JP2012063986A - Input device and tactile feedback system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device with which a user can easily distinguish each of multiple choices in one selection item based on tactile feedback given to the user.SOLUTION: The input device 1 comprises: a rotation operation part 10 which can be rotationally operated by a user; and an ultrasonic motor 17 for giving tactile feedback during operation to a user operating the rotation operation part 10 through the rotation operation part 10. The ultrasonic motor 17 is driven so as to make the tactile feedback given to the user different depending on sound volume levels of fifty-one stages in sound volume controlled by operation at the rotation operation part 10.

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device and a tactile sensation imparting system, and more particularly to an input device and a tactile sensation imparting system including a drive unit that imparts a tactile sensation during operation.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an input device and a tactile sensation imparting system including a drive unit that imparts a tactile sensation during operation are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary switch configured to give a sense of moderation (tactile sensation) to a user who rotates a knob, and the rotary switch is displayed on a vehicle navigation system for route guidance. It is disclosed that it is used as a changeover switch for sequentially selecting function items (options) displayed for each screen. When the rotary switch is used as a changeover switch of the vehicle navigation system, the control device provides a moderation feeling (tactile sensation) for each display screen when turning the rotary switch according to the number of function items provided in each display screen. It is comprised so that it can switch to. In other words, the control device is configured to vary the number of moderation (tactile sensations) when the knob is rotated once for each display screen so as to correspond to the number of functional items that differ for each display screen. In Patent Document 1, the same feeling is always transmitted to the user when selecting individual items from a plurality of function items (options) within one display screen. It is configured as follows.

JP 2008-153121 A

  However, in the rotary switch described in Patent Document 1, when selecting individual items from a plurality of function items (options) in one display screen displayed on the vehicle navigation system, the same moderation feeling (always) For example, when it is necessary to operate the rotary switch in a situation where the user cannot see the display screen, the function items (options) on the display screen are selected. ) Is in a selected state, and it is difficult for the user to recognize which function item is in a non-selected state.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to allow a user to select a plurality of items in one selection item based on a tactile sensation given to the user. It is an object to provide an input device and a tactile sensation providing system capable of easily distinguishing each of options.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  An input device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a rotation operation unit that can be rotated by a user, and a drive unit that gives a tactile sensation during operation via the rotation operation unit to a user who operates the rotation operation unit. The tactile sensation to be given to the user varies according to a plurality of control values in an arbitrary control item controlled or selected by operation of the rotary operation unit or a plurality of options in an arbitrary selection item. It is comprised so that a drive part may be driven.

  In the input device according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, according to a plurality of control values in an arbitrary control item controlled or selected by operation of the rotation operation unit or a plurality of options in an arbitrary selection item. The tactile sensation imparted by the drive unit is configured so that the tactile sensation imparted by the drive unit is each of a plurality of control values within one control item, or one Since each of the plurality of choices in the selection item is provided to the user in a state (size of tactile sensation) corresponding to each of the selection options, each of the plurality of control values in one control item, or Each of a plurality of options in one selection item can be easily distinguished.

  In the input device according to the first aspect, preferably, the drive unit is driven so as to vary the tactile sensation to be given to the user according to the frequency with which the plurality of control values or the plurality of options are controlled or selected. It is configured. If comprised in this way, a tactile sensation can be easily changed using the difference in the frequency by which a several control value or several choice is controlled or selected.

  In this case, it is preferable that the control value or option that is frequently controlled or selected be more clear to the user than the control value or option that is controlled or selected less frequently. It is comprised so that a drive part may be driven to give to. If comprised in this way, it can be made to recognize easily that the user is in the state in which the control value or choice with high frequency of control or selection is selected.

  The input device according to the first aspect preferably further includes a control unit, and the control unit includes tactile sensation information related to tactile sensation according to each of the plurality of control values or the plurality of options and the plurality of control values or the plurality of options. Are acquired based on the tactile sensation management table associated with the tactile sensation management table, and the drive unit is driven based on the acquired tactile sensation information. If comprised in this way, the tactile sensation provided with respect to a user can be varied appropriately based on the tactile sensation information which a tactile sensation management table has.

  In this case, preferably, the plurality of control values or the plurality of options are configured to be values or items controlled or selected in the operation target device operated by the rotation operation unit, and the tactile sensation management table includes: The control unit is stored in the operation target device, and the control unit is configured to drive the drive unit based on the tactile information acquired from the operation target device. With this configuration, tactile sensation information corresponding to a plurality of control values or a plurality of options specific to the operation target device can be managed on the operation target device side, so that it corresponds to the operation target device operated by the input device. Based on the tactile sensation information, the tactile sensation imparted to the user can be appropriately varied.

  In the input device in which the control unit acquires tactile sensation information based on the tactile sensation management table, preferably, the control unit further includes a storage unit that stores the tactile sensation management table, and the control unit acquires tactile sensation information based on the tactile sensation management table of the storage unit. In addition, the drive unit is configured to be driven based on the acquired tactile sensation information. With this configuration, the tactile sensation management table is stored in the storage unit on the input device side, so that the control unit can perform quick control processing by using the tactile sensation management table in the storage unit. The drive unit can be driven more quickly with respect to the operation. Thereby, the tactile sensation responsiveness to the rotation operation of the rotation operation unit can be improved.

