JP2014174660A - Information input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that an operator used to be unable to obtain a click feeling.SOLUTION: An information input device 1 includes: a proximity sensor 11 for detecting the approach of the finger to an operation surface 2; a contact sensor 12 whose detection sensitivity is lower than that of the proximity sensor 11 for detecting the contact of the finger to the operation surface; and a vibration generation part 30 for vibrating the operation surface 2. Then, when the approach of the finger is detected by the proximity sensor 11, first predetermined processing is performed. When the contact of the finger is detected by the contact sensor 12 in a state that the approach of the finger is detected by the contact sensor 12, the vibration generation part 30 operates in a first period. Also, when the state that the finger comes into contact with and separates from the contact sensor 12 is detected by the contact sensor 12, the vibration generation part 30 operates in a second period.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information input device capable of obtaining a click feeling when touched.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes an information input device that can obtain a click feeling (operation feeling) by an operator's touch operation. The touch sensor (operation surface) of the information input device is configured by, for example, an electrostatic capacitance method, and when the operator's finger comes into contact with the operation surface, the capacitance value of the portion touched by the finger decreases. Based on this change in capacitance, the device detects the position of contact with the operation surface and performs a vibration operation, so that the operator can obtain a click feeling of operation confirmation.

JP 2012-48584 A

  However, in the above-described apparatus, a click feeling when a finger is about to leave the operation surface cannot be obtained. That is, in the above-described apparatus, even if the vibration operation is performed after detecting that the finger is separated from the operation surface, the operator cannot obtain a click feeling because the finger is separated from the operation surface.

  Therefore, the present invention intends to provide an information input device that can solve the above-described problems of the prior art.

To solve the above problem,
A proximity sensor that detects the proximity of a proximity object to the operation surface;
A contact sensor that has lower detection sensitivity than the proximity sensor and detects surface contact of a proximity object to the operation surface;
Comprising a vibration generating section for vibrating the operation surface;
When the proximity sensor detects the approach of a proximity object, a first predetermined process is performed,
When the contact sensor detects surface contact of a proximity object, the vibration generating unit operates for a first period,
When the contact sensor detects a state in which a proximity object is about to leave the operation surface, the vibration generating unit operates for a second period.
It is characterized by that.

The information input device of the present invention has a further preferable feature as follows:
“The contact sensor detects a state in which the proximity object is about to leave based on the magnitude of a signal corresponding to the contact area with the proximity object.”
“Having at least one proximity sensor and at least one contact sensor in a minimum detection region formed on the operation surface”;
"The contact sensor is formed in a loop shape on the outer periphery of the proximity sensor",
“When the contact sensor detects a state in which a proximity object is about to leave the operation surface, a second predetermined process is performed.”
“When the contact sensor detects a state in which the proximity object is about to move away from the operation surface within the first period, the vibration generating unit continuously operates from the middle of the first period for the second period. about",
"The operation of the vibration generating unit in the first period is different from the operation of the vibration generating unit in the second period",
"The contact sensor uses a human body as a transmission path",
"The contact sensor has a plurality of transmitting electrodes,
One oscillating unit for outputting a signal to the transmission electrode;
The output of the oscillating unit is connected to the transmission electrode, respectively. "
"The proximity sensor is a capacitance sensor",
Is included.

  The information input device according to the present invention can obtain a click feeling both when a proximity object (for example, an operator's finger) makes surface contact with the operation surface and when it is about to leave, and can confirm the operation.

