JP3941773B2 - INPUT DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE, AND INPUT DEVICE CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device, an information processing device, a remote control device, and an input device control method, and more particularly to an input device that performs input by detecting the presence or absence of a pressing or contact operation on the surface of a panel. The present invention relates to an information processing device and a remote control device used, and a method for controlling such an input device.

  Currently, automatic cash handling machines of financial institutions, automatic ticket machines such as tickets and commuter passes, so-called convenience terminals used to provide services such as ticket sales at convenience stores, information processing devices such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. Input devices using touch panels are widely used. Such a touch panel type input device associates a button or icon displayed on a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with a coordinate system on the panel, and indicates an indicator such as a finger or a pen on the panel. By detecting the position touched by the user, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) function for the apparatus user is realized.

  Many of such touch panel type input devices are unlikely to use a real switch button, and it is difficult for the operator to feel the feeling of clicking the display button or the like (click feeling) during operation. Therefore, in a recent touch panel type input device, when an input operation is performed by an operator, an operation sound such as a beep sound is generated, or the shape of a display button is changed auditorily and visually. A device has been devised to notify that an input operation has been performed.

  However, when using such an input device, the response of the input device is slow even if the operator performs an input operation, the input device does not respond even if the operator intends to perform the input operation, or Even if the operator makes a mistake in the input operation, the user still feels uneasy about the operability and cannot always be said to be easy to use.

  Therefore, for example, a mechanism has been proposed in which a piezoelectric element is placed in contact with the panel, and when an input operation is performed, the piezoelectric element is driven to displace the panel and return a force sense to the operator. ing. Thus, when an operation is performed, the operator is given a click feeling as if the switch button had been pressed.

For example, conventionally, a resistive film type touch panel in which a plurality of flexible electrode sheets are arranged with a certain interval with the electrode surfaces facing each other is used, and a bobbin coil is fitted into a casing with the touch panel fixed on the surface. An apparatus having a configuration has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this input device, when the operator presses the touch panel and the electrode sheets come into contact with each other and energization occurs, the bobbin coil is activated to push the touch panel back to the operator side. Thereby, a feeling of clicking is given to the operator.
JP 2002-259059 (paragraph numbers [0037] to [0040], FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 7)

  However, in a conventional touch panel type input device, a method of displacing the panel in the same manner and returning a sense of force to the operator regardless of the strength when the operator presses the panel is common. There are various ways of pushing the panel of the input device, and in particular, an operator who is not familiar with the input operation tends to push more strongly than necessary. This is because the feedback from the panel is the same no matter how the button is pressed, and it is difficult for the operator to determine how much the device will respond. As a result, the operator often gives the impression that the touch panel is difficult to operate.

  If feedback is given when the operator presses the panel, the operator can feel at ease, but if he presses more strongly than necessary, the burden on the finger is greater. If you get used to the input operation, you will be able to press the panel with a light weight, but if the feedback from the panel is still constant, it is difficult to learn the optimal way to press, especially unfamiliar with panel operation In the case of an unsatisfactory operator, it may cause an erroneous operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an input device capable of displacing a panel in accordance with an operation method of the operator's panel and returning a force sense to the operator, and a control method thereof. The purpose is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a remote control device using such an input device.

In the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, in an input device in which an input is performed by a pressing operation or a contact operation on the surface of the panel, a signal that changes due to the pressing or the contact with the surface of the panel is detected as a detection data value. , Means for detecting pressure or contact on the surface of the panel, and the time when the detected data value starts to change is determined as the start time of pressure or contact, and is stable and preset after the detection data value starts to change. Means for determining a time point when a predetermined time has passed as a confirmation point of pressing or contact, means for measuring a time from the start time to the confirmation time, and a time from the measured start time to the confirmation time Means for generating an output signal and means for vibrating the panel in accordance with the generated output signal. And, wherein the output signal includes an input device is provided, characterized in that the magnitude of amplitude on the basis of measured the starting point to the length of time until the determined time is a signal for vibrating the panel .

According to such an input device, when the pressing or contact touch to the surface of the panel is detected, is measured the time from the start of pressing or contact to determine the time of pressing or contact, measured the time The panel vibrates with an amplitude having a magnitude based on the length.

