JP2005266357A - Tactile display and tactile display system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tactile display and a tactile display system in which desired display pins can be surely held on display positions and basic positions by simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: The tactile display comprises: a display part 2 having a display surface 24 and a plurality of display pins 23 having contact parts 27 on their tops and formed on the display surface 24 so as to be moved; and a holding means capable of selectively holding the plurality of display pins 23 on display positions projected from the display surface 24 and basic positions where the display pins 23 are not projected and provided with a lock sheet 25. Each display pin 23 has a 3rd projected part 233 and a recessed part 234. When the lock sheet 25 is engaged with the 3rd projected part 233 on the display position, the display pin 23 is held so as not be moved in the vertical direction, and when the lock sheet 25 is disengaged, the holding of the display pin 23 on the display position is released. When the lock sheet 25 is engaged with the recessed part 234 on the basic position, the display pin 23 is held so as to be moved downward. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a tactile display and a tactile display system.

Conventionally, as an example of a tactile display used for a tactile display that displays (presents) tactile information, styluses (display pins) arranged in a matrix for transmitting information such as characters and figures are shaped. A structure in which a predetermined stylus is driven by supporting the support with a support made of a memory alloy and heating the support with heating means is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
However, in such a conventional tactile display, since the actuator for driving the display pin is made of a shape memory alloy, the heat energy is a drive source and is difficult to control, and the display surface (number of display pins) becomes large. There is a problem that power consumption increases.

Further, as another tactile display, a plurality of pins are arranged so as to be vertically movable in the axial direction of each pin, with a plurality of pins spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other, and at the base end portion of each pin. The tip of the output part of the piezoelectric actuator that can move up and down in a linear direction and stop at an intermediate position other than the up-and-down moving end, the axis of the output part is substantially the same as the axis of the pin What was attached in the state which corresponds is known (for example, refer patent document 2).
However, in the conventional tactile display configured as described above, the structure of the portion supporting each pin becomes complicated, and it takes time and effort to process and assemble, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost. is there.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 63-27711 JP-A-6-202572

  An object of the present invention is to provide a tactile display and a tactile display system that can reliably hold a desired display pin at a display position and a basic position with a simple structure.

Such an object is achieved by the present invention described below.
The tactile display of the present invention has a display surface, and a display unit having a plurality of display pins that have a contact portion provided on the display surface side at a distal end portion and are movable with respect to the display surface;
A drive unit for selectively moving the plurality of display pins;
Holding a plurality of display pins selectively at a display position where the display pins protrude from the display surface and a basic position where the plurality of display pins do not protrude, and having a lock member;
A tactile display that displays a predetermined pattern by causing the display pin to protrude from the display surface by driving the drive unit,
The display pin has a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion,
The locking member engages with the first engaging portion of the display pin at the display position, thereby holding the display pin immovable in both directions of the display pin moving direction. By releasing the holding at the display position, and engaging the second engagement portion of the display pin at the basic position, thereby moving the display pin to the display position. It is configured to be held so as to be movable in a direction.
Since the display pin and the lock member engage with each other at the display position and the basic position, each display pin can be reliably held at the display position and the basic position with a simple structure. Further, by releasing the engagement between the lock member and the display pin at the display position, the holding of the display pin can be easily released.

In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that the lock member has a plurality of openings through which the plurality of display pins are respectively inserted.
Thereby, the structure of the lock member can be simplified.
In the tactile display of the present invention, the second engaging portion is a convex portion provided on a side surface of a predetermined portion in the longitudinal direction of the display pin, and an edge portion facing the opening of the lock member can be engaged. It is preferable that the edge pin holds the display pin by engaging the convex portion at the basic position.
Thereby, it is possible to easily and reliably hold the display pin so as to be movable in the direction toward the display position.

In the tactile display of the present invention, the first engagement portion is a recess provided on a side surface of a predetermined portion in the longitudinal direction of the display pin, and an edge portion facing the opening of the lock member can be inserted therein, It is preferable to hold the display pin by engaging the recess by inserting the edge into the recess at the display position.
Thereby, it can hold | maintain so that it cannot move to both directions of the moving direction of a display pin easily and reliably.

In the tactile display of the present invention, at the basic position, the lock member abuts on the display pin and is urged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the display pin, and the display pin is the basic pin. When moving from the position to the display position, at least an edge facing the opening is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the display pin by the biasing force, and is engaged with the second engaging portion of the display pin. It is preferable to hold the display pin together.
As a result, the display pin can be held movably in the direction toward the display position easily and reliably at the basic position, and the lock member and the convex portion can easily and reliably move the display pin in the movement direction at the display position. It can be held immovable in both directions.

In the tactile display of the present invention, at the basic position, the display pin has elasticity, and the display pin is in contact with the lock member and attached in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the display pin. When the display pin moves from the basic position to the display position, the first engaging portion is substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the display pin by the restoring force of the display pin. It is preferable to hold the display pin by moving in any direction and engaging with an edge facing the opening.
As a result, the display pin can be held movably in the direction toward the display position easily and reliably at the basic position, and the lock member and the convex portion can easily and reliably move the display pin in the movement direction at the display position. It can be held immovable in both directions.

In the tactile display of the present invention, the lock member moves in a direction opposite to the direction in which the display pin is urged, thereby releasing the engagement between the display pin and the first engagement portion. Is preferably moved to the basic position.
Thereby, holding | maintenance in the display position of a display pin can be cancelled | released easily.
In the tactile display of the present invention, the lock member has a plate shape or a sheet shape, and the display portion is provided with a gap through which the lock member can be inserted substantially parallel to the display surface. preferable.
Thereby, a display pin can be hold | maintained easily and reliably.

