JP2012059240A - Tactile presentation apparatus and control method of tactile presentation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tactile presentation apparatus which is capable of reducing power consumption and surely performing an input operation in parallel with another operation, and a control method of the tactile presentation apparatus.SOLUTION: A tactile presentation apparatus includes: a touch sensor for detecting a contact with a pressing target; a display section 17; a load detection section 13 for detecting a pressing load to a touch surface of the touch sensor; a tactile presentation section 14 which vibrates the touch surface; and a control section 11 which controls the display section 17 to change an indication on the display section 17 when a pressing load detected by the load detection section 13 meets a first load criterion, and receives a pressing input to the touch surface. When a pressing load detected by the load detection section 13 meets a second load criterion higher than the first load criterion, the control section 11 controls the tactile presentation section 14 to present a tactile for a pressing target pressing the touch surface.

Description

  The present invention relates to a tactile sensation providing apparatus including a touch sensor and a control method for the tactile sensation providing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, mobile terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones, information devices such as calculators and ticket machines, industrial devices (FA devices), etc., display units as input devices such as operation units and switches that accept input operations by operators An input device including a touch panel in which a touch sensor is disposed on is widely used.

  In such an input device, the layout of the operation screen displayed on the touch panel can be freely set. Therefore, in response to the input operation by the operator, the input device can improve the convenience of the operator by displaying only the necessary keys at that time.

  Various types of touch sensors such as a resistive film type, a capacitance type, and an optical type are known. However, any type of touch sensor accepts a touch input by a finger or a stylus pen, and the touch sensor itself is not physically displaced like a push button switch even when touched.

  As described above, even if the touch sensor is touched, the touch sensor itself is not physically displaced, so that the operator cannot obtain feedback for the input even if the touch input is accepted. For this reason, the operator must confirm whether or not the input is accepted visually or by voice.

  As a method for avoiding such visual confirmation, for example, a feedback method has been proposed in which when a touch sensor accepts an input, the touch sensor is vibrated to present a tactile sensation to the fingertip of the operator (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2003-288158 A JP 2008-130055 A

  However, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, if a tactile sensation is presented each time an input by the operator is received, there is a concern that the power consumption of the input device increases.

  Many operators may perform an input operation in parallel with another operation, instead of performing an input operation while gazing at the operation screen of the input device. For example, the operator may operate the input device while watching television without looking at the operation screen of the input device. In such a case, it is very useful for the operator to be able to confirm input acceptance through tactile sensation. On the other hand, if the input device does not present a tactile sensation, it is very difficult for the operator to perform the input operation as intended without looking at the operation screen because the input acceptance cannot be confirmed. It is difficult to perform input operations in parallel.

  Therefore, if the input device does not present any tactile sensation even if the input device accepts input in order to reduce the power consumption of the input device, the operator can perform an input operation without looking at the operation screen. There is concern that it will be very difficult and inconvenient.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention made in view of such a point is to provide a tactile sensation presentation apparatus and a tactile sensation presentation apparatus control method capable of reducing power consumption and reliably performing an input operation in parallel with another operation. Is to provide.

The invention of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the first aspect to achieve the above object is as follows:
A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A control unit that controls the display unit to change the display on the display unit and receives a pressure input to the touch surface when the pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a first load standard; With
The controller is
When a pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a second load criterion higher than the first load criterion, a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing object pressing the touch surface. The tactile sensation providing unit is controlled.

The invention of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the second aspect of achieving the above object is as follows:
A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A power supply unit including a battery;
A control unit that controls the display unit and the tactile sensation providing unit based on the pressing load detected by the load detection unit and the voltage of the power supply unit, and that controls the reception of a pressing input to the touch surface. ,
The controller is
When the voltage of the power supply unit is less than a predetermined threshold,
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a first load standard, the display unit is controlled to change the display on the display unit, and a pressing input to the touch surface is received,
When a pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a second load criterion higher than the first load criterion, a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing object pressing the touch surface. Controlling the tactile sensation providing unit;
When the voltage of the power supply unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold,
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies the first load standard, the display on the display unit is changed so that a tactile sensation is presented to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. While controlling the said tactile sensation presentation part, the press input with respect to the said touch surface is received.

The invention of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the third aspect of achieving the above object is as follows:
A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A control unit for controlling the display unit and the tactile sensation providing unit based on a pressing load detected by the load detection unit, and for controlling reception of a pressing input to the touch surface;
The controller is
After receiving the press input, measure the time until the touch sensor detects the next contact,
If the measured time is less than a predetermined threshold,
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a first load standard, the display unit is controlled to change the display on the display unit, and a pressing input to the touch surface is received,
When a pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a second load criterion higher than the first load criterion, a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing object pressing the touch surface. Controlling the tactile sensation providing unit;
If the measured time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold,
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies the first load standard, the display on the display unit is changed so that a tactile sensation is presented to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. In addition, the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled and a pressing input to the touch surface is received.

