operator can know whether or not the input device is correctly executing an operation based on the input, together with the mode of execution.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the mounting structure of the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a graph showing the example of the time change of the press load which a load detection part detects in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph showing the example of the time change of the press load which a load detection part detects in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the input device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a graph showing the example of the time change of the press load which a load detection part detects in 3rd Embodiment.

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 1 according to the first 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) with an operator's finger or the like to keys or buttons displayed on the display unit 14 is applied to the touch surface of the corresponding touch sensor 11. Accept by. 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 with a load such as a strain gauge sensor or a piezoelectric element, for example. 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.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Even if there is an input to the touch sensor 11, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment does not present a tactile sensation at that time, and starts a predetermined operation when a predetermined time elapses while the input is maintained. Present a tactile sensation to show that. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, as an application example of the present embodiment, a key lock function that switches between enabling / disabling touch input is assumed in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone having a touch sensor such as a touch panel. To explain.

  When the operation of the input device according to the present embodiment starts, the control unit 15 monitors the input to the touch sensor 11 and monitors the load detected by the load detection unit 12. If it is detected in step S11 that an input (touch input) by a pressing target (pressed object) such as a finger or a stylus pen to the touch sensor 11 is an input to the input object displayed on the display unit 14, step S12 Migrate to The input object in the present embodiment can be an image that suggests to the operator a site that accepts input. In addition, when input is accepted by the entire touch sensor 11 (any part of the touch sensor 11), the input object in the present embodiment includes all images such as keys and background images displayed on the display unit 14. It can also be an entire screen.

  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. Even if an input to the touch sensor 11 is detected in step S12, if the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 does not satisfy a predetermined standard, the operation according to the present embodiment is not performed. If the load which satisfy | fills a predetermined reference | standard in step S12 is detected, the control part 15 will determine whether predetermined time passed (step S13). If the predetermined time has not elapsed in step S13, the control unit 15 returns to step S12 to determine whether or not the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 still satisfies the predetermined standard. If yes, the process proceeds to step S13. In the present embodiment, the “predetermined time” may be a time corresponding to, for example, the “long press” described above. In this case, an appropriate time such as 2 seconds is set as the predetermined time.

  In step S13, when a predetermined time has passed while the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies a predetermined standard, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S <b> 14, 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 a tactile sensation. That is, the control unit 15 applies to the pressing target pressing the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 when the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 continues for a predetermined period in a state satisfying a predetermined load standard. The tactile sensation providing unit 13 is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation. The tactile sensation providing unit 13 drives the two piezoelectric vibrators 32 in the same phase, for example.

  If the tactile sensation providing unit 13 presents a tactile sensation in step S14, the control unit 15 executes the key lock function when the key lock function is not executed, and if the key lock function is already executed, the key lock function is executed. The function is released (step S15). In addition, when this key lock / unlock is executed, a place where the pressing object (pressed object) in the display unit 14 is in contact in order to more clearly indicate that the operator's input has been properly received. You may add changes, such as changing a color, to the display mode or object of (input location).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation of presenting a tactile sensation after the input device 1 according to the present embodiment receives a touch input. In the graph shown in FIG. 4, the vertical axis indicates the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12, and the horizontal axis indicates time, and an example of the time change of the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 in the present embodiment. Represents. In the graph shown in FIG. 4, a predetermined reference of the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 is denoted as Pth. This Pth is preferably 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.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the curve of the graph starts when the touch sensor 11 receives a touch input and the load detection unit 12 detects a pressing load. As shown in FIG. 4 (A), from the point (1) when the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies the predetermined reference Pth while increasing by the pressing of the touch sensor 11, the control unit 15 Counting of time T1 is started. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (1), it indicates that the predetermined operation has not yet started. The tactile sensation by the presenting unit 13 is not presented. Thereafter, the control unit 15 advances the count until a predetermined time T1 has elapsed.