It is a block diagram of the information input device concerning the example of an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a waveform of a capacitance sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, where signal S11 is a waveform at measurement point A in FIG. 1 and signal S12 is an operator's finger approaching operation surface 2 at measurement point B in FIG. The signal S13 is a waveform when the operator's finger at the measurement point B in FIG. 1 is close to the operation surface 2, and the signal S14 is the operator's finger at the measurement point B in FIG. It is a waveform of the state which surface-contacted. 1 is a waveform of a human body communication sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, where a signal S21 is a waveform at a measurement point C in FIG. 1, and a signal S22 is an operator's finger at the measurement point D in FIG. 1 is a waveform in a state where the operator's finger is in point contact with the operation surface 2 at the measurement point D in FIG. 1, and a signal S24 is an operation surface 2 in which the operator's finger is at the measurement point D in FIG. The signal S25 is a waveform in a state where the operator's finger at the measurement point D in FIG. It is a flowchart of the information input device which concerns on the example embodiment of this invention. It is an example of information input operation which concerns on the example embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the information input device for demonstrating another touch sensor applicable to this invention. It is a block diagram of the information input device for demonstrating another touch sensor applicable to this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily described based on the drawings.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The information input device 1 of this example is for operating a nearby object (for example, an operator's finger) such as a portable terminal such as a mobile phone or a game machine, an ATM installed in a bank, or a ticket machine installed in a station. Any input device can be applied as long as an input operation is performed based on the operation on the surface 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information input device 1 of this example includes a proximity sensor 11, a contact sensor 12, a vibration generator 30, and a microcomputer 40.

The proximity sensor 11 and the contact sensor 12 of this example detect the proximity and contact of the operator's finger, and are disposed below the operation surface 2 made of a transparent insulator such as glass or plastic.
Each of the proximity sensor 11 and the contact sensor 12 is a conductive pattern, and is formed on a transmissive multilayer substrate. A contact sensor 12 is formed on the upper layer of the multilayer substrate, and a proximity sensor 11 is formed on the lower layer of the multilayer substrate. The upper surface of the multilayer substrate is disposed in contact with the lower surface of the operation surface 2.

  A front surface of a display unit (not shown) is arranged below the multilayer substrate so that an operator can operate objects such as keys and buttons displayed on the display unit. This display unit is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel.

In this example, one proximity sensor 11 and one contact sensor 12 are provided in the minimum detection region 3 formed on the operation surface 2. The minimum detection region 3 is formed as a square (one Xmm in the vertical and horizontal directions) having a side of 1 mm or more and 26 mm or less in a plan view so that the operator can operate with one finger. If one side of the minimum detection area 3 exceeds 26 mm, non-detection areas that are not detected exceeding the size of one finger increase and waste occurs. If it is less than 1 mm, it is difficult to see and the operability is reduced. Resulting in. One side of the minimum detection region 3 is preferably 1 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and particularly preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.
In this specification, the operation surface refers to the minimum detection region 3 where the operator's finger comes into contact with and comes into contact.

  The proximity sensor 11 detects the approach of the operator's finger to the operation surface 2. The proximity sensor 11 of this example is configured by a capacitance sensor, and a detection range is a range that is a predetermined distance away from the surface of the operation surface 2 (for example, 5 mm or less from the upper surface of the operation surface 2).

  The proximity sensor 11 has a transmission electrode 11A and a reception electrode 11B for capacitance. As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission electrode 11 </ b> A and the reception electrode 11 </ b> B are separately arranged in a square loop shape. The transmission electrode 11A is arranged on the outer periphery of the reception electrode 11B and is nested. In this specification, the loop shape includes a C-shaped or U-shaped conductive pattern having a start end and a terminal end.

  A high-frequency signal S11 is input from the first oscillation unit 21 to the transmission electrode 11A. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the signal S11 has a pulse waveform with an amplitude V11 = several Vp-p and a frequency F1 (= 1 / T1) = 145 kHz. The voltage waveform at the measurement point A in FIG. is there. In the case of this example, the frequency F1 is preferably 1 kHz to 500 kHz.

The reception electrode 11B is electrostatically coupled to the transmission electrode 11A and detects a change in capacitance. The receiving electrode 11B is connected to the input side of the first receiving unit 22, and the first receiving unit 22 includes a first rectifier circuit at the front stage and a first comparator at the rear stage (not shown). Have The first rectifier circuit converts the voltage waveform appearing at the receiving electrode 11B into a direct current and outputs a first maximum voltage value. The first comparator outputs a result of comparing the first maximum voltage value with a first threshold value L1 for detecting the approach of the operator's finger. The first threshold value L1 is lower than the first maximum voltage value V12 of the signal S12 in FIG. 2 in which the operator's finger is not approaching the operation surface 2, and the operator's finger is approaching the operation surface 2 Is set higher than the first maximum voltage value V13 of the signal S13 of FIG.
For example, the first comparator outputs a high level when the first maximum voltage value is lower than the first threshold L1, and outputs a low level when the first maximum voltage value is higher than the first threshold L1.