In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that a side surface of a portion of the display pin between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is a flat surface.
Accordingly, the lock member can be reliably moved between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion without being caught by the side portion of the display pin.
In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that the lock member is made of an elastic member.
Thereby, the lock member is reliably urged and can be reliably engaged with the first engagement portion at the display position.

In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable to have a biasing member that biases the display pin in a direction from the display position toward the basic position.
Thereby, the display pin can be smoothly and reliably moved from the display position to the basic position.
In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that the urging member is constituted by a coil spring that is installed substantially coaxially with the display pin.
Thereby, simplification and size reduction of a structure can be achieved.

In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that when the engagement between the display pin and the first engagement portion is released, the display pin moves to the basic position by the urging force of the urging member.
Thereby, the display pin can be reliably moved to the basic position.
The tactile display of the present invention has a display surface, and a display unit having a plurality of display pins that have a contact portion provided on the display surface side at a distal end portion and are movable with respect to the display surface;
A drive unit for selectively moving the plurality of display pins;
Holding means for selectively holding the display pins that project the display pins from the display surface and the basic positions that do not project the display pins;
A tactile display that displays a predetermined pattern by driving the plurality of display pins to project the display pins from the display surface,
When the display pin is positioned at least at the display position, the display pin includes biasing means for biasing the display pin in a direction from the display position toward the basic position.
When the holding means releases the holding of the display pin, the display pin returns to the basic position from the display position by the biasing force of the biasing member.
Thereby, the display pin can be smoothly and reliably moved from the display position to the basic position.

In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that the urging member is configured to prevent the display pin from protruding from the display surface when the display pin is located at the basic position.
Thereby, the display pin can be easily and reliably held at the basic position.
In the tactile display of the present invention, the driving unit surrounds the plurality of cores made of a magnetic material, the plurality of cylindrical support units that slidably support the cores, and the support units, respectively. It is preferable to be configured with a plurality of solenoids installed as described above.
Thereby, the structure of a drive part can be simplified.

In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that the tactile display includes a moving unit that moves the driving unit relative to the display unit.
By configuring the display unit and the drive unit separately and moving the drive unit relative to the display unit, the pins can be narrowed and the pitch between adjacent pins can be narrowed (the pins can be dense Can be placed on). Thereby, a fine uneven | corrugated pattern can be displayed using the tactile display of this invention, and tactile information can be displayed correctly and reliably.

The tactile display system of the present invention includes a tactile display of the present invention,
A capturing unit for capturing predetermined image data;
Editing means for editing the predetermined image data captured by the capturing unit into display data that can be displayed on the tactile display;
Creating means for creating display image data corresponding to a predetermined pattern of the tactile display when the tactile display is operated based on the display data;
A storage unit for storing the image data, the display data, and the display image data;
And a display unit configured to display an image based on at least one of the predetermined image data and the display image data.
As a result, various images and image data can be captured, and display data can be created easily and reliably based on the captured image data. Based on the captured image data and display data, Display image data can be created easily and reliably, and the display data and display image data can be displayed on a tactile display or display corresponding to them.

In the tactile display of the present invention, the diameter of the hole is preferably smaller than the diameter of the support and larger than the diameter of the tip of the core.
As a result, the pitch between adjacent holes can be narrower than the pitch between the inner diameters of adjacent support parts (holes can be arranged with high density), and a fine predetermined uneven pattern can be easily formed. can do.

In the tactile display according to the present invention, the plurality of support portions are arranged along a direction substantially perpendicular to the relative movement direction of the drive unit and the display unit and substantially horizontal to the display surface. It is preferable that the support portions in one row are arranged in a plurality of rows with a shift in the row direction.
As a result, the display pins can be written using a drive unit having a size larger than the interval between the display pins, and the drive unit can be reduced in size without installing the drive units in multiple stages.

In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that the display unit has a guide unit that movably supports the display pin.
Thereby, the structure of a display part can be simplified.
In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that the guide portions are arranged in a matrix and have holes through which the display pins can slide.
Thereby, the hole part of a guide part can be narrowed, the pitch between adjacent hole parts can be narrowed (a hole part can be arrange | positioned with high density), and a fine predetermined uneven | corrugated pattern can be formed easily. it can.

In the tactile display according to the present invention, when the core is disposed on the base end side of the support portion, the solenoid surrounds the periphery on the front end side from the base end portion of the core, and the core includes the display pin. It is preferable that the core is installed so as to surround the periphery on the base end side from the base end portion of the core.
Thereby, a core can be moved easily and reliably.

In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that the driving unit drives the core at a position corresponding to the display pin to be projected.
Thereby, a desired display pin can be moved reliably.
In the tactile display of the present invention, it is preferable that the driving unit is configured to cause the core to collide with the display pin and move the display pin.
Power saving can be measured by energizing the solenoid only when the core collides with the display pin.

Hereinafter, a tactile display and a tactile display system of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a tactile display system of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a display unit of the tactile display. In FIG. 2, the width (interval) between adjacent passages 22 is exaggerated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tactile display system 100 of the present invention includes a tactile display 1, a monitor (display means) 5, and a terminal device 110. The tactile display 1 and the monitor 5 are connected to the terminal device 110. Each of these components will be described below.
The tactile display 1 has a plurality of display pins 23 (tactile elements) for displaying (presenting) tactile information such as (character (ink, braille), graphic image information). A predetermined uneven pattern (tactile information) is displayed by the contact part 27 (tactile part). The tactile display 1 will be described in detail later.