  A tactile sensation providing system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a rotation operation unit that can be rotated by a user, and a drive unit that provides a tactile sensation during operation via the rotation operation unit to a user who operates the rotation operation unit. The tactile sensation to be given to the user is made different according to a plurality of control values in an arbitrary control item controlled or selected by an operation of the rotation operation unit or a plurality of options in an arbitrary selection item. An input device configured to drive the drive unit, and an operation target device operated by the input device and configured to control or select a plurality of control values or a plurality of options.

  In the tactile sensation imparting system according to the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, the input device includes a plurality of control values or arbitrary control items in arbitrary control items controlled or selected by operation of the rotary operation unit. The tactile sensation imparted by the drive unit can be controlled by a plurality of control values within one control item by configuring the drive unit to drive the tactile sensation imparted to the user according to a plurality of options. Each or each of a plurality of options in one selection item is given to the user in a state (size of tactile sensation) corresponding to each of the plurality of options so that the user can control a plurality of control values in one control item. Or each of a plurality of options within one selection item can be easily distinguished.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where an input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is connected to a TV device. It is sectional drawing along the 300-300 line | wire of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the input device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the tactile sense provision system using the input device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the state in which the tactile sense provision pattern is set to 100 pitches in the input device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the state in which the tactile provision pattern is set to 20 pitches in the input device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the volume-tactile sensation table used in the TV apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the control content at the time of operating TV apparatus using the input device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the channel-tactile sense table used in the input device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the state in which the tactile provision pattern is set to 50 pitches in the input device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the control content at the time of operating TV apparatus using the input device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the tactile sense provision pattern set to the input device by the modification of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, with reference to FIGS. 1-7, the structure of the tactile sensation providing system 100 by 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  A tactile sensation imparting system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an input device 1 and a TV device 2 to which the input device 1 is connected via a USB cable 3 as shown in FIG. Therefore, in the tactile sensation providing system 100, the TV apparatus 2 is configured to be operated based on the operation of the input apparatus 1. The TV device 2 is an example of the “operation target device” in the present invention.

  In addition, the input device 1 includes a rotation operation unit 10, an upper housing 11 disposed below the rotation operation unit 10 (Z2 side), and a lower housing 12 disposed below the upper housing 11. ing. Further, the rotation operation unit 10, the upper housing 11, and the lower housing 12 are all arranged coaxially along the rotation axis 400.

  The rotation operation unit 10 is configured to be rotatable in the A direction and the B direction about the rotation axis 400 by a user or an ultrasonic motor 17 (see FIG. 2) described later. Moreover, the rotation operation part 10 is comprised so that it can move to the Z2 side according to pressing to the Z2 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the coil spring 13, the bearing 14, and the bearing 14 are fitted and fixed in the input device 1 in order from the rotation operation unit 10 side (Z1 side). The rotor 15, the rotating plate 16 on which the rotor 15 is fixed, the ultrasonic motor 17, and the shaft portion 18 that supports the rotating plate 16 and the ultrasonic motor 17 on the rotation axis 400 are disposed. Further, in the input device 1, in order from the shaft portion 18 side, an optical encoder 19, a support portion 20 that supports the optical encoder 19, a swinging member 21 to which the shaft portion 18 is fixed, and the rotation operation portion 10. A pressure-sensitive sensor 22 capable of detecting a press at is disposed. As shown in FIG. 3, a substrate 23 is disposed inside the lower housing 12 of the input device 1, and the substrate 23 is fixed to the lower portion (Z2 side) of the lower housing 12, An acrylic plate 24 for blocking the substrate 23 from the outside is disposed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower end of the coil spring 13 is configured to come into contact with the upper surface in the concave portion of the bearing 14. Further, the upper end of the coil spring 13 is configured to come into contact with the lower surface of the rotation operation unit 10. Thereby, the coil spring 13 is configured to urge a rotating plate 16 and a rotor 17a (described later) of the ultrasonic motor 17 downward (Z2 side) via the bearing 14 and the rotor 15.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rotation plate 16 is fixed to the lower surface side of the rotation operation unit 10 by four screw members 30, and rotates in the same direction at the same rotation angle as the rotation operation unit 10. It is configured. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the rotor 17 a of the ultrasonic motor 17 is fixedly fitted in the recess 16 a formed on the lower surface of the rotating plate 16. Thereby, both the rotation operation part 10 fixed to the rotation plate 16 and the rotor 17a are comprised so that it may rotate in the same direction.

