JP2010176299A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dynamically change the boundary of a touch panel. <P>SOLUTION: A touch panel type display includes: a display part 48 for switching and displaying a plurality of input key arrangement; a touch panel 9 arranged on the display part 48; a biometal fiber 28 arranged between the touch panel 9 and the display part 48 along the boundary of input keys displayed in the plurality of input key arrangement, and configured to contract under tension or expand in relaxation according to a conductive state; and a control part for controlling power supply to the biometal fiber 28 so that the biometal fiber 28 along the boundary of the input keys currently displayed at the display part 48 can contract under tension. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device for an electronic device using a touch panel.

  Specifically, the electronic devices using the touch panel include a touch panel of a mobile phone, a touch panel of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”), a touch panel of a notebook computer, and a touch panel of a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). A touch panel of a game machine, a touch panel of a camera machine, a touch panel of a television (hereinafter referred to as “TV”), a touch panel of various measuring instruments, a touch panel of a guidance device installed in a public facility, and the like.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151561 describes a technology that enables a visually impaired person to easily operate a touch panel by overlaying a cover with a hole in a button portion in order to create a boundary of a touch panel button.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-054827

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the means for forming the boundary of the touch panel is a cover having a hole in the button portion, there is a disadvantage that the boundary of the button can be formed only with a predetermined pattern. .
Further, the invention of Patent Document 1 has a drawback that when the arrangement and number of buttons are changed, the boundary of the touch panel cannot be changed unless the sheet is replaced.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an input device capable of dynamically changing the boundary of a touch panel.

  An input device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display unit that switches and displays a plurality of input key arrangements, a touch panel that is superimposed on the display unit, and input keys that are displayed in the plurality of input key arrangements. A fiber material that is disposed between the touch panel and the display unit along the boundary line, and that contracts and relaxes depending on the energized state, and the boundary line of the input key currently displayed on the display unit. A control unit that controls the state of energization of the fiber material so that the fiber material along the line contracts and contracts.

  Suitably, the said control part changes the number of the said fiber materials to energize according to the area of the individual input key currently displayed on the said display part.

  An input device according to a second aspect of the present invention is arranged on a display unit capable of switching and displaying a plurality of input key arrangements, a touch panel arranged so as to overlap the display unit, and an operated surface side of the touch panel, A fiber material that tensions and contracts and relaxes and stretches in accordance with an energized state; and a control unit that controls the energized state of the fiber material so that the fiber material is tensioned and contracted.

  Preferably, the recording control unit controls the energized state so that the fiber material along the boundary line of the input key currently displayed on the display unit contracts and contracts.

  Suitably, the said control part changes the number of the said fiber materials to energize according to the area of the individual input key currently displayed on the said display part.

  Preferably, when a plurality of input keys are pressed at the same time, the control unit energizes the fiber material arranged inside the plurality of pressed input keys.

  Preferably, when a key other than an input key required for the expression of a predetermined function is pressed, the control unit energizes at least the fiber material disposed inside the pressed input key.

  An input device according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a display unit capable of switching and displaying a plurality of input key arrangements, a touch panel arranged so as to be superimposed on the display unit, and a protrusion or a depression on a surface which is an operated surface. A surface shape forming portion that can be formed, and a control portion that controls the surface shape forming portion according to an input key currently displayed on the display portion to form a protrusion or a depression on the operated surface. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the input device which can change the boundary of a touch panel dynamically can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the mobile telephone 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention in an open state. It is a block diagram which shows the signal processing system of the mobile telephone 1 of FIG. It is an example of the content which the display part 48 of the touchscreen display 8 displays. It is an example of the content which the display part 48 of the touchscreen display 8 displays. It is an example of the content which the display part 48 of the touchscreen display 8 displays. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure and function of the general touchscreen display. It is explanatory drawing of the touchscreen type display 8 which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a mode that the biometal fiber 28 is embedded in the biometal fiber containing film 27. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the function of the biometal fiber 28. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the function of the electricity supply biometal fiber 29 in which the electric current is flowing into one. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the change of the surface of the touchscreen type display 8 when a voltage is applied to the biometal fiber 28. FIG. It is a XII-XII cross section of FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of forming a boundary of an input key by a protruding portion. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the embodiment in the modification 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart showing an example of the control method in the case of pushing back. It is a flowchart showing an example of the control method in the case of modification example 3. This is an example in which a voltage is applied to the biometal fiber 28 when it cannot be used as a key input. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification after that of this invention. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a method of forming a protruding portion on the surface of the touch panel display 8. FIG. 9 is a modification in which the power supply 34 in FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

  The mobile phone 1 is configured as a so-called foldable mobile phone 1 and includes a first housing 2 and a second housing 3 that are rotatably connected to each other between an open state and a closed state. Yes. FIG. 1 shows an open state of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. The first housing 2 includes a first housing front case 4 that constitutes a portion facing the second housing 3, and a first housing rear case 5 that constitutes a portion opposite to the second housing 3. Have. The second housing 3 includes a second housing front case 6 that constitutes a portion facing the first housing 2 and a second housing rear case 7 that constitutes a portion opposite to the first housing 2. Have.

