JP2010250750A - Input device, control method of the same, control program of the same, computer readable recording medium, and touch panel input system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user with a feeling of operation by tactile presentation without providing a stimulating electrode on the surface of a touch panel. <P>SOLUTION: An input device 100 is pressed to, brought into contact with or close to a touch panel input device 200 for an input operation. The input device 100 is provided with: a displacement voltage application part 21 having one or more stimulating electrodes for keeping a contact with skin of a living body; a reference voltage application part 22 having a reference electrode; and a voltage control part 33 which applies voltage for stimulating a tactile sense of the skin in contact with the stimulating electrode between the stimulating electrode and the reference electrode, by the input operations to the touch panel input device 200 using the input device 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device that presents a tactile sensation by applying a stimulation current, a control method thereof, a control program thereof, a computer-readable recording medium, and a touch panel input system.

  The conventional touch panel input device has a problem that it is difficult for the user to obtain an operation feeling because there is no mechanical operation like a keyboard. That is, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to recognize whether or not the operation is actually accepted by the touch panel input device.

  On the other hand, a transparent electrode layer is provided on the touch panel surface of the touch panel input device, and when the user presses the touch panel with a finger, the user's finger is energized and electrically stimulated, thereby making the user pseudo A technique for making a click feel has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Conventionally, a tactile sensation presentation technique for generating various skin sensations by electrical stimulation from the skin surface is known (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

  In the touch panel input device provided with the transparent electrode layer as described above, techniques for giving the user a more realistic operational feeling include the following. That is, when a user who wears an instrument provided with an electrode that is maintained at a predetermined potential presses the touch panel, the potential applied to the electrode of the transparent electrode layer provided in the touch panel input device is changed with time, and the user There has been proposed a technique for giving a real skin sensation such as a touch feeling and a pressing feeling by energizing a finger (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2000-284909 A (released on October 13, 2000) JP 2005-31918 A (published February 3, 2005)

Hiroyuki Enomoto, 3 others, “Electric tactile display that selectively stimulates skin sensory nerves”, IEICE Transactions D-II, January 2001, Vol. J84-D-II, no. 1, p. 120-128

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, a transparent electrode layer is provided on the surface of the touch panel in order to give an electrical stimulus to the user.

  For this reason, there existed a problem that durability of a touch panel and a yield fell.

  Moreover, since the electrodes of the transparent electrode layer and the like are exposed on the entire surface of the touch panel, there is a possibility that a current flows to an unintended location or a leakage occurs.

  In particular, in recent years, touch panel input devices may be introduced in mobile phones. In such a mobile phone, an operation of bringing the touch panel closer to the user's face is assumed during a call. In other words, when making a call, the touch panel input device having the possibility of electric leakage as described above is brought close to a sensitive part of the skin such as the face. For this reason, in the case of such a utilization aspect, ensuring safety | security is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can provide a user with a sense of operation by presenting a tactile sensation without providing a stimulation electrode on the surface of the touch panel, and a control method thereof. The control program, a computer-readable recording medium, and a touch panel input system are realized.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an input device according to the present invention can hold a state in which the input device is in contact with a living body in an input device for performing an input operation by pressing, contacting, or approaching a touch panel. In order to stimulate the tactile sensation of the skin in contact with the stimulation electrode between the stimulation electrode and the reference electrode by an input operation on the touch panel by the input instrument and the one or more stimulation electrodes and the reference electrode And a voltage applying means for applying a voltage.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an input device control method according to the present invention is an input device control method for performing an input operation by pressing, touching, or approaching a touch panel. A voltage for applying a voltage for stimulating the tactile sensation of the skin in contact with the stimulation electrode between the one or more stimulation electrodes and the reference electrode that can maintain the state in contact with the skin of the living body by an input operation on the touch panel An application step is included.

  According to the above configuration, an input device for performing an input operation on the touch panel is a skin contacted with the stimulation electrode by an input operation performed by pressing, contacting, or approaching the touch panel with the input device. A voltage for stimulating the sense of touch is applied between the stimulation electrode and the reference electrode.

  The stimulation electrode and the reference electrode are electrodes that can maintain a state in contact with the skin of a living body. In addition, the input device includes one or more stimulation electrodes.

  Thereby, the input instrument can supply the stimulation current to the user of the input instrument in response to an input operation on the touch panel.

  As a result, even if the stimulation electrode is not provided on the surface of the touch panel, there is an effect that the input device can provide the user with an operational feeling by tactile presentation.

  In addition, on the touch panel side, it is not necessary to provide a stimulation electrode on the surface of the touch panel, so even if the touch panel is built in a mobile phone, the stimulation electrode is not exposed to the user's face during a call, ensuring safety. You can also

  The input device according to the present invention includes operation information acquisition means for acquiring operation information indicating that the input operation has been performed by the input device from the touch panel, and the voltage application means includes the operation information acquisition means. It is preferable to apply a voltage in response to acquiring the operation information.

  According to the said structure, the input instrument can acquire the operation information which shows that input operation was performed from a touch panel, and can apply a voltage according to having acquired operation information.

  That is, the input device can apply a voltage in response to an input operation being accepted on the touch panel.

  As a result, the input device can present the user with a tactile sense that the input operation has been accepted. That is, the user can recognize that the input operation has been accepted by the tactile sensation presented by the input device.

  The input device according to the present invention includes one or more pressure sensors that detect the magnitude of the pressure of the input operation on the touch panel, and the voltage application unit is configured to change the pressure according to the magnitude of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. It is preferable to change the displacement pattern of the voltage applied to the stimulation electrode.

  According to the said structure, the displacement pattern of the voltage applied to a stimulation electrode can be changed according to the magnitude | size of the pressure of input operation with respect to the touch panel detected by the pressure sensor.

  As a result, there is an effect that various tactile sensations can be presented according to the pressure of the input operation. For example, the magnitude of the voltage applied to the stimulation electrode can be changed according to the magnitude of the pressure.

  In the input device according to the present invention, there are a plurality of stimulation electrodes, a plurality of pressure sensors, the plurality of stimulation electrodes and the plurality of pressure sensors respectively correspond to each other, and the voltage applying unit Preferably, the displacement pattern of the voltage applied to the stimulation electrode corresponding to the pressure sensor is changed according to the magnitude of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

  It is assumed that the pressure of the input operation on the touch panel differs depending on the site of the input device. That is, it is conceivable that the plurality of pressure sensors detect different pressures. Here, if a voltage is uniformly applied to each stimulation electrode, the difference in pressure cannot be presented to the user as a tactile sensation.

  According to the said structure, according to the pressure which the pressure sensor detected, the displacement pattern of the voltage applied to the stimulation electrode corresponding to the pressure sensor can be changed.

  As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to present to the user a tactile sensation corresponding to the magnitude of pressure that differs depending on the part.