The invention of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of achieving the above object is as follows:
A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A control unit that controls the display unit so as to change the display on the display unit when a touch to be pressed is detected by the touch sensor;
The controller is
Controlling the tactile sensation providing unit so that a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing target pressing the touch surface when a pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a predetermined load standard. It is a feature.

The invention of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of achieving the above object is as follows:
A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A power supply unit including a battery;
A control unit for controlling the display unit and the tactile sensation providing unit based on the contact by the pressing target detected by the touch sensor and the voltage of the power supply unit, and for controlling the reception of the input by the contact with the touch surface; With
The controller is
When the voltage of the power supply unit is less than a predetermined threshold,
When the touch sensor detects contact of the pressing target, the display unit is controlled so as to change the display on the display unit, and input by contact with the touch surface is received.
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a predetermined load standard, the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressing target pressing the touch surface,
When the voltage of the power supply unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold,
When the touch sensor detects contact of the pressing target, the display on the display unit is changed, and the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. , Receiving an input by contact with the touch surface.

The invention of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of achieving the above object is as follows:
A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A control unit for controlling the display unit and the tactile sensation providing unit based on contact by a pressing target detected by the touch sensor, and for controlling reception of input by contact with the touch surface;
The controller is
After receiving the input by contact, measure the time until the touch sensor detects the next contact,
If the measured time is less than a predetermined threshold,
With the detection of the next contact, the display unit is controlled so as to change the display on the display unit, and the input by the touch on the touch surface is received,
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a predetermined load standard, the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressing target pressing the touch surface,
If the measured time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold,
By detecting the next contact, the display on the display unit is changed, and the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressed object pressing the touch surface. It is characterized by accepting an input by.

The invention of the control method of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of achieving the above object is as follows:
A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
When the pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies the first load standard, after controlling the display unit to change the display on the display unit and receiving a pressing input to the touch surface,
When a pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a second load criterion higher than the first load criterion, a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing object pressing the touch surface. The tactile sensation providing unit is controlled.

The invention of the control method of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of achieving the above object is as follows:
A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
When the touch sensor detects contact of the pressed object, after controlling the display unit to change the display on the display unit and receiving an input by contact with the touch surface,
Controlling the tactile sensation providing unit so that a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing target pressing the touch surface when a pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a predetermined load standard. It is a feature.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tactile sensation providing apparatus and a tactile sensation providing apparatus control method that can reduce power consumption and allow an operator to reliably perform an input operation in parallel with another operation.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a tactile sensation providing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the mounting structure of each function part which comprises the tactile sensation presentation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st operation example of the tactile sensation presentation apparatus shown in FIG. It is the figure showing the relationship with the change of the pressing load detected by the load detection part of the tactile sensation presentation apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and tactile sensation presentation. It is a figure showing the change of the display of the object for input displayed on the display part of the tactile sense presentation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd operation example of the tactile sense presentation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the figure showing the relationship with the change of the pressing load detected by the load detection part of the tactile sense presentation apparatus which performs the operation | movement shown in FIG. 6, and tactile sensation presentation. It is a figure showing the change of a display of the object for input displayed on the display part of the tactile sense presentation apparatus according to the 2nd operation example shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the tactile sense presentation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the tactile-sensation presentation apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

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

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a main configuration of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a touch panel 12, a load detection unit 13, a tactile sensation providing unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a power supply unit 18.

  The control unit 11 controls and manages the entire tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 including each functional block of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10. The touch panel 12 includes an input unit 16 and a display unit 17. The touch panel 12 is configured by arranging an input unit 16 for receiving an operator's input so as to be superimposed on the front surface of the display unit 17.

  The display unit 17 of the touch panel 12 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display. In addition to displaying corresponding to each application, the display unit 17 draws and displays a user interface including various keys and buttons for accepting an operation input by the operator on the input unit 16 in a predetermined display area. To do. Hereinafter, in order to accept the operator's operation input to the input unit 16 of the touch panel 12 as described above, images such as various keys and buttons displayed on the display unit 17 so that the operator can visually recognize them are referred to as “for input”. "Object". The display unit 17 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel.

  The input unit 16 of the touch panel 12 constitutes a touch sensor, and the touch sensor is a sensor that detects that an operator's finger touches the touch surface of the touch sensor (touch input). This touch sensor is constituted by a known system such as a resistive film system, a capacitance system, and an optical system. Note that it is not essential for the operator's finger or the like to physically touch the input unit 16 when the input unit 16 detects the touch input. For example, when the input unit 16 is an optical type, the input unit 16 detects a position where the infrared rays on the input unit 16 are blocked by a finger or the like, so that it is not necessary for the finger or the like to touch the input unit 104.