  The tactile sensation providing unit 13 indicates that a predetermined operation, that is, key lock / unlock, has started at a time point (2) when a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from a time point (1) when the pressing load satisfies a predetermined reference Pth. Present tactile sensation. In FIG. 4A, an upward arrow written at the position of the time point (2) indicates the timing at which the tactile sensation providing unit 13 vibrates the touch surface of the touch sensor 11. When the tactile sensation is generated at this time, the operator can recognize that the predetermined operation has been properly started at the time (2) based on his input (at the time (1)). In FIG. 4A, the operator recognizes that the predetermined operation has started properly at the time point (2), so the subsequent pressing load is weakened and the finger or the like is released from the touch surface of the touch sensor 11. It shows a state.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation state of the key lock function by the input device 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The input device 1 shown in FIG. 5A displays objects such as a numeric keypad on the display unit 14 and receives an operation input from the operator on the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 corresponding to the position of these objects. For example, when it is desired to prevent an unintended input to the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 due to circumstances such as not using the input device 1 for a while, the touch input to the touch surface of the input device 1 is invalidated (key lock). For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 5B, the operator presses the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 for a predetermined time or more with a pressing load equal to or higher than a predetermined reference. Then, after the predetermined time elapses, as shown in FIG. 5C, the key lock function is executed, and the subsequent touch input to the touch surface is invalidated. At this time, the input device 1 presents a tactile sensation by the tactile sensation providing unit 13. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the key lock function has started correctly based on his / her long press input.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of releasing the key lock function by the input device 1 according to the present embodiment. The operation shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the reverse operation of the key lock function described in FIG. FIG. 6A shows a state where the key lock function is executed and the touch input to the touch surface is invalidated, as in FIG. 5C. When the operator wants to re-enable (cancel the key lock) the touch input of the input device 1 in which the key lock function is executed and the touch input is invalidated, as shown in FIG. The touch surface is pressed for a predetermined time or more with a pressing load exceeding a predetermined reference. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 6C, the key lock function is released, and subsequent touch input to the touch surface is validated. Also at this time, the input device 1 presents a tactile sensation by the tactile sensation providing unit 13. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the key lock function has been correctly released based on his / her long press input.

  In the description of the present embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 4A, at the time point (1) when the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, it indicates that the predetermined operation has not yet started. The tactile sensation by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is not presented. However, as shown in FIG. 4B, even when the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (1), the fact that the first input to the key or the like has been received (that is, the counting of the predetermined time T1 starts). A tactile sensation may be presented to show that this has been done. In this case, the tactile sensation presented at time point (1) and the tactile sensation presented at time point (2) may be the same or different tactile sensations. When presenting tactile sensations different at time (1) and time (2), for example, at time (1), a tactile sensation is presented as a feel when a key is pressed, and at time (2), A tactile sensation different from the click tactile sensation indicating that the lock has been executed can be presented.

  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 presenting a click sensation typified by a metal dome switch used in a mobile terminal, at the time point (1), for example, a tactile sensation is generated by a drive signal for one cycle consisting of a sine wave having a constant frequency of 170 Hz. The presenter 13 is driven. 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.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operator has performed the key lock / key lock release function correctly by making a long press input to the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 of the input device 1. It can be recognized by the touch surface. Further, according to the present embodiment, even if the load detection unit 12 detects a predetermined reference load, if the predetermined time does not elapse while the load is detected, the function of key lock / key lock release is detected. Do not execute. Therefore, for example, even when something touches the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 of the input device 1 unintentionally and a predetermined reference load Pth is applied, the key lock is released without permission, which is undesirable. The inconvenience that the operation is performed is eliminated.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The input device 2 according to the second embodiment can be implemented by the same configuration as the input device 1 described in the first embodiment, and partially changes the operation in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description which becomes the same content as 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 2 according to the present embodiment. In the input device 2 according to the second embodiment, in the above-described first embodiment, the input operation is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where the pressing load of the touch input satisfies a predetermined standard. Run continuously as long as it continues. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, as an application example of the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming an automatic repeat function of character input by touch input in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone having a touch sensor such as a touch panel. .