The monitor 5 is a part for displaying an image based on various data transmitted from the terminal device 110 such as image data and display image data described later. The monitor 5 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a thin liquid crystal display device with low power consumption, an electrophoretic display device that is reflective and easy to see, and an organic EL (electroluminescence) display device.
The terminal device 110 includes an MPU (central processing unit) 111, an operation unit 112, an image reading unit 114, a storage unit 115, an I / O (input / output) unit 118, and a power source 119.

The MPU 111 communicates with the tactile display 1 and the monitor 5 while controlling the operation of each part of the terminal device 110. Further, the operation unit 112, the image reading unit 114, the storage unit 115, the I / O unit 118, and the power source 119 are connected to the MPU 111, respectively.
The MPU 111 performs processing on various types of information such as an image captured by the image reading unit 114, data captured from a WEB page (WEB content), data input by the operation unit 112, and the like. Create

The MPU 111 edits the image data to display data that is data for forming a predetermined uneven pattern of the tactile display 1.
With this display data, a driving unit 3 described later is driven, and a predetermined display pin 23 among the plurality of display pins 23 is selectively moved.
Further, the MPU 111 creates display image data for displaying the uneven pattern displayed on the tactile display 1 on the monitor 5 based on the display data.

The MPU 111 constitutes main parts of a capturing unit, an editing unit, and a creating unit.
The operation unit 112 is a part that inputs an instruction to the MPU 111. The operation unit 112 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a mouse, a keyboard, and a joystick.
The image reading unit 114 is a part that captures various images. The image reading unit 114 is not particularly limited. For example, a digital input device such as a digital camera or a scanner is appropriately used as necessary.

  Various types of information can be recorded in the storage unit 115. As the storage unit 115, conventionally known recording means such as a semiconductor memory such as a RAM 116 (random access memory) and a ROM 117 (read only memory), and a unit that records information as magnetic information can be used. When a semiconductor memory is used, for example, it can be realized by using only one of the RAM 116 and the ROM 117. In addition, information that does not need to be rewritten can be used properly in the ROM, and information that may need to be rewritten is recorded in the RAM.

The I / O unit 118 is an input / output unit, and is an interface for exchanging information by connecting to electronic devices such as various computers and other terminal devices. For example, image data taken in from a web page (WEB content) on the Internet can be input from the outside via the I / O unit 118. Further, the captured image can be stored in the RAM 116 and the ROM 117. In addition, information stored in the RAM 116 and the ROM 117 can be output to the outside via the I / O unit 118.
In the present embodiment, the tactile display 1 and the monitor 5 are connected to the MPU 111 via the I / O unit 118.
The power source 119 supplies power to each of the parts described above.

Hereinafter, the overall operation (action) of the tactile display system 100 will be described.
In the following, a case where the image reading unit 114 captures an image and creates image data will be described.
First, when the user designates an image to be captured and operates the operation unit 112, an instruction to capture an image is sent to the MPU 111, and the image reading unit 114 captures the image. This image is processed into image data by the MPU 111 and stored in the storage unit 115. Next, the MPU 111 creates display data based on the image data. Next, the MPU 111 transmits the created display data to the tactile display 1 via the I / O unit 118. The tactile display 1 displays a predetermined uneven pattern based on the display data. Further, the MPU 111 creates display image data based on the display data, and transmits the data to the monitor 5. The monitor 5 displays an image of a predetermined uneven pattern displayed on the tactile display 1 based on the display image data.

  As described above, by displaying one image data on the tactile display 1 and the monitor 5, for example, a healthy person confirms an image displayed on the monitor 5, and a visually impaired person By confirming the predetermined concavo-convex pattern displayed on the screen, both can understand the content of the image at the same time. Thereby, a healthy person and a visually handicapped person can communicate smoothly.

Further, by displaying an image based on the display image data on the monitor 5, the uneven pattern can be confirmed by the monitor 5 without displaying the uneven pattern on the tactile display 1.
In the present embodiment, the display image data is created from the display data. However, the display image data is not limited to this, and may be created from the image data.

Hereinafter, the tactile display 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the tactile display of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a moving means of the tactile display in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the display unit and a part of the drive unit when the display pin is at the basic position, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a part of the display unit when the display pin is at the display position. 8, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the drive unit in FIG. 3, FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining the display operation of the embodiment of the tactile display in FIG. 3, and FIG. It is sectional drawing in a middle BB line. In FIG. 13, a part is omitted.

In the following, for convenience of explanation, the direction of the arrow x in FIG. 3 and the left-right direction in FIG. 13 are referred to as “axial direction”, and the movement in the axial direction and rightward in FIG. The movement in the axial direction and leftward in FIG. 13 is referred to as “retreat in the axial direction”, and the upper side in FIG. 6 is referred to as “upper”, and the lower side is referred to as “lower” or “base”.
The tactile display 1 shown in these drawings forms, on the display surface (presentation surface) 24, a portion where the display pin 23 protrudes and a portion where the display pin 23 does not protrude. ), Image information such as graphics), and by touching the protruding display pin 23, a predetermined uneven pattern can be recognized by touch.

The tactile display 1 includes a base plate 91, a gantry 92 installed on the base plate 91, and a placement table 93 as a tactile display placement portion.
The tactile display 1 is provided with a control unit (not shown). The control unit controls the operation of each part of the tactile display 1, such as a motor 72 described later, and stores various programs such as a program for executing control operations of the MPU and the tactile display 1, and various data. And a storage unit for storing.