The contact sensor 12 is configured to have a detection sensitivity lower than that of the proximity sensor 11 and detects surface contact of the finger with the operation surface 2. That is, the contact sensor 12 detects that the operator's finger has come into surface contact with the operation surface 2 after detecting that the operator's finger has approached the operation surface 2.
In this specification, surface contact refers to contact between the fingertip and the operation surface when the fingertip presses the operation surface 2 slightly, and point contact refers to the fingertip when the fingertip touches the operation surface 2. A slight contact with the operation surface.

  The contact sensor 12 of this example is arranged on the outer periphery of the proximity sensor 11 as shown in FIG. The contact sensor 12 includes a transmission electrode 12A and a reception electrode 12B for human body communication. Here, human body communication is a communication technology that uses a human body as a communication path to perform short-range data communication. In this example, an electric field method is used, and a change in the amplitude value of a signal when an operator's finger touches the operation surface 2 is observed. In the case of this example, data may be placed on the signal, but the description will be made with no data.

  The transmission electrode 12A and the reception electrode 12B for human body communication are each formed in a square loop shape, and the transmission electrode 12A is formed on the inner periphery of the reception electrode 12B and is nested. When the operator's finger comes into surface contact with the operation surface 2, the contact sensor detects the contact of the operator's finger.

  A signal S21 is input from the second oscillation unit 25 to the transmission electrode 12A. For example, as shown in the signal S21 in FIG. 3, the signal S21 has a pulse waveform with an amplitude V21 = several Vp-p and a frequency F2 (= 1 / T2) = 20 MHz. It is a voltage waveform. The frequency F2 for human body communication is preferably 1 MHz to 50 MHz.

The receiving electrode 12B is connected to the input side of the second receiving unit 26. The second receiving unit 26 includes a rectifier circuit (not shown) including a front-stage second rectifier circuit and a rear-stage second comparator. Have. The second rectifier circuit converts the voltage waveform appearing at the receiving electrode 12B into a direct current, and outputs a second maximum voltage value. The second comparator outputs a result of comparing the second maximum voltage value and a second threshold value L2 for detecting that the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2. The second threshold L2 is higher than the second maximum voltage value V23 of the signal S23 in FIG. 3 in a state where the operator's finger is in point contact with the operation surface 2, and the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2. 3 is set lower than the maximum voltage value V24 of the signal S24 in FIG.
For example, the second comparator outputs a high level when the second maximum voltage value is higher than the second threshold L2, and outputs a low level when the second maximum voltage value is lower than the second threshold L2.

The vibration generating unit 30 vibrates the operation surface 2 based on the operation of the operator on the operation surface 2. Specifically, when a state in which the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2 is detected, the vibration generating unit 30 operates, and similarly, a state in which the operator's finger is about to leave the operation surface 2 is detected. Then, the vibration generating unit 30 operates. Thus, the operator can obtain a click feeling.
As the vibration generating unit 30 of this example, various types can be used as long as they vibrate the operation surface 2, and for example, a vibration motor or a piezoelectric vibrator is used.

  The microcomputer 40 detects the approach of the operator's finger to the operation surface 2 and the presence or absence of surface contact, and operates the vibration generating unit 30. The microcomputer 40 receives the outputs of the first comparator and the second comparator, respectively.

Here, the operation of this example will be described. When the operator's finger approaches the operation surface 2, the electric lines of force between the electrodes of the proximity sensor 11 are blocked by the operator's finger, and the number of electric lines of force decreases. The amplitude value of the reception signal of the proximity sensor 11 decreases. Then, when the amplitude value falls below the first threshold value L1 for detecting the approach of the operator's finger, it is detected that the operator's finger has approached the operation surface 2.
Further, when the operator's finger comes into surface contact with the operation surface 2, the operator's finger becomes a transmission line for human body communication, so that the amplitude value of the received signal of the contact sensor 12 increases, and this amplitude value is By exceeding the second threshold value L2 for detecting that the finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2, it is detected that the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2, and the amplitude value is It is detected that the operator's finger is about to leave the operation surface 2 when the operator falls from the state exceeding the threshold value L2.

