JP2011096133A - Information transmitter to living body - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely transmit information to a living body by strong vibration in an information transmitter to the living body and to easily manufacture the information transmitter. <P>SOLUTION: The information transmitter 1 includes: a linear shape memory alloy 21; a transparent plate 22 to which the shape memory alloy 21 is attached; and a signal generation part 3 for applying pulse waves having on/off duty for signal transmission and having similar or different peak values to the shape memory alloy 21. The transparent plate 22 has a hole 23 to which the shape memory alloy 21 is attached in a relaxed state. The shape memory alloy 21 is pressed to the living body and a pulse wave is applied to the shape memory alloy 21 in a tensed state. Since the pulse wave is applied to the shape memory alloy 21 in the tensed state, vibration of the shape memory alloy 21 is increased and information can be surely transmitted to the living body. Since such a simple structure that the shape memory alloy 21 is attached in the relaxed state is adopted, the information transmitter to the living body can be easily manufactured. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information transmission device that transmits tactile information to a living body using a shape memory alloy.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an information transmission device using a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, a shape memory alloy, or the like is known as a device that transmits information to the sense of touch of a living body by presenting minute vibrations. The mechanism by which the tactile sensation of the living body used for information transmission senses vibration is explained as follows. Human receptors involved in the formation of tactile sensations such as skin sensations are distributed in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. When stimulation is applied to the skin surface, several types of receptors in the subcutaneous tissue are stimulated. In human receptors, the Meissner body senses vibrations below 100 [Hz], and the Pacini body reacts to vibrations of about 100 to 300 [Hz], and the Merkel touch panel reacts to pressure. The Rufini ending is supposed to perceive distortion and displacement. The Meissner body has a fast adaptation and a narrow receptive field, the Patini body has a fast adaptation and a wide receptive field, and the Merkel cell has a slow adaptation and a narrow receptive field. Has been. Specifically, it is said that the Pachiny body reacts most sensitively to vibration of about 200 [Hz], and the Meissner body reacts most sensitively to vibration of about 30 [Hz].

  As an information transmission device for transmitting information to the tactile sensation of a living body using a shape memory alloy, for example, a structure in which a shape memory alloy having a length of about 3 mm and a diameter of about 50 μ is bent into a horseshoe shape, and the apex of the horseshoe shape is touched to the living body. Is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this information transmission device, by applying a pulse wave having a peak value of 2 V and a duty ratio of 5% to the shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy is repeatedly heated and cooled to contract and elongate and vibrate at a high frequency. Let This vibration makes use of phantom sensation and apparent motion to provide advanced presentation of characters, figures, braille, etc. to the tactile sense of the living body.

  However, in such an information transmission device, a shape memory alloy that presents a sense of touch is formed in a horseshoe shape, and the living body is stimulated by the restoring force of the shape memory alloy itself. Since the alloy is as thin as 50 μm, and is soft and poor in restoring force, the generated stimulus is small and information cannot be sufficiently presented to the living body by touch. Further, when a plurality of shape memory alloys are used together, it is difficult to manufacture a uniform horseshoe shape so that the shape memory alloys vibrate evenly.

  In addition, with the shape memory alloy relaxed, both ends of the shape memory alloy are fixed and attached on a flat or curved surface, and one end of the tactile element that transmits the vibration of the shape memory alloy to the living body is attached to the middle part of the shape memory alloy. An information transmission device having a structure in which the other end of the tactile sensation is provided so as to be in contact with a living body is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  However, in such an information transmission device, since vibrations are presented to the tactile sensation of the living body via the tactile sensor, the contact portion with the living body becomes large, and advanced tactile presentation such as phantom sensation and apparent movement is performed. I can't. Moreover, since the structure is complicated, manufacturing is difficult.

