DE112014006939T5 - Touch Sensing Control System and Touch Sensing Control Method - Google Patents

Abstract

It is an object of the invention to provide a tactile sense control system and a tactile sense control method that enable a user to perform convenient operation without visual concentration on a display screen. The tactile sense control system according to the invention is configured to control a touch sensation of a user operating an operation surface of a touch-sensitive screen or a touchpad. The system includes a service area information acquiring unit configured to acquire service area information about an operation area for user operation on the operation surface, an event occurrence detector configured to detect a occurrence of a predetermined specific event that is a valid state or invalid State of operation defines, and a tactile sense control device configured to control a change of the tactile sensation between the operation area in the valid state of the operation and the operation area in the invalid state of the operation in accordance with the operation area information acquired by the operation area information acquiring unit and the specific event detected by the event occurrence detector.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a tactile sense control system and a tactile sense control method for controlling a tactile sensation of a user operating an operation surface of a touch-sensitive screen or a touchpad.

Background Art

There is a conventional technique for providing a tactile sensation, according to an operation, to a user who operates a display screen of a display device having a touch-sensitive screen.

For example, there is disclosed a technique for irradiating a finger with ultrasonic waves to provide the finger with tactile sensation (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Another disclosed technique involves vibrating a proper area on a touch-sensitive screen by means of ultrasonic waves to provide a user with a tactile sensation (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Yet another disclosed technique relates to dynamically (physically) increasing a dedicated area on a touch-sensitive screen to provide a tactile sensation (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Documents of the prior art

Patent documents

• Patent Document 1: Disclosed Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-29898
• Patent Document 2: WO 2012/102026 A
• Patent Document 3: Publication of Unexamined Japanese Patent Application (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2005-512241

Non-Patent Document

• Non-Patent Document 1: "Trial production of tablet device equipped with touch panel providing tactile sensation", (online), 24 February 2014, FUJITSU LIMITED, (12 May 2014), Internet <URL: http: // pr. fujitsu.com/jp/news/2014/02/24.html?nw=pr>

Summary of the invention

Problem to be solved by the invention

One of the techniques according to Patent Documents 1 to 3 and Non-Patent Document 1 will allow a user to operate a device depending on tactile sensations without visual concentration on a display screen. Unfortunately, Patent Documents 1 to 3 and Non-Patent Document 1 fail to disclose a specific use and provide a convenient user interface.

The present invention has been accomplished in view of such a shortcoming, and an object thereof is to provide a tactile sense control system and a tactile sense control method which enable a user to perform convenient operation without visually focusing on a display screen.

Means of solving the problem

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a tactile sense control system configured to control a tactile sensation of a user operating an operation surface of a touch panel or a touch pad. The system includes: a service area information acquiring unit configured to acquire service area information about a service area for user operation on the operation surface; an event occurrence detector configured to detect a occurrence of a predetermined specific event that has a valid state or an invalid state of operation defined; and a tactile sense control device configured to control a change in the tactile sensation between the operation area in the valid state of the operation and the operation area in the invalid state of operation in accordance with the operation area information acquired by the operation area information acquiring unit and that detected by the event occurrence detector specific event.

The present invention also provides a tactile sense control method for controlling a touch sensation of a user operating an operation surface of a touch-sensitive screen or a touchpad. The method includes: acquiring service area information about an operation area for user operation on the operation surface; Detecting an occurrence of a predetermined specific event defining a valid state or an invalid state of service; and controlling a change of the tactile sensation between the operation area in the valid state of the operation and the operation area in the invalid state of operation in accordance with the acquired operation area information and the detected specific event.

Effects of the invention

The present invention provides a tactile sense control system configured to control a touch sensation of a user operating an operation surface of a touch-sensitive screen or a touchpad. The system includes: a service area information acquiring unit configured to acquire service area information about a service area for user operation on the operation surface; an event occurrence detector configured to detect a occurrence of a predetermined specific event that defines a valid state or an invalid state of service; and a tactile sense control device configured to control a change in the tactile sensation between the operation area in the valid state of the operation and the operation area in the invalid state of operation in accordance with the operation area information acquired by the operation area information acquiring unit and that detected by the event occurrence detector specific event. The tactile sense control system thus allows the user comfortable operation without visual concentration on a display screen.

The present invention also provides a tactile sense control method for controlling a tactile sensation of a user operating an operation surface of a touch-sensitive screen or a touchpad. The method includes: acquiring service area information about a service area for user operation on the operation surface; Detecting an occurrence of a predetermined specific event defining a valid state or an invalid state of service; and controlling a change of the tactile sensation between the operation area in the valid state of the operation and the operation area in the invalid state of operation in accordance with the acquired operation area information and the detected specific event. The tactile sensation control method thus allows the user comfortable operation without visual concentration on the display screen.