The first housing front case 4 and the first housing rear case 5 are fixed to each other with screws or the like, and various electronic members are formed in a space formed between the first housing front case 4 and the first housing rear case 5. A housing space for housing the container is configured. The second casing front case 6 and the second casing rear case 7 are also fixed to each other by screws or the like, and various electronic members are formed in a space formed between the second casing front case 6 and the second casing rear case 7. A housing space for housing the container is configured.
The first casing front case 4, the first casing rear case 5, the second casing front case 6, and the second casing rear case 7 are made of resin, for example.

A touch panel display 8 is disposed in the second housing front case 6.
The touch panel display 8 includes a display unit 48 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic light-emitting diode (organic EL)).
A control unit 46 to be described later controls display contents on the display unit 48.
Further, the touch panel display 8 includes a touch panel 9 in addition to the display unit 48. The touch panel 9 detects that the touch panel 9 is pressed by a user's pressing tool or a finger and transmits a signal to that effect to the control unit 46.
The structure and function of the touch panel display 8 will be described in detail later.

When the direction is indicated, the direction from the first housing rear case 5 toward the first housing front case 4 is referred to as an inner side direction IPRC, and the first housing front case 4 is changed to the first housing rear case 5. The direction to go is called the external side direction OPRC.
Similarly, the direction from the second casing rear case 7 to the second casing front case 6 is referred to as an inner side direction IPRC, and the direction from the second casing front case 6 to the second casing rear case 7 is referred to as an outer side direction. It is called OPRC.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a signal processing system of the mobile phone 1 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 1 includes a control unit 46, an operation unit 47, a display unit 48, a communication unit 49, a storage unit 50, and a surface shape forming unit 51, which are control and processing centers. , Data and control lines are commonly connected to a system bus 52 composed of a plurality of lines.

  The operation unit 47 detects input to the touch panel 9 and other input keys performed by the user, and outputs the information to the control unit 46.

The display unit 48 is configured using an LCD or an OLED, and displays an image corresponding to the video signal supplied from the control unit 46.
The display unit 48 is, for example, a telephone number of a transmission destination at the time of wireless transmission by the communication unit 49, a telephone number of a transmission source at the time of incoming call, contents of received mail or transmitted mail, date, time, remaining battery level, success / failure of transmission, standby Display the screen.
Further, the display unit 48 displays input keys in conjunction with the touch panel 9. In this case, the display unit 48 displays an input key, and when the touch panel 9 detects a press on a portion corresponding to the displayed input key, the display unit 48 displays the input key input. To do.
Note that the LCD and OLED are merely examples, and any display that can change the display content may be used, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)). .

  The communication unit 49 performs wireless communication with a base station connected to a communication network, and transmits and receives various data.

  The storage unit 50 stores various data used for various processes of the mobile phone 1. The storage unit 50 is, for example, a computer program executed by the control unit 46, an address book for managing personal information such as a telephone number or an e-mail address of a communication partner, various setting data, and temporary data used in the process of the program. Data is stored.

The surface shape forming part 51 is formed from a biometal fiber 28 described later and a drive circuit for energizing the biometal fiber 28.
The drive circuit applies and stops the voltage to the biometal fiber 28 to turn on and off the energization to the biometal fiber 28.
The drive circuit changes the surface shape of the touch panel display 8 by turning on and off the energization of the biometal fiber 28.
In addition, the surface shape forming unit 51 has a function of preventing the user from pressing the touch panel 9 as well as changing the surface shape of the touch panel display 8.

The control unit 46 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the mobile phone 1.
That is, the control unit 46 performs various processes of the mobile phone 1 (voice call performed via the circuit switching network, creation and transmission / reception of e-mail, etc.) according to the operation of the operation unit 47 in an appropriate procedure. In addition, the operation of each block described above (transmission and reception of signals in the communication unit 49, display of an image in the display unit 48, imaging processing in the imaging unit 15, etc.) is controlled.
Furthermore, the control unit 46 includes a computer (microprocessor) that executes processing based on a program (operating system, application program, etc.) stored in the storage unit 50, and has been described above according to the procedure instructed in this program. Execute the process.
That is, the control unit 46 sequentially receives instruction codes from programs such as an operating system and application programs stored in the storage unit 50 and executes processing.