JP 2007-48268 A JP 2008-262478 A

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem, and can transmit information to a living body reliably by strong vibration of a shape memory alloy, and can be easily manufactured with a simple configuration. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an information transmission device to a living body using a shape memory alloy, a linear shape memory alloy, a plate to which the shape memory alloy is attached, and the shape memory alloy. And a signal generating means for applying a pulse wave having the same or different peak value for on / off duty for signal transmission, and the shape memory alloy is attached to the plate in a relaxed state. In addition, a pulse wave is applied in a state where tension is applied, and mechanical vibration is generated by repeating the change of the length of the alloy, and information is transmitted to a tactile sensation of a living body in contact with the alloy. is there.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information transmission device to the living body according to the first aspect, the plate has a hole portion formed in the plate surface, and the shape memory alloy is relaxed across the hole portion. In this state, it is fixed to the plate at both ends of the hole, and is tensioned by a living body that presses the hole during use.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information transmission device to the living body according to the first aspect, the plate has a pair of protrusions on the plate surface, and the shape memory alloy has a gap between the pair of protrusions. It is fixed to the protrusions in a relaxed state across the bridge, and is tensioned by a living body that presses between the protrusions during use.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information transmission device to the living body according to the first aspect, the shape memory alloy has a horseshoe-shaped portion bent and relaxed in a horseshoe shape, and the horseshoe-shaped portion is perpendicular to the plate. In this state, it is fixed to the plate at the base of the horseshoe shape and is filled with elastic resin between the horseshoe portion and the plate, and the resin gives tension in the outer peripheral direction of the horseshoe portion. is there.

  According to the invention of claim 1, since the pulse wave is applied in a state where tension is applied to the shape memory alloy, the mechanical vibration of the shape memory alloy becomes strong and information can be reliably transmitted to the living body. In addition, since the shape memory alloy has a simple structure in which it is attached in a relaxed state, it can be easily manufactured.

  According to the second to fourth aspects of the invention, the mechanical vibration of the alloy is efficiently transmitted to the living body by driving the shape memory alloy in a state where the shape memory alloy is tensioned by the living body or the resin. And information transmission to the living body becomes more reliable.

(A) is a block diagram of the biological information transmission apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a disassembled perspective view of the tactile-sensor unit in the information transmission apparatus. (A) is a top view which shows an example of the tactile sensor unit in the same information transmission apparatus, (b) is a top view which shows another example of the tactile sensor unit. The characteristic view of the shape memory alloy in the information transmission device. The figure which shows the application conditions of the pulse wave applied to the same shape memory alloy. The figure which shows the application conditions of the simultaneous stimulation of the same pulse wave. The figure which shows the application conditions of the same peak value of the pulse wave. (A) is the perspective view which shows the structure which replaced the part which does not contact a biological body among the shape memory alloys in the information transmission apparatus which concerns on a 1st modification with the microwire, (b) is in the shape memory alloys. The perspective view which shows the structure which substituted the part which does not contact a biological body with the transparent electrode. The perspective view of the information transmission apparatus which concerns on a 2nd modification. The front view of the information transmission apparatus which concerns on a 3rd modification. Sectional drawing of the information transmission apparatus which concerns on a 4th modification. The block diagram of the information transmission apparatus to the biological body which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a top view which shows an example of the touch panel in the same information transmission apparatus, (b) is a top view which shows the other example in the same information transmission apparatus.

(First embodiment)
An apparatus for transmitting information to a living body according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The information transmission device 1 to a living body includes a transparent plate-like tactile sensor unit 2 having a shape memory alloy 21 in contact with a living body, and a signal generating unit (signal 3). The tactile sensor unit 2 is disposed on a display panel 5 that displays images, pictures and the like. The signal generator 3 is a signal generator 31 that generates a signal for driving the tactile sensor unit 2 and a pulse wave that receives the signal output from the signal generator 31 and drives the shape memory alloy 21 of the tactile sensor unit 2. And a shape memory alloy driver 32 for generating.

  The display panel 5 is an image display that displays an image in response to a signal, or a display object on which a picture or symbol is drawn. When the display panel 5 is a video display, a control device 6 that generates a signal for displaying a video is provided. In this case, the control device 6 outputs a signal associated with the video data displayed on the display panel 5 to the signal generation device 31. Thereby, the signal generator 31 generates a signal for driving the tactile sensor unit 2 so that information related to the image can be transmitted to the living body. In addition, when the display panel 5 is a display object on which a picture is drawn, the signal generator 31 generates data related to the display object. In this case, the control device 6 is not always necessary.