  Next, operation | movement of the information input device 1 of this example is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the microcomputer 40 outputs an operation control signal to the first oscillating unit 21 and the second oscillating unit 25 so that the proximity sensor 11 and the contact sensor 12 are operated. Then, the first oscillating unit 21 and the second oscillating unit 25 are driven simultaneously (S101).

  First, a state where the operator's finger is not close to the operation surface 2 will be described.

  The voltage waveform at the measurement point B is, for example, the signal S12 in FIG. A voltage waveform at the measurement point D is, for example, a signal S22 in FIG.

In this case, both the outputs of the first comparator and the second comparator are at a low level, and the microcomputer 40 does not bring the operator's finger close to the operation surface 2 and makes the operator's finger come into surface contact with the operation surface 2. It is detected that it is not in the state.
In addition, when the state which is not approaching after a predetermined period is detected, the microcomputer 40 outputs a stop control signal, and the proximity sensor 11 and the contact sensor 12 stop the operation.

  Next, a state in which the operator's finger approaches the operation surface 2 will be described. The approached state may be, for example, a state where the operator's finger is close to one of the transmission electrode 11A and the reception electrode 11B for capacitance, or a state where the operator's finger is close to both.

The voltage waveform at the measurement point B is, for example, a signal S13 in FIG. Specifically, when the operator's finger approaches the operation surface 2, the electric lines of force are blocked by the operator's finger, the number of electric lines of force between the two electrodes decreases, and the voltage waveform at the receiving electrode 11B. The amplitude value of decreases.
That is, when the operator's finger approaches the operation surface 2, the capacitance between the transmission electrode 11A and the reception electrode 11B decreases, and the first maximum voltage value V13 becomes equal to the operator's finger as shown in the signal S13 of FIG. It falls below the first threshold value L1 for detecting the approach of the finger.

  The voltage waveform at the measurement point D remains the signal S22 in FIG.

  In this case, the first comparator outputs a high level, the second comparator outputs a low level, and the microcomputer 40 indicates that the operator's finger is approaching the operation surface 2 and the operator's finger is operated. It is detected that the surface 2 is not in surface contact, and the operation of the first predetermined processing is instructed. As shown in FIG. 5, the first predetermined process is performed when a proximity of the operator's finger F is detected in the minimum detection region 3. In the predetermined process, for example, when predetermined information is displayed, information A1 is displayed (S102 to S104, S111).

  Next, a state where the operator's finger is in point contact with the operation surface 2 after the operator's finger approaches the operation surface 2 will be described.

  The voltage waveform at the measurement point B remains the signal S13 in FIG.

  The voltage waveform at the measurement point D is as shown by a signal S23 in FIG. Specifically, when the operator's finger slightly touches the operation surface 2, the operator's finger becomes a transmission path for human body communication, so that a closed loop state is formed. Then, a signal is transmitted through the human body between the transmission electrode 12A and the reception electrode 12B, and the amplitude value at the measurement point D is slightly increased as compared with the amplitude value of the signal S22. That is, the second maximum voltage value V23 of the signal S23 in FIG. 3 slightly increases compared to the second maximum voltage value V22 of the signal S22 in FIG.

  Next, a state where the operator's finger comes into surface contact with the operation surface 2 after the operator's finger approaches the operation surface 2 will be described.

  The voltage waveform at the measurement point B is like a signal S14 in FIG. 2, and the amplitude value is slightly lower than that of the signal S13 in FIG. That is, the first maximum voltage value V14 of the signal S14 in FIG. 2 is slightly lower than the first maximum voltage value V13 of the signal S13 in FIG.

The voltage waveform at the measurement point D is as shown by a signal S24 in FIG. Specifically, when the operator's finger comes into surface contact with the operation surface 2, the operator's finger becomes a transmission path for human body communication, so that a closed loop state is formed. Then, a signal is transmitted through the human body between the transmission electrode 12A and the reception electrode 12B, and the amplitude value at the measurement point D is further increased as compared with the amplitude value of the signal S22 in FIG.
That is, the operator's finger becomes a transmission path between the transmission electrode 12A and the reception electrode 12B, and the amplitude value V24 of the second maximum voltage value of the signal S24 in FIG. The value exceeds the second threshold L2 for detecting.