In the relationship between the display unit 48 and the operation unit 47, the control unit 46 determines an input key to be displayed on the display unit 48. Specifically, which input key is to be displayed and the size of the input key are determined.
Further, the control unit 46 determines that there is an input of the displayed input key when the touch panel 9 detects that the portion corresponding to the displayed input key is pressed.
Further, the control unit 46 has a function of issuing an instruction to the surface shape forming unit 51 so as to project the boundary portions of the plurality of input keys. Thereby, the user can recognize the shape of the input key not only visually but also tactilely, and can prevent an input error.

  3 to 5 are examples of contents displayed on the display unit 48 of the touch panel display 8.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, it is possible to display the same contents as the buttons of the normal button-type mobile phone 1, that is, “Aiueo input” and “Numeric key input”.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, “Yes” and “No” can be simply displayed.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to display the same content as a keyboard of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “full keyboard display”).

  The contents displayed on the display unit 48 are not limited to the contents described in FIGS. 3 to 5 above, and various contents can be displayed. The contents of the key input detected by the touch panel 9 also change according to the contents displayed on the display unit 48.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the configuration and functions of a general touch panel display 8.

As shown in FIG. 6, the touch panel display 8 includes a touch panel 9 and a display unit 48, and the touch panel 9 is generally arranged on the surface side.
The touch panel 9 is arranged from the inner side in the order of the inner side film 16, the inner side conductive film 14, the surface side conductive film 12 and the surface side film 10.
A constant gap is provided between the surface-side conductive film 12 and the inner-side conductive film 14. Dot spacers 18 are arranged at the intervals.
The surface side film 10 and the inner side film 16 are comprised by PET resin (Polyethylene Terephthalate), for example.

The display unit 48 includes the front side panel 20, the liquid crystal member 22, and the inner side panel 24. And the inner side panel 24, the liquid crystal member 22, and the surface side panel 20 are arrange | positioned from the inner side in order.
Although not shown, a hard coat is disposed on the surface side of the surface side film 10 of the touch panel 9. This hard coat is for preventing the surface side film 10 from being damaged by the user's nails or the like. In order to achieve this object, the hard coat is made of a material having high hardness.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram for explaining a means for detecting that the user has pressed.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, when the user presses, the surface side film 10 and the surface side conductive film 12 are bent by the pressing force. When the surface-side conductive film 12 is bent and comes into contact with the inner-side conductive film 14, a current flows, and by detecting this, it is detected that there is a pressure.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the touch panel display 8 according to the present invention.

In the present invention, the biometal fiber 28 is arranged on such a touch panel display 8. More specifically, a biometal fiber-containing film 27 in which a biometal fiber 28 is embedded is disposed on the surface side of the touch panel 9.
In addition, since the diameter of the biometal fiber 28 is about 0.05 mm and the size of one dot of the liquid crystal is about 0.15 mm, even if the biometal fiber 28 is arranged on the surface side of the display unit 48, The dots are not crushed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the biometal fiber 28 is embedded in the biometal fiber-containing film 27. In this way, the biometal fibers 28 are arranged in a grid pattern at regular intervals.
The arrangement of the biometal fibers 28 is not necessarily required to be vertically and horizontally and at a constant interval as shown in FIG. 8, and can be appropriately selected according to the use and purpose. Specifically, it may be arranged only in the vertical direction, or may be arranged in a concentrated manner on a portion that requires the function of the biometal fiber 28.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the function of the biometal fiber 28.

The biometal fiber 28 is a material that is soft and can be easily bent when no current is flowing, but contracts with a strong force when the current flows and is tension-shrinkable to become tough like a piano wire. .
Therefore, the biometal fiber 28 is tensioned and contracted when an electric current flows, but relaxes and expands when the electric current stops flowing.
In FIG. 9A, the power source 34 (for example, battery) and the switch 32 are connected to the biometal fiber 28. However, since the switch 32 is in the OFF state, the biometal fiber 28 is in a soft state and is bent. .
On the other hand, in FIG. 9B, since the switch 32 is in the ON state, a voltage is applied to the biometal fiber 28, whereby a current flows.
When the current is applied, the biometal fiber 28 contracts and is tensioned and becomes rigid, so that it does not bend easily.
Hereinafter, when the biometal fiber 28 to which no voltage is applied is represented, it is described with a broken line and a thin line. On the other hand, when the biometal fiber 28 to which a voltage is applied is represented, it is represented by a solid line and a thick line.
Furthermore, in order to distinguish between the biometal fiber 28 to which a voltage is applied and a current flows, and the biometal fiber 28 to which a voltage is not applied and a current does not flow, a bio that has a voltage applied and a current flows. The metal fiber 28 is changed to “energized biometal fiber 29” and the product name and code number are changed.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the function of the energized biometal fiber 29 in which a voltage is applied to one.

