JP2018132936A - Touch-type input device, control method for touch-type input device, and control program for touch-type input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch-type input device capable of assisting a blind operation regardless of a touched position.SOLUTION: A touch-type input device includes: a touch panel that detects a touched position; a vibrating unit that vibrates the touch panel; and a control unit that controls the vibrating unit. The control unit controls the vibrating unit in such a way that the touch panel is vibrated in a manner in accordance with a distance between the touched position and a predetermined position on a detection screen of the touch panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch input device.

  Touch type input devices equipped with a touch panel are widely used. However, since the detection surface of the touch panel is flat, it is difficult for the user to grasp which part on the detection surface of the touch panel is touched. For this reason, the user is forced to pay attention to the operation screen of the display device associated with the detection surface of the touch input device.

  In particular, when the touch panel is a capacitive type, unlike the resistive film type, a pressing operation (push-in operation) is not required, so that erroneous operations tend to increase, and the need to watch the operation screen increases.

JP 2013-175045 A (paragraphs 0025, 0026, 0048) JP 2013-97600 A (summary, claim 1)

  For example, when the user is driving the vehicle, it is difficult for the user to watch the operation screen for a long time. For this reason, a touch-type input device that can support a blind operation is desired.

  The touch-type input device proposed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 includes a detected object and a virtual switch when the detected object (for example, a user's finger) is in contact with or near the virtual switch on the touch panel. The position of the object to be detected is suggested by vibration, and the detected object is guided to the center of the virtual switch. However, in the touch input device proposed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when the detected object contacts a position far from the virtual switch, the positional relationship between the detected object and the center of the virtual switch. Cannot be suggested by vibration. That is, the touch input device proposed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 cannot support the blind operation until the detected object is brought into contact with or near the virtual switch on the touch panel. Only the fine adjustment stage of moving the body from the inside or the vicinity of the virtual switch to the center of the virtual switch can support the blind operation.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a touch input device that can support a blind operation regardless of a touched position.

  A touch-type input device according to the present invention includes a touch panel that detects a touched position, a vibration unit that vibrates the touch panel, and a control unit that controls the vibration unit, and the control unit is touched. The vibration unit is controlled (first configuration) so that the touch panel vibrates in a manner corresponding to the distance between the position and the predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel.

  The touch-type input device having the first configuration may have a configuration (second configuration) including a notification unit that notifies when the distance becomes a predetermined value or less.

  Moreover, in the touch-type input device having the first or second configuration, the control unit may change an element of an aspect corresponding to the distance at each of the plurality of predetermined positions when the plurality of the predetermined positions are set. (3rd structure) may be sufficient.

  In the touch-type input device having the first or second configuration, the vibration unit vibrates a detection surface of the touch panel, and the control unit includes a detection target that performs an input operation according to the distance. The structure (4th structure) which controls the said vibration part so that frictional resistance with the detection surface of the said touch panel may change may be sufficient.

  In the touch input device having any one of the first to fourth configurations, the control unit starts control of the vibration unit when the input mode for inputting or setting information is entered (fifth). Configuration).

  In the touch input device having any one of the first to fifth configurations, the control unit is linked to a display control device that displays an image based on the display image data on the display device, and the display image data is a predetermined value. A configuration (sixth configuration) may be employed in which control of the vibration unit is started when data is obtained.

  In the touch input device having any one of the first to sixth configurations, the touch input device is mounted on a vehicle, and the control unit includes a detection unit that detects a traveling state of the vehicle, A configuration (seventh configuration) for starting control of the vibration unit when the vehicle enters a running state may be employed.

  The touch-type input device control method according to the present invention is a touch-type input device control method comprising: a touch panel that detects a touched position; and a vibration unit that vibrates the touch panel. And a step of calculating a distance between the touch panel and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel, and a step of controlling the vibration unit so that the touch panel vibrates in a manner corresponding to the distance (eighth configuration). ). A control program for a touch-type input device according to the present invention is a control program for a touch-type input device that includes a touch panel that detects a touched position and a vibration unit that vibrates the touch panel. And a step of calculating a distance between the touch panel and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel, and a step of controlling the vibration unit so that the touch panel vibrates in a manner corresponding to the distance (first operation) 9).

  According to the present invention, since the touch panel is vibrated in a manner corresponding to the distance between the touched position and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel, the touch operation that can support the blind operation regardless of the touched position. An input device can be provided.

The figure which shows the example of 1 structure of a touch-type input device Schematic front view of touch panel Schematic front view of touch panel Partial schematic view of the interior of the vehicle on which the touch input device and the display device are mounted as viewed from the rear of the vehicle interior Partial schematic view of the interior of the vehicle on which the touch input device and the display device are mounted as viewed from the rear of the vehicle interior Diagram showing the processing flow of the control device The figure which shows the example of the image displayed by a display apparatus The figure which shows the example of the image displayed by a display apparatus

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<1. Configuration of touch input device>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the touch input device 100. The touch input device 100 includes a touch panel 1, a vibration unit 2, a control unit 3, and a storage unit 4.