  In the input device according to the present invention, the stimulation electrode has a pen-shaped body part, a pen tip part for performing an input operation is provided at one end of the body part, and the stimulation electrode is positioned at a position held by a user of the body part And the reference electrode may be disposed at a position between the position where the stimulation electrode is disposed and the other end of the body part.

  According to the said structure, an input device is used in the aspect hold | gripped in the state which has a pen by the user in the case of input operation with respect to a touch panel.

  Conventionally, input operations on a touch panel have been used by a user using a pen-type input device such as a touch pen or a stylus. By adopting such a configuration, the input device can present a tactile sensation in an input operation mode using a touch pen or the like.

  The input device according to the present invention has a pen-shaped body, a pen tip part for performing an input operation is provided at one end of the body part, the pressure sensor is provided at the pen tip part, and the body The stimulation electrode is disposed at a position held by a user of the body part, and the reference electrode is disposed at a position between the position where the stimulation electrode is disposed and the other end of the body part in the body part. Also good.

  In the pen-shaped input device, as described above, if the pressure sensor is arranged at the pen tip portion, tactile sensation according to pressure can be presented.

  The input device according to the present invention is composed of a fingertip member for mounting on the user's fingertip and an annular member for mounting on the user's finger, and on the side of the fingertip member that contacts the user's finger, The stimulation electrode may be provided, and the reference electrode may be provided on a portion of the annular member that contacts the user's finger.

  According to the said structure, an input instrument is a structure with which a user's finger | toe is mounted | worn in the case of input operation with respect to a touch panel. Thereby, the user can perform an input operation on the touch panel near the fingertip on which the fingertip member is mounted.

  Conventionally, an input operation on the touch panel has been performed by a user with a finger. With the above configuration, tactile sensation can be presented in a mode in which the user performs an input operation on the touch panel with a finger.

  The input device according to the present invention is composed of a fingertip member for mounting on the user's fingertip and an annular member for mounting on the user's finger, and on the side of the fingertip member that contacts the user's finger, The pressure sensor corresponding to the stimulation electrode is disposed on a side opposite to the side where the stimulation electrode is disposed and is in contact with the user's finger, and the annular member is disposed at a position where the stimulation electrode is in contact with the user's finger. A reference electrode may be provided.

  When the input device is composed of the fingertip member and the annular member, the pressure sensor corresponding to the stimulation electrode is arranged on the opposite side of the fingertip member to the side in contact with the user's finger as described above. Then, tactile sensation according to pressure is also possible.

  The input instrument may be realized by a computer. In this case, an input instrument control program for realizing the input instrument by a computer by operating a computer included in the input instrument as each of the means, and A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded also falls within the scope of the present invention.

  In order to solve the above problems, the touch panel input system according to the present invention is provided with an operation surface, and a touch panel input device that detects that an input operation of pressing, touching, or approaching the operation surface is performed. And a touch panel input system including an input device for performing the input operation on the operation surface of the touch panel input device, wherein the input device is capable of holding a state of being in contact with a living body skin. The touch panel input device includes a stimulation current output means for outputting a current for energizing the stimulation electrode, and a stimulation current output means when detecting an input operation on the operation surface. Current output control means for outputting a current.

  According to the above configuration, the touch panel input device that detects an input operation that is pressed, touched, or close to the operation surface detects that the input operation has been performed on the operation surface by the input device. Then, one or more stimulation electrodes provided in the input device and capable of maintaining a state of being in contact with the skin of a living body are energized.

  As a result, there is an effect that the input device can provide the user with an operational feeling by tactile presentation without providing a stimulation electrode on the surface of the touch panel input device. In this tactile sense presentation, the touch panel input device can also indicate to the user that the input operation on the operation surface has been detected.

  In the touch panel input system according to the present invention, the input device includes one or more pressure sensors that detect a pressure level of an input operation on the touch panel and output the detected pressure level as a pressure signal. The input device includes a pressure acquisition unit for acquiring a pressure signal output from the pressure sensor, and the current output control unit is configured according to the magnitude of the pressure indicated by the pressure signal acquired by the pressure acquisition unit. It is preferable to change the waveform pattern of the current output to the stimulation current output means.

  According to the said structure, the waveform pattern of the electric current supplied to a stimulation electrode can be changed according to the magnitude | size of the pressure which the pressure sensor detected.

  As a result, there is an effect that various tactile sensations can be presented according to the pressure of the input operation.

  In the touch panel input system according to the present invention, there are a plurality of stimulation electrodes, a plurality of pressure sensors, the plurality of stimulation electrodes and the plurality of pressure sensors respectively correspond to each other, and the current output The control means changes a displacement pattern of a voltage applied to the stimulation electrode corresponding to the one pressure sensor according to the magnitude of the pressure indicated by the pressure signal acquired by the pressure acquisition means for the one pressure sensor. It is preferable.

  According to the said structure, according to the pressure which the pressure sensor detected, the displacement pattern of the voltage applied to the stimulation electrode corresponding to the pressure sensor can be changed.

  As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to present to the user a tactile sensation corresponding to the magnitude of pressure that differs depending on the part.

  In the touch panel input system according to the present invention, the touch panel input device may be provided in a mobile phone.

  Unlike the prior art, the above configuration is a configuration that does not require a stimulation electrode on the operation surface of the touch panel input device. Therefore, when a user makes a call using a mobile phone provided with a touch panel input device, even if the mobile phone is brought close to the face, the stimulation electrode is not exposed to the user's face. As a result, it is possible to achieve an effect that safety can be ensured.

  The input device according to the present invention includes one or more stimulation electrodes and a reference electrode capable of maintaining a state in contact with the skin of a living body, and the stimulation electrode and the reference electrode by an input operation on the touch panel using the input device. And a voltage applying means for applying a voltage for stimulating the tactile sensation of the skin in contact with the stimulation electrode.

  In addition, the control method of the input device according to the present invention includes the stimulation between one or more stimulation electrodes and a reference electrode that can maintain a state in contact with the skin of a living body by an input operation on the touch panel by the input device. It is a method including the voltage application step which applies the voltage for stimulating the tactile sense of the skin which contacts an electrode.

  As a result, even if the stimulation electrode is not provided on the surface of the touch panel, there is an effect that the input device can provide the user with an operational feeling by tactile presentation.

  In order to solve the above problems, the touch panel input system according to the present invention is provided with an operation surface, and touch panel input for detecting that an input operation of pressing, touching, or approaching the operation surface is performed. A touch panel input system comprising a device and an input device for performing the input operation on the operation surface of the touch panel input device, wherein the input device is capable of holding a state in contact with the skin of a living body. The touch panel input device includes a stimulation current output means for outputting a current for energizing the stimulation electrode, and the stimulation current output when an input operation on the operation surface is detected. Current output control means for causing the means to output a current.

  As a result, there is an effect that the input device can provide the user with an operational feeling by tactile presentation without providing a stimulation electrode on the surface of the touch panel input device. In this tactile sense presentation, the touch panel input device can also indicate to the user that the input operation on the operation surface has been detected.