The object, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

1 FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a tactile sense controller according to an embodiment 1 of the present invention.

2 FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of tactile sensations according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG.

3 FIG. 12 is an explanatory graph of tactile sensations according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG.

4 FIG. 12 is an explanatory graph of tactile sensations according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG.

5 FIG. 12 is an explanatory graph of tactile sensations according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG.

6 FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of tactile sensations according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG.

7 FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting another exemplary configuration of the touch-sensing control apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

8th FIG. 10 is a flowchart of exemplary behaviors of the tactile sense controller according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG.

9 FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary behavior of the tactile sense controller according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG.

10 FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary behavior of the tactile sense controller according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG.

11 FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the tactile sense control apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

12 is a flow chart of exemplary behavior of a tactile sense Control apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

13 FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a tactile sense controller according to an embodiment 3 of the present invention.

14 FIG. 12 is a flowchart of exemplary behaviors of the tactile sense controller according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG.

15 FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary behavior of the tactile sense control apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

16 FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a tactile sense control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

17 FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of the tactile sense control system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Description of the embodiments

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

<Embodiment 1>

Initially, an embodiment of a tactile sense control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment and the embodiments to be described later will refer to a case where a tactile sense control system is embodied only by a tactile sense controller.

1 FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a tactile sense controller. FIG 1 1 according to the present embodiment. 1 mimics minimum required constituent elements that make up the tactile sense controller 1 embellish.

As in 1 pictured, contains the tactile sense controller 1 at least one service area information acquiring unit 2 , an event occurrence detector 3 and a tactile sense controller 4 ,

The operation area information acquiring unit 2 acquires service area information or operation area information for operator's operation, which operates an operation surface of a touch-sensitive screen or a touchpad.

The event appearance detector 3 detects an occurrence of a predetermined (specific) event that defines a service valid state or a service invalid state.

The tactile sensation controller 4 controls to have a tactile sensation change between an operation area in the operation valid state and the operation area in the operation invalid state in accordance with the operation area information acquiring unit 2 acquired operating area information and that by the event occurrence detector 3 recorded event.

The tactile sensation control device 4 controlled tactile sensations are shown below with reference to 2 to 6 to be discribed.

2 Figure 12 is a diagram depicting three exemplary types of tactile sensations, namely, "soft,""semi-rough," and "rough" tactile sensations.

2 has a touch sensation level indicating transverse axis. The leftmost column contains "soft" tactile sensations, the middle two columns contain "semi-rough" tactile sensations, and the rightmost column contains "rough" tactile sensations. A tactile sensation in each of entire squares is expressed by a vibration of ultrasonic waves or the like, dot or line patterns indicated in black in the squares. In a case where a vibration in squares is equal in level, "unsound" tactile sensations gradually increase from left to right in the level 2 to. More specifically, a larger dot gives a less hearty tactile sensation in the first line 2 on, a tighter raster indicates a less tactile sensation in the second line, and indicates a solid line, rather than a broken line, as well as a thicker line, a rude tactile sensation in the third line. Such rough tactile sensation patterns are not on the in 2 limited and there are an unlimited number of combination patterns.

2 Fig. 12 illustrates a technique for obtaining different unsound touch sensations with different patterns even at a single vibration level. It is also possible to obtain different rough tactile sensations with different vibration levels even in a single pattern.

A "gentle" tactile sensation is expressed, for example, by no ultrasonic vibration.

For example, an "unsound" tactile sensation is expressed by ultrasonic vibration of a level equal to or more than a predetermined threshold.

For example, a "semi-rough" tactile sensation is expressed by ultrasonic vibration of a level lower than the predetermined threshold.

Unsprudent tactile sensations of different levels are expressed by a combination of vibration levels and the rough tactile sensation patterns that appear in 2 are shown.

2 illustrates the rude tactile sensation patterns and generation of a static rude tactile sensation without change in vibration level. A moving, uncomfortable tactile sensation may also be expressed by a temporal change in the level of vibration or by a temporal change in the unsprung tactile sensation pattern (ie, by a dynamic change in the vibration level or in the unsprung tactile sensation pattern).

3 to 5 are exemplary graphs of generation of a "moving rough" tactile sensation by a temporal change in the vibration level. 3 to 5 each have a transverse axis indicating a time and an ordinate axis indicating tactile sensation levels.