  When the operation of the input device according to the present embodiment starts, the control unit 15 monitors the input to the touch sensor 11 and monitors the load detected by the load detection unit 12 as in the first embodiment. To do. If it is detected in step S31 that an input (touch input) by a pressing target (pressed object) such as a finger or a stylus pen to the touch sensor 11 is an input to the input object displayed on the display unit 14, step S32 Migrate to Note that the input object in the present embodiment is an object such as a key that starts the auto-repeat function by long pressing.

  In step S <b> 32, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies a predetermined standard while increasing due to the pressing of the touch sensor 11. Even if an input to the touch sensor 11 is detected in step S32, the operation according to the present embodiment is not performed if the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 does not satisfy a predetermined standard.

  When a pressing load satisfying a predetermined standard is detected in step S32, 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. Present (step S33). In this case, since a tactile sensation is presented when a character is output, it is preferable to present a click tactile sensation as a feel when a key or the like is pressed.

  If the tactile sensation is presented in step S33, the control unit 15 detects an object corresponding to the input position based on the position information from the touch sensor 11, and if the object relates to character input, the control unit 15 selects the corresponding character. Output (step S34). That is, based on the position information from the touch sensor 11, if it is determined that the input to the object of the key “2”, for example, on the display unit 14, the control unit 15 responds to the input with the number “2”. The display unit 14 is controlled to output and display.

  If a character is output in step S34, the control part 15 will determine whether predetermined time passed in the state in which a press load satisfy | fills a predetermined reference | standard (step S35). As the predetermined time in the present embodiment, an appropriate time, for example, a time such as 1 second, is set in advance as a time interval from the first input to the start of the auto repeat function. When the predetermined time has not yet elapsed in step S35, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the load detection unit 12 still maintains the detection of the pressing load that satisfies the predetermined standard (step S36). In step S36, when the detection of the pressing load that satisfies the predetermined standard is not maintained, the operation of the present embodiment is terminated. On the other hand, if the detection of the pressing load satisfying the predetermined standard is still maintained in step S36, the process returns to step S35 to determine whether or not the predetermined time has passed in a state where the pressing load satisfies the predetermined standard. .

  On the other hand, when a predetermined time has passed in a state where the pressing load satisfies a predetermined standard in step S35, the control unit 15 presents a tactile sensation (step S37) and outputs characters (step S38). The tactile sensation in step S37 is the same operation as in step S33, and the character output in step S38 is the same as in step S34. The tactile sensation presented in step S37 may be the same as the tactile sensation presented in step S33, or may be a tactile sensation different from step S33 to indicate that auto-repeat is being executed.

  If a character is output in step S38, the control part 15 will determine whether the load detection part 12 is still maintaining the detection of the press load which satisfy | fills a predetermined reference | standard (step S39). In step S39, when the detection of the pressing load satisfying the predetermined standard is not maintained, the operation of the present embodiment is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the detection of the pressing load that satisfies the predetermined criterion is still maintained in step S39, the control unit 15 passes the repeat interval that is the second predetermined time in a state where the pressing load satisfies the predetermined criterion. It is determined whether or not (step S40). This repeat interval is a time interval in which characters are continuously output while the auto repeat function is being executed. Usually, a time interval such as 0.2 seconds shorter than the predetermined time is set in advance. .