The portion of the energized biometal fiber 29 is contracted and tensioned due to the application of voltage, and the rigidity is increased. Therefore, even if the user tries to press the portion, the normal force is not applied. Impossible.
If the touch panel 9 cannot be pressed, the touch panel 9 cannot detect the pressing of the input key.
On the other hand, since the biometal fiber 28 portion to which no voltage is applied is soft and does not shrink, the user can easily press it.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a change in the surface of the touch panel display 8 when the biometal fiber 28 is energized.

In FIG. 11A, since the biometal fiber 28 is not energized, the biometal fiber 28 is relaxed and stretched.
Therefore, even if both ends of the biometal fiber 28 are fixed to the fixing member 36, the U-shape is bent as shown in FIG.

FIG. 11B illustrates a change in the surface of the touch panel display 8 when a voltage is applied to one of the biometal fibers 28 in FIG.
Since the biometal fiber 28 is tensioned and contracted when a voltage is applied, the energized biometal fiber 29 is lifted in the vicinity of the center thereof, and is a rod that straightly connects between the coupling portions where the energized biometal fiber 29 is coupled to the fixing member 36. It changes as follows.
As the energized biometal fiber 29 is lifted, the portion around the energized biometal fiber 29 of the biometal fiber-containing film 27 is also lifted simultaneously.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. 11, and is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the surface of the touch panel display 8 changes when a voltage is applied to one of the biometal fibers 28.

As described above, the biometal fiber-containing film 27 around the energized biometal fiber 29 is lifted as the vicinity of the center of the energized biometal fiber 29 becomes a lifting rod.
On the other hand, the biometal fiber-containing film 27 around the biometal fiber 28 to which no voltage is applied does not lift, and thus has a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG.
In this way, the raised portion is referred to as a protruding portion 38, and the other non-raised portion is referred to as a flat portion 40.
In reality, it does not rise as much as shown in FIG. 12, but it is emphasized for explanation.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of forming the boundary of the input key by the protruding portion 38.

The control unit 46 applies a voltage to the biometal fiber 28 arranged at the boundary portion of the input key currently displayed on the display unit 48 and causes a current to flow.
As a result, the boundary portion of the input key is raised by the energized biometal fiber 29 to form the protruding portion 38.
As a result, the protruding portion 38 can be formed at the boundary of the input keys displayed on the touch panel display 8.

  In FIG. 13, the protruding portion 38 is described as having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but this is for easy understanding of the drawing, and in practice, the protruding portion 38 is gently formed.

[Modification 1]
In the embodiment described above, the protruding portion 38 is simply formed at the boundary of the input key displayed on the display unit 48 so that the boundary of the input key can be tactilely recognized. This aspect will be described below.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first modification of the present invention.

  FIG. 14A shows an example of the energized biometal fiber 29 when the number of input keys displayed on the display unit 48 is small. FIG. 14B is an example of the energized biometal fiber 29 when the number of input keys displayed on the display unit 48 is large.

In this way, when the area of the input key can be sufficiently taken, a plurality of (specifically, three) biometal fibers 28 are provided so that the boundary line can be recognized more clearly and tactilely. It is also possible to apply the voltage selectively to the energized biometal fiber 29.
On the other hand, when a full keyboard is displayed as shown in FIG. 14B, the number of input keys is large, and the area of the input keys cannot be taken sufficiently. In that case, the number of energized biometal fibers 29 forming the boundary of the input key may be the minimum number (specifically, one).

In this way, it is desirable to sequentially change the energized biometal fiber 29 according to the area of the input key.
Therefore, if the area of the input key is intermediate between FIGS. 14A and 14B, the number of energized biometal fibers 29 is the intermediate number between FIGS. 14A and 14B ( Specifically, it is desirable to use 2).
Furthermore, when the area of the input key is larger than that in FIG. 14A (for example, in the case of FIG. 4), the number of energized biometal fibers 29 can be increased (for example, 5).