3 indicates a case of generating tactile sensations at a constant level at regular intervals. 4 indicates a case of generating tactile sensations at changed levels at regular intervals. 5 indicates a case of generating tactile sensations at a constant level with irregular intervals.

An in 3 to 5 indicated tactile sensory change allows a user to get a tactile sensation as if a "rough" area is moving (ie, a "moving, clumsy" tactile sensation). 3 to 5 exemplify an alternate switching between "rough" tactile sensations and "soft" tactile sensations. In addition, "rough" tactile sensations and "semi-nasty" tactile sensations are alternately switched, "rough" tactile sensations are not switched discretely but continuously, or a continuous change and discrete change are freely combined.

6 Fig. 12 is a diagram depicting another exemplary case for generating a "moving rough" touch sensation by a temporal change in the rough touch feeling pattern. 6 has an ordinate axis indicating the time. 6 also maps areas a and b with, for example, a "rough" tactile sensation.

As in 6 As shown, regions a and b are positionally changed with elapse of time. Such a movement of the areas a and b with tactile sensations enables a user to get a tactile sensation as if a "rough" area is moving (ie, a "moving, clumsy" tactile sensation). Each of the areas a and b may have tactile sensations that are in any of 3 to 5 are indicated.

6 exemplifies a temporal movement of a region with a "rough" tactile sensation and a region with a "gentle" tactile sensation. Alternatively, an area having a "rough" tactile sensation and an area having a "semi-rough" tactile sensation are provided and timed, or an area having a "rough" tactile sensation that is discretely or continuously changed is provided and timed. A takeover of a "rough" tactile sensation, which is continuously changed in 3 to 6 , leads to a seamless "moving rough" tactile sensation.

Next, another embodiment of the tactile sense controller will be described 1 with the service area information acquiring unit 2 , the event occurrence detector 3 and the tactile sense controller 4 , in the 1 are depicted.

7 FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a tactile sense controller. FIG 5 maps.

As in 7 pictured, contains the tactile sense controller 5 a control device 6 , a display information generation and output unit 7 , a tactile touch-sensitive screen controller 8th , an operation information acquiring unit 9 a vehicle information acquiring unit 10 , a map information acquiring unit 11 and an external device information acquiring and control unit 12 , The display information generation and output unit 7 is with an ad 13 while the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller 8th and the operation information acquiring unit 9 with a tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 are connected. The map information acquiring unit 11 is with a map database (DB) 15 connected, while the external device information acquisition and control unit 12 with an audio instrument 16 and air conditioning 17 connected is.

The control device 6 controls the entire tactile sense control apparatus 5 , As in 7 exemplified controls the controller 6 the display information generation and output unit 7 , the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller 8th , the vehicle information acquiring unit 10 , the card information acquiring unit 11 and the external device information acquisition and control unit 12 ,

The control device 6 contains the event occurrence detector 3 , The event appearance detector 3 detects an occurrence of a predetermined (specific) event that defines a service valid state or a service invalid state. More specifically, the event occurrence detector detects 3 whether or not a mobile object, such as a vehicle, is moving.

The display information generation and output unit 7 generates display information in accordance with a command from the controller 6 , The display information generation and output unit 7 also converts the generated display information into an image signal and transmits the image signal to the display 13 ,

The tactile touch-sensitive screen controller 8th contains the service area information acquiring unit 2 and the tactile sense controller 4 , The operation area information acquiring unit 2 acquires those from the controller 6 transmitted service area information. The tactile sensation controller 4 transmits to the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 a tactile sensation control information via a controller for having a tactile sensory change between an operation area in the operation valid state and the operation area in the operation invalid state in accordance with the operation area information acquiring unit 2 acquired operating area information and that by the event occurrence detector 3 recorded event.

The operation information acquiring unit 9 acquired by the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 an operation information or information about a user operation regarding the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 ,

The vehicle information acquiring unit 10 acquires vehicle information via an in-vehicle local area network (LAN), such as sensor information acquired by various sensors provided in the vehicle (for example, vehicle speed pulse information), vehicle control information (for example, engine information , Brake information or handbrake information) or Global Positioning System (GPS) information.

The map information acquiring unit 11 acquires map information from the map DB 15 ,

The external device information acquiring and control unit 12 acquires external device information or external device information (the audio instrument 16 and the air conditioning 17 ) to be operated by a user. The external device information acquiring and control unit 12 also controls the external devices (the audio instrument 16 and the air conditioning 17 ).