  The load detection unit 13 detects a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor, and is configured using an element that reacts linearly to the load, such as a strain gauge sensor or a piezoelectric element. The tactile sensation providing unit 14 vibrates the touch surface of the touch sensor, and is configured using, for example, a piezoelectric element. Thereby, vibration can be transmitted to an operator's finger or the like pressing the touch panel 12. Further, the tactile sensation providing unit 14 can be configured to indirectly vibrate the touch surface of the touch sensor by vibrating the tactile sensation providing apparatus based on a vibration motor (eccentric motor).

  The storage unit 15 stores various applications and various input information, and also functions as a work memory. In particular, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 15 temporarily holds the pressing load of the pressing input by the operator detected by the load detection unit 13 for the control unit 20 to process.

  Based on the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13, the control unit 11 receives an input (press input) by pressing an object to be pressed (pressed object) such as an operator's finger or a stylus pen on the touch surface of the touch sensor. Further, the control unit 11 controls the change in the display of the input object by the display unit 17 and the vibration of the touch surface of the touch sensor by the tactile sensation providing unit 14 based on the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of load standards are set, and the control unit 11 controls the display unit 17 and the tactile sensation providing unit 14 according to each load standard. Thereby, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 can notify the operator of whether or not an input is accepted through visual or tactile sense. The power supply unit 18 includes a battery and supplies a predetermined voltage to the entire tactile sensation providing apparatus 10.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting structure of the touch panel 12, the load detection unit 13, and the tactile sensation providing unit 14 of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the main part of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10. Here, when the operator presses the input object displayed on the display unit 17, the input unit 16 at a position corresponding to the display position of the object on the display unit 17 is pressed with a finger. Represents. Here, in the input unit 16 (touch sensor), a surface where a finger touches the input unit 16 is a touch surface. The control unit 11 detects the input pressing position by detecting the pressing of the input by the operator's finger.

  Further, the load detection unit 13 detects the force that the operator is pressing the input unit 16. For this reason, the load detection part 13 is arrange | positioned so that the input part 16 may be supported so that the press load concerning the input part 16 may be transmitted. The tactile sensation providing unit 14 gives a tactile sensation to the operator's finger at an appropriate timing based on the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit 13. For this reason, the tactile sensation providing unit 14 is disposed, for example, in contact with the input unit 16 so that the tactile sensation can be transmitted to the finger pressing the input unit 16.

[First operation example]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of load reference values and detects a pressing load equal to or higher than a threshold A that is a first load reference (when the first load reference is satisfied). The display of the input object displayed on the display unit 17 is changed and the input is accepted. Next, when the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 detects a pressing load equal to or higher than the second load reference threshold B (threshold B> threshold A) (when the second load reference is satisfied), Present a tactile sensation. Thereafter, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 controls the display unit 17 to change the display of the input object displayed on the display unit 17 when a pressing load less than the threshold C (threshold C <threshold B) is detected. .

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that an input object such as a key is displayed on the display unit 17 of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10. The input object in the present embodiment can be an image that suggests to the operator the position (region) where the input is detected. For example, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 displays on the display unit 14 an image of a key to which numbers and characters are attached as an input object image.

  When the operation of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment starts, the control unit 11 monitors an input to the input unit 16 and monitors a load detected by the load detection unit 13. In step S11, when the input unit 16 detects an input (touch input) by a pressing target such as an operator's finger or stylus pen, the control unit 11 sets the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 to the input mode, and the process proceeds to step S12. To do. In detecting the input, the control unit 11 acquires coordinate information of the position where the input is detected.

  In step S <b> 12, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 17 to change the display of the input object displayed on the display unit 17 (change to the selection display). In the change, the control unit 11 determines an input object corresponding to the position where the input is detected based on the coordinate information acquired in step S11, and determines the input object (hereinafter referred to as the selected input object). Change the display. The display is changed, for example, by changing the color of the selected input object or by trimming the selected input object (see FIG. 5A). Thereby, the control unit 11 notifies the operator of which input object is the selected input object through vision.

  In step S <b> 13, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13 is equal to or greater than the threshold A that is the first load reference. As a result of the determination, when the pressing load is equal to or greater than the threshold A, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 17 to change the display of the selected input object (changes to the input display) and accepts a pressing input ( Yes in step S13, S14). The display is changed by, for example, coloring the entire selected input object (see FIG. 5B).

  Further, in step S14, the control unit 11 displays characters (symbols) that have received the input attached to the selected input object on the display unit 17 (see FIG. 5B). Thereby, the control part 11 notifies the operator of the character (symbol) which received the input visually.