It is the block diagram shown about the schematic structure of the input device and touch panel input device which comprise the touch panel input system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic explaining an example of the utilization aspect of the touchscreen input system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure shown about an example of the external appearance of an input device. It is the schematic diagram shown about the schematic structure of the cross section of a fingertip member. It is a figure which shows the detail of a pressure detection part. It is a figure which shows the detail of a displacement voltage application part. It is a figure explaining an example of setting mode mapping information. It is the graph explaining pressure mode information, (a) has shown about "pressure mode 0", (b) has shown about "pressure mode 1." It is a graph explaining an example of current output waveform template information, and (a) to (d) represent output waveform patterns of “output level 0” to “output level 3”, respectively. It is the flowchart shown about the flow of a process of a touchscreen input system. It is the flowchart shown about the modification of the flow of a process of a touchscreen input system. It is the block diagram shown about the schematic structure of the input device and touch panel input device which comprise the touch panel input system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which illustrated about the other usage condition of the touchscreen input system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure shown about an example of the external appearance of a pen-type input device.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Use mode of touch panel input system)
First, a usage mode of the touch panel input system 500 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a usage mode of the touch panel input system 500 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel input system 500 has a configuration in which the input device 100 and the touch panel input device 200 are connected by a wiring 150.

  The input device 100 is used for an input operation to the touch panel unit 60 included in the touch panel input device 200.

  The touch panel input device 200 displays an icon or the like on the screen of the touch panel unit 60, accepts a user input operation, and performs various operations based on the accepted operation.

  The operation here refers to execution of a specific function such as activation of an application or copy and paste. For example, the user can activate an application associated with the touched icon by touching an icon or the like displayed on the display unit of the touch panel unit 60 with the input instrument 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the input device 100 is worn on the index finger of the user during an input operation. And a user performs input operation with respect to the touchscreen part 60 with which the touchscreen input device 200 is provided using the input instrument 100 with which the index finger was equipped. This input operation includes an operation performed by pressing the touch panel unit 60 and an operation performed by contact or proximity.

  Further, the input device 100 can give the user a feeling that a finger has hit the touch panel unit 60 or a feeling as if the touch panel unit 60 is being pressed, in accordance with a user input operation.

  Here, it is as follows when the aspect of mounting | wearing of the input device 100 is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the input device 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the input device 100 is attached to the index finger 3 of the user. The input instrument 100 includes a fingertip member 100A and an annular member (annular member) 100B.

  The fingertip member 100A is provided with a stimulation electrode for passing a stimulation current to the user. When attached, the fingertip member 100A covers the palm side of the index finger 3 from the tip portion to the first joint. The fingertip member 100A is formed in a substantially elliptical shape that is slightly curved in accordance with the shape of the tip of the index finger 3. However, the shape of the fingertip member 100A is merely an example until it gets tired, and is not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed as long as it fits the index finger 3.

  The annular member 100B is provided with a reference electrode that can apply a constant potential, corresponding to the stimulation electrode. Details of the stimulation electrode and the reference electrode will be described later. The annular member 100 </ b> B is formed in a ring shape and is mounted around the base of the index finger 3. In addition, the reference electrode is provided in a portion of the annular member 100B that contacts the user's finger.

  The fingertip member 100 </ b> A and the annular member 100 </ b> B are fixed to the index finger 3 of the user by the fixing member 4.

  The fixing member 4 is for fixing the fingertip member 100A to the user's index finger 3 and holding the stimulation electrode in contact with the user's skin.

  Accordingly, during the input operation, the touch panel 60 is pressed or contacted exclusively by the tip portion D1 of the fingertip member 100A.

(Schematic configuration of input device and touch panel input device)
Next, schematic configurations of the input device 100 and the touch panel input device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input device 100 and a touch panel input device 200 constituting a touch panel input system 500 according to the present embodiment.

(Schematic configuration of input device)
First, the schematic configuration of the input device 100 will be described as follows. As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 100 includes a fingertip member 100A and an annular member 100B. The fingertip member 100A includes a pressure detection unit (pressure sensor) 11, a displacement voltage application unit (stimulation electrode) 21, a main control unit 30, a voltage displacement unit 40, and an external interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 41. Prepare. The annular member 100B includes a reference voltage application unit (reference electrode) 22.

  First, the configuration of the fingertip member 100A will be described as follows.

  The pressure detection unit 11 is provided on the surface of the fingertip member 100 </ b> A on the side in contact with the touch panel unit 60, and detects the magnitude of the pressure during the input operation to the touch panel unit 60. The pressure detection unit 11 includes a plurality of pressure sensors for detecting the magnitude of pressing. The pressure sensor generates a pressure signal indicating the magnitude of the detected pressure and outputs the pressure signal to the main control unit 30. Details of the pressure detector 11 will be described later.

  The displacement voltage application unit 21 is for energizing the user's index finger 3 to generate a sense of touch. A plurality of stimulation electrodes to which a predetermined voltage can be applied by the voltage displacement unit 40 are provided. Details of the displacement voltage application unit 21 will be described later.

  The main control unit 30 comprehensively controls various configurations of the fingertip member 100A. This can be realized by executing the programmed processing by a processing device such as a microprocessor. Details of the main control unit 30 will be described later.

  The voltage displacement unit 40 is configured to displace the potential in the displacement voltage application unit 21 under the control of the main control unit 30.

  The external I / F 41 is an interface for connecting the wiring 150. The input device 100 is connected to the touch panel input device 200 via the wiring 150 connected to the external I / F 41, and inputs and outputs current and control signals.

  Next, the configuration of the annular member 100B will be described as follows.

  The reference voltage application unit 22 includes a reference electrode that maintains a predetermined voltage as a reference. In the present embodiment, as an example, the reference voltage application unit 22 is configured as a ground terminal (GRD).

(Configuration of fingertip member cross section)
Next, the configuration of the fingertip member 100A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cross section of the fingertip member 100A. Hereinafter, members having the same functions as those of the drawings already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The pressure detection unit 11 includes pressure sensors P1 to P9. As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure sensors P <b> 1 to P <b> 9 included in the pressure detection unit 11 are arranged on the side in contact with the touch panel unit 60 included in the touch panel input device 200.

  The stimulation electrodes E1 to E9 and the pressure sensors P1 to P9 are associated with each other. For example, the stimulation electrode E1 and the pressure sensor P1 are associated with each other. Correspondence information indicating this association may be stored, for example, in a storage unit (not shown) for storing various data.

  The displacement voltage application unit 21 includes stimulation electrodes E1 to E9. As shown in FIG. 4, the stimulation electrodes E <b> 1 to E <b> 9 included in the displacement voltage application unit 21 are exposed on the surface on the side in contact with the user's index finger 3 when the fingertip member 100 </ b> A is attached to the user's index finger 3. Provided. Here, in order to reduce the contact resistance with the index finger 3, a conductive gel may be coated on the surface where the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9 are exposed. In addition, the conductive portions of the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9 are insulated by the insulating layer 5.