  The ultrasonic motor 17 includes an annular rotor 17a and an annular stator 17b disposed below the rotor 17a (Z2 side). The ultrasonic motor 17 is configured to be able to rotate the rotation operation unit 10 by rotating the rotor 17a with respect to the stator 17b. The ultrasonic motor 17 is an example of the “drive unit” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the optical encoder 19 is configured to emit light upward (Z1 side) that is the rotation operation unit 10 side, and on the lower surface of the rotation operation unit 10, Reflectors not shown are provided at predetermined angular intervals. Thereby, the optical encoder 19 detects the reflected light of the light emitted to the rotation operation unit 10 side, thereby rotating the rotation operation unit 10 in the rotation direction (A direction or B direction, see FIG. 3) and the rotation amount (rotation angle). ) Is detected. The pressure-sensitive sensor 22 is configured to detect pressing of the rotation operation unit 10 by contacting the lower surface (Z2 side) of the swing member 21 when the rotation operation unit 10 is pressed to the Z2 side. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the board 23 (see FIG. 3) has a CPU 23 a that controls the entire input device 1 and USB communication for transmitting and receiving information to and from the TV device 2 via the USB cable 3. A unit 23b and a flash memory 23c are provided. The flash memory 23c stores a drive pattern of the ultrasonic motor 17 based on a touch feeling imparting pattern, which will be described later, and a tactile feel imparting pattern that is currently set. This tactile sensation imparting pattern will be described in detail later. The CPU 23a is an example of the “control unit” in the present invention.

  Further, when the rotation operation unit 10 is rotated in the A direction or the B direction (see FIG. 1) by the user, the CPU 23a supplies a current to the ultrasonic motor 17 based on a rotation angle detection signal from the optical encoder 19 and the like. (Energization time) is appropriately controlled. Accordingly, the ultrasonic motor 17 is driven in synchronization with the rotation of the rotation operation unit 10.

  Further, when driving the ultrasonic motor 17, the CPU 23a is configured to be able to control the ultrasonic motor 17 based on a predetermined energization pattern. In this case, during the period in which the CPU 23a drives the ultrasonic motor 17 (energization ON state), the rotation operation to the rotation operation unit 10 is assisted by the ultrasonic motor 17, so that the user feels resistance during the rotation operation. It is possible to rotate the rotation operation unit 10 in a relatively small state. In addition, during a period in which the CPU 23a stops the ultrasonic motor 17 (energization OFF state), the user receives a feeling of rotating the rotary operation unit 10 with a greater sense of resistance than in the energization ON state. Therefore, one “feel” is given to the user by driving (ON) and stopping (OFF) the ultrasonic motor 17 once. As a result, the input device 1 is configured such that the tactile sensation imparting pattern at the time of the rotation operation of the rotation operation unit 10 can be arbitrarily set by appropriately switching the energization pattern of the ultrasonic motor 17 by the CPU 23a. . In the first embodiment, the tactile sensation imparting pattern is set as the roughness or fineness of the tactile sensation imparted to the user when the rotation operation unit 10 is rotated by a predetermined angle.

  This tactile sensation imparting pattern will be described in more detail. For example, FIG. 5 shows a case where driving (ON) and stopping (OFF) with respect to the ultrasonic motor 17 are repeated once for each rotation angle α (about 1.8 degrees) of the rotation operation unit 10 as an example. This is an energization pattern that repeats the ON state and the OFF state for 100 times while the rotation operation unit 10 makes one rotation (360 degrees). That is, the resistance when rotating the rotation operation unit 10 is switched between large (strong) and small (weak) at a rotation angle α = about 1.8 degrees (= (360/100) / 2). It shows that it becomes a tactile sensation imparting pattern (referred to here as 100 pitch).

  As another example, FIG. 6 shows a case where driving (ON) and stopping (OFF) with respect to the ultrasonic motor 17 are repeated once for each rotation angle β (about 9 degrees) of the rotation operation unit 10. This is an energization pattern that repeats the ON state and the OFF state for 20 times while the rotation operation unit 10 makes one rotation (360 degrees). In other words, when the rotation angle β is about 9 degrees (= (360/20) / 2), the sense of resistance when the rotation operation unit 10 is rotated is switched between large (strong) and small (weak). It shows that it becomes a pattern (referred to here as 20 pitches).

  Here, comparing the case of FIG. 5 with the case of FIG. 6, the rotation angle β (about 9 degrees) in FIG. 6 is five times the rotation angle α (about 1.8 degrees) in FIG. Is set. That is, in the tactile sensation imparting pattern shown in FIG. 6, the tactile sensation per rotation of the rotation operation unit 10 is repeated 20 times (20 pitches), and a rough tactile sensation is given to the user, while the tactile sensation imparting shown in FIG. In the pattern, the tactile sensation per rotation of the rotation operation unit 10 is repeated 100 times (100 pitch), and a fine tactile sensation is given to the user. Thus, when the tactile sensation imparting pattern is set to 20 pitches and when it is set to 100 pitches, the roughness (fineness) of the tactile sensation imparted to the user is different. When the tactile sensation imparting pattern is set to 100 pitches, the tactile sensation imparted to the user is finer, so that a clearer tactile sensation can be imparted to the user.

  In addition, the CPU 23a controls the ultrasonic motor 17 so that the pitch is 100 pitches per rotation based on the pitch information received from the TV device 2 via the USB communication unit 23b (see FIG. 5). The CPU 23a is configured to switch to a state in which the ultrasonic motor 17 is controlled (see FIG. 6) so as to be 20 pitches per rotation. This pitch information includes information related to the tactile sensation imparting pattern set in the input device 1. The tactile sensation imparting pattern set in the pitch information is newly stored in the flash memory 23c every time the pitch information is received from the TV apparatus 2 by the CPU 23a. The pitch information is an example of “tactile sensation information” in the present invention.