  Next, in step S15, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13 is greater than or equal to a threshold value B that is a second load reference. As a result of the determination, when the pressing load is equal to or greater than the threshold value B, the control unit 11 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 14 to present a tactile sensation with respect to the pressing target (Yes in Step S15, S16). Thereby, the control part 11 notifies that the input was received with respect to an operator through tactile sensation.

  Next, in step S <b> 17, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13 is less than a further threshold value C. As a result of the determination, when the pressing load is less than the threshold value C, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 17 to change the display of the input object displayed on the display unit 17 (change to the selection display) (Step S1). Yes in S17, step S18). And the control part 11 performs the process after step S13 mentioned above. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S17 is that the pressing load is greater than or equal to the threshold value C, the control unit 11 continues determination (No in step S17).

  When it is determined in step S13 that the pressing load is less than the threshold A, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the pressing load is 0 (No in step S13, step S19). That the pressing load is 0 means that the pressed object (target) has moved away from the touch panel 12. And when it determines with a press load being 0, the control part 11 cancel | releases input mode and complete | finishes operation | movement (Yes of step S19, step S20). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that the pressing load is not zero, the control unit 11 performs the operation after step S13 described above.

  If it is determined in step S15 that the pressing load is less than the threshold B, the control unit 11 further determines whether or not the pressing load is less than the threshold C (No in step S15, step S21). As a result of the determination, when the pressing load is less than the threshold value C, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 17 to change the display on the display unit 17 to the selection display (Yes in step S21, step S18). Then, the control part 11 performs operation | movement after step S13 mentioned above.

  In this way, after the control unit 11 notifies the operator of the input character (symbol) through vision in step S14, the control unit 11 should input next without the tactile sensation presentation in step S16. Move on to select character (symbol). On the other hand, when it determines with a press load being more than the threshold value C in step S21, the control part 11 performs operation | movement after step S15 mentioned above (No of step S21, step S15).

  Thus, in step S14, tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment first changed the display to the input display without presenting the tactile sensation, and accepted the input through vision. Notify the operator of characters (symbols). At this stage, since it can be considered that the input has been accepted by the operator, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 can proceed to the next input operation or input end. For this reason, unlike the past, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 does not need to present a tactile sensation every time an input is received.

  On the other hand, when the operator applies a pressing load greater than or equal to the threshold value B, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 notifies the operator that the input has been accepted through the tactile sensation. As described above, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment first notifies the operator of characters (symbols) that have been input visually without presenting the tactile sensation, thereby reducing power consumption. be able to.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the change in the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13 of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment and the tactile sensation presentation. The operator may or may not be viewing the touch panel 12 when performing a character input operation. FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining a case where an operator inputs a single character (symbol) while viewing the screen. On the other hand, FIG.4 (b) is a figure for demonstrating the case where an operator inputs one character (symbol) without visually observing a screen.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a change in display of the input object displayed on the display unit in response to an input operation by the operator. Fig.5 (a) is a figure which shows an example of the display in the touchscreen 12 (the display part 17) at the time of step S12 and S13 in the flowchart shown in FIG. The display on the touch panel 12 at this time is in a state where the selected (pressed) input object is trimmed. This display state corresponds to the “selection display” described in step S14.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of display on the touch panel 12 at the time of step S14 in the flowchart shown in FIG. The display on the display unit 17 at this time is in a state where the character “t” accepted by the control unit 11 is displayed at the upper left of the screen and the selected input object is colored. With this display, the touch panel 12 provides the operator with an opportunity to confirm the characters accepted by the control unit 11 through vision.

  FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an example of display on the display unit 17 at the time of step S16 in the flowchart shown in FIG. The display on the touch panel 12 at this time is the same as the state of FIG. As described in step S <b> 16, at this time, the control unit 11 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 14 to present a tactile sensation with respect to the pressed object. Thereby, the control unit 11 notifies the operator that the input has been accepted.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, when inputting a certain character (symbol), the operation and control of the operator when the operator is looking at the screen and when not looking at the screen The difference in operation of the unit 11 will be described. First, a case will be described in which the operator is viewing the screen and the pressing load changes as shown in FIG. First, when detecting a touch input by an operator's finger to be pressed, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 17 to change the display of the input object to the selection display as shown in FIG. .

  After that, the control unit 11 changes the display on the touch panel 12 as shown in FIG. 5B when the detected pressure load is greater than or equal to the threshold value A, and confirms the characters that have been accepted by the operator. Provide an opportunity to At this time, the operator visually confirms the character “t” accepted by the control unit 11 and weakens the pressing load. At this time, even if a pressing load less than the threshold C is detected, the control unit 11 does not present a release tactile sensation. In this way, when the operator is viewing the screen, the touch panel 12 can give the operator an opportunity to check the characters that have been accepted without presenting a tactile sensation.