The ad 13 shows on a display screen that of the display information generation and output unit 7 transmitted display information.

The tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 transmits to the operation information acquiring unit 9 the operation information or information about a user touch operation (information on whether or not touched, a touched position, operation details, and the like). The tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 has a tactile sensation change at an appropriate position on the touch-sensitive screen ("soft", "semi-rough", "rough" or "moving rough") according to the touch-sensitive-touch-screen controller 8th transmitted tactile sensation control information.

The tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 is on the display screen of the display 13 provided so that a user touch the touch-sensitive screen 14 operated with a sensation of direct operation with respect to the display screen. An area of the display screen of the display 13 In other words, it may completely coincide with a region that has tactile sensations on the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 generated. Alternatively, one of the area of the display screen of the display 13 and the area that senses touch on the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 generated, be bigger than the other. For example, the tactile touch-sensitive screen is 14 arranged so that the area, the tactile sensations on the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 generated from the area of the display screen of the display 13 protrudes, and the protruding area is configured to not display, but to receive a touch operation.

Next will be behavior of the tactile sense controller 5 with reference to 8th and 9 to be discribed.

8th FIG. 10 is a flow chart of exemplary behaviors of the tactile sense controller. FIG 5 , 9 FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary behavior of the tactile sense controller 5 maps. 9 includes a left portion that depicts a display and tactile sensations while the vehicle is stopping, and a right portion that depicts a display and tactile sensations while the vehicle is traveling.

In step S11, the display information generation and output unit generates 7 a display information in accordance with a command from the controller 6 , converts the generated display information into an image signal, and transmits the image signal to the display 13 ,

In step S12, the event occurrence detector detects 3 whether or not the vehicle is traveling in accordance with the vehicle information acquiring unit 10 acquired vehicle information. More specifically, the event occurrence detector can be used 3 be configured to detect whether or not the vehicle is traveling, in accordance with a vehicle speed pulse or the like, or may be configured to detect that the vehicle stops when the brake is applied, and the vehicle speed reaches zero, or if the vehicle speed is zero is, and the hand brake (English: side brake) is pressed. The event appearance detector 3 may alternatively determine whether or not the vehicle is traveling in accordance with an image taken with a camera. The vehicle information acquiring unit 10 acquires the image taken with the camera in this case as vehicle information. If the vehicle is running, the process proceeds to step S13. If the vehicle stops, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S13, the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller sets 8th the tactile sensation control information about traveling-operation restriction icons 18 (Operation area) in the operation invalid state to "soft" in accordance with the command from the controller 6 ,

In step S14, the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller sets 8th the tactile sensation control information about the traveling-operation restriction icons 18 in the operation-valid state, to "rough" in accordance with the command from the controller 6 ,

In step S15, the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller transmits 8th to the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 the tactile sense control information set in step S13 or S14. On the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 become the Traveling Operation Restriction pictograms 18 is controlled to be changed in a tactile sensation between the operation valid state and the operation invalid state in accordance with the tactile sensation control information sent from the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller 8th has been transferred.

More precisely, as in 9 pictured, the Traveling Operation Restriction pictograms 18 in the operation-valid state while the vehicle stops, and thus have a "rough" tactile sensation. In contrast, the Traveling Operation Restriction icons are 18 in the operation-invalid state while the vehicle is running, and thus have a "gentle" tactile sensation. In a case where the display screen of the display 13 Propelled operation Non-limiting pictograms 19 irrespective of a vehicle driving condition, the traveling operators have non-restriction icons 19 on the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 an "unsound" tactile sensation regardless of the vehicle driving condition (ie, the traveling-operation non-restriction icons 19 are constant in the operation-valid state). Examples of Traveling Operation Restricting Pictograms 18 contain various operating icons on a navigation screen. It is assumed that the control device 6 has a navigation feature in this case. Examples of Traveling Operation Non-Restrictive Pictograms 19 contain a volume adjustment icon of the audio instrument 16 and a temperature setting icon of the air conditioner 17 ,

A user operates the traveling-operation restriction icons 18 and the traveling operation non-restriction icons 19 (Pictogram operation) by a touch input. It is assumed that a touch input according to the present embodiment 1 includes a touch manner for allowing a user to have a tactile sensation of a tentative icon operation if the user touches the operation surface of the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 slightly touched, and to receive one Pictogram operation if the user presses the user interface heavily.

In step S16, the controller determines 6 whether or not a user is using the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 operated, via the operation information acquiring unit 9 , The process proceeds to step S17 if a user touch-touch-sensitive screen 14 served. The process proceeds to step S11 if a user does not use the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 served.