  If the repeat interval time has not yet elapsed in step S40, the process returns to step S39, and the control unit 15 determines whether or not the load detection unit 12 still maintains detection of a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined criterion. (Step S39). On the other hand, when the time of the repeat interval has elapsed in step S40, the control unit 15 presents a tactile sensation (step S37) and outputs characters (step S38). Thereafter, as long as the detection of the pressing load satisfying the predetermined standard is maintained, the above operation is repeated. That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 15 repeatedly gives a tactile sensation to the pressing target pressing the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 while the pressing load continues in a state satisfying the predetermined load reference Pth. The tactile sensation providing unit 13 is controlled so as to be presented.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation of presenting a tactile sensation after the input device 2 according to the present embodiment receives a touch input. The meanings of symbols and the like in the graph of FIG. 8 are the same as those described with reference to FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the curve of the graph starts when the touch sensor 11 receives a touch input and the load detection unit 12 detects the pressing load. As shown in FIG. 8 (A), from the point (1) when the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies the predetermined reference Pth while being increased by the pressing of the touch sensor 11, the control unit 15 performs the predetermined load. Counting of time T1 is started. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is used to indicate that the first character has been output at the time point (1) when the pressing load satisfies a predetermined reference Pth. Present a tactile sensation. At this time (1), the character corresponding to the input key or the like is displayed on the display unit 14. That is, for example, if the input is for the object of the key “2”, the number “2” is output in response to the input. Thereafter, the control unit 15 advances the count until a predetermined time T1 has elapsed.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (A), a tactile sensation is presented to indicate that the character has been output again at the time (2) when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the time (1) when the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth. The tactile sensation by the part 13 is presented. In the present embodiment, the tactile sensation presented at time point (2) has the same meaning as the tactile sensation presented at time point (1) because it has the meaning of outputting characters in the same way as at time point (1). Is preferred. However, at time point (2), it indicates that the auto-repeat function is being executed, and therefore, a tactile sensation different from that at time point (1) can be presented. At this time (2), the character corresponding to the key or the like that accepted the input is displayed on the display unit 14.

  Thereafter, the control unit 15 advances the count until the repeat interval T2 that is the second predetermined time elapses. As shown in FIG. 8A, at the time point (3) when the repeat interval T2 has elapsed from the time point (2), the tactile sensation by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is presented to indicate that the character has been output again. Also at this point (3), the character corresponding to the key or the like that accepted the input is output. Thereafter, as long as the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, at the time points (4), (5), (6), (7), the tactile sensation is presented by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 and characters are sequentially displayed on the display unit 14. indicate.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the input device 2 according to this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the time from the point (1) when the touch sensor 11 receives a touch input and the load detection unit 12 detects the pressing load to the point (2) when a predetermined time T1 has elapsed is shown. It is the same as 8 (A).

  Further, the time points (3), (4), (5), and (6) at which the repeat interval T2 has passed since time point (2) are the same as those in FIG. The count is advanced until the elapse of the repeat interval T3, which is the time of. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the repeat time T3 is set to a time interval shorter than the repeat time T2. Thereafter, as long as the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, at the time points (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), the tactile sensation by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is given at each repeat time T3. The characters are presented and sequentially displayed on the display unit 14. That is, the example shown in FIG. 8B is such that the character output operation by the auto-repeat function is accelerated stepwise. As described above, in the input device 2 according to the present embodiment, the character output operation by the auto-repeat function can be changed stepwise as necessary. As described above, when the character output speed by the auto-repeat function is switched halfway, the switching point is appropriately set using the number of times of character output, the pressing time of the key, and the like as parameters.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation state of the auto repeat function by the input device 2 according to this embodiment.

  The input device 2 illustrated in FIG. 9A displays objects such as a numeric keypad on the display unit 14 and receives an operation input from the operator on the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 corresponding to the position of these objects. The input device 2 receives an operator's touch input on the numeric keypad and outputs a number corresponding to each number key. For example, in the input device 2, when a touch input to the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 corresponding to the position “3” of the numeric key displayed on the display unit 14 is performed for a moment (so-called “short press”), the pressing load , The number “3” is output once.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9A, the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 corresponding to the position “3” of the numeric key displayed on the display unit 14 is pressed by the operator with a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined standard. When pressed, the input device 2 outputs the number “3” once and displays it on the display unit 14. At this time, the input device 2 presents a tactile sensation by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 when a pressing load satisfying a predetermined standard is detected. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the character has been correctly output by the touch sensor 11 performing the input.