  In the touch panel input system 500, when the pressure sensor detects pressing, the corresponding stimulation electrode is energized and a tactile sensation is presented to the user. For example, when pressure is detected by the pressure sensor P1, a current having a predetermined voltage is output to the corresponding stimulation electrode E1. The details of how this association is used in the touch panel input system 500 will be described later.

(Details of pressure detector)
Next, details of the pressure detection unit 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating details of the pressure detection unit 11. This figure is a plan view of the fingertip member 100A as viewed from the side where the pressure sensors P1 to P9 are provided, that is, from the side of the contact surface with the touch panel unit 60 included in the touch panel input device 200.

  The pressure sensors P1 to P9 are arranged on the surface (side) opposite to the surface (side) in contact with the user's finger in the fingertip member 100A.

  Further, as illustrated, the pressure sensors P1 to P9 are intensively provided on the tip end portion D1 side in the fingertip member 100A. On the other hand, in the fingertip member 100A, no pressure sensor is provided on the portion D2 side that is closer to the base of the finger. Normally, when performing an input operation to the touch panel unit 60, it is assumed that the operation is performed at the tip portion of the index finger 3, and the input operation to the touch panel unit 60 is performed around the first joint. This is because it is difficult to think. With such an arrangement of the pressure sensor, a change in pressure around the distal end portion D1 can be detected in more detail.

(Details of displacement voltage application unit)
Next, the details of the displacement voltage application unit 21 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating details of the displacement voltage application unit 21. This figure is a plan view of the fingertip member 100A as viewed from the surface side where the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9 are exposed.

  As illustrated, the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9 are intensively provided at the distal end portion D1 of the fingertip member 100A. On the other hand, in the fingertip member 100A, a pressure sensor is not provided in a portion D2 that is closer to the base of the finger. This arrangement is for the same reason as the arrangement of the pressure sensor described above.

  In addition, the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9 are arranged at positions corresponding to the back side of the positions where the corresponding pressure sensors P1 to P9 are provided. That is, the pressure sensor P1 is arranged on the back side of the stimulation electrode E1. With this configuration, when the pressure sensor P1 detects pressure, the stimulation electrode E1 on the back side is energized. This control is executed by the main control unit 30, and the control will be described in detail later.

(Details of the main control unit of the input device)
Next, the details of the main control unit 30 included in the input device will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again. As illustrated, the main control unit 30 includes a pressure information output unit 31, an operation position acquisition unit (operation information acquisition unit) 32, and a voltage control unit (voltage application unit) 33.

  The pressure information output unit 31 receives the pressure signal output from the pressure detection unit 11, generates pressure information from the received pressure signal, and transmits the generated pressure information to the touch panel input device 200 via the external I / F 41. Output.

  The operation position acquisition unit 32 acquires operation position information output from the touch panel input device 200 via the external I / F 41.

  The voltage control unit 33 controls the voltage displacement unit 40 to receive a current supply from the touch panel input device 200 via the external I / F 41 in response to the operation position acquisition unit 32 acquiring the operation position information. . In addition, the voltage control unit 33 causes the voltage displacement unit 40 to perform voltage control for outputting the supplied current to the displacement voltage application unit 21.

  Under the control of the voltage control unit 33, the stimulation current output to the stimulation electrode is controlled so that a pulse with a width of 100 to 500 μsec is about 1 to 3 mA at maximum and the pulse frequency is about 10 to 400 Hz. The voltage control unit 33 controls the voltage displacement pattern for outputting the stimulation current.

  Moreover, the voltage control part 33 is controlled so that an electric current is output to the stimulation electrode matched with the pressure sensor which detected the pressure, when the pressure sensors P1-P9 are matched with the stimulation electrodes E1-E9, respectively. To do. In order for the voltage control unit 33 to perform such control, the pressure information output unit 31 stores information for identifying the pressure sensor that has detected the pressure in a storage unit (not shown). Also good. That is, at the time of current control, the voltage control unit 33 may read the stored identification information of the pressure sensor and specify the stimulation electrode corresponding to the pressure sensor.

(Mechanism of tactile presentation)
Here, a mechanism for presenting tactile sensation by energization with the stimulation electrode will be described. First, the mechanism by which a human finger feels a tactile sensation is described as follows. When humans are subjected to vibrations on their fingertips, nerves that extend in a direction perpendicular to the skin are stimulated. In addition, when a human receives pressure on a fingertip, a nerve that extends in a direction parallel to the skin is stimulated.

  For this reason, if the nerve that extends in the direction perpendicular to the skin is stimulated at the fingertip, the fingertip can feel vibration, while if the nerve that extends in the direction parallel to the skin is stimulated, the fingertip can feel pressure. it can.

  In order to selectively stimulate these two types of nerves, it has been found that the following stimulation current may be applied. First, in order to stimulate a nerve extending in a direction perpendicular to the skin, a stimulation current in a direction entering the fingertip from the outside may be passed. In order to stimulate a nerve extending in a direction parallel to the skin, on the contrary, a stimulation current in the direction of going out from the fingertip may be passed.

  It is known that the magnitude of the pulse width of the stimulation current, the pressure felt by the frequency, and the like affect these tactile sensations. In the present embodiment, tactile sensation is presented by energizing the stimulation electrodes according to such a mechanism in which a human finger feels tactile sensation.

(Schematic configuration of touch panel input device)
Next, a schematic configuration of the touch panel input device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 as follows. As shown in the figure, the touch panel input device 200 includes a touch panel unit (touch panel) 60, a storage unit 70, a main control unit 80, a current output unit (stimulation current output means) 90, and an external I / F 91.

  The touch panel unit 60 provides a user interface for screen display and input operation, and has a configuration in which a display unit 61 and an operation position detection unit (touch panel, operation surface) 62 are integrated.

  The display unit 61 has a display screen for displaying image data, receives image data from the main control unit 80, and displays an image on the display screen based on the received image data. As the display unit 61, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display can be used.

  The operation position detection unit 62 includes an operation surface for detecting a touch position, and outputs an operation position signal corresponding to the detected touch position. For example, the operation position detection unit 62 detects a touch position by using a matrix switch, a resistance film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, a capacitance method, and an image of an object. Examples include a detection method (optical sensor method).

  Further, the operation position detection unit 62 may detect the touch position on the operation surface to be detected as two-dimensional coordinates on the operation surface.

  The storage unit 70 stores various data and programs. The storage unit 70 can be configured by, for example, a hard disk, flash memory, ROM, RAM, or the like. Details of the data stored in the storage unit 70 will be described later.

  The main control unit 80 comprehensively controls various configurations in the touch panel input device 200. The function of the main control unit 80 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a storage element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory. Details of the main control unit 80 will be described later.

  The current output unit 90 adjusts the voltage under the control of the main control unit 80 and outputs a stimulation current for output to the input device 100.

  The external I / F 91 is an interface for connecting the wiring 150. The touch panel input device 200 is connected to the input device 100 via a wiring 150 connected to the external I / F 41, and inputs and outputs stimulation currents and control signals.