  The tactile sensor unit 2 includes a linear shape memory alloy 21 that performs a vibration motion, a transparent plate (plate) 22 to which the shape memory alloy 21 is attached, and a thin film that covers the shape memory alloy 21 and the transparent plate 22 from above. The transparent protective cover 24 is provided. The transparent plate 22 has a hole portion 23a opened in the plate surface, the shape memory alloy 21 is attached to the transparent plate 22 across the hole portion 23a, and both ends are extended to the end portion of the transparent plate 22, and a signal generation unit 3 is connected to a lead wire 4 that transmits a signal from the shape memory alloy 21 to the shape memory alloy 21. The portion of the shape memory alloy 21 straddling the hole 23a is fixed to the transparent plate 22 at both ends of the hole 23a in a relaxed state. Even when the shape memory alloy 21 is pressed against the living body, the shape memory alloy 21 does not reach the object placed under the hole 23a, and tension is generated in the shape memory alloy 21. Relaxed. The shape memory alloy 21 is pressed against the living body of the user who touches the tactile sensor unit 2 and is given a tension. When a pulse wave is applied in this state, the shape memory alloy 21 repeats a change in the length of the alloy to strengthen the shape memory alloy 21. Vibration is generated and information is reliably transmitted to the sense of touch of the living body.

  The transparent protective cover 24 also has a hole 23 b at a location corresponding to the hole 23 a of the transparent plate 22. When referring to both the hole 23 a and the hole 23 b, it is referred to as the hole 23. The transparent protective cover 24 may not have the hole 23b.

  The shape memory alloy 21 is made of a thin wire having a diameter of 50 μm or less. The transparent plate 22 and the transparent protective cover 24 are made of transparent glass, transparent resin, or the like. Although four pairs of the shape memory alloy 21 and the hole 23 are shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that a large number of the shape memory alloy 21 and the hole 23 are arranged in a matrix on the surface of the transparent plate 22.

  The signal generating device 31 receives data from the control device 6 when the control device 6 is provided as described above, and displays a picture or the like displayed on the display panel 5 when the control device 6 is not provided. Store related information. The shape memory alloy driver 32 outputs a pulse wave that drives the shape memory alloy 21 to the shape memory alloy 21 via the lead wire 4.

  FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of the tactile sensor unit 2 attached to the display panel 5. In FIG. 2A, the display panel 5 is a display object and displays a diagram of an arrow H, and the user can see the arrow H through the tactile sensor unit 2. On the arrow H, a plurality of shape memory alloys 21 and holes 23 are arranged. The signal generator 31 outputs a signal for giving a tactile sensation that an object is moving in the same direction as the arrow H to the shape memory alloy driver 32 from the stored information of the arrow H, and the shape memory alloy driver 32 32 outputs a pulse wave for driving the shape memory alloy 21 based on a signal from the signal generator 31. The user can obtain a tactile sensation that an object is moving in the same direction as the arrow H by touching the tactile sensor unit 2 and applying tension to the shape memory alloy 21.

  In FIG. 2B, the display panel 5 is a video display, and a plurality of shape memory alloys 21 and holes 23 are arranged in a matrix on the display. In this figure, illustration of the lead wire for driving the shape memory alloy 21 is omitted, but for example, a plurality of sets of tactile sensor units 2 shown in FIG. An image of the fabric I is displayed on the display panel 5 by the control device 6. The user can view the image of the fabric I through the tactile sensor unit 2. The control device 6 outputs a signal associated with the image data of the fabric I to the signal generation device 31. Based on the signal from the control device 6, the signal generating device 31 outputs a signal for giving the touch of the fabric I to the living body to the shape memory alloy driver 32, and the shape memory alloy driver 32 outputs the signal from the signal generating device 31. Based on this, a pulse wave for driving the shape memory alloy 21 is output. The user can obtain the tactile sensation of the fabric I by touching the tactile sensor unit 2 and applying tension to the shape memory alloy 21. Thus, by transmitting the tactile information of the object imaged on the display panel 5, it is possible to give the user a sense of touching the object while being remote.