For example, when the operator strongly presses the panel, in order to become the pressing is established in a shorter time than when weakly pressed, it causes vibration of the panel at large amplitude. Conversely, when the operator has weakened pressed panel to become so takes longer time before the pressing is established, it causes vibration of the panel with small amplitude. This makes it possible for the operator to recognize whether or not the pressing during the input operation is too strong.

In the present invention, in the control method of the input device in which input is performed by a pressing operation or a contact operation on the surface of the panel, by detecting a signal that changes due to the pressing or the contact on the surface of the panel as a detection data value, Detects pressing or touching on the surface of the panel, determines the time when the detected data value starts to change as the starting time of pressing or touching, and stable and preset time has elapsed since the detection data value starts to change The determined time is determined as a pressing or contact determination time, the time from the start time to the determination time is measured, and an output signal is generated using the measured time from the start time to the determination time When the panel is vibrated according to the output signal generated and the output signal is generated, The method of the input device and generating said output signal for vibrating the panel by the magnitude of the amplitude based on the length of time until the constant time is provided.

According to such an input device control method, when a press or contact with the panel surface is detected, the time from the start of the press or contact to the time when the press or contact is determined is measured, and the length of the time is determined. The panel vibrates with the amplitude of the base magnitude.

Since the input device of the present invention measures the time from the start of pressing or contact to the time of confirmation of pressing or contact , and vibrates the panel with an amplitude having a magnitude based on the length of the time, for example, When the panel is operated strongly and the time until the confirmation of the operation is short, the panel is vibrated greatly. Conversely, when the panel is operated weakly and the time until the confirmation of the operation is long, the panel is vibrated small. it can. Thus, by giving different feedback to the operator according to how the operator operates, the operator can naturally learn the optimum operation method, and the operation with less force than necessary is reduced. As a result, fatigue and stress during operation of the touch panel type input device are reduced, and the usability can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example an input device using a resistive touch panel used as a control panel for operating a broadcasting device such as a switcher device for switching an input image. Will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of main parts of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
An input device 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a liquid crystal display unit 1 and a touch panel unit 2 disposed on the display surface side thereof, and a flexible substrate on which a piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted on the display surface side of the liquid crystal display unit 1. 4 is fixed.

  The liquid crystal display unit 1 includes a display panel 1a on which an image is displayed, and a frame 1b for holding the display panel 1a. A liquid crystal substrate, a backlight, etc. (not shown) are provided inside the display panel 1a. The frame 1b is made of, for example, metal, and is provided so as not to block the image display area on the display surface of the display panel 1a.

  The touch panel unit 2 includes a sensor for detecting an input operation by an operator, and here is a resistive film type touch panel including a resistive film type sensor. The touch panel unit 2 includes a pressing unit 2a pressed by an operator and a frame 2b for holding the pressing unit 2a. The pressing part 2a is made of a transparent resin sheet so that an image displayed on the display panel 1a of the liquid crystal display part 1 is transmitted. The frame 2b is made of metal, for example, and is provided so as not to block the display area of the display panel 1a.

  The resistance film type touch panel used as the touch panel unit 2 has a structure in which a plurality of electrode sheets on which transparent electrodes are formed are arranged with a certain interval with the electrode surfaces facing each other. Then, when the pressing portion 2a in FIG. 1 is pressed with an indicator such as an operator's finger or pen, the electrode sheets come into contact with each other, and by detecting the resistance change on each electrode sheet at this time, The position is specified as a coordinate value.

  The piezoelectric actuator 3 is a piezoelectric bimorph element, for example. The piezoelectric bimorph element has a structure in which a plurality of thin plate-like piezoelectric materials are bonded to each other with an electrode plate interposed therebetween, and has a property that the whole is curved when a voltage is applied from both sides. In the input device 100, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is curved and deformed according to a driving voltage applied through a wiring provided on the flexible substrate 4.

  The flexible substrate 4 is a flexible wiring substrate in which wiring is formed using a conductive metal foil such as copper foil on a resin film such as polyimide, and an electrode for supplying a driving voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 3 is provided. A pair of through holes, which will be described later, is provided, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 is held using the through holes.

  In the input device 100, the touch panel unit 2 is disposed on the display surface side of the liquid crystal display unit 1 so as to sandwich the flexible substrate 4 and the piezoelectric actuator 3. An image of an operation function item such as an icon displayed on the display panel 1a of the liquid crystal display unit 1 is transmitted to the pressing unit 2a of the touch panel unit 2, and the operator presses the image display position on the pressing unit 2a with a finger or the like. Thus, an input operation corresponding to the display image is performed.