  In addition, the CPU 23a receives an operation signal including the rotation direction (A direction or B direction) and the rotation amount (rotation angle) of the rotation operation unit 10 based on the detection of the optical encoder 19 via the USB communication unit 23b. Are transmitted to the TV apparatus 2 as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the TV apparatus 2 is provided with a display unit 2a for displaying an image and a speaker 2b for outputting sound. As shown in FIG. 4, the TV device 2 includes a CPU 2 c that controls the entire TV device 2, a USB communication unit 2 d for transmitting and receiving information to and from the input device 1 via the USB cable 3, and a volume. A flash memory 2e in which a tactile sensation table (see FIG. 7) is stored is provided. The volume-tactile sensation table is an example of the “tactile sensation management table” in the present invention.

  The volume output from the speaker 2b is configured to increase or decrease based on the rotation amount information received from the input device 1 via the USB communication unit 2d. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the sound volume is divided into 51 sound volume levels from “0 (silence)” to “50”. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sound volume level is determined by the rotation operation unit 10 in the A direction based on the rotation direction (A direction or B direction) and the rotation amount (rotation angle) included in the rotation amount information. When rotated, the angle is increased by one level every angle 10α (= about 18 degrees), and when the rotation operation unit 10 is rotated in the B direction, the level is decreased by one level every angle 10α. ing. The volume is an example of the “control item” in the present invention, and the volume level is an example of the “control value” in the present invention.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the volume-tactile sensation table stored in the flash memory 2e includes a volume divided into volume levels from 0 (silence) to 50 and pitches corresponding to each volume level (tactile sensation imparting). Pattern) and the frequency of each volume level are stored in association with each other. Specifically, in the volume-tactile sensation table, in the region where the volume level is “16” to “29”, it is stored that the pitch (tactile sensation imparting pattern) is 100 pitches and the frequency is “high”. On the other hand, in the region where the volume level is “0” to “15” and “30” to “50”, it is stored that the pitch is 20 pitches and the frequency is “low”.

  Here, the frequency of the volume level will be described. The frequency of the volume level is determined based on the number of times the predetermined volume level has been passed or stopped when the user rotates the rotary operation unit 10 to set the volume. For example, when the rotary operation unit 10 is rotated by an angle 40α (= about 72 degrees) in the A direction from the state where the volume level is set to “16”, the volume level increases from “16” to “20”. Is done. In this case, the sound volume levels “17”, “18”, and “19” are passed and stopped at the sound volume level “20”. Therefore, the number of times of control is set at each of the sound volume levels “17” to “20”. Only one is added. Based on the number of times of control, the frequency of each volume level is obtained. The frequency of the volume level is divided into “high” when the number of times of control is greater than the predetermined number of times and “low” when the number of times of control is less than the predetermined number of times.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the CPU 2c of the TV device 2 has a pitch (tactile sensation imparting pattern) of 100 pitches at the frequent volume levels “16” to “29” based on the volume-tactile sensation table. As described above, the pitch information is transmitted to the CPU 23 a so that the CPU 23 a of the input device 1 controls the ultrasonic motor 17. In addition, the CPU 23a causes the ultrasonic motor 17 to adjust the pitch to 20 pitches at the infrequent volume levels “0” to “15” and “30” to “50” based on the volume-tactile sense table. Is configured to transmit pitch information to the CPU 23a.

  Further, each time a new volume is set by the user, the CPU 2c is configured to update the volume-tactile sensation table as needed by updating the frequency of the volume level based on the number of times each volume level is controlled. . Specifically, the frequency of the volume level at which the number of times of control is greater than a predetermined number is newly updated from “low” to “high”. Then, the pitch (tactile feel imparting pattern) of the volume level whose frequency is newly updated from “low” to “high” is updated from 20 pitches to 100 pitches. As a result, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 can change the tactile sensation to be given to the user based on the pitch information based on the volume-tactile sensation table that is updated as needed. It is possible to give a tactile sensation to the user in the state of being.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4-8, each control operation in CPU23a of the input device 1 and CPU2c of the TV apparatus 2 in the tactile provision system 100 by 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. In the following, the control flow of the tactile sensation providing system 100 when the volume of the TV apparatus 2 is adjusted by the user will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, on the input device 1 side, in step S1, the CPU 23a causes the rotation operation unit 10 to be rotated by the user in the A direction or the B direction (see FIG. 1) based on the detection of the optical encoder 19. It is determined whether or not it has been done. In step S1, the above determination is repeated until it is determined that the rotation operation unit 10 has been rotated. If it is determined in step S1 that the rotation operation unit 10 has been rotated, in step S2, the CPU 23a uses the currently set tactile sensation imparting pattern (100 pitch or 20 pitch) stored in the flash memory 23c. Thus, the driving (energization ON state) and the stop (energization OFF state) for the ultrasonic motor 17 are repeated for each rotation angle α (see FIG. 5) or β (see FIG. 6).

  In step S3, the CPU 23a causes the USB communication unit 23b to send the rotation amount information including the rotation direction (A direction or B direction) and the rotation amount (rotation angle) based on the detection of the optical encoder 19 (see FIG. 4). To the TV apparatus 2 via Then, the process proceeds to step S4.