  Next, a case where the operator does not visually observe the screen and the pressing load changes as shown in FIG. 4B will be described. As in the case where the operator is viewing the screen, when the input unit 16 detects a touch input by the pressing target, the control unit 11 controls the display on the touch panel 12 as shown in FIG. When the load detection unit 13 detects a pressing load equal to or greater than the threshold A, the display of the display unit 17 is controlled as shown in FIG. At this time, since the operator does not visually observe the screen, it is not possible to confirm a character whose input is accepted through vision, and a further pressing load is applied.

  Thereafter, when the load detection unit 13 detects a pressing load equal to or greater than the threshold value B, the control unit 11 does not accept a new character input, and the display on the touch panel 12 maintains the state shown in FIG. The tactile sensation is presented to the pressed object by controlling the unit 14 (FIG. 5C). Thereby, the operator can confirm that the input has been accepted. The control unit 11 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 14 so as to present a tactile sensation when the load detecting unit 13 detects a pressing load greater than or equal to the threshold B, and then the load detecting unit 13 performs the pressing load less than the threshold C. When the tactile sensation is detected, a release tactile sensation can be presented by controlling the tactile sensation providing unit 14. In any case of FIG. 4A, the control unit 11 presents a tactile sensation when the load detection unit 13 detects a pressing load less than the threshold C after the load detection unit 13 detects a pressing load greater than or equal to the threshold A. A release tactile sensation can also be presented by controlling the unit 14. The release tactile sensation in this case may be the same tactile sensation as that presented by the tactile sensation providing unit 14 when the load detection unit 13 detects a pressing load equal to or greater than the threshold value B in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the load detection unit 13 detects a pressing load equal to or higher than the threshold A that is the first load reference, the control unit 11 first changes the display of the touch panel 12 and accepts an input. Next, when the load detection unit 13 detects a pressing load equal to or higher than the threshold value B, which is the second load reference, the tactile sensation providing unit 14 is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation to the operator. Thereby, when the operator visually confirms the change in the display on the touch panel 12 and loosens the pressing load without reaching the threshold value B, the control unit 11 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 14 to present the tactile sensation. Since it is not necessary, power consumption can be reduced. On the other hand, the control unit 11 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 14 so that the tactile sensation is presented when the load detecting unit 13 detects a pressing load equal to or greater than the threshold value B, so that the operator visually observes the touch panel 12. Even if it is not, the operator can be notified that the input has been accepted. As a result, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 can reliably accept an input operation performed while performing another operation without the operator looking at the touch panel 12 while reducing power consumption.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 17 to change the display on the display unit 17 when the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13 satisfies the first load standard. In addition, when the pressure input to the touch surface of the touch sensor (input unit 16) is received and the pressure load detected by the load detection unit 13 satisfies the second load criterion higher than the first load criterion, the touch surface The tactile sensation providing unit 14 is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation with respect to the pressing target that is pressing the button, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the control unit 11 is configured such that the operator's finger, stylus pen, etc. When it is detected that an object to be pressed (pressed object) touches the touch surface of the touch sensor, the display unit 17 is controlled to change the display on the display unit 17 and the touch surface of the touch sensor is When a pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13 satisfies a predetermined load standard, a tactile sensation is presented to the pressing target (pressing object) pressing the touch surface. The tactile sensation providing unit 14 may be controlled to do so. Hereinafter, such an operation will be described as a second operation example.

[Second operation example]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In step S <b> 21, when the touch sensor (input unit 16) detects the contact of the pressing target (pressed object), the control unit 11 changes the display on the display unit 17 and accepts input to the touch surface. Here, the contact is usually accompanied by pressing and can also be referred to as contact pressing. In other words, although not shown, when the touch sensor detects contact with the pressing target, the load detection unit 13 also detects the load. And it transfers to step S22 and it is determined whether the pressing load which the load detection part 13 detects is more than the threshold value A which is a predetermined load reference | standard (it satisfies the threshold value A). Then, when the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit 13 satisfies the threshold A, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S23 and controls the tactile sensation providing unit 14 so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressing target. .