(Details of the storage unit included in the touch panel input device)
Next, details of the storage unit 70 will be described. The storage unit 70 stores information for the current control unit (current output control means) 83 to control the current output unit 90.

  The information stored in the storage unit 70 includes setting mode mapping information, pressure mode information, and current output waveform template information.

  The setting mode mapping information is information that defines a region where stimulation current should be output in response to detection of the operation position in the operation surface of the operation position detection unit 62, that is, the region on the touch panel. Also, what kind of stimulation current is output is defined in the pressure mode information. The setting mode mapping information defines in which “pressure mode” the stimulation current should be output for the region.

  The pressure mode information is information that associates the magnitude of the pressure indicated by the pressure information with the output waveform pattern of the stimulation current to be output. The output waveform pattern is defined by the current output waveform template information. The output waveform pattern is defined by “output level”.

  The current output waveform template information is information that associates the time series with the pulse waveform of the current to be output. From another viewpoint, the voltage control unit 33 shows a voltage displacement pattern for controlling the output of the stimulation current.

(Details of setting mode mapping information, pressure mode information, and current output waveform template information)
Subsequently, the setting mode mapping information, the pressure mode information, and the current output waveform template information will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting mode mapping information. FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the pressure mode information. FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating an example of current output waveform template information.

  First, the setting mode mapping information will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the area indicated by the outermost long rectangle corresponds to the area of the operation surface that receives the input operation of the operation position detection unit 62. More specifically, this area also corresponds to the display area of the display unit 61.

  In addition, an area 6 indicated by a group of nine long rectangles in three rows and three columns is shown inside the area. This area 6 represents the shape of a button (for example, a numeric button) displayed on the display unit 61.

  That is, the setting mode mapping information shown in FIG. 7 is used for energizing the stimulation current when the input operation to the button displayed on the display unit 61, that is, the region 6 is detected, to give the user a feeling of operation. Shows the settings.

  In FIG. 7, a code “1” indicating that the current control unit 83 outputs the stimulation current in accordance with “pressure mode 1” is set in the region 6. That is, when the operation position detection unit 62 detects an operation in this region 6, the touch panel input device 200 outputs a stimulation current to the input instrument 100.

  In FIG. 7, the area “7” other than the area 6 is set with a code “0” indicating that the current control unit 83 does not output stimulation current in accordance with “pressure mode 0”. .

  That is, even if the operation position detection unit 62 detects an operation in this region 7, the touch panel input device 200 does not output stimulation current to the input instrument 100.

  As a specific example of the data structure of the setting mode mapping information, there is one in which two-dimensional coordinate data indicating a position on the operation surface is associated with a pressure mode.

  When the input operation position on the operation surface is represented by a two-dimensional coordinate such as (x, y), for example, in the setting mode mapping information, the pressure mode “0” is associated with the origin (0, 0). I can leave. Such a data structure is just an example, and the data structure of the setting mode mapping information is such that the coordinates on the operation surface of the operation position detection unit 62 or the coordinates of the display unit 61 are associated with the pressure mode. Those skilled in the art can appropriately define such things.

  Next, the pressure mode information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A shows the correspondence between the pressure value and the output level in the “pressure mode 0”. As shown in the figure, in “pressure mode 0”, “output level 0” is set for any pressure value. At this time, no stimulation current is output.

  FIG. 8B shows the “pressure mode 1”. As shown in the figure, the output level is defined in stages according to the magnitude of the pressure. According to FIG. 8B, when the pressure value is not less than K1 and less than K2, the stimulation current is output at “output level 1”. When the pressure value is less than K1, “output level 0” is associated, and at this time, no stimulation current is output. When the pressure value is not less than K2 and less than K3, the stimulation current is output at “output level 2”. When the pressure value is equal to or greater than K3, the stimulation current is output at “output level 3”.

  Next, the current output waveform template information will be described with reference to FIG. 9A to 9D show output waveform patterns of “output level 0” to “output level 3”, respectively.

  The “output level 0” shown in FIG. 9A is an “output level” in which no stimulation current is output, and therefore the pulse current waveform is not shown.

  “Output level 1” shown in FIG. 9B shows a waveform pattern in which negative pulse currents and positive pulse currents are alternately output.

  Further, in “output level 2” shown in FIG. 9C, a pattern in which one negative pulse current is output first and then three positive pulse currents are output is repeated.

  Then, at “output level 3” shown in FIG. 9D, a pattern in which one negative pulse current is output first and then eight positive pulse currents are output is repeated.

  From “output level 1” to “output level 3”, the interval between the pulse currents is shortened, so that more pulse currents are output per unit time.

  Further, the waveform patterns of these output levels can be determined so that a desired haptic sense can be presented in accordance with the contents described in the aforementioned “tactile sense presentation mechanism”.

(Details of the main control unit provided in the touch panel input device)
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the detail of the main control part 80 with which the touch-panel input device 200 is provided is demonstrated. The main control unit 80 includes an operation position output unit 81, a pressure information acquisition unit (pressure acquisition unit) 82, and a current control unit 83.

  The operation position output unit 81 generates operation position information from the operation position signal output from the operation position detection unit 62, and outputs the generated operation position information to the input device 100 via the external I / F 91. .

  The pressure information acquisition unit 82 acquires pressure information from the input instrument 100 via the external I / F 91 in response to the operation position output unit 81 generating the operation position information, and current-controls the acquired pressure information. This is transferred to the unit 83.

  The current control unit 83 controls the current output unit 90 based on the pressure information transferred from the pressure information acquisition unit 82 and the operation position information generated by the operation position output unit 81 and supplies the current to the input instrument 100. The current is controlled. Specifically, the current control unit 83 reads the setting mode mapping information, the pressure mode information, and the current output waveform template information stored in the storage unit 70, and based on the read various information, the current output unit 90. Controls the output of current at.

  Specifically, the current control unit 83 determines whether or not the operation position indicated by the operation position information is an operation for an area where the stimulation current is to be output, with reference to the setting mode mapping information. As a result of the determination, when the operation is performed on the region where the stimulation current is to be output, the current control unit 83 refers to the “pressure mode” set in the setting mode mapping information and outputs the pressure value indicated by the pressure information. Determine the level.

  Then, the current control unit 83 controls the current output unit 90 to output the stimulation current having the output waveform pattern defined by the output level.

  The current output unit 90 outputs a stimulation current having a designated output waveform pattern to the input device 100 via the external I / F 91 under the control of the current control unit 83.

(Processing flow of touch panel input system)
Next, a processing flow of the touch panel input system 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the touch panel input system 500.

When the processing is started, both the input device 100 and the touch panel input device 200 are in a standby state (S11, S21).
Here, it waits for operation input with respect to the touch panel part 60 with which the touch panel input device 200 is provided with the input instrument 100. FIG. When the fingertip member 100A is pressed against the operation position detection unit 62 by the user, in the input instrument 100, the pressure sensor included in the pressure detection unit 11 detects the pressure (S12). The pressure sensor outputs a pressure signal indicating the magnitude of the detected pressure to the pressure information output unit 31.