  Next, the principle of operation of the shape memory alloy 21 when a pulse wave is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the temperature and length of the shape memory alloy 21. The horizontal axis indicates the temperature of the shape memory alloy 21, and the vertical axis indicates the length of the shape memory alloy 21. Since the shape memory alloy 21 has a resistance value, the shape memory alloy 21 generates heat when a pulse wave is applied, and contracts by 7% when the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature T2, and is 0.93L from the original length L. Becomes shorter. When no pulse wave is applied, the heat is dissipated, and when cooled to a temperature T1 or lower, the original length L is restored. And while the heating above the temperature T2 and the cooling below the temperature T1 are repeated by applying the pulse wave, the length of the shape memory alloy 21 repeatedly changes to the length L and the length 0.93L. The memory alloy 21 vibrates.

  Next, a method of applying a pulse wave that vibrates the tactile sensor unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, an example in which the shape memory alloy 21 in the portion straddling the hole 23 has a diameter of 50 μm, a length of 5 mm, and a resistance value of 5Ω is shown. FIG. 4 shows a state of applying a pulse wave. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates voltage. FIG. 4A shows the ratio of the on time and off time of the pulse wave. The shape memory alloy 21 requires a cooling time since it cannot be reheated and contracted unless it is radiated and cooled once it is heated and contracted. The on / off duty, which is the ratio between the voltage application time during which the shape memory alloy 21 is heated and the voltage non-application time during which the shape memory alloy 21 is cooled, is effectively about 1:20 when the applied voltage is 1V. If the voltage non-application time is shorter than this, cooling is insufficient and vibration does not occur. When the voltage application time in FIG. 4A is 1 to 100 ms, the voltage non-application time is 20 to 2000 ms.

  FIG. 4B shows a voltage application method when preheating the shape memory alloy 21. If 0.3 V is applied as the offset voltage, the shape memory alloy 21 is preheated, and the peak value of the pulse wave can be lowered to vibrate the shape memory alloy 21.

  FIG. 4C shows a voltage application method in which the peak value of the pulse wave is changed. The peak values are changed to 1V, 1.2V, 0.5V, 1.5V, 0.7V, and 1.2V. When the crest value is low, the shape memory alloy 21 vibrates weakly, and when the crest value is high, the shape memory alloy 21 vibrates strongly. By changing the height of the peak value, the strength of vibration of the shape memory alloy 21 can be adjusted.

  FIG. 4D shows a voltage application method in which when applying a pulse wave intermittently, the time for applying the pulse wave is made constant and the interval for applying the pulse wave is changed. The time for applying the pulse wave is a constant time between 10 ms and 500 ms, and the interval time for applying the pulse wave is changed between 10 ms and 1 s. When the interval time is short, the stimulus given to the living body becomes strong, and when the interval time is long, the stimulus given to the living body becomes weak. The stimulus given to the living body can be adjusted by changing the interval time for applying the pulse wave.

  FIG. 4E shows a voltage application method in which, when a pulse wave is applied intermittently, the interval at which the pulse wave is applied is constant and the time for applying the pulse wave is changed. The interval time for applying the pulse wave is a constant time between 10 ms and 1 s, and the time for applying the pulse wave is changed between 1 ms and 50 ms. When the application time is long, the stimulus given to the living body becomes strong, and when the application time is short, the stimulus given to the living body becomes weak. The stimulus given to the living body can be adjusted by changing the time for applying the pulse wave.

  The information transmission device 1 according to the present embodiment is small and light, has high energy efficiency, can respond to high frequencies, and has a very high resolution of the vibration source. In addition, if a vibration of about 0.5 Hz is given alone, it feels like a click when a person presses a switch or a switch, and a tactile sensation can be given when a vibration of 10 to 200 Hz is applied.