  On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines in step S22 that the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13 is less than the threshold value A, or when the tactile sensation presentation in step S23 is finished, in step S24, It is determined whether or not the touch sensor detects a contact to be pressed against the touch surface. As a result, when the control unit 11 determines that the touch sensor has not detected the touch of the pressing target on the touch surface, the process ends. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines in step S24 that the touch sensor has detected the touch of the touch target on the touch surface, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S22 again and continues the process.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the change in the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13 of the tactile sensation providing apparatus that performs the operation shown in FIG. 6 and the tactile sensation presentation. 7A, after the control unit 11 receives an input in step S21, the control unit 11 determines “No” in step S22 and controls the tactile sensation providing unit 14 so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressed object. It is a figure corresponding to the case where it determines with "Yes" in step S24, and complete | finishes a process. In this case, the control unit 11 only changes the display on the display unit 17 even if an input is received by contact with the touch surface to be pressed. At this time, since the control unit 11 does not control the tactile sensation providing unit 14 so as to present a tactile sensation, it is possible to reduce power consumption. Such an operation is particularly effective when the operator inputs characters (symbols) by visually observing the screen. On the other hand, FIG.7 (b) is a figure corresponding to the case where the control part 11 controls the tactile sensation providing part 14 to present a tactile sensation in step S23 after receiving the input in step S21. . Such an operation is particularly effective when the operator inputs one character (symbol) without looking at the screen.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a change in display of the input object displayed on the display unit 17 in response to an input operation by the operator. Fig.8 (a) is a figure which shows an example of the display in the touchscreen 12 (the display part 17) in step S22 in the flowchart shown in FIG. The display on the touch panel 12 at this time is such that the character “t” accepted by the control unit 11 is displayed at the upper left of the screen and the selected input object is colored. Thereby, the touch panel 12 provides the operator with an opportunity to confirm the characters accepted by the control unit 11 through vision.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of display on the touch panel 12 at the time of step S23 in the flowchart shown in FIG. The display on the display unit 17 at this time is the same as the display state shown in FIG. 8A, and the control unit 11 only controls the tactile sensation providing unit 14 so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressed object. is there. As a result, the touch panel 12 provides the operator with an opportunity to confirm the characters accepted by the control unit 11 through the sense of touch.

  Thus, according to this operation example, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 17 to change the display on the display unit 17 when the touch sensor detects contact of the pressing target. Then, the control unit 11 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 14 so that a tactile sensation is presented when the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit 13 satisfies a predetermined load standard. Therefore, the tactile sensation providing apparatus can accept input without performing tactile sensation presentation within a range of a pressing load that does not satisfy a predetermined load standard.

[Second Embodiment]
The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as that of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, and is different in terms of the function of the control unit. That is, the control unit 11 according to the present embodiment controls the display unit 17 and the tactile sensation providing unit 14 based on the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13 and the voltage of the power supply unit 18 and presses the touch surface. Control input acceptance. The other functional blocks are the same as those in FIG. 1, and therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In step S31, when the input unit 16 detects an input (touch input) by a pressing target (pressed object) such as an operator's finger or a stylus pen, the control unit 11 sets the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 to the input mode, and step S32 Migrate to In detecting the input, the control unit 11 acquires coordinate information of the position where the input is detected.

  In step S <b> 32, the control unit 11 detects the remaining battery level by measuring the power supply voltage value from the power supply unit 18. In step S33, the control unit 11 determines whether the remaining battery level is less than a predetermined threshold value. If the remaining battery level is less than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S34, and the power saving mode is set. Perform the process in. Here, the operation in the power saving mode is, for example, the operation described as the first operation example. That is, when the voltage of the power supply unit 18 is less than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 11 has a plurality of load reference values as in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, and the load detection unit 13 When a pressing load equal to or higher than the threshold A as the first load standard is detected (when the first load standard is satisfied), the display of the input object displayed on the display unit is changed and an input is accepted. Next, when the load detection unit 13 detects a pressing load equal to or greater than the threshold B (threshold B> threshold A), which is the second load reference (when the second load reference is satisfied), the control unit 11 The tactile sensation providing unit 14 is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressed object. After that, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 17 to change the display of the input object displayed on the display unit 17 when detecting a pressing load lower than the threshold C (threshold C <threshold B).

  On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines in step S33 that the remaining battery level is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S35 and performs processing in the normal mode. Here, the processing in the normal mode means that when the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 13 satisfies the threshold A that is the first load reference, the pressing input to the touch surface is received and the display unit 17 displays This is a mode for performing an operation of controlling the tactile sensation providing unit 14 so as to present a tactile sensation with respect to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. In this mode, the control unit 11 performs a display change and a tactile sensation when receiving an input, so that the operator can confirm the input through a visual sense and a tactile sense.

  As described above, the control unit 11 operates in the power saving mode when the voltage of the power supply unit 18 is less than the predetermined threshold, and operates in the normal mode when the voltage of the power supply unit 18 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold. Therefore, when the tactile sensation providing apparatus is in a state where it is highly necessary to reduce power consumption, the tactile sensation providing apparatus operates in the power saving mode, so that efficient power use is possible.

  Furthermore, the power saving mode in the present embodiment is not limited to the operation according to the first operation example, and may be the operation described as the second operation example. That is, when the control unit 11 according to the present embodiment detects that the touch target of the operator, such as an operator's finger or stylus pen, has touched the touch surface of the touch sensor in the power saving mode, the display unit When the display unit 17 is controlled so as to change the display at 17 and input to the touch surface of the touch sensor (input by touch) is received, and contact by a pressing object detected by the touch sensor is detected, the touch surface is pressed. It operates to present a tactile sensation to the pressed object. In this case, the tactile sensation providing apparatus can accept input without performing tactile sensation presentation within a range of a pressing load that does not satisfy a predetermined load standard.