  On the other hand, the touch panel input device 200 determines whether an input operation on the touch panel unit 60 is detected (S22). That is, it is determined whether the operation position output unit 81 has acquired an operation position signal from the operation position detection unit 62.

  In the touch panel input device 200, when the operation position output unit 81 has not acquired the operation position signal from the operation position detection unit 62 (NO in S22), the operation position output unit 81 returns to the standby state again (S21).

  On the other hand, in the touch panel input device 200, when the operation position output unit 81 acquires an operation position signal from the operation position detection unit 62 (YES in S22), the operation position output unit 81 generates operation position information. The operation position information is output to the input device 100 via the external I / F 91 (S23). In the input instrument 100, when the operation position acquisition unit 32 acquires the operation position information, the pressure information output unit 31 generates pressure information based on the pressure signal output from the pressure detection unit 11, and the generated pressure Information is output to the touch panel input device 200 via the external I / F 41 (S13). The pressure information acquisition unit 82 acquires the pressure information output from the input device 100 via the external I / F 91 (S24).

  Next, in the touch panel input device 200, the current control unit 83 causes the current output unit 90 to output a current waveform pattern of an output level corresponding to the operation position information and the pressure information (S25). As a result, a stimulation current is output from the touch panel input device 200 to the input device 100. When the output of current to the input device 100 is completed (S26), the touch panel input device 200 returns to the standby state (S21).

  On the other hand, in the input device 100, the voltage displacement part 40 receives the electric current supplied from the touch panel input device 200 (S14). In the input instrument 100, the displacement voltage application unit 21 controls the potential at the stimulation electrode corresponding to the pressure sensor that has detected the pressure, and outputs a current from the stimulation electrode (S15). And the input device 100 will return to a standby state, if the output of an electric current is complete | finished (S16) (S11).

  In the above process, the pressure information generated by the input device 100 in the touch panel input device 200 when the input device 100 detects pressure and the touch panel input device 200 detects input on the touch panel unit 60. And the operation based on the combination of the operation position information generated by the touch panel input device 200 can be performed.

  The action based on the combination of the pressure information and the operation position information is to assign one or more actions to the combination of the pressure information and the operation position information and perform the action assigned to the combination. . For example, when the operation position information indicating that a specific location has been operated is acquired in the touch panel input device 200 and the pressure information indicates the magnitude of pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the application is activated. There are cases.

  Further, if the pressure information detected by the input device 100 indicates a predetermined value or more, even if the operation position information detected by the touch panel input device 200 is the same, even if the touch panel input device 200 performs a different operation. Good. Even if the pressure information generated by the input instrument 100 indicates the same value, even if the operation position information generated by the touch panel input device 200 indicates a different position, the touch panel input device 200 may perform different operations. Good.

(Action / Effect)
As described above, the input device 100 according to the present embodiment is in a state where the input device 100 for performing an input operation by pressing, contacting, or approaching the touch panel input device 200 is in contact with the skin of a living body. By the input operation with respect to the touch panel input device 200 by the input device 100 using the displacement voltage application unit 21 having the one or more stimulation electrodes E1 (to E9) and the reference voltage application unit 22 having the reference electrode that can be held, the stimulation electrode E1 A voltage control unit 33 that applies a voltage for stimulating the tactile sensation of the skin in contact with the stimulation electrode E1 (to E9) is provided between (to E9) and the reference electrode.

  As a result, even if no stimulation electrode is provided on the surface of the touch panel unit 60, there is an effect that the input device 100 can provide a user with an operational feeling by tactile presentation.

(Modification of processing flow)
Next, a modified example of the processing flow of the touch panel input system 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the processing flow of the touch panel input system 500.

  In this modification, while the input instrument 100 detects pressure, the touch panel input device 200 is detected based on pressure information when the touch panel input device 200 does not detect input on the touch panel unit 60. The operation will be described. To operate based on pressure information means to start an application or execute a specific function in accordance with the magnitude of pressure indicated by the pressure information. For example, if the pressure indicated by the pressure information is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the touch panel input device 200 may perform an operation such as turning off the power.

  First, when the process is started, both the input device 100 and the touch panel input device 200 are in a standby state (S31). Here, the touch panel input device 200 determines whether or not the pressure sensor of the input device 100 detects pressure (S32). This determination is made based on whether or not the pressure information acquisition unit 82 of the touch panel input device 200 has acquired pressure information from the input device 100.

  The pressure information acquisition unit 82 determines that “the pressure sensor detects pressure” if the pressure information can be acquired from the input instrument 100, and if the pressure information cannot be acquired from the input instrument 100, the “pressure It is determined that the sensor is not detecting pressure.

  If the pressure sensor of input device 100 detects pressure (YES in S32), touch panel input device 200 determines whether operation position output unit 81 generates operation position information from the operation position signal ( S33).

  If the operation position output unit 81 has not generated the operation position information (NO in S33), the touch panel input device 200 operates based on the pressure information acquired from the input instrument 100 (S34) and stands by. Return to the state (S31). That is, the input instrument 100 operates not as an instrument for performing an input operation on the touch panel unit 60 but as an input device that operates the function of the touch panel input device 200 by outputting pressure information. Here, the operation means, for example, executing a function such as starting an application.

  On the other hand, when the operation position output unit 81 has generated the operation position information (YES in S33), the touch panel input device 200 uses the pressure information acquired from the input instrument 100 and the operation position generated by the operation position output unit 81. It operates based on the information (for example, activation of an application) (S35) and returns to the standby state (S31). Note that the touch panel input device 200 may supply the stimulation current to the input device 100 in S35 as in S25 described above.

(Modified example of the configuration of the touch panel input system)
Hereinafter, a preferred modification of the configuration of the touch panel input system 500 will be described.

(Each electrode)
In the above description, the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9 and the reference electrode are distinguished from each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the stimulation electrode and the reference electrode can use the same electrodes. For example, among the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9, a voltage applied to one stimulation electrode may be used as a reference voltage, and a stimulation electrode to which this reference voltage is applied may be used as a reference electrode.

(About wiring)
When the wiring 150 includes a plurality of current supply lines equal to the number of stimulation electrodes, the touch panel input device 200 may selectively supply power to each stimulation electrode. That is, a dedicated current supply line may be assigned to the stimulation electrode. For example, when current supply lines L1 to L8 (not shown) are assigned to the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9, current is supplied from the touch panel input device 200 to the stimulation electrode E1. May be configured to be performed via the current supply line L1. In this case, the voltage controller 33 may be omitted from the input device 100.

  In addition, current may be supplied from the touch panel input device 200 to the input instrument 100 with a single power supply line, and the stimulation electrode that supplies current may be controlled on the input instrument 100 side.