[Modification 2]
Other advantageous variants are described.
When a voltage is applied to the biometal fiber 28 to cause a current to flow, the biometal fiber 28 becomes a current-carrying biometal fiber 29, and a protruding portion 38 is generated in a portion where the current-carrying biometal fiber 29 is present.
The above-described embodiment and modification 1 have been described above using the protruding portion 38 only as an input key boundary.
However, the biometal fiber 28 is also disposed in the portion where the input key is displayed.
Then, when the user presses the portion where the input key is displayed, if the projection portion 38 is generated in the portion where the input key is displayed, the user suddenly generates the projection portion 38, so that the tactile sense is generated. You can feel that the input key part has been pushed back.
This function of pushing back can be considered as a kind of output device.
Specific examples will be described below.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an embodiment of the second modification of the present invention.

Even if the protruding portion 38 is generated at the boundary portion of the input keys displayed as described above, the amount of the protruding portion is so small that a plurality of input keys may be pressed simultaneously. In that case, the input is invalidated, but the user may not recognize that the input is invalidated by simultaneously pressing a plurality of input keys.
Therefore, for example, when the user simultaneously presses the input keys “4” and “7” in FIG. 15, a voltage is applied to the biometal fiber 28 included in the portions of the input keys “4” and “7” to apply the energized bio As the metal fiber 29, the protruding portion 38 is generated on the input keys “4” and “7”.
As described above, when the protruding portion 38 is generated, the user should feel that it is pushed back, and thereby, it can be recognized that the user is pressing across a plurality of input keys.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method when pushing back.

<Step 101>
In step 101, an input start process is performed.

<Step 103>
In step 103, an input by the user made on the operation unit 47 including the touch panel 9 is detected.

<Step 105>
In step 105, it is determined whether or not there is an input in step 103. If there is no input, the process returns to step 103 and waits for the input.

<Step 107>
In step 107, the input content input in step 103 is stored.

<Step 109>
In step 109, the minute time processing is stopped.

<Step 111>
In step 111, an input by the user made on the operation unit 47 including the touch panel 9 is detected again.

<Step 113>
In step 113, it is determined whether or not there is an input in step 111. If there is no input in step 111, the process proceeds to step 125, which will be described later, in which the input in step 103 is also invalidated.
If there is also an input in step 111, the process proceeds to step 115.
The reason why it is necessary to invalidate the input in step 103 without accepting the input in step 111 in addition to the input in step 103 will be described.
In the case of input by the touch panel 9, the touch panel type display 8 is recognized as an input only by lightly touching the touch panel display 8. This is different from the button-type operation unit 47 that does not require input unless it is pushed in to some extent.
If it is recognized as an input simply by lightly touching in this way, it may be touched by mistake even though there is no intention to touch the input key, and the touch panel 9 may detect it as an input.
This is because in order to eliminate such a case, it is necessary to determine whether or not there is an input even after a short time, and it is necessary to perform the process of step 113 assuming that the operation by the touch panel 9 has been performed only when there is an input. .

<Step 115>
In step 115, the contents input in step 103 stored in step 107 and the contents input in step 111 are compared to determine whether the input is the same.
And when it is not the same input, it transfers to the process of step 123. FIG. If they are the same, the process proceeds to step 117 to validate the input.
The reason why the input contents in step 103 and the input contents in step 111 are the same is determined, and the reason why the input is validated only when they are the same will be described.
In the case of input using the touch panel 9, even if there is the protruding portion 38, the amount of the protrusion is small, so that a plurality of input keys may be pressed simultaneously. As described above, it is easier to press a plurality of input keys at the same time in the case of the operation unit 47 using the touch panel 9 than in the case of the button-type operation unit 47 that does not require input unless it is pressed to some extent. appear.
In such a case, there is a high possibility that the content input first is different from the content input second time.
Therefore, it is necessary to validate the input only when the content input in step 103 is the same as the content input for the second time in step 111.

<Step 117>
In step 117, the content input to the touch panel 9 is confirmed, and various processes are performed as valid.

<Step 119>
In step 119, it is determined whether the input has been completed. If the input has not ended, the process returns to step 103 again to accept the input.

<Step 121>
In step 121, the input from the touch panel 9 is terminated.

<Step 123>
In step 123, a voltage is applied to the input key whose input has been detected in steps 103 and 111 and the biometal fiber 28 around the input key.
As a result, the user can tactilely recognize that the touch panel 9 has been pushed back, and can know that the key input has become invalid.
Further, after this process, the process proceeds to a process of invalidating the key input in step 125.

<Step 125>
In step 125, the content input to the touch panel 9 is processed as invalid.
Then, since the key input becomes invalid, the process shifts again to the process of accepting the input, that is, step 103.