  Thereafter, when the operator presses the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 for a predetermined time T1 or more with a pressing load exceeding a predetermined reference, the input device 2 starts auto-repeat and the number “3” as the next character is started. Is displayed on the display unit 14. At this time, the input device 2 presents a tactile sensation by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 when a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined criterion is detected for a predetermined time T1 or more. As a result, the operator can recognize that auto-repeat has started and the next character has been correctly output.

  After that, when the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 is pressed for a predetermined time T2 or more by a pressing load exceeding a predetermined reference, the input device 2 outputs the number “3” as the next character by continuous auto-repeat. And displayed on the display unit 14. At this time, the input device 2 presents the tactile sensation by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 again when a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined criterion is detected for a predetermined time T2 or more. Thereby, the operator can recognize that auto-repeat is continued and the next character is correctly output.

  Thereafter, every time the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 is pressed for a predetermined time T2 by a pressing load exceeding a predetermined reference, the input device 2 continuously outputs the number “3” as the next character. Displayed on the display unit 14, the tactile sensation by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is repeatedly presented. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the characters are continuously output correctly by the pressed key. In FIG. 9B, as described above, the passage of the predetermined time T2 is detected three times after the predetermined time T1 while the pressing load equal to or greater than the predetermined reference Pth is maintained. Thus, the display unit 14 shows a state where a total of four characters “3” are displayed. Similarly, FIG. 9 (C) shows that the passage of the predetermined time T2 is detected nine times continuously after the predetermined time T1 while the pressing load equal to or higher than the predetermined reference Pth is maintained. The part 14 represents a state where a total of ten characters “3” are displayed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, while the load detection unit 12 continues to detect the pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference, the auto-repeat can be input and the auto-repeat function is executed. While touching, present tactile sensation to the operator's finger. Thus, the operator can recognize from the touch surface whether or not the auto-repeat function is correctly executed by continuing to press the touch surface corresponding to the displayed key for a long time.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an input device according to a third embodiment of the invention will be described. The input device 3 according to the third embodiment can be implemented by the same configuration as the input device 1 described in the first embodiment, and partially changes the operation in the second embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same content as the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 3 according to this embodiment. In the input device 3 according to the third embodiment, in the second embodiment described above, when the cyclic repetitive operation makes one round and the original operation is executed again, what is the tactile sensation of the second embodiment? Presents a different form of tactile sensation. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, as an application example of the present embodiment, multi-tap input when performing character input by touch input in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone having a touch sensor such as a touch panel is assumed. explain.

  “Multi-tap” means, for example, a numeric keypad on a numeric keypad and each line of hiragana (for example, “a line (= a, i, u, e, o)” or “ka line (= ka, ki, k, ke) This is an input method in which a plurality of characters (character group) such as “))”) are allocated and a press input to these keys is accepted. In this input method, when a plurality of successive pressing inputs to the same key are received, a plurality of characters assigned to each key are sequentially switched and displayed according to the number of pressings.

  That is, for example, when the user presses the “A line” key once, “A” is input, and when the user presses twice continuously, “A” is changed to “I”, and when the user presses “A” three times, “A” is input. It is changed and input as “A” → “I” → “U”. Thus, when the user continuously presses the same key, the next character appears in order each time the key is pressed. This multi-tap input method is also referred to as “spinning”, “toggle”, or the like, but is referred to as “multi-tap” in the present application.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the flowchart showing the operation of the input device 3 according to the third embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, step S51 after step S35, and step S52 after step S51. Is added. Other operations are the same as those in the second embodiment described above.

  In the third embodiment, the continuous input by auto repeat described in the second embodiment is applied to the character input by multi-tap. Therefore, when a pressing load satisfying the predetermined reference Pth is detected (step S32), 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. The tactile sensation is presented (step S33). In this case as well, as in the second embodiment, since a tactile sensation is presented when characters are output, it is preferable to present a click tactile sensation as a touch when a key or the like is pressed. However, as will be described later, a tactile sensation different from the click tactile sensation described in the second embodiment may be presented.