In step S17, the controller performs 6 a transition of the display screen according to a user operation by.

10 FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary behavior of the tactile sense controller 5 maps. 10 includes a left portion that depicts a display and tactile sensations while the vehicle is stopping, and a right portion that depicts a display and tactile sensations while the vehicle is traveling.

While the vehicle is stopping, a gesture operation is valid, and a gesture input area 21 thus has a "gentle" tactile sensation, as in 10 displayed. Areas of Traveling Operation Non-Limit Pictograms 20 have a "clumsy" tactile sensation, while the area unlike the Traveling Operation non-restrictive pictograms 20 and the gesture input area 21 is, has a "semi-rude" tactile sensation. The gesture input area on the display screen allows a user input by a gesture operation.

In contrast, a gesture operation is invalid while the vehicle is running and the gesture input area 21 thus has a "semi-rude" tactile sensation. Areas of Traveling Operation Non-Limit Pictograms 20 have a "clumsy" tactile sensation, while the area unlike the Traveling Operation non-restrictive pictograms 20 and the gesture input area 21 is, has a "semi-rude" tactile sensation.

When a user on a passenger seat in the traveling vehicle performs an operation in the above example, the tactile sense control device may 4 be configured to change a tactile sensation indicative of the invalid condition to a tactile sensation indicating the valid condition. In an exemplary case where a user in the passenger seat in the moving vehicle has any of the travel-operation restriction icons 18 in 9 operated, changes the tactile sense controller 4 a "soft" tactile sensation of the Traveling Operation Restricting Pictograms 18 to a "rough" tactile sensation. Whether or not a user in the passenger seat performs an operation can be detected with a camera, a sensor or the like. This improves the operability of a user in the front passenger seat.

The Traveling Operation Restricting Pictograms 18 may be changed in the display mode between the case where the vehicle stops and the case where the vehicle is traveling in the above example. In 9 can the Traveling Operation Restriction pictograms 18 are displayed to indicate that the icons are in the operation-valid state (for example, color display) if the vehicle stops, whereas the traveling-operation restriction icons 18 may be displayed to indicate that the icons are in the service invalid state (for example, display in gray) if the vehicle is traveling.

The above example refers to the case where the traveling-operation restriction icons 18 in the tactile sensation depending on whether or not the vehicle is traveling, but this is not intended as a limitation of the present invention. For example, touch sensing control may be on the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 (For example, the tactile sensation of the traveling-operation restriction icons 18 in 9 or the tactile sensation of the gesture input area 21 in 10 ) depending on whether or not a wearer of a mobile communication terminal such as a smart phone is walking (moving). In this case, a position of the mobile communication terminal may be detected by a GPS, and whether or not the mobile communication terminal is moving may be detected by an acceleration sensor. Alternatively, the tactile sense control may still be made in accordance with an environment surrounding a carrier of the mobile communication terminal. For example, the touch-sensing control may be made to invalidate operation in the case where a wearer of the mobile communication terminal is at a train station, a cliff, on a narrow street or outdoors, whereas the tactile sense control can be made to validate an operation, if the wearer is inside. This effectively avoids a deterioration of attention because an operator who visually attracts a wearer is not authorized in circumstances requiring attention to the periphery.

The example above refers to a case where there is a "gentle" tactile sensation and a " unseasonable tactile sensation, but is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, a "semi-rough" or "moving rough" tactile sensation can be conveniently combined.

The Traveling Operation Restricting Pictograms 18 , The Traveling Operation Non-Restricting Pictograms 19 and the traveling operation non-restriction icons 20 , in the 9 and 10 can have a physically ascending shape.

As described above, the tactile sensation change is made in accordance with a traveling state (moving state) of a mobile object such as a vehicle or a mobile communication terminal in the present embodiment, so that a user need not visually focus on the display screen during operation and simply can find the operation valid state or the operation invalid state. This allows the user a convenient operation.

Embodiment 1 relates to the case where the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 is used. Embodiment 1 is also applicable to a touch-sensing control system for a meter panel, which includes a meter display 22 Contains that with the ad 13 and a tactile touchpad 23 instead of the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 , arranged around a driver, as in 11 imaged (ie the display 13 and the tactile touchpad 23 are provided separately at different locations). 11 illustrates a case where the gauge display 22 with the ad 13 and a speedometer 24 is provided. The at the meter display 22 provided ad 13 is from the tactile sensation touchpad 23 to effectively prevent deterioration of a driver's attention during operation. The at the meter display 22 provided ad 13 may have a display area that the area of the meter display 22 fully or partially occupied. An area that has tactile sensations on the tactile sensation touchpad 23 generated, and the display area of the display 13 may be the same, similar or not equal to each other.