  In the case of this example, the contact sensor 12 detects a state in which the proximity object is about to leave based on the magnitude of a signal corresponding to the contact area with the operator's finger (proximity object). Specifically, the contact sensor 12 uses a human body as a transmission path, and the amplitude value of the signal when the operator's finger comes into contact is substantially proportional to the contact area of the operator's finger with the operation surface 2. Value. That is, when the contact area of the operator's finger to the operation surface 2 is large, the amplitude value of the second maximum voltage value increases, and when the contact area of the operator's finger to the operation surface 2 is small, the second maximum voltage. The amplitude value becomes smaller. When the amplitude value of the second maximum voltage value exceeds the second threshold value L2, it can be detected that the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2.

In this case, both the first comparator and the second comparator output a high level.

  The microcomputer 40 detects that the operator's finger is approaching the proximity sensor 11 and is in a state where the operator's finger is in contact with the operation surface 2, and sends a control operation signal to the vibration generator 30. Is output, the vibration generating unit 30 operates in the first period, and the operator can obtain a click feeling. This first period is set to, for example, continuous 0.4 seconds (S105, S106).

  If the state in which the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2 is not detected after a predetermined period after the operator's finger approaches the operation surface 2, the microcomputer 40 outputs a stop control signal, The proximity sensor 11 and the contact sensor 12 stop operating (S107, S111).

  Next, a state where the operator's finger is about to leave the operation surface 2 after the operator's finger comes into surface contact with the operation surface 2 will be described.

  The voltage waveform at the measurement point B is like a signal S13 in FIG. 2, and the amplitude value is slightly higher than that of the signal S14 in FIG. That is, the first maximum voltage value V13 of the signal S13 in FIG. 2 is slightly higher than the first maximum voltage value V14 of the signal S14 in FIG.

The voltage waveform at the measurement point D is as shown by the signal S24 to the signal S25 in FIG.
Specifically, when the operator's finger is in contact with the operation surface 2 and the operator's finger tries to move away from the operation surface 2, the amplitude value of the second maximum voltage value is determined by the operator's finger. It falls from the state exceeding the 2nd threshold value L2 which detects having surface-contacted the surface 2. FIG.

In this case, the first comparator outputs a high level, while the second comparator outputs a high level to a low level.
Then, the microcomputer 40 detects that the operator's finger is about to leave the operation surface 2 and outputs a control operation signal to the vibration generating unit 30, so that the vibration generating unit 30 performs the second operation. By operating for a period, the operator can get a click feeling and the second predetermined process is performed. This second period is set to, for example, continuous 0.4 seconds, and the second predetermined process is a predetermined process different from the first predetermined process (S108, S109).

Next, a state where the operator's finger is slightly separated from the operation surface 2 will be described. This state is the same as the state where the operator's finger approaches the operation surface 2.
That is, the voltage waveform at the measurement point B is like a signal S13 in FIG. The voltage waveform at the measurement point D is as shown by a signal S22 in FIG.
In this case, the first comparator outputs a high level, the second comparator outputs a low level, and the microcomputer 40 indicates that the operator's finger is approaching the operation surface 2 and the operator's finger is operated. It is detected that the surface 2 is not in surface contact (S110).

Next, a state where the operator's finger is further away from the operation surface 2 (an area where the capacitance sensor cannot be detected) will be described. This state is the same as the state where the operator's finger is not close to the operation surface 2.
That is, the voltage waveform at the measurement point B is like a signal S12 in FIG. Further, the voltage waveform at the measurement point D remains the signal S22 in FIG.
In this case, both the outputs of the first comparator and the second comparator are at a low level, and the microcomputer 40 has the operator's finger not in proximity to the operation surface 2 and the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2. It is detected that it is not in the state.
Thereafter, the microcomputer 40 outputs a stop control signal, and the proximity sensor 11 and the contact sensor 12 stop operating (S111).