  The liquid crystal display unit 1 and the touch panel unit 2 are mounted on an external housing (not shown) of the input device 100. At this time, the touch panel unit 2 is disposed with respect to the liquid crystal display unit 1 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the display surface. Thereby, when the piezoelectric actuator 3 is curved and deformed, the distance of the touch panel unit 2 to the liquid crystal display unit 1 changes. A circuit that performs detection of a pressing operation on the touch panel unit 2 and drive control of the piezoelectric actuator 3 according to the pressing operation is housed in, for example, an external housing.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a mounting state of the piezoelectric actuator on the flexible substrate, in which FIG. 2A is a plan view of a principal portion of the flexible substrate, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX.
As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible substrate 4 has a mounting portion 41 composed of a pair of through holes 41 a and 41 b for mounting the piezoelectric actuator 3, and a wiring pattern 42 a for supplying a driving voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 3. 42b is provided.

  In the mounting portion 41, the through holes 41a and 41b are formed in parallel, for example, in the same shape. Moreover, between the through-holes 41a and 41b, the resin film which comprises the flexible substrate 4 is left in bridge shape, and the center spacer part 41c is formed. In the present embodiment, for example, such mounting portions 41 are provided at two locations on one flexible substrate 4.

  The wiring patterns 42 a and 42 b are provided so that each wiring is connected to one end of the mounting portion 41. On the other hand, wiring terminals 31a and 31b are provided at one end of the piezoelectric actuator 3, and when these wiring terminals 31a and 31b come into contact with the wiring patterns 42a and 42b on the flexible substrate 4, a driver (not shown). A drive voltage is supplied from the circuit to the piezoelectric actuator 3.

  In the mounting portion 41, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is inserted into one through hole 41a from the front side, for example, and then inserted again from the back side into the through hole 41b through the lower portion of the central spacer portion 41c, so that both ends in the longitudinal direction are Mounting is performed in contact with the surface of the flexible substrate 4. Since the piezoelectric actuator 3 has relatively high rigidity, while the flexible substrate 4 is easily deformed, only the central spacer portion 41c bulges in the front side direction as shown in FIG. The actuator 3 is held. At this time, the wiring terminals 31a and 31b provided at one end of the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the wiring patterns 42a and 42b on the flexible substrate 4 come into contact with each other and are electrically connected. Preferably, after making these contact, the contact is fixed using solder or the like, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 itself is fixed on the flexible substrate 4.

  After the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted as described above, the flexible substrate 4 is sandwiched between the frame 1 b of the liquid crystal display unit 1 and the frame 2 b of the touch panel unit 2. At this time, for example, the upper surface in FIG. 2 of the central spacer portion 41c is in contact with the frame 2b of the touch panel portion 2, and the regions 43a and 43b in which the lower surface in FIG. In contact with the frame 1b. With such a mounting structure, the central spacer portion 41c of the flexible substrate 4 functions as a spacer between the frame 2b of the touch panel portion 2 and the piezoelectric actuator 3, and the regions 43a and 43b of the flexible substrate 4 are liquid crystal display. It functions as a spacer between the frame 1 b of the part 1 and the piezoelectric actuator 3.

  In this state, when a driving voltage is supplied to the piezoelectric actuator 3, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is curved and deformed according to the driving voltage. As described above, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is provided with the two wiring terminals 31a and 31b. When the potential difference between them is 0, the piezoelectric actuator 3 does not bend, and by increasing the potential difference, the amount of bending is increased. growing. The bending direction of the piezoelectric actuator 3 is reversed when the polarity of the voltage is reversed. Therefore, in the input device 100, the amount of bending, the bending period, the bending direction, and the like of the piezoelectric actuator 3 can be changed by controlling the voltage (amplitude), frequency, waveform (rectangular wave or sine wave) of the drive voltage, and the like. it can.

  When the piezoelectric actuator 3 is curved, the central spacer portion 41c moves in a direction perpendicular to the display unit with respect to the liquid crystal display unit 1 according to the displacement of the central portion. The touch panel portion 2 moves in accordance with the displacement of the central spacer portion 41c, the panel surface is displaced, and a force sense is returned to the operator.

  A reinforcing plate made of a highly rigid material such as celluloid may be attached to the front surface of the central spacer portion 41c or the back surface of the portion of the flexible substrate 4 where both ends of the piezoelectric actuator 3 are in contact.