<Embodiment 2>

According to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a tactile sensation of a pictogram in the operation-valid state is changed to a tactile sensation indicating the operation-invalid state in a case where the vehicle is about to make a turn. A touch-sensing control apparatus according to the present embodiment 2 is similar to the touch-sensing control apparatus 5 according to the embodiment 1 (see 7 ) and will not be described repeatedly here.

12 FIG. 14 is a flowchart of exemplary behaviors of the tactile sense controller according to the present embodiment 2. Steps S21 and S23 to S27 in FIG 12 correspond to steps S11 and S13 to S17 in FIG 8th and will not be described repeatedly here.

In step S22, the event occurrence detector detects 3 Whether or not the vehicle will shortly make a turn in accordance with a by the vehicle information acquiring unit 10 acquired vehicle information and map information provided by the map DB 15 by the map information acquiring unit 11 has been acquired (detected whether or not a presence of a curve in front of the vehicle is to be reported, according to a predetermined rule). More specifically, the event occurrence detector detects 3 Whether or not the vehicle will shortly make a turn after driving a predetermined distance from a current position, in accordance with a current vehicle position information included in the GPS information, and the map information. If the vehicle is about to turn (if a presence of a turn in front of the vehicle is to be reported), the process proceeds to step S23. If the vehicle does not turn shortly, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S22, the event occurrence detector 3 alternatively be configured to determine a step to step S23 or step S24 in accordance with a curvature information included in the map information and vehicle speed information included in the vehicle information. More specifically, if the curvature is less than a predetermined threshold, the process may proceed to step S23 to invalidate an operation for the traveling-operation restriction icons 18 , Alternatively, if the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined threshold, the process may proceed to step S24 to validate an operation of the traveling-operation restriction icons 18 ,

The above example refers to the case where the traveling-operation restriction icons 18 be changed in the tactile sensation depending on whether or not the vehicle will shortly turn a corner, but is not intended to to limit the present invention. For example, the traveling-operation restriction icons may 18 in the tactile sensation in accordance with the number of surrounding vehicles are changed to an operation of the traveling-operation restriction icons 18 invalidate if the number of surrounding vehicles is not less than a predetermined threshold. Whether or not there are surrounding vehicles and positions thereof can be detected with a camera, a laser radar or the like.

As described above, the tactile sensation change is made in accordance with a driver's load such as cornering or a large number of surrounding vehicles in the present embodiment 2, so that a user does not visually focus on the display screen during operation needs and can easily find the service valid state or service invalid state. This allows the user a convenient operation.

<Embodiment 3>

According to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, a tactile sensation of a pictogram in the operation-invalid state is changed to a tactile sensation indicative of the operation-valid state upon receipt of a call.

13 FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a tactile sense controller. FIG 25 3 according to the present embodiment.

As in 13 pictured, contains the tactile sense controller 25 a communication unit 26 , The other configurations are similar to those according to the embodiment 1 (see 7 ) and will not be described repeatedly here.

The communication unit 26 is communicatively connected to a (not shown) communication terminal. In a case where the communication terminal receives a call from another external communication terminal (outside the touch-sensing control apparatus 25 ), a user may accept the call (reach a hands-free call) by selecting one on the display 13 displayed call reception icon 28 (see later to be mentioned 15 ).

Behavior of the tactile sense controller 25 will be next with reference to 14 and 15 to be discribed.

14 FIG. 10 is a flow chart of exemplary behaviors of the tactile sense controller. FIG 25 , 15 FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary behavior of the tactile sense controller 25 maps.

Steps S31, S36 and S37 in FIG 14 correspond to steps S11, S16 and S17 in FIG 8th and will not be described repeatedly here. 15 includes a left portion that maps an indication and tactile sensations in a case where no call is received, and a right portion that images an indication and tactile sensations upon receipt of a call.

In step S32, the event occurrence detector detects 3 whether or not any external call is received via the communication unit 26 , If a call is received, the process proceeds to step S33. If no call is received, the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S33, the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller sets 8th touch-sensing control information about the call-receiving icon 28 (Operation area) in the operation invalid state to "soft" in accordance with a command from the controller 6 ,

In step S34, the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller sets 8th the tactile sensation control information about the call receiving icon 28 in the operation-valid state, to "rough" in accordance with the command from the controller 6 ,

In step S35, the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller transmits 8th to the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 the tactile sense control information set in step S33 or S34. On the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 becomes the call reception icon 28 in order to be changed in the tactile sensation between the operation valid state and the operation invalid state in accordance with the tactile touch-sensitive screen control means 8th transmitted tactile sensation control information.