As described above, the information input device 1 of this example includes the proximity sensor 11 that detects the approach of a proximity object (for example, an operator's finger) to the operation surface 2, and the detection sensitivity is lower than that of the proximity sensor 11. A contact sensor 12 that detects surface contact of the adjacent object and a vibration generating unit 30 that vibrates the operation surface 2. In this example, when the proximity sensor 11 detects the approach of a proximity object, a first predetermined process is performed. Further, in this example, when the contact sensor 12 detects the surface contact of the proximity object while the proximity sensor 11 detects the proximity of the proximity object, the vibration generating unit 30 operates in the first period. Further, in this example, when the contact sensor 12 detects a state in which a proximity object is about to leave the operation surface 2, the vibration generating unit 30 operates in the second period.
Therefore, when the operator's finger approaches the operation surface 2, the first predetermined processing is performed, and when necessary, when the operator's finger comes into surface contact with the operation surface 2, the vibration generating unit operates to provide a click feeling. can get.
Further, when a state in which the operator's finger is about to leave the surface in contact with the operation surface 2 is detected, the vibration generating unit operates to transmit vibration to the operator's finger. A click feeling can also be obtained when trying to leave the surface in contact with the surface 2.
Therefore, it is possible to reliably obtain a click feeling both when the operator's finger comes into surface contact with the operation surface 2 and when the operator tries to leave the operation surface 2 and to confirm the operation.

In the information input device 1 of this example, the contact sensor 12 is formed in a loop shape on the outer periphery of the proximity sensor 11.
Therefore, when the contact sensor is outside the proximity sensor, when the operator's finger tries to leave the surface in contact with the operation surface, compared to when the contact sensor is inside the proximity sensor, the operator Click feeling is easy to be transmitted to the finger.
That is, when the contact sensor is inside the proximity sensor, for example, when the center of a finger having a convex curved surface comes into surface contact with the center of the operation surface, it is detected that the finger is separated from the operation surface at the center of the finger. The vibration generating unit operates in a state where the touch panel is hardly in contact with the operation surface, and the click feeling is not easily transmitted to the finger.
On the other hand, when the contact sensor is outside the proximity sensor, it is detected that the finger is separated from the operation surface at the center outer periphery of the finger, so that the vibration generating unit operates with the finger almost in contact with the operation surface. The click feeling is easy to convey and easy to check the operation.
Also, when the contact sensor is outside the proximity sensor, it is quicker to detect when the operator's finger is away from the surface contact with the operation surface than when the contact sensor is inside the proximity sensor. Detection sensitivity is improved.
That is, when the contact sensor is inside the proximity sensor, for example, when the center of a finger having a convex curved surface contacts the center of the operation surface, it is detected that the finger is separated from the operation surface at the center of the finger. The detection sensitivity of contact and non-contact is reduced.
On the other hand, when the contact sensor is outside the proximity sensor, it is detected that the finger is separated from the operation surface at the center outer periphery of the finger having a convex curved surface, so that the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface. When trying to move away, quick detection can be performed and detection sensitivity can be improved.

  Further, when the contact sensor 12 detects a state in which the proximity object is about to leave the operation surface 2, a second predetermined process is performed, whereby an operation input by the operator can be performed.