[Modification 3]
Other advantageous variants are described.
In the above-described second modification, only when a plurality of input keys are pressed at the same time, a voltage is applied to the input key where the input is detected and the biometal fiber 28 around it.
However, there is another technical idea that a protruding portion 38 is formed by applying a voltage to the biometal fiber 28, and the protruding portion 38 transmits a message to the user by pushing back a finger or the like that has pressed the input key. Can also be applied.
As an example, Modification 3 is described below.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method in the case of the modification example 3.

  The flow of the process described in FIG. 17 is basically the same as the process of FIG. The difference is that the process of step 127 is added. For the sake of clarity, step 127 is indicated by a thicker line than the lines describing other steps in FIG.

<Step 127>
In step 127, it is determined whether a key input other than a key necessary for the expression of a predetermined function is input as an input.
If the key input is other than the key necessary for the expression of the predetermined function, the process proceeds to step 123 to notify the user of the key input.
When a key input necessary for the expression of a predetermined function is performed, the process proceeds to step 117 for validating the key input.

  FIG. 18 is an example in which a voltage is applied to the biometal fiber 28 when there is a key input other than a key necessary for the expression of a predetermined function.

As an example of key input other than the keys necessary for the expression of a predetermined function, there is a case where a number of 11 digits or more which cannot be used as a telephone number is input. In this case, no more numbers can be input. As shown in FIG. 18 (a), a voltage is applied to the biometal fibers 28 of all the numerical portions to inform the effect.
When the options are limited to the range of 1 to 9, when “*”, “0”, “#” is pressed, the “*”, “0”, “#” portion is displayed as shown in FIG. A voltage is applied to the biometal fiber 28 to inform the user that “*”, “0”, and “#” cannot be selected.

“Variation 4”
In the third modification, a voltage is applied to the biometal fiber 28 to make the user tactilely recognize only when a key input other than a key necessary for the expression of a predetermined function is performed.
However, there is another technical idea that a protruding portion 38 is formed by applying a voltage to the biometal fiber 28, and the protruding portion 38 transmits a message to the user by pushing back a finger or the like that has pressed the input key. Can also be applied.
That is, it can function as one of the interfaces for the user.
Therefore, for example, it is possible to convey a certain message according to the shape of the protruding portion 38, and braille, characters, figures, etc. can be displayed if the shape of the protruding portion 38 is controlled to a higher degree.
Further, when the road is guided, the protrusion 38 can be formed in accordance with the shape of the road so that the road shape can be recognized tactilely.
Further, it is possible to enjoy the music not only by hearing but also by tactile sensation by making the protruding portion 38 in accordance with the rhythm of the music.
In the embodiment described in the sixth modification example described later, the shape of the protruding portion 38 can be arbitrarily formed.

"Variation 5"
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a fifth modification of the present invention.
The configuration of the touch panel type display 8 described above was stacked from the surface side in the order of the biometal fiber 28, the touch panel 9, and the display unit 48 as shown in FIG.
This is because a normal liquid crystal panel has a front side panel 20 and an inner side panel 24 usually made of a glass member, so that a protruding portion generated by applying a voltage to the biometal fiber 28. This is because it cannot withstand the change of the surface shape caused by 38.
However, it is now possible to cope with surface shape changes (bending, etc.) even in liquid crystal panels. Further, a display unit 48 that can change the shape of an OLED or the like has been developed.
Therefore, it is not always necessary to stack the biometal fiber 28, the touch panel 9, and the display unit 48 in this order from the surface side.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, the display unit 48, the biometal fiber 28, and the touch panel 9 can be stacked in this order from the surface side.

By the way, the touch panel 9 is formed of a transparent material or a fine member that does not block the display light of the display unit 48. The same applies to the biometal fiber 28 and the biometal fiber-containing film 27. The biometal fiber 28 and the biometal fiber-containing film 27 are formed by a fine member that does not block the display light of the display unit 48.
However, even if it is a transparent material and a fine member, if it is on the surface side of the display unit 48, the light is slightly blocked.
Therefore, it is desirable to dispose as many members as possible on the surface side of the display unit 48.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, no member is arranged on the surface side of the display unit 48, and the display unit 48, the biometal fiber 28, and the touch panel 9 are stacked in this order from the surface side.

"Modification 6"
The essence of the technical idea of the present invention is to generate irregularities on the surface of the touch panel display 8 and to allow the user to recognize the irregularities.
Then, the method of forming irregularities on the surface of the touch panel display 8 is not limited to the method of applying a voltage to the biometal fiber 28, and may be other methods.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a method for forming the protruding portion 38 on the surface of the touch panel display 8.