  If the tactile sensation is presented in step S33, the control unit 15 detects an object corresponding to the input position based on the position information from the touch sensor 11, and if the object relates to character input, the control unit 15 selects the corresponding character. Output (step S34). Note that the input object in the present embodiment is an object such as a key to which characters constituting each “line” of the kana characters are assigned. That is, based on the position information from the touch sensor 11, if it is determined that the input is the first time for the object of the key “A” on the display unit 14, for example, the control unit 15 determines “A The display unit 14 is controlled to output and display the first “a” characters of the “line”.

  If a character is output in step S34, the control part 15 will determine whether predetermined time T1 passed in the state in which a press load satisfy | fills a predetermined reference | standard (step S35). The predetermined time T1 in the present embodiment is set in advance as an appropriate time interval from the first input to the start of the multi-tap continuous input function by long press, for example, 1 second. When the predetermined time T1 has passed in a state where the pressing load satisfies the predetermined standard in step S35, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the operation for displaying the next character is the original operation after the cycle. (Step S51). That is, in step S51, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the character to be displayed next is the first character in each line of the kana character. In the multi-tap input method, for example, the first character of “A” is the character “A”. In this multi-tap input method, the kana characters of “A line” are displayed one by one in the order of “A, I, U, E, O” each time they are entered, and when these kana characters make one round (In other words, after the character “O”), the character “A” is displayed again as the original operation after the cycle.

  In step S51, when the operation of displaying the next character is not the original operation after the cycle (for example, the operation of displaying the character “a” again), the control unit 15 has the same tactile sensation as in the second embodiment. (Step S37) and the next character is output (step S38). In this case, the subsequent operation is the same as in the second embodiment, and the control unit 15 determines whether or not the load detection unit 12 still maintains the detection of the pressing load that satisfies the predetermined standard (step S39). ). In step S39, when the detection of the pressing load satisfying the predetermined standard is not maintained, the operation of the present embodiment is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S39, when the detection of the pressing load that satisfies the predetermined standard is still maintained, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the repeat interval T2 has elapsed in a state where the pressing load satisfies the predetermined standard. (Step S40). The repeat interval of the present embodiment is a time interval in which characters are continuously output while multi-tap continuous input by long press is being executed, and is usually 0.2 seconds shorter than the predetermined time T1, for example. A time interval such as is set in advance. If the repeat interval time T2 has not yet elapsed in step S40, the process returns to step S39, and the control unit 15 determines whether or not the load detection unit 12 still maintains detection of a pressing load that satisfies a predetermined criterion. (Step S39).

  If the repeat interval time T2 has elapsed in step S40, the process returns to step S51, and the control unit 15 displays the next action after the period (for example, the letter “A” again). It is determined whether or not the operation is performed.

  In step S51, when the operation for displaying the next character is the original operation after the cycle, the control unit 15 presents a tactile sensation different from that in the second embodiment (step S52), and then proceeds to step S38. Migrate and output the next character. That is, while the pressing load continues in a state satisfying the predetermined load standard, the control unit 15 touches the touch sensor 11 when the cyclic operation repeats once and the original operation is executed again. The tactile sensation providing unit 13 is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation with respect to the pressing target pressing the surface. In the present embodiment, “periodic repetitive operation” means a character input operation using a multi-tap input method. In step S52, the control unit 15 has a tactile sensation different from the tactile sensation (eg, click tactile sensation) repeatedly presented by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 according to the second embodiment, for example, a tactile sensation stronger (or longer) than the click tactile sensation. Control to present.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation of presenting a tactile sensation after the input device 3 according to the present embodiment receives a touch input. The meanings of symbols and the like in the graph of FIG. 11 are the same as those described in FIG.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the curve of the graph starts from when the touch sensor 11 receives a touch input and the load detection unit 12 detects a pressing load. As shown in FIG. 8 (A), from the point (1) when the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies the predetermined reference Pth while being increased by the pressing of the touch sensor 11, the control unit 15 performs the predetermined load. Counting of time T1 is started. Also in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the tactile sensation provided by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is displayed to indicate that the first character is displayed when the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth (a). Present. At this time (a), the character corresponding to the key or the like that has received the input is displayed on the display unit 14. That is, for example, if the input is for the key object “A”, the first character “A” is output in response to the input. Thereafter, the control unit 15 advances the count until a predetermined time T1 has elapsed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the tactile sensation providing unit 13 indicates that the next character is displayed at a time point (b) when a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from a time point (a) when the pressing load satisfies a predetermined reference Pth. Present a tactile sensation. Also in the present embodiment, the tactile sensation presented at time point (b) has the same meaning as the tactile sensation presented at time point (a). Is preferred. At this time (b), the characters corresponding to the input keys are displayed on the display unit 14. As shown in FIG. 11, if the character displayed at the time (a) is “A”, the character is changed to the next character “I” at the time (b).