A support portion 94 is installed on the gantry 92 so as to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the gantry 92, and moving means 7 for moving the support portion 94 in the axial direction is provided inside the gantry 92.
As shown in FIG. 4, the moving means 7 includes a lead screw (feed screw shaft) 71 extending along the axial direction, a motor 72 having a rotating shaft that joins (adheres) to the end of the lead screw 71, and A cylindrical nut (moving body) 75 in which an insertion hole 751 for inserting the lead screw 71 is formed, and a support plate 73 are included.

A female screw is formed in the nut insertion hole 751, and this female screw is engaged with a male screw formed in the lead screw 71. The nut 75 is fixed or integrated with the support plate 73.
The support portion 94 is connected to the nut 75 via the support plate 73.
With such a configuration, when the output shaft of the motor 72 rotates in a predetermined direction, the driving force is transmitted to the lead screw 71, and the lead screw 71 rotates in a predetermined direction. When the lead screw 71 rotates in a predetermined direction, the nut 75 moves in the axial direction along the lead screw 71, and the support plate 73 moves in the axial direction together with the nut 75.

Thus, the moving means 7 can displace (move) the support portion 94 along the axial direction.
The drive unit 3 is fixed on the support unit 94.
The support portion 94 and the drive portion 3 are moved forward or backward in the axial direction integrally (synchronously) by the moving means 7.

The mounting table 93 is provided on the base plate 91 via the support column 931. The mounting table 93 has a rectangular shape in plan view, and its longitudinal direction is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction and is provided substantially parallel to the base plate 91.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a plate-like frame 933 and a lower plate 932 are provided on the mounting table 93 to support the display unit 2 from the upper side and the lower side, respectively. The display unit 2 will be described in detail later.
The frame 933 has substantially the same size (length and width) as the display unit 2 in a plan view, and a hole 63 into which the bolt 13 is inserted is formed in the frame 933, and is formed on the display surface 24 of the display unit 2. An opening 61 is provided at a corresponding position.

The display unit 2 is formed with a hole 64 into which the bolt 13 is inserted.
The holes 63 of the frame 933 and the holes 64 of the display unit 2 are overlapped with screw holes (not shown) provided in the lower plate 932, and the bolts 13 are inserted into the holes 63 and 64 and screwed into the screw holes and fastened. The display unit 2 is supported.
The lower plate 932 is fixed to the mounting table 93. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower plate 932 and the mounting table are provided with an opening 62 at a position corresponding to the display surface 24 of the display unit 2. Yes.

The display unit 2 includes a plurality of display pins 23 as guide elements for displaying tactile information, a guide unit (guide means) 21 that supports the plurality of display pins 23 so as to be movable (movable), and a sheet-like lock sheet. (Locking member) 25.
As shown in FIG. 2, the outer shape (overall shape) of the guide portion 21 is a quadrangular prism shape (a rectangular parallelepiped shape) in this embodiment, and the guide portion 21 penetrates in the vertical direction in FIG. 6. A plurality of passages (holes) 22 are provided.

In the present embodiment, each passage 22 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the inner diameter of the distal end portion 223 is formed smaller than the inner diameter of the other portion of the passage 22.
Each passage 22 is provided so as to be parallel to each other. In addition, each passage 22 is formed in a matrix shape (matrix shape) at a regular interval in the row direction and the column direction in plan view.

The pitch of the passages 22 arranged in this way is set as appropriate, but is preferably about 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, for example.
Thereby, a fine predetermined uneven | corrugated pattern can be formed.
In addition, it is preferable that the internal diameter of each channel | path 22 is smaller than the internal diameter of each bobbin 32 mentioned later, and larger than the external shape of the small diameter part 332 of the launch core 33 mentioned later.

A slight gap (play) is provided between the inner diameter of the passage 22 and the outer diameter of each display pin 23 so that each display pin 23 can move smoothly without play.
The guide portion 21 is configured such that the display pin 23 is inserted (installed) in each passage 22 so as to be movable (movable), and functions as a guide for restricting the moving direction of each pin 3. . That is, the guide part 21 supports each display pin 23 so that it can move only in the longitudinal direction.

Here, the longitudinal direction of the display pin 23 is not limited to the vertical direction when the display pin 23 is linear, but, for example, follows the pattern of the display pin 23 when the display pin 23 is curved or bent. It is a concept that includes direction.
The upper surface in FIG. 6 of the guide portion 21 constitutes the display surface 24. By projecting the predetermined display pin 23 from the display surface 24, a predetermined uneven pattern is formed, and the predetermined uneven pattern (tactile information) is displayed by the contact portion 27 provided at the tip of these display pins 23. Is done.

The constituent material of the guide portion 21 is not particularly limited, and for example, various metals, various resins, various ceramics, and the like can be used.
A gap 26 into which the lock sheet 25 is inserted is provided at the center of each passage 22 of the guide portion 21 in the vertical direction in FIGS. 6 and 7. The gap 26 is provided so as to be parallel to the display surface 24.

Each display pin 23 has a pin main body 28, and the pin main body 28 has a first convex portion 231, a second convex portion 232, and a third convex portion 233 (second engaging portion). Are formed in this order from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the pin body 28.
The pin body 28 is a rod-like body having a circular cross-sectional shape, and is formed to have the same length and the same outer diameter (diameter).

In the portion where the first convex portion 231, the second convex portion 232, and the third convex portion 233 of the pin main body 28 are formed, the outer diameter thereof is larger than that of the pin main body 28. . Further, the outer diameter of the convex portion 233 is larger than those of the convex portions 231 and 232.
It is preferable that the outer peripheral surface (side surface) of the second convex portion 232 is a flat surface. Thereby, the 2nd convex part 232 can move smoothly to edge 252 mentioned below.