  The mounting method of the piezoelectric actuator 3 as described above is only an example, and a spacer is provided near the center of one surface of the piezoelectric actuator 3, and spacers are also provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction on the other surface. As long as it has the provided structure, the piezoelectric actuator 3 may be mounted by other methods.

Next, the hardware configuration of the input device 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram of the input device.
The input device 100 includes a sensor unit 101, a position determination processing unit 102, a control unit 103, and a drive unit 104.

  The sensor unit 101 is incorporated in the touch panel unit 2 and includes a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a pressing operation on the input device 100 by an operator. Here, the sensor unit 101 is applied to the panel surface (the pressing unit 2a) of the touch panel unit 2 by a resistance film method. The presence or absence of pressing is detected.

  When the operator presses the panel surface of the analog resistive film type touch panel used as the touch panel unit 2 in the present embodiment with a finger or the like, the electrode sheets that are arranged to face each other at regular intervals come into contact with each other, and energization occurs. The resistance values in the X direction and the Y direction on the electrode sheet change depending on the contact position, and the voltage values corresponding to the X direction and the Y direction change. The voltage values in the X direction and the Y direction are 0V or close to 0V until the panel surface of the resistive touch panel is pressed with a finger or the like, and gradually increases when starting to be pressed. If it continues for a certain amount of time, it becomes saturated and stable.

  In the input device 100, it is assumed that the pressure by the operator is fixed in such a state that the voltage value is stable, and the change in the voltage value from the point of time when the pressure is started by the operator is within a predetermined fluctuation range and is stable. After a certain period of time has passed, the pressing is confirmed. In that case, the time from the stabilization of the voltage value until the pressing is confirmed can be arbitrarily set in advance in the input device 100.

  The sensor unit 101 detects the presence or absence of pressure on the panel surface based on voltage values (analog signals) in the X direction and the Y direction, and the voltage value is a detection data value (digital signal) obtained by A / D conversion.

  The position determination processing unit 102 periodically reads the detected data values in the X direction and the Y direction detected by the sensor unit 101 and monitors changes thereof, so as to determine the pressing start time and the pressing confirmed time point on the panel surface. It has become. That is, the time point at which the detection data value starts to change is determined as the pressing start time point, and the time point after a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection data value has stabilized is determined as the pressing confirmation time point. At that time, the position determination processing unit 102 measures the time from the pressing start time to the pressing confirmation time using, for example, a timer built in the input device 100 or the like.

  Furthermore, the position determination processing unit 102 specifies the XY coordinate value of the pressed position on the electrode sheet from the detected data value when a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection data value is stabilized and the pressing is confirmed, The identified coordinate value is stored as position information.

  And the position determination process part 102 produces | generates a control signal according to the length of the measurement time from the press start time measured to the press confirmation time point, and controls the control part 103 based on the control signal. Yes. Alternatively, the position determination processing unit 102 compares the measurement time with a predetermined time value, determines whether the measurement time is longer than the predetermined time, and outputs a control signal according to the determination result. You may make it produce | generate.

  The control signal generated by the position determination processing unit 102 is a digital signal including a voltage (amplitude) condition for specifying a signal waveform of a driving voltage when driving the driving unit 104. In this case, a drive voltage having a signal waveform with a different amplitude is supplied to the drive unit 104 according to the measurement time from the pressing start time to the pressing confirmation time. In addition, in the case where a drive voltage having a signal waveform having a different frequency or waveform (rectangular wave or sine wave) in addition to the amplitude is supplied to the drive unit 104 according to the measurement time, these conditions are included in the control signal. May be.

  The control unit 103 is a waveform generation device that controls a voltage based on a control signal from the position determination processing unit 102, generates a signal waveform of a driving voltage for driving the driving unit 104, and outputs the waveform as an output signal. .

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control unit.
As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 103 includes, for example, a D / A conversion unit 103a and a driver circuit 103b. The D / A conversion unit 103a converts the voltage included in the control signal output from the position determination processing unit 102 into an analog value, and outputs the converted control voltage to the driver circuit 103b. The driver circuit 103b outputs a signal waveform of the drive voltage to the drive unit 104 as an output signal based on the control voltage output from the D / A conversion unit 103a.