  Further, the processing in the normal mode in the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described processing, and may be a mode in which the following processing is performed. That is, the control unit 11 changes the display on the display unit 17 and presents a tactile sensation to the pressing target pressing the touch surface when the touch sensor detects contact of the pressing target in the normal mode. In addition to controlling the tactile sensation providing unit 14, it is also possible to accept input by contact with the touch surface.

[Third Embodiment]
The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as that of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, and is different in terms of the function of the control unit. That is, the control unit 11 according to the present embodiment controls the display unit 17 and the tactile sensation providing unit 14 based on the pressure load detected by the load detection unit 13 and also controls the reception of the pressure input to the touch surface. The other functional blocks are the same as those in FIG. 1, and therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In step S41, when the input unit 16 detects an input (touch input) by a pressing target (pressed object) such as an operator's finger or a stylus pen, the control unit 11 sets the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 to the input mode, and step S42. Migrate to In detecting the input, the control unit 11 acquires coordinate information of the position where the input is detected.

  In step S <b> 42, the control unit 11 receives a pressing input and then waits for the touch sensor to detect the next contact (the pressing target that has been touching the touch sensor is separated from the touch sensor and then becomes the touch sensor again. Measure the time to touch) and detect the input time. The time until the touch sensor detects the next contact is, for example, after the pressing load that satisfies the first load standard detected by the load detection unit 13 does not satisfy the first load standard. The time until the first load criterion is again satisfied is also included. Then, in step S43, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the input time is less than the predetermined threshold value. If the input time is less than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S44 and performs the power saving mode. Process. Here, the control unit 11 operates in the power saving mode according to the first operation example as in the case of the second embodiment. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines in step S43 that the input time is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S45 and performs processing in the normal mode. Here, the processing in the normal mode is a mode in which processing similar to that in the normal mode in the second embodiment is performed.

  As described above, the control unit 11 operates in the power saving mode when the input time is less than the predetermined threshold, and operates in the normal mode when the input time is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. Therefore, for example, when the user is inputting while looking at the screen, if the time from the input of one character to the start of the next character is short, the device operates in the power saving mode. , Efficient power usage becomes possible.

  The power saving mode in the present embodiment may be a mode in which an operation according to the second operation example is performed, similarly to the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In this case, it is possible to accept an input by touching the object to be pressed without receiving a tactile sensation, that is, with a pressing load in a range not satisfying a predetermined load standard. Thereby, quick input becomes possible and power consumption can be reduced.

  Further, the processing in the normal mode in the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described processing, and may be a mode in which the following processing is performed. In other words, the control unit 11 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 14 to change the display on the display unit 17 and detect a tactile sensation against the pressing target pressing the touch surface by detecting the next contact by the touch sensor. In addition, it is possible to accept an input by touching the touch surface.

  In addition, this invention is not limited only to embodiment mentioned above, Many change or deformation | transformation is possible. For example, in step S11 shown in FIG. 3, step S31 shown in FIG. 9, and step S41 shown in FIG. 10, the input unit 16 does not detect a touch input, but the load detection unit 13 detects a pressing load. Alternatively, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 10 may be configured. Further, for example, when the load detection unit 13 and the tactile sensation providing unit 14 are configured using piezoelectric elements, the load detection unit 13 and the tactile sensation providing unit 14 may be configured by sharing the piezoelectric elements.

  Further, in the above description of the embodiment of the present invention, for example, the meaning of the technical idea of expression such as satisfying the load standard and exceeding the threshold or less than the threshold is not necessarily a strict meaning, but the specification of the tactile sensation providing apparatus. Depending on the case, the meaning when the reference value is included or not included is included. For example, satisfying the load standard (greater than or equal to the threshold value) can imply not only the case where the pressing load reaches the standard value (threshold value) but also the case where the standard value is exceeded. Further, for example, “below the threshold value” may imply not only the case where the pressing load falls below the reference value, but also the case where the load threshold value is reached, that is, the case where the pressure load is below the reference value.

  Further, the “display unit” and “touch sensor (input unit)” (touch panel) in the description of the embodiment of the present invention described above are integrated by providing both functions of the display unit and the touch sensor on a common substrate. It may be configured by an integrated device. As an example of the configuration of the device in which both functions of the display unit and the touch sensor are integrated, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements such as photodiodes are regularly arranged in a matrix electrode array of pixel electrodes of the liquid crystal panel. Some are mixed. This device displays an image with a liquid crystal panel structure, while reflecting the light of a backlight for liquid crystal display at the tip of a pen that touches and inputs a desired position on the surface of the panel. By receiving the light, the touch position can be detected.