  On the other hand, on the TV device 2 side, in step S11, the CPU 2c determines whether or not rotation amount information has been received from the input device 1. In step S11, the above determination is repeated until it is determined that the rotation amount information has been received. If it is determined in step S11 that the rotation amount information has been received, in step S12, the CPU 2c determines the volume level after increase / decrease (current) based on the rotation amount information. For example, when the rotation level information indicating that the rotation operation unit 10 is rotated in the B direction by an angle 50α (= about 90 degrees) from the state where the volume level is “20” is received from the volume level “20” by the CPU 2c. The volume level is reduced to “15”, and it is determined that the current volume level is “15”.

  Thereafter, in step S13, the CPU 2c increases or decreases the volume output from the speaker 2b based on the determined volume level. In step S14, the sound volume-tactile sensation table stored in the flash memory 2e is updated by the CPU 2c. For example, when the volume level is reduced from “20” to “15”, the volume levels “16”, “17”, “18” and “19” are passed and the volume level is “15”. Since it is stopped, the number of times of control is added by 1 at each of the volume levels “15” to “19”.

  In step S15, the CPU 2c generates pitch information related to the tactile sensation imparting pattern set from the volume level after the increase / decrease based on the volume-tactile sensation table. For example, when the volume level is “15”, as shown in FIG. 7, pitch information indicating that the set tactile sensation imparting pattern is 20 pitches is generated. Thereafter, in step S16, the generated pitch information is transmitted to the input device 1 by the CPU 2c via the USB communication unit 20e. And the control in CPU2c of TV apparatus 2 is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, on the input device 1 side, in step S5, the CPU 23a determines whether or not pitch information has been received from the TV device 2. In step S5, the above determination is repeated until it is determined that pitch information has been received. If it is determined in step S5 that the pitch information has been received, in step S6, the CPU 23a stores the tactile sensation imparting pattern set based on the pitch information in the flash memory 23c. The tactile sensation imparting pattern set in the flash memory 23c is the tactile sensation imparting pattern that is currently set when the rotation operation unit 10 is rotated next. And control in CPU23a of input device 1 is ended.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the CPU 2c of the TV apparatus 2 is set so that the pitch (tactile sensation imparting pattern) is 100 pitches per rotation at the frequent volume levels “16” to “29”. The pitch information is transmitted to the CPU 23a so as to control the sonic motor 17, and the pitch (tactile sensation is imparted) at the infrequent volume levels “0” to “15” and “30” to “50”. The pitch information is transmitted to the CPU 23a so as to control the ultrasonic motor 17 so that the pattern) becomes 20 pitches. Further, based on the pitch information received from the TV device 2, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 controls the ultrasonic motor 17 so that the CPU 23a has 100 pitches per rotation and 20 pitches per rotation. The CPU 23a is configured to switch to a state in which the ultrasonic motor 17 is controlled. As a result, the tactile sensation imparted by the ultrasonic motor 17 is in a state (size of tactile sensation) corresponding to each of 51 levels of volume levels from “0 (silence)” to “50” within the volume. Therefore, the user can easily distinguish each of a plurality of volume levels within the volume. Further, the tactile sensation can be easily changed using the difference in the frequency with which the volume level is controlled (passed or stopped).

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 sets the tactile sensation imparting pattern to 20 pitches at the infrequent volume levels “0” to “15” and “30” to “50”. While the ultrasonic motor 17 is controlled so that the tactile sensation imparting pattern is 100 so that a clearer tactile sensation can be imparted to the user at the frequent volume levels “16” to “29”. By configuring the ultrasonic motor 17 to have a pitch, the user can easily be aware that the frequently used volume levels “16” to “29” are selected. Can do.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 causes the CPU 23a of the input device 1 to set the tactile sensation imparting pattern (100 pitch or The CPU 23a switches between the state in which the CPU 23a controls the ultrasonic motor 17 so as to be 100 pitches per revolution and the state in which the CPU 23a controls the ultrasonic motor 17 so as to be 20 pitches per revolution. By configuring as described above, the tactile sensation imparted to the user can be more easily varied based on the currently set tactile sensation imparting pattern included in the pitch information of the volume-tactile sensation table and acquired from the TV apparatus 2. Can do.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a tactile sensation providing system 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 to 6, and FIGS. 9 to 11. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, an example in which a channel of CS (communications satellite) broadcasting is selected in the TV device 2 using the input device 1 will be described.

  First, the configuration of a tactile sensation providing system 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 to 6, 9 and 10.

  In the TV device 2 of the tactile sensation providing system 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a CS broadcast having a plurality of channel numbers can be viewed through the display unit 2a and the speaker 2b. Yes. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, when the rotation operation unit 10 is rotated in the A direction (see FIG. 1), the plurality of channel numbers are angled 10α (= about 18 degrees) (FIGS. 5, 6, and FIG. 10), the lower channel number is sequentially selected, and when the rotation operation unit 10 is rotated in the B direction (see FIG. 1), the upper channel number is sequentially selected for each angle 10α. Has been. When the rotation operation unit 10 is pressed to the Z2 side (see FIG. 1), the selected channel number is determined, and an image related to the selected channel number is displayed on the display unit 2a (see FIG. 1). In addition, the audio is output from the speaker 2b (see FIG. 1). The flash memory 2e (see FIG. 4) of the TV apparatus 2 stores a channel-tactile sensation table created in advance by the user or the manufacturer. The CS broadcast is an example of the “selection item” in the present invention, and the channel number is an example of the “option” in the present invention.