More specifically, the call reception icon is 28 in the operation-invalid state in a case where no call is received, and thus has a "soft" tactile sensation, as in 15 displayed. In contrast, the call receiving icon is 28 in the operation-valid state upon receipt of a call and thus has a "rough" tactile sensation. 15 shows by way of example the case where the display screen of the display 13 other operating pictograms 27 contains a "clumsy" tactile sensation on the tactile touch-sensitive screen 14 regardless of whether or not a call is received (ie, the service icons 27 are constant in the operation-valid state). Examples of operating pictograms 27 contain an operating icon for a navigation, an operating icon for the audio instrument 16 and a service icon for the air conditioner 17 , Examples of receiving a call include, in addition to receiving an audio call, receiving an external communication, more specifically an electronic message, a push-type information distribution, traffic information, and disaster information.

The above example refers to the case where there is a "soft" tactile sensation and a "rough" tactile sensation, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, a "semi-rough" or "moving rough" tactile sensation can be conveniently combined.

The operating pictograms 27 and that in 15 pictured call reception pictogram 28 each may have a physically increasing shape.

As described above, in the present embodiment, 3 becomes the call receiving icon 28 in the tactile sensation depending on whether or not a call is received, so that a user can easily respond without the need for visually focusing on the display screen during the operation. This allows the user a convenient operation.

The touch sensing control apparatus described above is an in-vehicle navigation system or a car navigation system as well as a portable vehicle navigation device (PND), a mobile communication terminal (for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone or a tablet terminal), a navigation device, which is constructed as a system in an appropriate combination with a server or the like, and a device other than the navigation apparatus applicable. In this case, the functions or the constituent elements of the tactile sense control apparatus are distributed to the system configuring functions.

More specifically, according to one example, the functions of the tactile sense controller may be provided to a server. As exemplified in 16 As shown, a tactile sense control system is constructed with an inclusion of a display device 30 and a tactile touch-sensitive screen 31 at a user end, as well as a server 29 comprising at least the service area information acquiring unit 2 , the event occurrence detector 3 and the tactile sense controller 4 is provided. The operation area information acquiring unit 2 , the event appearance detector 3 and the tactile sense controller 4 function similarly to the service area information acquiring unit 2 , the event occurrence detector 3 or the tactile sense control device 4 , in the 1 are shown. The server 29 Alternatively, the in 7 and 13 contain constituent elements as required. In this case, in the server 29 contained constituent elements appropriate to the server 29 and the display device 30 be distributed.

As another example, the functions of the tactile sense controller may be provided to the server and a mobile communication terminal. As in 17 exemplified, a tactile sense control system is constructed with an inclusion of the display device 30 and the tactile touch-sensitive screen 31 at the user end, of a server 32 which is provided with the operation area information acquiring unit 2 and the event occurrence detector 3 , and a mobile communication terminal 33 that with the tactile sensation control device 4 is provided. The operation area information acquiring unit 2 , the event appearance detector 3 and the tactile sense controller 4 function similarly to the service area information acquiring unit 2 , the event occurrence detector 3 or the tactile sense control device 4 , in the 1 are shown. The server 32 and the mobile communication terminal 33 Alternatively, the in 7 and 13 contain constituent elements as required. In this case, the constituent elements that are in the server 32 and the mobile communication terminal 33 are included, appropriately on the display device 30 , the server 32 and the mobile communication terminal 33 be distributed.

The above embodiment also achieves effects similar to those of the above embodiments.

Software (a tactile sense control method) configured to perform the behavior mentioned in the above embodiments may be incorporated in a server, a mobile communication terminal, or the like.

More specifically, the tactile sensation control method is exemplary of controlling a tactile sensation of a user operating an operation surface of a touch-sensitive screen or a touchpad. The method includes: acquiring service area information about a service area for user operation on the operation surface; Detecting an occurrence of a predetermined specific event defining a valid state or an invalid state of service; and controlling to change the tactile sensation between the operation area in the valid state of the operation and the operation area in the invalid state of the operation, in accordance with the acquired operation area information and the detected specific event.

As described above, the software configured to perform the behavior mentioned in the above embodiments may be incorporated in a server or a mobile communication terminal to achieve effects similar to those of the above embodiments.