Moreover, in the information input device 1 of this example, the contact sensor 12 uses a human body as a transmission path.
Therefore, in this example, since the contact of a close object is detected using the human body as a transmission path for human body communication, the change in the amplitude value of the signal for human body communication can be detected more reliably than the change in the capacitance.
That is, when contact of the human body is detected using a change in capacitance, even if the contact area of the finger to the operation surface is the same, the degree of electrostatic coupling between the human body and the ground and the difference in the amount of moisture the human body has As a result, the amplitude value of the signal when the human body comes into contact changes greatly, and erroneous detection is easy.
On the other hand, in this example, since the human body is detected as a transmission path for human body communication, regardless of the degree of electrostatic coupling between the human body and the earth and the amount of moisture the human body has, the operator's finger is in contact The amplitude value of the signal is a value approximately proportional to the contact area of the finger with the operation surface. In this example, by utilizing this property, it is possible to reliably detect a state where the operator's finger is about to leave the state where the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an information input device for explaining another touch sensor applicable to the present invention. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 denote the same members, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the capacitance receiving electrode 11B and the human body communication receiving electrode 12B are arranged apart from each other, and the first oscillating unit 21 and the second oscillating unit 25 are simultaneously driven to output signals. doing. In this example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the capacitance receiving electrode 11 </ b> B and the human body communication receiving electrode 12 </ b> B are configured as a common electrode, and the first oscillation unit 21 outputs a signal, When the second oscillating unit 25 does not output a signal, and the second oscillating unit 25 outputs a signal, the first oscillating unit 21 does not output a signal so that the signal is alternately output. It may be configured (time division). In this case, the receiving electrode 11B for capacitance and the receiving electrode 12B for human body communication can be shared, so that the number of parts can be reduced, the operation surface 2 can be made smaller, and the entire apparatus can be miniaturized.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  The proximity sensor 11 of the first embodiment is a capacitance sensor. However, if the proximity sensor 11 detects the approach of a finger to the operation surface 2, it is a sensor for human body communication with increased detection sensitivity. Also good. In this case, the detection sensitivity is set in a range away from the operation surface 2 by a predetermined distance, similarly to the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor.

In the first embodiment, the case where one proximity sensor and one contact sensor are provided in the minimum detection region 3 formed on the operation surface 2 has been described. However, one proximity sensor 11 and a plurality of proximity sensors are provided. The contact sensors 12 may be provided. In this case, for example, a plurality of contact sensors 12 are arranged on the outer periphery of one proximity sensor 11 in a square shape.
Further, one contact sensor 12 and a plurality of proximity sensors 11 may be provided in the minimum detection region 3 formed on the operation surface 2. In this case, for example, the proximity sensor 11 is disposed on the outer periphery of the one contact sensor 12. Arranged in a plurality of squares.
Further, the minimum detection area 3 formed on the operation surface 2 may be provided with a plurality of proximity sensors 11 and a plurality of contact sensors 12. In this case, for example, a plurality of proximity sensors 11 are scattered in a square shape. The contact sensors 12 are arranged in a plurality of square shapes on the outer periphery.
Therefore, by having at least one proximity sensor and at least one contact sensor in the minimum detection region 3 formed on the operation surface 2, operability and detection sensitivity can be improved.

  Further, the minimum detection region 3 of the first embodiment is formed in a square having a side of 26 mm or less. If the minimum detection region 3 has an area equivalent to this, the minimum detection region has one side of 1 mm or more. It may be formed in a rectangular shape.

Further, although the contact sensor 12 of the first embodiment is disposed on the outer periphery of the proximity sensor 11, the proximity sensor 11 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the contact sensor 12.
Moreover, although the conductive pattern of the proximity sensor 11 and the contact sensor 12 of the first embodiment is formed in a nested manner, the proximity sensor 11 and the contact sensor 12 are separated from each other as shown in FIG. It may be configured as a pattern.
The capacitance transmission electrode 11A is formed on the outer periphery of the capacitance reception electrode 11B. The capacitance transmission electrode 11A is the same as the capacitance reception electrode 11B. It may be formed on the inner periphery.
Further, the above-described transmission electrode 12A for human body communication is formed on the inner periphery of the reception electrode 12B for human body communication, but the transmission electrode 12A for human body communication is formed on the outer periphery of the reception electrode 12B for human body communication. May be.

  In addition, although the capacitance sensor of the first embodiment is configured by two electrodes of the transmission electrode 11A and the reception electrode 12B, the capacitance sensor may be configured by one electrode. In this case, the input of the first oscillating unit 21 and the output of the first receiving unit 22 are connected to the electrodes. In this case, the first threshold L1 for detecting the approach of the operator's finger is set higher than in the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the state in which the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2 is detected, the vibration generating unit is operated for the first period, and then the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2. The state which is going to leave | separate from the performed state is detected, and a vibration generation part operate | moves for a 2nd period after that. Therefore, when a state in which the operator's finger is about to leave the state of surface contact with the operation surface 2 is detected within the first period in which the vibration generation unit 30 operates, the vibration generation unit 30 It is preferable to operate for the second period continuously from the middle.
That is, the state in which the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2 is detected, the vibration generating unit is operated for the first period, and then the operator's finger is about to leave the state in which the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2 Is detected and the vibration generating unit operates in the second period, the operator may not always obtain the same click feeling, and the operability may be reduced.
On the other hand, in this example, when the operator's finger tries to leave the state in which the operator's finger is in surface contact with the operation surface 2, the vibration generating unit operates in the second period continuously from the middle of the first period, thereby Always gives the same click feeling and does not degrade operability.