In FIG. 20A, a cavity 42 is formed on the surface of the display unit 48, compressed air or liquid is poured into the inside, and the cavity 42 is inflated to form an expansion cavity 43.
If the cavities 42 are formed small and arranged on the entire surface of the touch panel display 8, it is possible to form protruding portions 38 having an arbitrary shape.

  Ordinarily, compressed air or liquid can be poured into the cavity 42 to form an expansion cavity 43, and the compressed air or liquid can be discharged from the expansion cavity 43 where the shape is desired to be formed to form a recess.

In FIG. 20B, a charged substance 44 having a charge is disposed on the surface of the display unit 48, and a magnetic field is applied to the charged substance 44 by an electromagnet 45, thereby forming a protruding portion 38 on the surface of the display unit 48.
If the electromagnet 45 is formed small and arranged on the entire surface of the touch panel display 8, the protruding portion 38 having an arbitrary shape can be formed.

[Modification 7]
In FIG. 21, the power supply 34 in FIG. In this way, the current flowing through the biometal fiber 28 is changed by arbitrarily changing the voltage.
As described above, when the current flowing through the biometal fiber 28 is changed, the degree to which the strength is increased due to the tension and contraction of the biometal fiber 28 according to the current can be adjusted.
Using this function, the projection amount of the projection portion 38 in the touch panel display 8 can be adjusted.
Furthermore, since the protruding speed of the protruding portion 38 can be changed, the extent to which the user feels that the user is pushed back can be changed.
This function can be used as an interface for notifying the user of certain information.

According to the above embodiment, the display unit 48 for switching and displaying a plurality of input key arrangements, the touch panel 9 arranged so as to overlap the display unit 48, and the boundary lines of the input keys displayed in the plurality of input key arrangements And a biometal fiber 28 that is arranged between the touch panel 9 and the display unit 48 and that contracts and relaxes according to the energized state.
And the control part 46 which controls the said electricity supply condition to the biometal fiber 28 so that the biometal fiber 28 along the boundary line of the input key currently displayed on the display part 48 will carry out tension shrinkage | contraction.
And it has the control part 46 which controls the energization state to the biometal fiber 28 so that the biometal fiber 28 along the boundary line of the input key currently displayed on the display part 48 may be tension-contracted.
With such a configuration, even a visually impaired user can reliably perform key input. In addition, since the user who is not visually impaired can also recognize the key range tactilely, it is possible to perform key input more reliably.

The control unit 46 changes the number of biometal fibers 28 to be energized according to the area of the individual input keys currently displayed on the display unit 48.
With such a configuration, when the input key has a sufficient area, the protrusion 38 can be sufficiently taken to emphasize the boundary of the input key.
On the other hand, when the area of the input key is small, the boundary of the input key can be narrowed to make the area of the input key as large as possible.

A display unit 48 capable of switching and displaying a plurality of input key arrangements, a touch panel 9 arranged so as to be superimposed on the display unit 48, and arranged on the operated surface side of the touch panel 9. And a biometal fiber 28.
And it has the control part 46 which controls the said electricity supply state to the biometal fiber 28 so that the biometal fiber 28 may carry out tension contraction.
With such a configuration, the protruding portion 38 can be formed on the surface of the touch panel display 8. The protrusion 38 can serve as an interface for transmitting various information to the user.

The control unit 46 controls the energized state so that the biometal fiber 28 along the boundary line of the input key currently displayed on the display unit 48 is contracted.
With such a configuration, even a visually impaired user can reliably perform key input. In addition, since the user who is not visually impaired can also recognize the key range tactilely, it is possible to perform key input more reliably.

The control unit 46 changes the number of biometal fibers 28 to be energized according to the area of the individual input keys currently displayed on the display unit 48.
With such a configuration, when the input key has a sufficient area, the protrusion 38 can be sufficiently taken to emphasize the boundary of the input key. On the other hand, when the area of the input key is small, the boundary of the input key can be narrowed to make the area of the input key as large as possible.

When a plurality of input keys are pressed at the same time, the control unit 46 energizes the biometal fiber 28 disposed inside the plurality of pressed input keys.
With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user that input is performed across a plurality of input keys.
Then, the user can perform key input again.

When a key other than an input key required for the expression of a predetermined function is pressed, the control unit 46 energizes the biometal fiber 28 disposed at least inside the pressed input key.
With such a configuration, it is possible to recognize that the user is pressing a key that cannot be input.
Then, the user can redo the key input or cancel the key input.