The operation area information acquiring unit 2 , the event appearance detector 3 , the tactile sense controller 4 , the control device 6 , the display information generation and output unit 7 , the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller 8th , the operation information acquiring unit 9 , the vehicle information acquiring unit 10 , the card information acquiring unit 11 , the external device information acquiring and control unit 12 and the communication unit 26 , in the 1 . 7 . 13 . 16 and 17 are each embodied by processing a program using a central processing unit (CPU) according to the software. Where possible, the service area information acquiring unit 2 , the event appearance detector 3 , the tactile sense controller 4 , the control device 6 , the display information generation and output unit 7 , the tactile touch-sensitive screen controller 8th , the operation information acquiring unit 9 , the vehicle information acquiring unit 10 , the card information acquiring unit 11 , the external device information acquiring and control unit 12 and the communication unit 26 each configured as hardware (eg, an arithmetic / processing circuit configured to perform a specific calculation or processing on an electrical signal).

The above-described two embodiments may alternatively be provided together.

The present invention also includes a free combination of the embodiments as well as a convenient modification of embodiments and a removal from the embodiments within the scope of the invention.

The above detailed description of the present invention should be in all respects exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Unlimited modification examples not described herein should not be excluded from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Tactile sensation control apparatus

2

Service area information acquiring unit

3

Event occurrence detector

4

Tactile sensation controller

5

Tactile sensation control apparatus

6

control device

7

Display information generation and output unit

8th

Sensation of touch-sensitive touch screen controller

9

Operation information acquiring unit

10

Vehicle information acquiring unit

11

Map information acquiring unit

12

External device information Akquirier-and control unit

13

display

14

Tactile sensation-touch-sensitive screen

15

Map DB

16

Audio instrument

17

air conditioning

18

Propelled operation restriction pictograms

19, 20

Propelled operation Non-limiting pictogram

21

Gesture input area

22

Meter display

23

Tactile sensation touchpad

24

speedometer

25

Tactile sensation control apparatus

26

communication unit

27

operation pictogram

28

Call reception pictogram

29

server

30

display device

31

Tactile sensation-touch-sensitive screen

32

server

33

Mobile communication terminal

Claims (7)

A tactile sensation control system configured to control a tactile sensation of a user having a user interface of a user a touch-sensitive screen, or a touchpad, the system comprising: an operation area information acquisition unit configured to acquire operation area information about an operation area for user operation on the operation surface; an event occurrence detector configured to detect a occurrence of a predetermined specific event that defines a valid state or an invalid state of service; and a tactile sense control device configured to control a change in the tactile sensation between the operation area in the valid state of the operation and the operation area in the invalid state of operation in accordance with the operation area information acquired by the operation area information acquiring unit and that detected by the event occurrence detector specific event. A tactile sense control system according to claim 1, wherein the specific event is related to whether or not a mobile object is moving, and the tactile sensation controller changes a tactile sensation of the operation area in the valid state to a tactile sensation of the operation area in the invalid state upon occurrence of the specific event that the mobile object is moving. A tactile sense control system according to claim 2, wherein the mobile object is a vehicle, and the tactile sensation control means changes the tactile sensation of the operation area in the invalid state to the tactile sensation of the operation area in the valid state when the user in a passenger seat performs the operation while the vehicle is running. A tactile sense control system according to claim 1, wherein the specific event has a relation to whether or not a presence of a curve in front of the vehicle is to be reported according to a predetermined rule, and the tactile sensation control means changes a tactile sensation of the operation area in the valid state to a tactile sensation of the operation area in the invalid state upon occurrence of the specific event to be notified. A tactile sense control system according to claim 1, wherein the specific event is related to whether or not communication is received from outside the tactile sense control system, and the tactile sensation control means changes a tactile sensation of the operation area in the invalid state to a tactile sensation of the operation area in the valid state upon occurrence of the specific event that the communication is received. A tactile sense control system according to claim 1, wherein the specific event is related to whether or not an environment surrounding the user carrying a mobile communication terminal changes, and the tactile sensation control means changes a tactile sensation of the operation area in the valid state to a tactile sensation of the operation area in the invalid state upon occurrence of the specific event that the environment is changed. A touch sensation control method of controlling a touch sensation of a user operating an operation surface of a touch-sensitive screen or a touch pad, the method comprising: Acquiring service area information about an operation area for user operation on the operation surface; Detecting an occurrence of a predetermined specific event defining a valid state or an invalid state of service; and Controlling to change the tactile sensation between the operation area in the valid state of operation and the operation area in the invalid state of operation in accordance with the acquired operation area information and the detected specific event.

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