In the first embodiment, the output signal of the second oscillating unit is connected to one transmission electrode 1 for human body communication, but the contact sensor 12 includes a plurality of transmission electrodes 12A. It is preferable to have one oscillating unit that outputs a signal to the transmission electrode 12A, and the output of this oscillating unit is connected to each of the plurality of transmitting electrodes 12A.
In this case, since the output of one oscillating unit is connected to a plurality of transmission electrodes, the apparatus can be greatly reduced in size.

In the first embodiment, the operation of the vibration generating unit 30 in the first period and the operation of the vibration generating unit 30 in the second period are the same, but the operation of the vibration generating unit 30 in the first period is It is preferable to be different from the operation of the vibration generating unit 30 for two periods.
In this case, it is easy to distinguish the feeling of clicking when the operator's finger makes surface contact with the contact sensor and when the operator tries to leave.
Specifically, for example, when the operator's finger touches the contact sensor, it continuously operates for 0.4 seconds, and when the finger tries to move away from the contact sensor, 0.1 second on and 0.1 second off twice. When the intermittent operation is repeated, the operator can easily distinguish the click feeling when the finger touches the surface contact sensor and when the finger tries to leave, and the operation can be easily confirmed.

  Further, the first period and the second period of the vibration generating unit 30 of the first embodiment example are continuous 0.4 seconds. For example, as an intermittent operation of repeating 0.1 second on 0.1 second off twice. In other words, the continuous operation period and the number of intermittent operations of the vibration generating unit 30 can be set as appropriate.

  In the present invention, when the proximity sensor 11 and the contact sensor 12 are driven simultaneously, the proximity sensor 11 and the contact sensor 12 are separated from each other so as not to interfere with each other, or the signal amplitude value is configured to be small. is there.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information input device 2 Operation surface 3 Minimum detection area 11 Proximity sensor 11A Transmission electrode for electrostatic capacitance
11B Electrostatic capacity receiving electrode 12 Contact sensor 12A Human body communication transmitting electrode
12B Reception Electrode 21 for Human Body Communication First Oscillator 22 First Receiver 25 Second Oscillator 26 Second Receiver 30 Vibration Generator 40 Microcomputer A1 Information L1 First Threshold L2 Second Threshold

Claims (10)

A proximity sensor that detects the proximity of a proximity object to the operation surface;
A contact sensor that has lower detection sensitivity than the proximity sensor and detects surface contact of a proximity object to the operation surface;
Comprising a vibration generating section for vibrating the operation surface;
When the proximity sensor detects the approach of a proximity object, a first predetermined process is performed,
When the contact sensor detects surface contact of a proximity object, the vibration generating unit operates for a first period,
When the contact sensor detects a state in which a proximity object is about to leave the operation surface, the vibration generating unit operates for a second period.
An information input device characterized by that.   The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the contact sensor detects a state in which the proximity object is about to leave based on a magnitude of a signal corresponding to a contact area with the proximity object.   The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the minimum detection area formed on the operation surface includes at least one proximity sensor and at least one contact sensor.   The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the contact sensor is formed in a loop shape on an outer periphery of the proximity sensor.   5. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein a second predetermined process is performed when the contact sensor detects a state in which a proximity object is about to leave the operation surface.   When the contact sensor detects a state in which the proximity object is about to move away from the operation surface within the first period, the vibration generating unit operates in the second period continuously from the middle of the first period. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein:   7. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein an operation of the vibration generating unit in the first period is different from an operation of the vibration generating unit in the second period.   The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the contact sensor uses a human body as a transmission path. The contact sensor has a plurality of transmission electrodes,
One oscillating unit for outputting a signal to the transmission electrode;
9. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein an output of the oscillation unit is connected to the transmission electrode. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor is a capacitance sensor.

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