  Further, in the flash memory 23c of the input device 1, in addition to the drive pattern of the ultrasonic motor 17 based on the tactile sensation imparting pattern (pitch) and the tactile sensation imparting pattern currently set, a channel-tactile sensation table and a TV device 2 stores the channel number currently selected or determined. This channel-tactile sensation table is the same as the channel-tactile sensation table stored in the flash memory 2e of the TV apparatus 2, and is acquired by receiving from the TV apparatus 2 via the USB communication unit 23b. The flash memory 2e is an example of the “storage unit” in the present invention, and the channel-tactile sensation table is an example of the “tactile sensation management table” in the present invention.

  Here, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the channel-tactile sensation table is associated with a plurality of channel numbers in CS broadcasting and pitches (tactile sensation imparting patterns) corresponding to the respective channel numbers. It is memorized in the state. Further, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 acquires a tactile sensation imparting pattern (100 pitch, 20 pitch or 50 pitch) to be set corresponding to the selected channel number from the channel-tactile sensation table of the flash memory 2e. Then, the CPU 23a drives the ultrasonic motor 17 for each rotation angle α (see FIG. 5), β (see FIG. 6) or γ (see FIG. 10) of the rotation operation unit 10 based on the set tactile sensation imparting pattern. It is configured to repeat (energization ON state) and stop (energization OFF state).

  Specifically, in the channel-tactile sensation table, it is stored that the pitch (tactile sensation imparting pattern) is 100 pitches in the region where the channel numbers are “401” to “408”. As a result, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 drives (ON) the ultrasonic motor 17 in increments of 100 pitches per rotation (360 degrees) for channel numbers "401" to "408" as shown in FIG. ) And stop (OFF) are repeated.

  Further, in the channel-tactile sensation table, it is stored that the pitch (tactile sensation imparting pattern) is 20 pitches in areas after the channel numbers “201” to “332” and “501”. As a result, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 performs the processing for the ultrasonic motor 17 in increments of 20 pitches per rotation as shown in FIG. 6 in the channel numbers after “201” to “332” and “501”. The driving (ON) and the stopping (OFF) are repeated.

  Further, in the channel-tactile sensation table, it is stored that the pitch (tactile sensation imparting pattern) is 50 pitches in the region where the channel numbers are “409” to “418”. As a result, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 uses the increments of 50 pitches per rotation (rotation angle γ (about 3.6 degrees) as shown in FIG. 10 for channel numbers “409” to “418”. ), The driving (ON) and the stopping (OFF) with respect to the ultrasonic motor 17 are repeated once each. This is an energization pattern that repeats the ON state and the OFF state for 50 times during one rotation of the rotation operation unit 10. That is, the resistance when rotating the rotation operation unit 10 is switched between large (strong) and small (weak) at a rotation angle γ = about 3.6 degrees (= (360/50) / 2). It shows that a tactile sensation imparting pattern (50 pitch) is obtained. Note that the rotation angle γ (about 3.6 degrees) in FIG. 10 is set to twice the rotation angle α (about 1.8 degrees) in FIG.

  In addition, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 controls the ultrasonic motor 17 so that the pitch becomes 100 pitch per rotation (see FIG. 5) based on the currently set tactile sensation imparting pattern, and per rotation. The CPU 23a switches between the state in which the CPU 23a controls the ultrasonic motor 17 so as to be 20 pitches (see FIG. 6) and the state in which the CPU 23a controls the ultrasonic motor 17 so as to be 50 pitches per rotation (see FIG. 10). It is configured as follows.

  In addition, the other structure of 2nd Embodiment is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, control operations in the CPU 23a of the input device 1 and the CPU 2c of the TV device 2 in the tactile sensation imparting system 200 according to the second embodiment. explain. In the following, a control flow of the tactile sensation providing system 200 when the user selects a channel number of the CS broadcast of the TV apparatus 2 will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, on the input device 1 side, in step S201, the CPU 23a determines whether or not a channel-tactile sensation table is stored in the flash memory 23c. If it is determined in step S201 that the channel-tactile sensation table is stored in the flash memory 23c, the process proceeds to step S204. If it is determined in step S201 that the channel-tactile sensation table is not stored in the flash memory 23c, the CPU 23a requests the TV device 2 to transmit the channel-tactile sensation table in step S202. To do. Then, the process proceeds to step S203.

  On the other hand, on the TV device 2 side, in step S211, the CPU 2c determines whether or not the input device 1 has requested transmission of the channel-tactile sensation table. If it is determined in step S211 that transmission of the channel-tactile sensation table is not requested, the process proceeds to step S213. If it is determined in step S211 that transmission of the channel-tactile sensation table has been requested, in step S212, the channel-tactile sensation table stored in the flash memory 2e by the CPU 2c is transmitted via the USB communication unit 2d. It is transmitted to the input device 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S213.