  Next, a method for giving a vibration source position to a living body and a method for giving a tactile sensation that an object moves to the living body by the information transmission apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 5A to 5D show the position of the vibration source on the living body contacting both points by making the peak values of the drive pulses given to the shape memory alloy 21 at two points (point A and point B) different from each other. Indicates that information can be transmitted. A plan view of the points A and B is shown in the frame of the one-dot chain line in FIG. A living body is pressed against each shape memory alloy 21 straddling the two hole portions 23 (points A and B) separated by about 60 mm, the shape memory alloy 21 is vibrated simultaneously, and the peak values of the two pulse waves are different. It shows the tactile sensation that a living body feels when touched. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the peak value of the pulse wave applied to the shape memory alloy 21 corresponding to the points A and B. Further, the magnitude of the stimulus given to the living body at points A and B and the position of the stimulus felt by the living body are indicated by symbols of the stimulus C and the recognition position D, respectively. The size of the symbol of the stimulus C represents the size of the stimulus, and the position of the symbol of the recognition position D indicates where the living body felt the vibration source between points A and B.

  In FIG. 5A, the peak values of the pulse waves at the points A and B are the same 1V, so that the living body feels that the vibration source is at the midpoint between the points A and B. In FIG. 5B, since the peak value at point A is 1V and the peak value at point B is 0.5V, the living body feels that there is a vibration source closer to point A. In FIG. 5C, since the peak value at point A is 0.5V and the peak value at point B is 1V, the living body feels that there is a vibration source closer to point B. In FIG. 5 (d), the peak value at point A is 0.2V and the peak value at point B is 1V, so that the living body has a vibration source closer to point B than in FIG. 5 (c). To feel. In this way, it is possible to cause phantom sensation that makes a tactile sensation feel that a vibration source is present at a place where the vibration source does not actually exist.

  6A to 6D show that a tactile sensation in which an object moves between both points can be transmitted by applying a drive pulse to the shape memory alloy 21 at two points (point A and point B) with a time difference. Show what you can do. In FIG. 6, the tactile sensation of the movement speed of the vibration source is indicated by a symbol of movement sense E. The state of the moving speed of the vibration source felt by the living body is indicated by the swell of the arrow symbol of the movement sensation E, and the slower the swell, the slower the feeling is felt. 6A to 6D, the peak value of the pulse wave at the points A and B is 1 V, but the time difference from the application of the pulse voltage to the point A to the application of the pulse voltage to the point B is different. 6 (a), 100 ms, FIG. 6 (b), 200 ms, FIG. 6 (c), 350 ms, and FIG. 6 (d), 500 ms. 6A, the living body feels tactile as if the vibration source moved from point A to point B quickly. Then, as the time difference for applying the pulse wave to the points A and B becomes larger, the living body can cause an apparent movement that makes the tactile sensation feel as if the vibration source moved from the point A to the point B slowly. In addition, the apparent movement can give a sense of roughness or smoothness to the sense of touch of the living body.

  By this apparent movement, information related to the display can be transmitted to the tactile sense of the living body that contacts the shape memory alloy 21 of the tactile sensor unit 2 arranged on the display panel 5. Thus, as described above, it is possible to transmit tactile information such as an image displayed object. Moreover, since the wire diameter of the shape memory alloy 21 is thin and the transparent plate 22 and the transparent protective cover 24 are transparent, the display content can be seen without disturbing the field of view of the display panel 5.

  Further, when a pulse wave is applied in a state where tension is applied to the shape memory alloy 21, the alloy bites into the living body a little and efficiently stimulates and vibrates the vibration receptor in the skin, so that information is transmitted to the living body. Can communicate. Further, the mechanical vibration of the shape memory alloy 21 is strengthened by the tension, and information can be reliably transmitted to the living body. In addition, since the shape memory alloy has a simple structure in which it is attached in a relaxed state, it can be easily manufactured.

  Further, the information transmission device 1 may drive the tactile sensation unit 2 based on data included in the signal generation device 31 without including the display panel 5 and the control device 6. Further, the tactile sensor unit 2 does not need to be transparent.

(First modification)
Next, a first modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present modification, the portion of the shape memory alloy 21 that does not come into contact with the living body is replaced with another material. FIG. 7A shows an example in which the same part is replaced by a microwire 71. The microwire 71 is a metal wire such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, or tungsten having a diameter of 10 to 50 μm. The connection method between the microwire 71 and the shape memory alloy 21 includes ultrasonic waves and welding, and a material suitable for each connection method is selected. Since the diameter of the microwire 71 is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the shape memory alloy 21, the field of view of the display panel is further improved.