The 1st convex part 231 and the 2nd convex part 232 are arrange | positioned predetermined distance apart. Thereby, the recessed part 234 (1st engaging part) is formed over the circumference in the circumferential direction. The width of the bottom 235 of the recess 234 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the length of the lock sheet 25 in the thickness direction.
The length of each display pin 23 projects from the display surface 24 when held (positioned) at the display position, and does not project from the display surface 24 when held at the basic position (non-display position). Is set to The display position and basic position will be described later.

Examples of the constituent material of each display pin 23 include iron, cobalt, nickel, and the like.
The overall shape of the lock sheet 25 is rectangular in plan view, and a plurality of openings 251 are provided. Each opening 251 is provided corresponding to each display pin 23, and each display pin 23 is inserted through each opening 251. The diameter of each opening 251 is formed larger than the outer diameter of the third convex portion 233. In addition, the diameter of each opening 251 is preferably smaller than that of the second convex portion 232.
Thereby, it is possible to prevent the display pin 23 from coming out of the display unit 2.

The lock sheet 25, the third convex portion 233, and the concave portion 234 form the main part of the holding means.
The lock sheet 25 of this embodiment has moderate elasticity and moderate rigidity. Further, the lock sheet 25 is formed with an edge 252 facing each opening 251.
The constituent material of the lock sheet 25 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include various resins.

A coil spring 9 is installed in the passage 22 and on the outer peripheral side of the tip of the display pin 23. That is, the tip of the display pin 23 is inserted inside the coil spring 9.
The distal end portion of the coil spring 9 is in contact with the distal end portion 212 of the guide portion 21, and the proximal end portion of the coil spring 9 is in contact with the third convex portion 233.

The coil spring 9 is a member that urges the display pin 23 in the direction from the display position toward the basic position, that is, in the proximal direction, and assists the display pin 23 when moving from the display position to the basic position. It is.
Further, when the coil spring 9 is positioned at the basic position, the display pin 23 prevents (prevents) the protrusion from the display surface 24.
At the display position, the coil spring 9 is installed in a compressed state, and the display pin 23 is urged toward the base end side by this elastic force.

As shown in FIG. 6, the edge 252 of the lock sheet 25 is displayed by contacting and engaging the third convex portion 233 at a position where the display pin 23 does not protrude from the display surface (non-display state). The pin 23 is prevented from moving to the proximal end side and is held so as to be movable toward the distal end side.
At this time, the lock sheet 25 is biased so as to press the side surface 236 of the second convex portion 232 in the right direction in FIG. The position of the display pin 23 in this state is called a basic position.

The means for urging the lock sheet 25 is not particularly limited, and conventionally known means can be used.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the edge 252 of the lock sheet 25 is inserted into the recess 234 of the display pin 23 at the position where the display pin 23 protrudes from the display surface 24 (display state). By engaging with the portion 231 and the second convex portion 232, the display pin 23 is held so as to prevent movement in both directions toward the proximal end side and the distal end side. Hereinafter, the position of the display pin 23 in this state is referred to as a display position.

In addition, one display unit 20 is comprised by the part corresponding to the said display pin 23 of the display pin 23 of the display part 2, and the guide part 21 of the display part 2, and the lock sheet 25. As shown in FIG.
6 and 7, the drive unit 3 is provided below the display unit 2, and each display pin 23 of the display unit 2 is driven in the longitudinal direction by the drive of the drive unit 3 (vertical direction in FIG. 6). ) And is held (positioned) at the display position by the lock sheet 25. Accordingly, tactile information based on the uneven pattern is displayed by the contact portions 27 of the plurality of display pins 23, and predetermined information can be recognized by touching the uneven pattern with a finger.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the drive unit of the present embodiment, FIG. 9 is a plan view (top view) of the drive unit and the display unit, and FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a launch pulse. In FIG. 8, the width (interval) between adjacent bobbins is exaggerated.
The drive unit 3 includes a plurality of drive units 30 and a guide unit 31 that supports each drive unit 30. In FIG. 8, eight drive units 30 are provided.
Each drive unit 30 includes a bobbin (support portion) 32, a launch core 33, and a solenoid 34.

  In this embodiment, the shape of each bobbin 32 has a cylindrical shape (columnar shape) having a bottomed portion (the cross-sectional shape of each bobbin 32 has a circular shape), and each bobbin Each 32 is formed in the same internal diameter. In the present embodiment, the bobbins 32 are provided so as to be parallel to each other. In the present embodiment, a plurality of rows of bobbins 32 that are linearly formed at equal intervals in the vertical direction in FIG. 9 are formed, and the bobbins 32 in adjacent rows are In the direction, they are displaced from each other. That is, they are arranged in a staggered pattern. The pitch of the bobbins 32 arranged in a row is appropriately set according to the pitch of the passage 22 of the display unit 2 described above, but is preferably about 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm, for example.

The bobbin 32 is configured such that the launch core 33 is inserted (installed) in each bobbin 32 so as to be movable (movable), and functions as a guide for restricting the movement direction of the launch core 33. That is, the bobbin 32 supports the launch core 33 so that it can move only in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in FIG. 8).
Each launch core 33 is formed to have the same length and the same outer diameter (diameter). Each launch core 33 is made of a magnetic material, and has a core body 331 that is a rod-shaped body having a circular cross-sectional shape and a small-diameter portion 332.