  Since the control unit 103 generates an output signal for controlling the drive unit 104, the configuration is not particularly limited as long as it can generate a signal waveform matched to the drive unit 104.

  Here, the drive unit 104 is the piezoelectric actuator 3 described above, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 is curved and deformed according to the signal waveform of the drive voltage output from the control unit 103. An AC voltage such as an AC rectangular wave voltage or an AC sine wave voltage can be supplied to the drive unit 104, whereby the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the touch panel unit 2 can be vibrated finely.

Next, a method for controlling the input device 100 having the above configuration in accordance with the measurement time until the pressing is confirmed will be described.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the panel pressing time and the piezoelectric actuator driving voltage when the pressing is determined in a long time, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the panel pressing time and the piezoelectric actuator driving voltage when the pressing is determined in a short time. FIG. 5 and 6, the upper diagram shows the relationship between the panel pressing time of the touch panel unit 2 and the detected data value, and the lower diagram shows the signal waveform of the drive voltage supplied to the piezoelectric actuator 3. Note that, in the upper diagram of FIG. 5 and the upper diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the detected data value detected during the input operation is 0 or a value close to 0 before pressing the panel surface of the touch panel unit 2 and gradually increases with the start of pressing. If it continues to be pressed to a certain extent, it stabilizes. In the input device 100, by supplying a driving voltage having an appropriate signal waveform to the piezoelectric actuator 3 according to the time from the pressing start time to the pressing confirmation time determined from the detection data value changing in this way, An operator can feel a click feeling according to the manner of pressing operation.

  That is, when the time from the start of pressing to the confirmation of pressing is long, that is, when a long time is required until the detection data value is stabilized, the input device 100, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 3 is supplied with an AC rectangular wave voltage having a small amplitude and a predetermined frequency, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the touch panel unit 2 are vibrated small. On the other hand, when the time from the start of pressing until pressing is confirmed, that is, when the detected data value is stabilized in a short time, the input device 100 applies the piezoelectric actuator 3 after pressing is confirmed, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. An AC rectangular wave voltage having a large amplitude and a predetermined frequency is supplied to vibrate the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the touch panel unit 2 greatly.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a control flow of the input device.
As described above, the input device 100 that vibrates the touch panel unit 2 in accordance with the time from the start of pressing to the confirmation of pressing first determines whether or not the panel surface is pressed by the operator from the change in the detected data value ( Step S1).

If it is determined in step S1 that the panel surface is being pressed, the input device 100 sets this time as the pressing start time and starts measuring time (step S2).
Next, the input device 100 monitors the detected data value, and determines whether or not to confirm the pressing from the stable state of the detected data value (step S3).

If it is determined in step S3 that pressing is confirmed, the input device 100 ends measuring time from the pressing start time (step S4).
The input device 100 determines a drive voltage according to the measurement time obtained in step S4 (step S5), and drives the piezoelectric actuator 3 with the drive voltage (step S6). For example, the amplitude of the signal waveform is determined in inverse proportion to the length of the measurement time, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 is driven with a larger drive voltage as the measurement time becomes shorter.

  Further, when the drive voltage is determined, the measurement time can be compared with a predetermined time set in advance in the input device 100, and the drive voltage can be determined according to the comparison result. That is, if the measurement time is longer than the predetermined time, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is driven with a predetermined small drive voltage. Conversely, if the measurement time is short, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is driven with a predetermined large drive voltage.

  If the input device 100 does not determine that the panel is pressed in step S1, the process of step S1 is repeated until it is determined that the panel is pressed. In step S3, if the input device 100 does not determine that the press is confirmed, the process of step S3 is repeated until it is determined that the press is confirmed.

  5, 6, and 7, the fact that a long time is required until the pressing is confirmed corresponds to a weak pressing operation by the operator, and conversely, the time until the pressing is confirmed is short. This corresponds to a strong pressing operation. As described above, the input device 100 measures the time from the pressing start time to the pressing confirmation time based on the voltage value that changes from the pressing start time, and measures the length of the measurement time as the strength of the panel pressing during the input operation. It corresponds to. Then, by supplying a driving voltage having a signal waveform corresponding to the measurement time to the piezoelectric actuator 3, a click feeling corresponding to the way of pressing operation is realized.