  FIG. 7B shows an example in which the same part is replaced with a transparent electrode 72. Also in this case, since the transparent electrode 72 is transparent, the field of view of the display panel is further improved.

  Since the microwire 71 and the transparent electrode 72 generally have a lower resistance value than the shape memory alloy 21, the drive voltage can be lowered, the manufacture of the tactile sensor unit 2 is facilitated, and energy is saved. Become. Further, the battery can be driven, and the information transmission device 1 can be made portable.

(Second modification)
Next, a second modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this modification, the shape memory alloy 21 sandwiched between the transparent plate 22 and the transparent protective cover 24 is in a relaxed state, and the shape memory alloy 21 moves in the radial direction of the hole 23 on both ends of the hole 23. It is fixed freely. When the shape memory alloy 21 in the hole 23 is pressed with the finger Y, the entire shape memory alloy 21 is stretched, and when a pulse wave is applied, it vibrates and transmits information to the finger Y. Since the shape memory alloy 21 may not be firmly fixed to the transparent plate 22, the tactile sensor unit 2 can be easily assembled.

(Third Modification)
Next, a third modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this modification, a pair of protrusions 8 are provided on the upper surface of the transparent plate 22, and the shape memory alloy 21 is fixed between the protrusions 8 in a relaxed state. The transparent plate 22 does not have a hole. The shape memory alloy 21 is relaxed to such an extent that the shape memory alloy 21 does not reach the transparent plate 22 and tension is generated in the shape memory alloy 21 even when the shape memory alloy 21 is pressed against the living body. A lead wire 4 connected to the shape memory alloy driver 32 is connected to the protrusion 8. The protrusion 8 and the shape memory alloy 21 may be covered with a thin protective cover. When the shape memory alloy 21 between the protrusions 8 is pressed with the finger Y, the shape memory alloy 21 is stretched, and when a pulse wave is applied, the alloy bites into the living body a little, and the vibration receptor in the skin is efficiently used. Information is transmitted to the finger Y by vigorously stimulating and vibrating. Since a pulse wave is applied in a state where tension is applied to the shape memory alloy 21, mechanical vibration of the shape memory alloy 21 becomes strong, and information is reliably transmitted to the living body. Since it is not necessary to form the hole 23 in the transparent plate 22, the tactile sensation unit 2 can be easily manufactured.

(Fourth modification)
Next, a fourth modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this modification, the shape memory alloy 21 has a horseshoe-shaped portion 9 bent into a horseshoe shape, and the horseshoe-shaped portion 9 is raised from the transparent plate 22 in the vertical direction, and the transparent plate 22 is formed at the root of the horseshoe shape. It is fixed to. The transparent plate 22 may not have a hole. The shape memory alloy 21 is covered with a transparent resin 25 having elasticity, and the top of the horseshoe-shaped portion 9 is exposed on the resin 25. The inside of the horseshoe-shaped part 9 is also filled with the resin 25, and the horseshoe-shaped part 9 is pressed toward the outside of the horseshoe-shaped by the resin 25 and given tension. When a current flows through the shape memory alloy 21, the shape memory alloy 21 is heated and contracts, and the top is lowered by tightening the resin 25. When the current stops, the shape memory alloy 21 is cooled and returns to its original length, and the top rises due to the elasticity of the resin 25. By turning on and off the current, the top and bottom are repeatedly lowered and raised, and the shape memory alloy 21 vibrates. By adopting such a configuration, the shape memory alloy 21 vibrates in a state where tension is applied, so that a strong stimulus can be given to a living body that has contacted the shape memory alloy 21. The resin 25 may be covered on the top of the horseshoe-shaped portion 9 to the extent that the vibration of the shape memory alloy 21 is not inhibited.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an information transmission apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the display panel is the touch panel 51, and the tactile sensor unit 2 transmits information to the tactile sense of the living body in response to the input to the touch panel 51. The touch panel 51 includes touch switches 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d (collectively, touch switches 52), and the holes 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are positioned on the touch switches 52, respectively. A tactile unit 2 is arranged. The shape memory alloy 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) is located in these holes 23. Similarly to FIG. 1 described above, the shape memory alloy 21 is fixed to the transparent protective cover 24 at both ends of the hole 23 in a relaxed state across the hole 23. The shape memory alloy 21 is pressed by the living body of the user who touches the touch switch 52 and is given tension. For example, when the user presses the touch switch 52 a with a finger from the hole 23 a, a signal from the touch switch 52 a is sent to the control device 6, and the control device 6 inputs the touch switch 52 a to the signal generation device 31. Output the data. The signal generator 31 vibrates the shape memory alloy 21 a straddling the hole 23 a via the shape memory alloy driver 32 based on the data from the control device 6. Since the shape memory alloy 21a is given tension, the shape memory alloy 21a vibrates strongly and transmits information to the user's sense of touch. As a result, the user who has pressed the touch switch 52a can feel the vibration of the shape memory alloy 21 at the fingertip and obtain a click feeling.