Each small-diameter portion 332 is a rod-like body whose outer diameter is smaller than that of the core body 331, and is provided on the distal end side (upper side in FIG. 6) of the core body 331.
Note that the small diameter portion 332 may be omitted.
The constituent material of the launch core 33 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include stainless steel.
The solenoid 34 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is wound around a solenoid coil 341 so as to surround the central portion of the bobbin 32 so that its central axis substantially coincides with the central axis of the bobbin 32.

The application voltage and application time of the pulse (voltage) to each solenoid 34 of each drive unit 30 are controlled by the control unit.
When each drive unit 30 is at a position (described later) corresponding to a desired display pin 23, the control unit applies a pulse of width (application time) W1 and application voltage V as shown in FIG. Apply. This pulse generates a magnetic field in the solenoid 34. Due to the magnetic field generated by the solenoid (solenoid coil 341), a force to lift up the launch core 33 acts, and the launch core 33 starts to move upward (launch operation) in FIG. Collide with the proximal end. In addition, it is preferable that the pulse application time and the applied voltage at this time are set in advance so that the lock sheet 25 is surely engaged with the recess.

Here, the application time of one voltage (one pulse) to the solenoid 34 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 1 to 12 msec, for example.
Hereinafter, the above operation is referred to as a launch operation.
The voltage applied to the solenoid coil 341 (solenoid 34) is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.1 to 5V, and more preferably about 0.5 to 1.5V. By setting the voltage applied to the solenoid coil 341 within the above range, there is an advantage that power consumption can be reduced.

The solenoid 34 surrounds the distal end side (upper side in FIG. 6) of the launch core 33 when in the initial position, and surrounds the proximal end side of the launch core 33 when colliding with the display pin 23. It is preferable to be installed. Thereby, the launch core can be moved efficiently.
Here, the initial position refers to the position of the launch core 33 in a state where the core body 331 is in contact with the bottom of the bobbin 32.
The constituent material of the solenoid coil 341 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material such as copper, silver, or gold.

Next, a detailed operation (action) of forming (drawing) a predetermined uneven pattern using the tactile display 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
In addition, below, since the structure and effect | action of each display unit 20 of the display part 2 and each drive unit 30 of the drive part 3 are respectively the same, one of them is demonstrated typically.
As shown in FIG. 13, the moving body 8 is configured by the support portion 94 and the drive portion 3.

First, the moving body 8 moves forward in the axial direction (right side in FIG. 16) from the position of FIG.
Next, when the drive unit 3 reaches the lower part of the display pin 23 to be projected, the drive of the motor 72 is temporarily stopped, and the pulse shown in FIG. 10 is applied to the solenoid 34 based on the signal from the control unit, The solenoid 34 is excited. The launch core 33 is launched by the magnetic attractive force generated in the solenoid 34.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the launched launch core 33 collides with the display pin 23. As a result, the display pin 23 moves upward. Next, when the recess 234 moves to a position corresponding to the edge 252, the lock sheet 25 is urged to the right, so that the edge 252 is urged in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The display pin 23 is held at the display position by being inserted into and engaged with the recess 234 (see FIGS. 7 and 13B). On the other hand, the launch core 33 naturally falls after the collision and returns to the initial position.
By performing the above operation on the predetermined display pin 23, tactile information based on a predetermined uneven pattern is displayed on the display unit 2 (see FIG. 13C).

On the other hand, when the predetermined uneven pattern is erased, the lock sheet 25 is moved slightly in the left direction in FIG.
Here, the term “slightly” is a concept of maintaining a state of overlapping the third convex portion 233 in a plan view.
As a result, the edge 252 engaged with the recess 234 is released from the engagement with the recess 234, and the display pin 23 moves in the proximal direction by the biasing force of the coil spring 9. Thereafter, the third convex portion 233 collides with the lock sheet 25. Then, the lock pin 25 holds the display pin 23 by engaging with the third convex portion 233, whereby the display pin 23 returns (positions) to the basic position.

14 to 18 are plan views (top views) showing how the drive unit launches a desired display unit.
14 to 18, as an example, the driving unit 3 includes three columns of driving units 30 (30a to 30c), and the display unit 2 includes eight rows and ten columns of passages 22 (A11 to A88). Have.

Hereinafter, an operation of forming a predetermined uneven pattern of the tactile display 1 will be described.
In the following, as an example, the pitch of each passage 22 is 1 mm, and the pitch of each bobbin 32 is 3 mm.
First, the drive unit 3 is advanced in the axial direction by the moving means 7.
When each drive unit 30a reaches the lower part of the first row (A11 to A81) of the passage 22 (in this embodiment, the launch core 33 of each drive unit 30a and the display pin 23 in the first row of the passage When the centers of the diameters substantially coincide with each other), the advancement of the drive unit 3 stops for a predetermined time, and each drive unit 30a launches the corresponding display pin 23 in the first row as shown in FIG. Start (drive). In this operation, A11, A41, and A71 are selectively driven based on the display data described above, and the position (projecting position or basic position) of each display pin 23 corresponding to each drive unit 30 is determined. When this operation is completed, the drive unit 3 advances in the axial direction, and the drive unit 30a reaches the lower portion of the passage (A12 to A82) 22 in the next row. Thereafter, in the same manner, the drive unit 30a performs a launch operation on the corresponding display pins 23 of the passage 22 in the second row (A12, A42, A72) and the passage 22 in the third row (A13, A43, A73). I do.