In the example of FIGS. 5 and 6, the case where the AC rectangular wave voltage is supplied to the piezoelectric actuator 3 has been described. Of course, an AC sine wave voltage may be supplied.
By the way, in the above description, the case where the resistive film type touch panel having the resistive film type sensor unit 101 is used as the touch panel unit 2 of the input device 100 has been described as an example. Even when various touch panels adopting an optical method, an ultrasonic method, an electromagnetic induction method, or the like are used, it is possible to make the operator feel a click feeling. In short, any method can be used as long as it uses a sensor that knows that there is some change in the signal (detected data value) detected between the start of the input operation and the input operation confirmation.

  For example, in the case of the electrostatic capacity method, a contact portion of an operator's finger is formed by a transparent conductive panel, and a circuit for voltage application and current detection is provided in a frame on the outer edge of the contact portion, thereby A certain voltage is applied to the sex panel. In an input device using such a touch panel, when the operator touches the panel with a finger, the capacitance on the panel changes, and the change is detected as a current value.

  In the case of the optical system, the contact portion is formed of a transparent panel such as glass or acrylic. Then, a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a light receiving element are arranged in the frame on the outer edge of the contact part, and infrared rays are emitted in a matrix on the surface of the contact part, and the infrared light is received by the opposing light receiving element. Let In an input device using such a touch panel, when an operator brings a finger or the like into contact with the panel surface, light is blocked and a change in the blocked light is detected as an electrical signal.

  In the case of the ultrasonic method, a contact portion is formed by a transparent panel, and a transmitter and a receiver are arranged facing each other in the X direction and the Y direction in the outer frame, and the surface of the contact portion is formed by an oscillator. Generate surface acoustic waves. In such an input device using a touch panel, when an operator brings a finger into contact with the surface of the panel, the vibration of the contact portion is absorbed by the finger, and a surface acoustic wave transmission delay caused thereby is detected.

  In the case of the electromagnetic induction method, an input operation is performed on a contact portion formed of a transparent panel using a pen-type indicator equipped with a circuit for generating a magnetic field. A large number of sensor coils for detecting a magnetic field are provided as sensor portions on the back side of the panel (the back side of the operation surface). In an input device using such a touch panel, a change in magnetic field is detected by a sensor unit when an operator brings an indicator into contact with the panel surface.

  When each of these methods is used, a flexible substrate on which a piezoelectric actuator is mounted is provided between the frame of the panel serving as the contact portion and the frame of the liquid crystal display portion. Regardless of the method, a signal that changes when the operator touches the panel surface is detected, and a drive voltage signal to be supplied to the piezoelectric actuator according to the measurement time from the contact start time to the contact confirmation time After generating the waveform and confirming the contact, the piezoelectric actuator may be driven according to the signal waveform to vibrate the panel.

  In the above description, in order to realize the click feeling, the panel that is pressed by the finger or the like and is touched by the finger or the like is vibrated by the piezoelectric actuator. If it can supply a vibration with respect to a panel by being supplied, it is applicable to an input device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the touch panel type input device, the panel is vibrated with a size corresponding to the length of time from the start to the confirmation of the input operation by pressing or touching the panel surface where the input operation is performed. I did it. That is, when the time until the input operation is confirmed is long, the panel is vibrated small because the operation is performed weakly on the panel surface. In addition, when the time until the input operation is confirmed is short, it is assumed that the operation is strongly performed on the panel surface, and the panel is vibrated greatly so that the operator can unconsciously learn that the operation may be performed more weakly. be able to.

  The operator can learn the optimal operation naturally, and it is less likely to operate with more power than necessary, reducing the strain on the fingers, fatigue during operation, stress associated with the operation, etc., and a user-friendly user interface It becomes feasible. The touch panel type input device is an important interface part that the usability of the touch panel greatly influences the overall impression of the system. By the present invention, the usability of the touch panel type input device is improved and the operator is unfamiliar with the input operation. You will be able to operate with confidence.

  The input device as described above can be suitably used as an input device for an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), in particular, a portable information processing device such as a mobile phone or a PDA. Moreover, as an input device for operating these devices such as the above-mentioned switcher device and other devices such as a cash machine (CD), an automatic teller machine (ATM), and a game machine of a financial institution. May be used. Furthermore, it may be used as an input device of a remote control device for remotely operating these devices.

  The input device of the present invention is also applicable to an input device that does not have an image display unit, such as an input pad provided as a pointing device in an input operation unit of a notebook PC or a tablet device for graphic drawing software.