  Furthermore, the structure which does not connect the input device 100 and the touch panel input device 200 by the wiring 150 is also possible. In this case, the pressure information output unit 31 may not output the pressure information to the touch panel input device 200, and the input instrument 100 may detect the pressure according to the detected pressure level when the pressure detection unit 11 detects the pressure. The voltage control for the displacement voltage application unit 21 is performed.

(Example of configuration change of pressure sensor and stimulation electrode)
The pressure sensors P1 to P9 and the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9 are arranged so as to correspond on the front and back in the fingertip member 100A, but are not limited to this arrangement. Further, the pressure sensors P1 to P9 and the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9 correspond to each other one by one, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a plurality of stimulation electrodes may correspond to one pressure sensor, The reverse is also true. A combination of a plurality of pressure sensors among the pressure sensors P1 to P9 may correspond to a combination of a plurality of stimulation electrodes among the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9. These correspondences can be appropriately combined and changed.

  For example, the pressure sensors P1 to P9 and the stimulation electrodes E1 to E9 correspond to each other, and the combination of the stimulation electrodes E1 to E3 may correspond to the combination of the pressure sensors P1 and P2. In this case, when only the pressure sensor P1 detects the pressure, only the corresponding stimulation electrode E1 is supplied with the stimulation current. Further, when the pressure sensors P1 and P2 detect pressure, the stimulation current is supplied to the stimulation electrodes E1 to E3 that are corresponding combinations.

(Modification of touch panel input device)
In the touch panel input device 200, the pressure mode may be determined according to the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 62. Further, the touch panel input device 200 may include a pressure detection unit. For example, the touch panel input device 200 detects a moment when the user's finger touches the operation surface and a moment when the user's finger leaves the operation surface. A mode may be set. The touch panel input device 200 may be provided as an input unit of a mobile phone.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the input device 100T and the touch panel input device 200T constituting the touch panel input system 500T according to the present embodiment.
For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the embodiment, the touch panel input device 200 determines the output waveform of the stimulation current output from the touch panel input device 200 to the input device 100. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the input instrument 100T implement | achieves the structure which determines the said output waveform.

(About differences)
First, regarding FIG. 12, the points different from FIG. 1 regarding the input device 100 </ b> T and the touch panel input device 200 </ b> T will be described as follows.

  The difference regarding the input instrument 100 </ b> T is that the main control unit 30 includes a current pattern information output unit 31 </ b> A instead of the pressure information output unit 31, and further includes a storage unit 50.

  The difference with respect to the touch panel input device 200 </ b> T is that the main control unit 80 includes a current pattern information acquisition unit 82 </ b> A instead of the pressure information acquisition unit 82.

(Details of differences in input devices)
Next, details of each part of the difference in the input device 100T will be described below.

  The storage unit 50 is the same as the storage unit 70 provided in the touch panel input device 100 shown in FIG. The information stored in the storage unit 50 includes setting mode mapping information, pressure mode information, and current output waveform template information.

  The current pattern information output unit 31A determines the waveform pattern of the stimulation current output to the displacement voltage application unit 21, and instructs the touch panel input device 200T to supply the stimulation current having the determined waveform pattern.

  Specifically, when the operation position acquisition unit 32 acquires the operation position information from the touch panel input device 200T, the current pattern information output unit 31A acquires the pressure information from the pressure detection unit 11 and stores it in the storage unit 50. The waveform pattern of the stimulation current is determined while referring to the information that is being performed. The waveform pattern of the stimulation current can be determined by the method already described. Then, the current pattern information output unit 31A generates current pattern information indicating the waveform pattern of the determined stimulation current and outputs the current pattern information to the touch panel input device 200T via the external I / F 41.

(Details of differences in touch panel input devices)
Next, details of the differences in the touch panel input device 200T will be described below.

  The current pattern information acquisition unit 82A acquires the current pattern information output from the current pattern information output unit 31A included in the input instrument 100T, and transfers the acquired current pattern information to the current control unit 83. Thereby, the current control part 83 which acquired current pattern information controls the stimulation current for outputting to the input instrument 100T.

[Embodiment 3]
(Pen-type input device)
Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating another usage mode of the touch panel input system 500 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the input device may be configured as a pen-type input device 100P.

  Details of the pen-type input device 100P according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the pen-type input device 100P. As illustrated, the pen-type input device 100P has a shape like a pen, and has a body portion F1 that can be used in a state in which the user grips like a pen. The pen-type input device 100P is used in such a manner that the tip portion F4 of the pen is pressed against the touch panel unit 60 like a touch pen when the touch panel input device 200 is operated.

  Further, in the pen-type input device 100P, the displacement voltage application unit 21 is provided at a grip portion (position to be gripped) F2 when the user grips the body portion F1 of the pen-type input device 100P. In other words, when the user holds the pen-type input device 100P, the displacement voltage application unit 21 is provided near the position where the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger come into contact with the body part F1. Further, in the pen-type input device 100P, the reference voltage application unit 22 is a position where the portion between the thumb and forefinger and the body portion F1 are in contact with each other when the user grips the pen-type input device 100P (the stimulation electrode is disposed). (Position between the made position and the other end of the body part) near F3. Further, the pressure detection unit 11 is provided at the tip portion (pen tip portion) F4 of the pen-type input device 100P.

  The remaining configuration of the pen-type input device 100P is the same as the configuration of the input device 100 shown in FIG.

  With the above configuration, the following processing operation is possible. First, when the front end portion F4 of the pen is pressed by the touch panel unit 60, the pressure detection unit 11 detects the pressure and outputs a pressure signal. And the pressure information output part 31 produces | generates pressure information based on a pressure signal.

  On the other hand, the operation position detection unit 62 included in the touch panel input device 200 detects a press and outputs an operation position signal. Then, the operation position output unit 81 generates operation position information from the operation position signal output by the operation position detection unit 62, and outputs the generated operation position information to the pen-type input device 100P.

  In the pen-type input device 100 </ b> P, the pressure information output unit 31 outputs the pressure information to the touch panel input device 200 in response to the acquisition of the operation position information.

  Then, in the touch panel input device 200, the pressure information acquisition unit 82 acquires pressure information from the pen-type input device 100 </ b> P and transfers it to the current control unit 83. The current control unit 83 determines the stimulation current waveform pattern based on the operation position information and the pressure information, and controls the current output unit 90 to output the stimulation current to the pen-type input device 100P.

  In the pen-type input device 100P, the voltage control unit 33 controls the voltage displacement unit 40 to output the stimulation current output from the touch panel input device 200 to the stimulation electrode corresponding to the pressure sensor that detects the pressure. The pen-type input device 100P can present a tactile sensation to the user by energizing the reference electrode from the stimulation electrode.

  Thus, even in a pen-type input device, it is possible to provide an operational feeling by tactile presentation without providing stimulation electrodes on the surface of the touch panel. In addition, if more current is output from the stimulation electrode according to the magnitude of the pressure, the user can recognize how much writing pressure is being operated by the tactile sensation presented by the stimulation current. it can.