  On the input device 1 side, in step S203, the CPU 23a determines whether or not the channel-tactile sensation table is received from the TV device 2. In step S203, the above determination is repeated until it is determined that the channel-tactile sensation table is received. If it is determined in step S203 that the channel-tactile sensation table has been received, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, based on the detection of the optical encoder 19 (see FIG. 4), the CPU 23a determines whether or not the rotation operation unit 10 has been rotated in the A direction or the B direction (see FIG. 1). . In step S204, the above determination is repeated until it is determined that the rotation operation unit 10 has been rotated. If it is determined in step S204 that the rotation operation unit 10 has been rotated, the rotation angle is determined by the CPU 23a in step S205 based on the tactile sensation imparting pattern (100 pitch, 20 pitch, or 50 pitch) currently set. For each α (see FIG. 5), β (see FIG. 6), or γ (see FIG. 10), the driving (energization ON state) and the stop (energization OFF state) for the ultrasonic motor 17 are repeated.

  In step S206, the CPU 23a determines the selected channel number based on the rotation amount detected by the optical encoder 19 and the current channel number in the TV apparatus 2 stored in the flash memory 23c. For example, when the rotation amount that the rotation operation unit 10 is rotated in the A direction by an angle 40α (= about 72 degrees) from the state where the current channel number is “405” is recognized by the CPU 23a, the channel number is “405”. ”To the lower four (see FIG. 9), it is determined that the channel number“ 409 ”has been selected. Thereafter, in step S207, the CPU 23a determines a tactile sensation imparting pattern set from the selected channel number based on the channel-tactile sensation table. For example, when the channel number is “409”, it is determined that the tactile sensation imparting pattern to be set is 50 pitches.

  In step S208, the CPU 23a determines whether or not the rotary operation unit 10 has been pressed to the Z2 side (see FIG. 1) based on the detection of the pressure sensor 22 (see FIG. 4). If it is determined in step S208 that the rotation operation unit 10 has not been pressed to the Z2 side, the process proceeds to step S210. If it is determined in step S208 that the rotation operation unit 10 has been pressed to the Z2 side, in step S209, the CPU 23a generates press information indicating that the rotation operation unit 10 has been pressed to the Z2 side. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210, in which the CPU 23a obtains the rotation amount information including the rotation direction (A direction or B direction) and the rotation amount (rotation angle) based on the detection of the optical encoder 19 via the USB communication unit 23b. 2 is transmitted. Further, when there is pressing information, the pressing information is transmitted to the TV apparatus 2 together with the rotation amount information. And control in CPU23a of input device 1 is ended.

  On the other hand, on the TV device 2 side, in step S213, the CPU 2c determines whether or not rotation amount information has been received from the input device 1. If it is determined in step S213 that the rotation amount information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S215. If it is determined in step S213 that the rotation amount information has been received, in step S214, the CPU 2c changes the channel number from the current channel number to the selected channel number based on the rotation amount information. The At this time, the same channel number as the selected channel number determined by the CPU 23a of the input device 1 is selected.

  In step S215, the CPU 2c determines whether or not the pressing information is received from the input device 1. If it is determined in step S215 that the pressing information has not been received, the control in the CPU 2c of the TV apparatus 2 is terminated. If it is determined in step S215 that the press information has been received, in step S216, the CPU 2c determines the selected channel number based on the press information. Then, the CPU 2c displays an image corresponding to the selected channel number on the display unit 2a and outputs sound corresponding to the selected channel number from the speaker 2b. And the control in CPU2c of TV apparatus 2 is complete | finished.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 acquires a tactile sensation imparting pattern (100 pitch, 20 pitch, or 50 pitch) that is set corresponding to the channel number selected from the channel-tactile sense table. Then, based on the acquired tactile sensation imparting pattern set, the driving (energization ON state) and the stop (energization OFF state) for the ultrasonic motor 17 are repeated for each rotation angle α, β or γ. Thus, by storing the channel-tactile sensation table in the flash memory 23c on the input device 1 side, the CPU 23a can perform quick control processing by using the channel-tactile sensation table in the flash memory 23c. The ultrasonic motor 17 can be driven more quickly with respect to the rotation operation. As a result, it is possible to improve the responsiveness of tactile sensation with respect to the rotation operation of the rotation operation unit 10. The remaining effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned first embodiment.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments, the TV device 2 operated by the input device 1 is shown as the “control target device” of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a device other than a TV device such as a PC or a game device may be used as the “control target device” of the present invention. Further, the input device of the present invention is not limited to the case of operating a control target device externally attached to the input device with a USB cable or the like, and may be built in a mobile phone that is a control target device.

  In the first embodiment, the volume is shown as an example of the “control item” of the present invention, and the volume level of 51 levels is shown as an example of the “plurality of control values”. In the second embodiment, CS broadcasting is shown as an example of the “selection item” of the present invention, and a plurality of channel numbers are shown as an example of “multiple options”. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the “control item” of the present invention may be the brightness and brightness of the display unit of the TV apparatus, and the “plurality of control values” may be the brightness level and brightness level divided into a plurality of levels. In addition, the “selection item” of the present invention may be an image data file storing a plurality of image data, and the “multiple options” may be a plurality of image data. Further, the “selection item” of the present invention may be a music data file storing a plurality of music data, and the “multiple options” may be a plurality of music data. Furthermore, the “selection item” of the present invention may be an address book and the “plurality of options” may be a plurality of addresses.