  When each drive unit 30a reaches the lower part of the fourth row of passages 22 and each drive unit 30b reaches the lower part of the first row of passages 22, as shown in FIG. , A44 and A74, the drive units 30b perform launch operations on A21, A51 and A81, respectively. Thereafter, the launch operation is performed in the same manner. Thereafter, when the passage 22 in the first row reaches the top of each drive unit 30c, as shown in FIG. The drive unit 30b performs a launch operation on A24, A54, and A84, respectively, and the drive unit 30c performs a launch operation on A31 and A61. Thereafter, the same processing is performed. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 18, the drive unit 3 can selectively drive all the display pins 23 of the display unit 2, and the predetermined display pin 23 can be controlled by controlling the drive unit. Can form (draw) a predetermined uneven pattern on the display surface 24.

  As described above, according to the tactile display 1, the display pin 23 can be held immovably in both the upper and lower directions at the display position, and the display pin 23 is held movable at the basic position so as to move downward. be able to. Further, at the basic position, the display pin 23 is urged toward the base end side by the coil spring 9. It does not come out and can be used in various orientations.

  Further, since the predetermined display pin 23 is projected by moving the drive unit 3 with respect to the display unit 2, the pitch (density) is smaller than the pitch (density) of each bobbin 32. Further, the projection operation (writing) can be performed also on the display unit 2 having the plurality of passages 22 (display pins 23), and the interval between the display pins 23 can be reduced. Note that the pitch of each display pin 23 is deeply involved in the shape recognition of the human sense of touch. According to the present invention, since the density of each display pin can be reduced to the same extent as the classification threshold of the fingertip (for example, about 1 mm), a natural shape recognition can be performed without burden on the touch recognition.

Further, by reducing the pitch of each display pin 23, braille display similar to paper braille conventionally used for general purposes can be displayed, and not only images but also character information can be displayed.
In addition, each drive unit 30 (drive unit 3) having a pitch larger than the pitch of each display pin 23 can be configured with one layer without being arranged in multiple layers, so that the drive unit 3 can be reduced in size. For example, the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices such as portable devices.

In the present embodiment, the case where the lock sheet 25 moves and engages the display pin 23 to hold the display pin 23 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each display pin 23 moves and locks. The display pin 23 may be held by engaging with the sheet 25.
In this case, the display pin 23 has elasticity, and each display pin 23 is urged by the edge portion 252 at the basic position, and is elastically deformed to be slightly U-shaped. When it is launched, the display pin 23 is held by the engagement of the edge 252 and the third convex portion 233 by the restoring force (elastic force), and when the display pin 23 moves to the display position, the displacement It is preferable that the display pin 23 is held when the edge 252 and the recess 234 engage with each other.

Further, both the display pin 23 and the lock sheet 25 may be configured to have elasticity and move to engage with each other.
Further, since the lock sheet 25 is realized by a mechanical mechanism when the display pin 23 is positioned at the display position, it is not necessary to energize constantly for maintaining the display state, and power saving can be achieved. Also, it can withstand the pressing of a finger during touch recognition.

Furthermore, the display position and basic position of the display pin 23 can be changed easily and repeatedly.
In this embodiment, the moving means 7 that converts the rotation of the motor into a linear motion using the lead screw 71 is used. However, the moving means 7 is not limited to this, and for example, a linear moving means that combines an actuator stator and a mover. Etc. can be used.

In the present embodiment, one drive unit 3 is provided in the support unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of drive units 3 may be installed in the support unit 94.
The configuration of the drive unit 3 is not limited to the above configuration, and is not particularly limited as long as a desired display pin 23 of the display unit 2 can be moved by driving the drive unit 3.
Further, in the present embodiment, the drive unit 3 side is moved by the moving means 7, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the display unit 2 side may be moved, or the drive unit 3 side and the display unit 2 side may be moved.
Further, the lock sheet 25 is not limited to a sheet shape, and may have a plate shape, for example.

The tactile display of the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each part is replaced with an arbitrary configuration having the same function. be able to. In addition, any other component may be added to the present invention.
In addition, the use of the tactile display of the present invention is not particularly limited. Display, and can be applied to the field of displaying and transmitting information.

It is a block diagram which shows a tactile display system. It is a perspective view which shows the display part of a tactile display. It is a perspective view which shows embodiment of the tactile display of this invention. It is a figure explaining the moving means of the tactile display in FIG. It is sectional drawing in the AA in FIG. It is a figure which shows a part of display part and a part of drive part when the display pin of the tactile display in FIG. 3 exists in a basic position. It is a figure which shows a part of display part when the display pin of the tactile display in FIG. 3 exists in a display position. It is a perspective view which shows the drive part of the tactile display in FIG. It is a top view (top view) which shows the drive part and display part of the tactile display in FIG. It is a figure explaining the launch pulse of the tactile display in FIG. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement of display of embodiment of the tactile display in FIG. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement of display of embodiment of the tactile display in FIG. It is sectional drawing in the BB line in FIG. It is a top view (top view) which shows a mode that a drive unit launches with respect to a desired display unit. It is a top view (top view) which shows a mode that a drive unit launches with respect to a desired display unit. It is a top view (top view) which shows a mode that a drive unit launches with respect to a desired display unit. It is a top view (top view) which shows a mode that a drive unit launches with respect to a desired display unit. It is a top view (top view) which shows a mode that a drive unit launches with respect to a desired display unit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Tactile display 13 ... Bolt 2 ... Display part 20 ... Display unit 21 ... Guide part 212 ... Tip part 22 ... Passage 23 ... Display pin 230 ... Convex part 231 ... First convex part Portion 232 …… Second convex portion 233 …… Third convex portion 234 …… Depressed portion 235 …… Bottom portion 236 …… Side surface 24 …… Display surface 25 …… Lock sheet 251 …… Opening 252 …… Edge 26 ... Gap 27 ... Contact part 28 ... Pin body 3 ... Drive part 30, 30a, 30b, 30c ... Drive unit 31 ... Guide part 32 ... Bobbin 33 ... Launch core 331 ... Core body 332 ... Small diameter portion 34 …… Solenoid 341 …… Solenoid coil 61, 62 …… Opening 63, 64 …… Hole 7 …… Moving means 71 …… Lead screw 72 …… Motor 3 ... Support plate 75 ... Nut 751 ... Insertion hole 8 ... Moving body 9 ... Coil spring 91 ... Base plate 92 ... Base 93 ... Mounting table 931 ... Post 932 ... Lower plate 933 ... Frame 94 …… Supporting unit 100 …… Tactile display system 110 …… Terminal device 111 …… MPU 112 …… Operation unit 5 …… Monitor 114 …… Image reading unit 115 …… Storage unit 116 …… RAM 117 …… ROM 118 …… I / O part 119 …… Power supply