  In addition, the “first load standard” and the “second load standard” in the description of the embodiment of the present invention described above are associated with each other as a load standard used for receiving a single input. It may be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Tactile sensation presentation apparatus 11 Control part 12 Touch panel 13 Load detection part 14 Tactile sensation presentation part 15 Memory | storage part 16 Input part 17 Display part 18 Power supply part

Claims (8)

A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A control unit that controls the display unit to change the display on the display unit and receives a pressure input to the touch surface when the pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a first load standard; With
The controller is
When a pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a second load criterion higher than the first load criterion, a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing object pressing the touch surface. A tactile sensation providing apparatus for controlling the tactile sensation providing unit. A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A power supply unit including a battery;
A control unit that controls the display unit and the tactile sensation providing unit based on the pressing load detected by the load detection unit and the voltage of the power supply unit, and that controls the reception of a pressing input to the touch surface. ,
The controller is
When the voltage of the power supply unit is less than a predetermined threshold,
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a first load standard, the display unit is controlled to change the display on the display unit, and a pressing input to the touch surface is received,
When a pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a second load criterion higher than the first load criterion, a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing object pressing the touch surface. Controlling the tactile sensation providing unit;
When the voltage of the power supply unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold,
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies the first load standard, the display on the display unit is changed so that a tactile sensation is presented to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. The tactile sensation providing device controls the tactile sensation providing unit and receives a pressing input to the touch surface. A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A control unit for controlling the display unit and the tactile sensation providing unit based on a pressing load detected by the load detection unit, and for controlling reception of a pressing input to the touch surface;
The controller is
After receiving the press input, measure the time until the touch sensor detects the next contact,
If the measured time is less than a predetermined threshold,
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a first load standard, the display unit is controlled to change the display on the display unit, and a pressing input to the touch surface is received,
When a pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a second load criterion higher than the first load criterion, a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing object pressing the touch surface. Controlling the tactile sensation providing unit;
If the measured time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold,
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies the first load standard, the display on the display unit is changed so that a tactile sensation is presented to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. The tactile sensation providing device controls the tactile sensation providing unit and receives a pressing input to the touch surface. A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A control unit that controls the display unit so as to change the display on the display unit when a touch to be pressed is detected by the touch sensor;
The controller is
Controlling the tactile sensation providing unit so that a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing target pressing the touch surface when a pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a predetermined load standard. A tactile sensation presentation device as a feature. A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A power supply unit including a battery;
A control unit for controlling the display unit and the tactile sensation providing unit based on the contact by the pressing target detected by the touch sensor and the voltage of the power supply unit, and for controlling the reception of the input by the contact with the touch surface; With
The controller is
When the voltage of the power supply unit is less than a predetermined threshold,
When the touch sensor detects contact of the pressing target, the display unit is controlled so as to change the display on the display unit, and input by contact with the touch surface is received.
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a predetermined load standard, the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressing target pressing the touch surface,
When the voltage of the power supply unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold,
When the touch sensor detects contact of the pressing target, the display on the display unit is changed, and the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressing target pressing the touch surface. The tactile sensation providing apparatus accepts an input by contact with the touch surface. A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
A control unit for controlling the display unit and the tactile sensation providing unit based on contact by a pressing target detected by the touch sensor, and for controlling reception of input by contact with the touch surface;
The controller is
After receiving the input by contact, measure the time until the touch sensor detects the next contact,
If the measured time is less than a predetermined threshold,
With the detection of the next contact, the display unit is controlled so as to change the display on the display unit, and the input by the touch on the touch surface is received,
When the pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a predetermined load standard, the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressing target pressing the touch surface,
If the measured time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold,
By detecting the next contact, the display on the display unit is changed, and the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled so as to present a tactile sensation to the pressed object pressing the touch surface. A tactile sensation providing apparatus, characterized by receiving an input from A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
When the pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies the first load standard, after controlling the display unit to change the display on the display unit and receiving a pressing input to the touch surface,
When a pressing load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a second load criterion higher than the first load criterion, a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing object pressing the touch surface. A method for controlling a tactile sensation providing apparatus, wherein the tactile sensation providing unit is controlled. A touch sensor for detecting contact by a pressing object;
A display unit;
A load detection unit for detecting a pressing load on the touch surface of the touch sensor;
A tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch surface;
When the touch sensor detects contact of the pressed object, after controlling the display unit to change the display on the display unit and receiving an input by contact with the touch surface,
Controlling the tactile sensation providing unit so that a tactile sensation is presented to a pressing target pressing the touch surface when a pressing load detected by the load detecting unit satisfies a predetermined load standard. A control method for a tactile sensation presentation apparatus, which is characterized.

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