(Other variations)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Moreover, in the above, each block of the input instrument 100 and the touch panel input device 200, in particular, the pressure information output unit 31 provided in the main control unit 30 of the input instrument 100, the operation position acquisition unit 32, and the voltage control unit 33, and the touch panel The example which implement | achieves the operation position output part 81 with which the main control part 80 of the input device 200 is provided, the pressure information acquisition part 82, and the electric current control part 83 with software using CPU was demonstrated.

  That is, the input device 100 and the touch panel input device 200 include a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program for realizing each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and a RAM ( random access memory), a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. The object of the present invention is to record the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program for the input device 100 and the touch panel input device 200, which are software that realizes the above-described functions, in a computer-readable manner. This can also be achieved by supplying the recording medium to the input device 100 and the touch panel input device 200, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) reads out and executes the program code recorded on the recording medium.

  Examples of the recording medium include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks / hard disks, and disks including optical disks such as CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the input device 100 and the touch panel input device 200 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission. Each block of the input device 100 and the touch panel input device 200 may be configured by hardware logic.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a user with an operational feeling by presenting a tactile sensation without providing a stimulation electrode on the touch panel surface. Therefore, it can be widely applied to touch panel input devices and the like.

3 Index finger 5 Insulating layer D1 Tip part E1-E9 Stimulation electrode F1 Body part F2 Grasping part (position to be grasped)
F3 contact position (position between the position where the stimulation electrode is provided and the other end of the body)
F4 tip (pen tip)
P1 to P9 Pressure sensor 11 Pressure detector (pressure sensor)
21 Displacement voltage application unit (stimulation electrode)
22 Reference voltage application section (reference electrode)
30 Main Control Unit 31 Pressure Information Output Unit 31A Current Pattern Information Output Unit 32 Operation Position Acquisition Unit (Operation Information Acquisition Unit)
33 Voltage controller (voltage application means)
40 Voltage Displacement Unit 50 Storage Unit 60 Touch Panel Unit (Touch Panel)
61 Display unit 62 Operation position detection unit (touch panel, operation surface)
70 Storage Unit 80 Main Control Unit 81 Operation Position Output Unit 82 Pressure Information Acquisition Unit (Pressure Acquisition Unit)
82A Current pattern information acquisition unit 83 Current control unit (current output control means)
90 Current output unit (stimulation current output means)
100 input device 100A fingertip member 100B annular member (annular member)
100T input device 150 wiring 200 touch panel input device 200T touch panel input device 500 touch panel input system 500T touch panel input system

Claims (15)

In an input device for performing an input operation by pressing, touching, or approaching the touch panel,
One or more stimulation electrodes and a reference electrode capable of maintaining a state in contact with the skin of a living body;
Voltage application means for applying a voltage for stimulating the tactile sensation of the skin in contact with the stimulation electrode between the stimulation electrode and the reference electrode by an input operation on the touch panel by the input device; An input device characterized by that. Operation information acquisition means for acquiring operation information indicating that the input operation has been performed by the input device from the touch panel,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the voltage application unit applies a voltage in response to the operation information acquisition unit acquiring operation information. Comprising one or more pressure sensors for detecting the pressure of the input operation on the touch panel;
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the voltage application unit changes a displacement pattern of a voltage applied to the stimulation electrode in accordance with a magnitude of pressure detected by the pressure sensor. The stimulation electrode is plural,
The pressure sensor is plural,
The plurality of stimulation electrodes and the plurality of pressure sensors correspond to each other,
The input according to claim 3, wherein the voltage application unit changes a displacement pattern of a voltage applied to the stimulation electrode corresponding to the pressure sensor according to the magnitude of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. Instruments. Having a pen-shaped body,
A pen tip portion for performing an input operation is provided at one end of the body portion,
Deploying the stimulation electrode at a position held by a user of the torso,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the reference electrode is disposed at a position between the position where the stimulation electrode is disposed and the other end of the body part in the body part. Having a pen-shaped body,
One end of the body portion is provided with a pen tip portion for performing an input operation, and the pressure sensor is arranged on the pen tip portion,
Deploying the stimulation electrode at a position held by a user of the torso,
5. The input device according to claim 3, wherein the reference electrode is disposed at a position between the position where the stimulation electrode is disposed and the other end of the body part in the body part. It is composed of a fingertip member for mounting on the user's fingertip and an annular member for mounting on the user's finger,
In the fingertip member, the stimulation electrode is arranged on the side in contact with the user's finger,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the reference electrode is disposed at a portion of the annular member that contacts a user's finger. It is composed of a fingertip member for mounting on the user's fingertip and an annular member for mounting on the user's finger,
In the fingertip member, the stimulation electrode is disposed on the side that contacts the user's finger, and the pressure sensor corresponding to the stimulation electrode is disposed on the side opposite to the side that contacts the user's finger,
The input device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the reference electrode is arranged at a position where the annular member comes into contact with a user's finger.   9. An input instrument control program for operating the input instrument according to claim 1, wherein the input instrument control program causes a computer included in the input instrument to function as each means.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the input instrument control program of Claim 9. A touch panel input device that is provided with an operation surface and detects that an input operation of pressing, contacting, or approaching the operation surface is performed;
In a touch panel input system comprising an input device for performing the input operation on the operation surface of the touch panel input device,
The input device is:
Comprising one or more stimulation electrodes and a reference electrode capable of maintaining a state in contact with the skin of a living body;
The touch panel input device
Stimulation current output means for outputting a current for energizing the stimulation electrode;
A touch panel input system comprising: current output control means for causing the stimulation current output means to output a current when an input operation on the operation surface is detected. The input device is:
One or more pressure sensors that detect the pressure of an input operation on the touch panel and output the detected pressure as a pressure signal;
The touch panel input device
A pressure acquisition means for acquiring a pressure signal output by the pressure sensor;
12. The current output control unit changes a waveform pattern of a current to be output to the stimulation current output unit according to a pressure level indicated by the pressure signal acquired by the pressure acquisition unit. Touch panel input system described in 1. The stimulation electrode is plural,
The pressure sensor is plural,
The plurality of stimulation electrodes and the plurality of pressure sensors correspond to each other,
The current output control means includes a displacement pattern of a voltage applied to the stimulation electrode corresponding to the one pressure sensor according to the magnitude of the pressure indicated by the pressure signal acquired by the pressure acquisition means for the one pressure sensor. The touch panel input system according to claim 12, wherein the touch panel input system is changed.   The touch panel input system according to claim 11, wherein the touch panel input device is provided in a mobile phone. In the control method of the input device for performing the input operation by pressing, touching, or approaching the touch panel,
In order to stimulate the tactile sensation of the skin in contact with the stimulation electrode between the one or more stimulation electrodes and the reference electrode that can maintain the state in contact with the skin of the living body by an input operation on the touch panel by the input device A method for controlling an input device, comprising: a voltage applying step of applying a voltage of 2.

Images