Claims (18)

A display unit comprising a display surface and a plurality of display pins provided at the tip end of the contact surface provided on the display surface side and movably provided with respect to the display surface;
A drive unit for selectively moving the plurality of display pins;
Holding a plurality of display pins selectively at a display position where the display pins protrude from the display surface and a basic position where the plurality of display pins do not protrude, and having a lock member;
A tactile display that displays a predetermined pattern by causing the display pin to protrude from the display surface by driving the drive unit,
The display pin has a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion,
The locking member engages with the first engaging portion of the display pin at the display position, thereby holding the display pin immovable in both directions of the display pin moving direction. By releasing the holding at the display position, and engaging the second engagement portion of the display pin at the basic position, thereby moving the display pin to the display position. A tactile display configured to be held movably in a direction.   The tactile display according to claim 1, wherein the lock member has a plurality of openings through which the plurality of display pins are respectively inserted.   The second engaging portion is a convex portion that is provided on a side surface of a predetermined portion in the longitudinal direction of the display pin, and that can be engaged with an edge portion that faces the opening of the lock member. The tactile display according to claim 1, wherein the edge portion holds the display pin by engaging with the convex portion.   The first engaging portion is a concave portion provided on a side surface of a predetermined portion in the longitudinal direction of the display pin, and an edge portion facing the opening of the lock member can be inserted therein. The tactile display according to claim 3, wherein the display pin is held by being engaged with the concave portion by being inserted into the concave portion.   At the basic position, the lock member abuts on the display pin and is biased in a direction substantially perpendicular to the movement direction of the display pin, and the display pin moves from the basic position to the display position. Then, at least an edge facing the opening moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the display pin by the biasing force and engages with the second engaging portion of the display pin, thereby causing the display pin to The tactile display according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the tactile display is held.   At the basic position, the display pin has elasticity, and the display pin abuts on the lock member and is urged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the display pin to be elastically deformed. When the display pin moves from the basic position to the display position, the first engaging portion moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the display pin by the restoring force of the display pin, 6. The tactile display according to claim 3, wherein the display pin is held by engaging with an edge facing the opening.   When the lock member moves in a direction opposite to the direction in which the display pin is urged, the engagement between the display pin and the first engagement portion is released, and the display pin moves to the basic position. The tactile display according to claim 5 or 6.   8. The lock member according to claim 1, wherein the lock member has a plate shape or a sheet shape, and the display portion is provided with a gap through which the lock member can be inserted substantially parallel to the display surface. Tactile display as described.   9. The tactile display according to claim 1, wherein a side surface of a portion of the display pin between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is a flat surface.   The tactile display according to claim 1, wherein the lock member is made of an elastic member.   The tactile display according to claim 1, further comprising an urging member that urges the display pin in a direction from the display position toward the basic position.   The tactile display according to claim 11, wherein the urging member is configured by a coil spring installed substantially coaxially with the display pin.   The tactile display according to claim 11 or 12, wherein when the engagement between the display pin and the first engagement portion is released, the display pin moves to the basic position by a biasing force of the biasing member. A display unit comprising a display surface and a plurality of display pins provided at the tip end of the contact surface provided on the display surface side and movably provided with respect to the display surface;
A drive unit for selectively moving the plurality of display pins;
Holding means for selectively holding the display pins that project the display pins from the display surface and the basic positions that do not project the display pins;
A tactile display that displays a predetermined pattern by driving the plurality of display pins to project the display pins from the display surface,
When the display pin is positioned at least at the display position, the display pin includes biasing means for biasing the display pin in a direction from the display position toward the basic position.
When the holding means releases the holding of the display pin, the display pin is configured to return from the display position to the basic position by an urging force of the urging member.   15. The tactile display according to claim 11, wherein the biasing member is configured to prevent the display pin from protruding from the display surface when the display pin is located at the basic position.   The drive unit includes a plurality of cores made of a magnetic material, a plurality of cylindrical support units that slidably support the cores, and a plurality of units installed so as to surround the support units, respectively. The tactile display according to claim 1, comprising a solenoid.   The tactile display according to claim 1, further comprising a moving unit that moves the driving unit relative to the display unit. Tactile display according to any of claims 1 to 17,
A capturing unit for capturing predetermined image data;
Editing means for editing the predetermined image data captured by the capturing unit into display data that can be displayed on the tactile display;
Creating means for creating display image data corresponding to a predetermined pattern of the tactile display when the tactile display is operated based on the display data;
A storage unit for storing the image data, the display data, and the display image data;
A tactile display system comprising display means for displaying an image based on at least one of the predetermined image data and the display image data.

Images