  Thereafter, the control unit 15 advances the count until the repeat interval T2 elapses. As shown in FIG. 11, the tactile sensation by the tactile sensation providing unit 13 is presented to indicate that the next character is displayed again at the time (c) when the repeat interval T2 has elapsed from the time (b). Also at this time (c), the character corresponding to the key or the like that has received the input is output. If the character displayed at the time (b) is “I”, the character is changed to the next character “U” at the time (c). Thereafter, as long as the pressing load satisfies the predetermined reference Pth, at the time points (d), (e), (a ′), (b ′),... The 14 characters are sequentially changed and displayed as “e”, “o”, “a”, “i”.

  At the time point (a ′), the operation for displaying the character is the original operation (display of the character “A”) one cycle after “A”. That is, the next character to be displayed returns to the first character in each line of the kana character. In such a case, the control unit 15 presents a tactile sensation different from that in the second embodiment (step S52). In other words, the control unit 15 performs the second embodiment on the pressing target that presses the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 when the cyclic operation repeats once and the original operation is performed again. The tactile sensation providing unit 13 is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation different from the tactile sensation repeatedly presented.

  For example, in FIG. 11, the tactile sensation providing unit 13 moves the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 to the front and rear time points (e) and (e) and the timing of presenting the tactile sensation with an upward arrow written at the position of the time point (a ′). It is possible to vibrate stronger (or longer) than time (b ′). Similarly, at the position of the time point (a ″), the tactile sensation providing unit 13 vibrates the touch surface of the touch sensor 11 stronger (or longer) than the previous time point (e ′) and the time point (b ″). Can be made. In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the operator waits for the timing and the character “I” is displayed in the third period at the time (b ″), the touch load is reduced by reducing the pressing load. 11 shows a state in which a finger or the like is removed from the 11 touch surface.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to input characters by the multi-tap input method while the load detection unit 12 continues to detect the pressing load that satisfies the predetermined reference. At the same time, according to the present embodiment, the tactile sensation is presented to the operator's finger or the like each time the character displayed on the display unit 14 is changed while the multi-tap function is being executed. Thereby, the operator continues the long press on the touch surface corresponding to the displayed key, so that the multi-tap character input function is correctly executed, and the character displayed on the display unit 14 is changed. This can be recognized by the touch surface.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the characters in each “line” of the kana character make one turn and the first character is displayed again by multi-tap character input, the characters before and after that are displayed. Present a different tactile sensation. As a result, the operator can recognize from the touch surface that the character in each “line” of the kana character has made a round and the first character has been displayed again.

  In addition, this invention is not limited only to the said embodiment, Many deformation | transformation or a change is possible. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, 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.

  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 21 Liquid crystal panel 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 pressing load detected by the load detecting unit continues for a predetermined period in a state satisfying a predetermined load standard, the tactile sensation providing unit presents a tactile sensation with respect to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. A control unit for controlling
An input device comprising: 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;
An input device control method comprising:
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit continues for a predetermined period in a state satisfying a predetermined load standard, the tactile sensation providing unit presents a tactile sensation with respect to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. A method for controlling an input device.

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