It is a principal part exploded perspective view of the input device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which shows the mounting state to the flexible substrate of a piezoelectric actuator, Comprising: (A) is a principal part top view of a flexible substrate, (B) is XX arrow sectional drawing. It is a hardware block diagram of an input device. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a control part. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the panel press time when a press is confirmed in a long time, and a piezoelectric actuator drive voltage. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the panel press time when a press is confirmed in a short time, and a piezoelectric actuator drive voltage. It is a figure which shows the control flow of an input device.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Liquid crystal display part, 1a ... Display panel, 1b, 2b ... Frame, 2 ... Touch panel part, 2a ... Pressing part, 3 ... Piezoelectric actuator, 4 ... Flexible substrate, 31a, 31b ... Wiring Terminals 41... Mounting portions 41 a and 41 b... Through holes 41 c. Center spacer portions 42 a and 42 b... Wiring patterns 43 a and 43 b. 102: Position determination processing unit, 103: Control unit, 103a: D / A conversion unit, 103b: Driver circuit, 104: Driving unit

Claims (6)

In an input device in which input is performed by pressing operation or contact operation on the surface of the panel
Means for detecting pressure or contact on the surface of the panel by detecting a signal that changes due to pressure or contact on the surface of the panel as a detection data value;
The point in time when the detection data value starts to change is determined as the start point of pressing or contact, and the point in time when the preset time has stabilized after the detection data value has started to change is determined as the fixed point of pressing or contact. Means to
Means for measuring the time from the start time to the confirmation time;
Means for generating an output signal using the measured time from the start time to the determined time;
Means for vibrating the panel according to the generated output signal;
Have
The input device, wherein the output signal is a signal that vibrates the panel with an amplitude having a magnitude based on a measured length of time from the start time to the confirmation time . The means for generating the output signal generates a signal that vibrates the panel with an amplitude that is inversely proportional to the length of time from the measured start time to the determined time. The input device described. The means for generating the output signal, when the measured time from the start time to the determined time is shorter than a predetermined time, the measured time from the start time to the determined time The input device according to claim 1 , wherein a signal that vibrates the panel is generated with a larger amplitude than when the length is longer than the predetermined time .   In an information processing apparatus including an input device in which an input is performed by a pressing operation or a contact operation on the surface of the panel,
  The input device is
  Means for detecting pressure or contact on the surface of the panel by detecting a signal that changes due to pressure or contact on the surface of the panel as a detection data value;
  The point in time when the detection data value starts to change is determined as the start point of pressing or contact, and the point in time when the preset time has stabilized after the detection data value has started to change is determined as the fixed point of pressing or contact. Means to
  Means for measuring the time from the start time to the confirmation time;
  Means for generating an output signal using the measured time from the start time to the determined time;
  Means for vibrating the panel according to the generated output signal;
  Have
  The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output signal is a signal that vibrates the panel with an amplitude having a magnitude based on a measured length of time from the start time to the confirmation time.   In a remote control device provided with an input device in which input is performed by pressing operation or contact operation on the surface of the panel,
  The input device is
  Means for detecting pressure or contact on the surface of the panel by detecting a signal that changes due to pressure or contact on the surface of the panel as a detection data value;
  The point in time when the detection data value starts to change is determined as the start point of pressing or contact, and the point in time when the preset time has stabilized after the detection data value has started to change is determined as the fixed point of pressing or contact. Means to
  Means for measuring the time from the start time to the confirmation time;
  Means for generating an output signal using the measured time from the start time to the determined time;
  Means for vibrating the panel according to the generated output signal;
  Have
  The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the output signal is a signal that vibrates the panel with an amplitude having a magnitude based on a measured length of time from the start time to the confirmation time.   In the control method of the input device in which input is performed by pressing operation or contact operation on the surface of the panel,
  By detecting a signal that changes as a result of pressing or touching the surface of the panel as a detection data value, detecting pressing or touching the surface of the panel;
  The point in time when the detection data value starts to change is determined as the start point of pressing or contact, and the point in time when the preset time has stabilized after the detection data value has started to change is determined as the fixed point of pressing or contact. And
  Measure the time from the start time to the confirmation time,
  Generate an output signal using the measured time from the start time to the confirmation time,
  Vibrate the panel according to the generated output signal;
  When generating the output signal, the output signal is generated to vibrate the panel with an amplitude having a magnitude based on a length of time from the start time to the fixed time. Control method.

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