In addition, a display unit 48 capable of switching and displaying a plurality of input key arrangements, a touch panel 9 arranged so as to be superimposed on the display unit 48, a biometal fiber 28 capable of forming protrusions or depressions on the surface to be operated, Depending on the drive circuit (paragraph (0027)), the cavity 42, the expansion cavity 43, the charged substance 44, the electromagnet 45, and the input keys currently displayed on the display unit 48, the cavity 42, the expansion cavity 43, the charged substance 44, And a control unit 46 that controls the electromagnet 45 to form protrusions or depressions on the operated surface.
With such a configuration, even a visually impaired user can reliably perform key input. In addition, since the user who is not visually impaired can also recognize the key range tactilely, it is possible to perform key input more reliably.

In the above embodiment, the biometal fiber 28 is an example of the fiber material of the present invention, and any material may be used as long as it contracts or relaxes by application of voltage. The metal material is an example of the fiber material of the present invention.
The biometal fiber 28, the drive circuit, the cavity 42, the expansion cavity 43, the charged substance 44, and the electromagnet 45 are examples of the surface shape forming portion of the present invention. The manifestation shape forming part 51 is not limited to these methods, and may be anything as long as it can form the protruding portion 38.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented in various aspects.

The input device is not limited to the touch panel of the mobile phone 1.
For example, the input device is a touch panel of a personal computer, a touch panel of a notebook computer, a touch panel of a PDA, a touch panel of a game machine, a touch panel of a camera machine, a touch panel of a television, a touch panel of various measuring instruments, a guidance facility installed in a public facility, etc. An input device for all devices that use a touch panel, such as a touch panel of the device, and all devices that can use the touch panel in the future.
Further, the mobile phone 1 is not limited to a folding type. The case may be configured integrally (only one case).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mobile phone, 2 ... 1st housing | casing, 3 ... 2nd housing | casing, 4 ... 1st housing | casing front case, 5 ... 1st housing | casing rear case, 6 ... 2nd housing | casing front case, 7 ... 2nd Housing rear case, 8 ... Touch panel display, 9 ... Touch panel, 10 ... Front side film, 12 ... Front side conductive film, 14 ... Inner side conductive film, 16 ... Inner side film, 18 ... Dot spacer, 20 ... Front side Panel, 22 ... Liquid crystal member, 24 ... Inside panel, 27 ... Biometal fiber-containing film, 28 ... Biometal fiber, 29 ... Current-carrying biometal fiber, 32 ... Switch, 34 ... Power source, 36 ... Fixing member, 38 ... Projection Part: 40: Flat part, 42: Cavity, 43: Expansion cavity, 44: Charged substance, 45 ... Electromagnet, 46 ... Control part, 47 ... Operation part, 48 ... Display part, 49 ... Communication part, 50 ... Memory , 51 ... surface shape forming part, 52 ... system bus, 53 ... transformer power supply

Claims (8)

A display unit for switching and displaying a plurality of input key arrangements;
A touch panel arranged to be superimposed on the display unit;
A fiber material that is arranged between the touch panel and the display unit along a boundary line of input keys displayed in the plurality of input key arrangements, and that contracts and contracts according to the energized state,
A control unit for controlling the energization state of the fiber material so that the fiber material along the boundary line of the input key currently displayed on the display unit is contracted;
An input device. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the number of the fiber materials to be energized in accordance with an area of an individual input key currently displayed on the display unit. A display unit capable of switching and displaying a plurality of input key arrangements;
A touch panel arranged to be superimposed on the display unit;
A fiber material that is arranged on the operated surface side of the touch panel, and that contracts and relaxes according to the energized state, and
A control unit for controlling the energized state of the fiber material so that the fiber material is tensioned and contracted;
An input device. The input device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the energized state so that the fiber material along a boundary line of the input key currently displayed on the display unit is contracted. The input device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit changes the number of the fiber materials to be energized according to an area of an individual input key currently displayed on the display unit. The said control part energizes the said fiber material arrange | positioned inside the said several input key pressed when the several input key is pressed simultaneously. The input device described. The control unit energizes at least the fiber material disposed inside the input key that is pressed when a key other than the input key necessary for the expression of the predetermined function is pressed. The input device according to any one of the above. A display unit capable of switching and displaying a plurality of input key arrangements;
A touch panel arranged to be superimposed on the display unit;
A surface shape forming part capable of forming protrusions or depressions on the surface to be operated; and
A control unit configured to control the surface shape forming unit according to an input key currently displayed on the display unit to form a protrusion or a depression on the operated surface;
An input device.

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