  In the first and second embodiments, the CPU 23a of the input device 1 drives (turns on the energization) and stops (turns off the energization) the ultrasonic motor 17 for each predetermined rotation angle (α, β, or γ). However, the present invention is not limited to this. In this invention, you may comprise so that the angle space | interval which repeats the drive (ON) with respect to the ultrasonic motor 17 and a stop (OFF) may be varied. For example, as shown in the modification of FIG. 12, the input device 1 is rotated at a rotation angle α (about 1.8 degrees) and the ultrasonic motor 17 is driven (ON), and then the rotation is twice the rotation angle α. The angle γ (about 3.6 degrees) may be configured such that the ultrasonic motor 17 is stopped (OFF), and this driving (ON) and stopping (OFF) may be repeated. As a result, the angular interval at which the ultrasonic motor 17 having a large sense of resistance is stopped (OFF) is larger than the angular interval at which the ultrasonic motor 17 having a small sense of resistance is driven (ON). Compared with the case where driving (ON) and stopping (OFF) of the ultrasonic motor 17 are repeated, it is possible to make the user feel a greater sense of resistance. As a result, a clearer and unique tactile sensation can be given to the user. On the other hand, the input device 1 is configured to drive (turn on) the ultrasonic motor 17 with the rotational angle γ, which is twice the rotational angle α, and then stop (turn off) the ultrasonic motor 17. In this case, it is possible to make the user feel a smaller sense of resistance as compared with the case where driving (ON) and stopping (OFF) with respect to the ultrasonic motor 17 are repeated for each single rotation angle α. is there.

  In the first embodiment, tactile sensation imparting patterns are set to two types of 100 pitches and 20 pitches. In the second embodiment, the tactile sensation imparting pattern is added to 100 pitches and 20 pitches and 50 pitches are added. Although an example in which three types are included is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, four or more tactile sensation imparting patterns may be set.

  In the first embodiment, the tactile sensation imparting pattern is configured to be 20 pitches per rotation at low frequency volume levels “0” to “15” and “30” to “50”. In the high volume levels “16” to “29”, an example in which the tactile sensation imparting pattern is configured to be 100 pitches so that a clearer tactile sensation can be imparted to the user has been shown. The invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, it is only necessary that the tactile sensation given to the user is different between the low-frequency volume level and the high-frequency volume level. May be 100 pitches, and the frequent tactile sensation imparting pattern may be 20 pitches.

  In the first embodiment, the frequency level is set based on the number of times the predetermined volume level is passed or stopped when the user sets the volume. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Not limited to. In the present invention, the frequency of the volume level may be determined based only on the number of times of the stopped (set) volume level control without considering the volume level passed by the user. Further, the frequency of the volume level may be determined based on the time when the volume level is set.

In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the input device 1 and the TV device 2 are connected via the USB cable 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the input device and the TV device may be configured to perform communication according to a serial bus standard such as an I ² C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) standard other than the USB standard. Further, the input device and the TV device may be configured to communicate with each other by wireless communication such as Bluetooth standard or infrared communication.

1 Input device 2 TV device (operation target device)
10 Rotation operation part 17 Ultrasonic motor (drive part)
23a CPU (control unit)
23c Flash memory (storage unit)
100, 200 Touching system

Claims (7)

A rotation operation unit that can be rotated by a user;
A drive unit that provides a tactile sensation during operation via the rotation operation unit to a user who operates the rotation operation unit;
The tactile sensation given to the user is made different according to a plurality of control values in an arbitrary control item controlled or selected by an operation of the rotation operation unit or a plurality of options in an arbitrary selection item. An input device configured to drive a drive unit.   The drive unit is configured to be driven so as to vary the tactile sensation given to a user in accordance with the frequency at which the plurality of control values or the plurality of options are controlled or selected. The input device described in 1.   In the case of the control value or the option that is frequently controlled or selected, the tactile sensation is made clearer to the user than in the case of the control value or the option that is controlled or selected less frequently. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the input device is configured to drive the drive unit to apply. A control unit;
The control unit includes the tactile sensation based on a tactile sensation management table in which the plurality of control values or the plurality of options are associated with tactile sensation information related to the tactile sensation according to each of the plurality of control values or the plurality of options. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is configured to acquire information and to drive the driving unit based on the acquired tactile sensation information. The plurality of control values or the plurality of options are configured to be values or items controlled or selected in an operation target device operated by the rotation operation unit, and the tactile sensation management table includes the operation Stored in the target device,
The input device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to drive the driving unit based on the tactile sensation information acquired from the operation target device. A storage unit for storing the tactile sensation management table;
The said control part is comprised so that the said drive part may be driven based on the acquired said tactile information while acquiring the said tactile information based on the tactile sense management table of the said memory | storage part. Input device. A rotation operation unit that can be rotated by a user; and a drive unit that gives a tactile sensation during operation to the user who operates the rotation operation unit via the rotation operation unit. According to a plurality of control values in an arbitrary control item to be controlled or selected or a plurality of options in an arbitrary selection item, the drive unit is driven so as to vary the tactile sensation to be given to the user. Configured input devices; and
A tactile sensation providing system comprising: an operation target device that is operated by the input device and configured to control or select the plurality of control values or the plurality of options.

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