  At this time, the vibration pattern such as the frequency and vibration time of the shape memory alloy 21 may be changed for each touch switch 52. Since the touch pattern is pressed by the vibration pattern of the shape memory alloy 21, it can be operated without looking at the touch panel 51. It is effective for operation panels of automobiles.

  Next, another example of the arrangement configuration of the touch switch and the shape memory alloy in the touch panel 51 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 12A, the touch panel 51 includes touch switches 52a to 52d, and the hole portions 23a to 23d and the shape memory alloys 21a to 21d are disposed on the touch switches 52a to 52d, respectively. The method of providing the shape memory alloys 21a to 21d in the holes 23a to 23d is the same as described above. A plurality of shape memory alloys 21 arranged in the hole 23 of the other touch switch pass over one touch switch. Thus, there is no problem even if a plurality of shape memory alloys 21 pass over one touch switch, and wiring design is facilitated.

  In FIG. 12B, one shape memory alloy 21 continuously passes through the holes 23a to 23d disposed on the touch switches 52a to 52d. The method of providing the shape memory alloy 21 in each of the holes 23a to 23d is the same as described above. Regardless of which touch switch 52 is input, one shape memory alloy 21 penetrating all the holes 23 vibrates to respond to the user. Since many touch switches 52 can be arranged on one shape memory alloy 21, the cost is reduced.

  In addition, this invention is not restricted to the structure of the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not change the meaning of invention. For example, the pulse wave application condition may be adjusted so that the shape memory alloy 21 vibrates. Moreover, you may implement combining each implementation content mentioned above arbitrarily.

1 Information Transmission Device 21 Shape Memory Alloy 22 Transparent Plate (Plate)
3 Signal generator (signal generator)
23 hole 8 protrusion 9 horseshoe-shaped part

Claims (4)

In an information transmission device to a living body using a shape memory alloy,
A linear shape memory alloy;
A plate to which the shape memory alloy is attached;
The shape memory alloy has an on / off duty for signal transmission, and includes a signal generating means for applying a pulse wave having the same or different peak value,
The shape memory alloy is attached to the plate in a relaxed state, and a pulse wave is applied in a tensioned state,
An apparatus for transmitting information to a living body, wherein mechanical vibration is generated by repeating the change of the length of the alloy so that information can be transmitted to a tactile sense of the living body in contact with the alloy. The plate has a hole formed in the plate surface;
The shape memory alloy is fixed to a plate at both ends of the hole in a relaxed state across the hole, and is tensioned by a living body that presses the hole during use. Item 2. A device for transmitting information to a living body according to Item 1. The plate has a pair of protrusions on the plate surface,
2. The shape memory alloy is fixed to the protrusions in a relaxed state across the pair of protrusions, and is tensioned by a living body that presses between the protrusions during use. The information transmission apparatus to the living body described in 1. The shape memory alloy has a horseshoe-shaped portion which is bent and relaxed into a horseshoe shape,
The horseshoe-shaped portion is fixed to the plate at the root of the horseshoe in a state where the horseshoe-shaped portion is raised in a direction perpendicular to the plate
The information transmission device for a living body according to claim 1, wherein an elastic resin is filled between the horseshoe-shaped portion and the plate, and tension is applied to the outer periphery of the horseshoe-shaped portion by the resin.

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