  The touch panel 1 detects a touched position (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “touch position”). The detection surface of the touch panel 1 is touched by the detected object. Examples of the detection target include a user's finger.

  The vibration unit 2 vibrates the touch panel 1.

  The vibrating unit 2 in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 2 vibrates the touch panel 1 in a direction along the detection surface of the touch panel 1. For example, when the detection surface of the touch panel 1 is a plane, a direction substantially perpendicular to the normal direction of the plane is a direction along the detection surface of the touch panel 1. In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 2, the vibration unit 2 includes solenoid actuators 2 a and 2 b. Each of the solenoid actuators 2a and 2b includes a movable iron core and a main body having a coil (not shown). The movable iron cores of the solenoid actuators 2 a and 2 b are fixed to the center in the short direction of the touch panel 1 so that the axial direction is along the longitudinal direction of the touch panel 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body portions of the solenoid actuators 2 a and 2 b are fixed to the housing 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic members 5 a and 5 b connect the touch panel 1 and the housing 6 and elastically support the touch panel 1. The elastic members 5a and 5b are not limited to springs, and for example, sponge or rubber may be used. The touch panel 1 vibrates in the longitudinal direction of the touch panel 11 when the solenoid actuators 2a and 2b are driven. The solenoid actuators 5a and 5b and the elastic members 5a and 5b are preferably covered with a frame (not shown).

  The vibration unit 2 in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 3 vibrates the detection surface of the touch panel 1. In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 3, the vibration unit 2 includes the vibrators 2 c to 2 f, and the vibrators 2 c to 2 f are fixed to the four corners of the detection surface 1 a of the touch panel 1 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The vibrators 2c to 2f are desirably covered with a frame (not shown). The number and arrangement of the vibrators are not limited to the example shown in FIG. As the vibrator, for example, a piezoelectric element such as a piezoelectric element can be used. When a high-pressure air film is generated between the detection object touching the surface of the touch panel 1 and the detection surface of the touch panel 1 due to vibration of the detection surface of the touch panel 1, the detection object touching the detection surface of the touch panel 1. The frictional resistance between the touch panel 1 and the detection surface of the touch panel 1 is reduced. The frictional resistance can be adjusted by adjusting the vibration amplitude. In addition, if the detection surface of the touch panel 1 is vibrated at high speed, the certainty that a high-pressure air film is generated between the detection object touching the detection surface of the touch panel 1 and the detection surface of the touch panel 1 can be increased. . This high-speed vibration is, for example, ultrasonic vibration.

  The control unit 3 is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown). The control unit 3 is connected to the storage unit 4 and the like, and processes and transmits / receives information based on the program 4 a stored in the storage unit 4 to control the vibration unit 2 and the display device 200.

  The control unit 3 includes a vibration control unit 3a, a position information generation unit 3b, and a display control unit 3c. Various functions of the control unit 3 such as the vibration control unit 3a are realized by the CPU executing arithmetic processing according to the program 4a stored in the storage unit 4. The touch input device 100 may not include the display control unit 3c, and a display control device corresponding to the display control unit 3c may be provided outside the touch input device 100.

  The vibration control unit 3 a controls the drive unit 2. Specifically, the vibration control unit 3 a controls the vibration unit 2 so that the touch panel 1 vibrates in a manner corresponding to the distance between the touch position and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1. Examples of the vibration mode elements include vibration amplitude, vibration frequency, vibration direction, and the like. When the vibration direction is changed, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the vibration is uniaxial. For example, a solenoid actuator is added so that the axial direction of the movable iron core is along the short direction of the touch panel 1. It is sufficient to make the configuration capable of.

  The position information generation unit 3b receives the detection result from the touch panel 1, creates position information related to the touch position (for example, coordinate information of the touch position) based on the detection result of the touch panel 1, and outputs the position information to the display control unit 3c. When the touch panel 1 is a pressure-sensitive touch panel, the position information generation unit 3b creates pressure information related to the pressure applied to the touch position in addition to the position information, and outputs the pressure information to the display control unit 3c.

  The display control unit 3c creates display image data based on the position information output from the position information generation unit 3b, and causes the display device 200 to display an image based on the display image data. When the touch panel 1 is a pressure-sensitive touch panel, the display control unit 3c creates display image data based on the position information and pressure information output from the position information generation unit 3b, and based on the display image data. The image is displayed on the display device 200.

  Here, the arrangement when the touch input device 100 and the display device 200 described above are mounted on a vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 and 5 are partial schematic views of the interior of the vehicle on which the touch input device 100 and the display device are mounted, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle interior.

  The touch panel 1 is provided at a position where the driver of the vehicle can operate, and the display device 200 is provided at a position where the driver of the vehicle can visually recognize.

  In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 4, the touch panel 1 is provided between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and the display device 200 is provided in the center of the dashboard. As described above, when the touch panel 1 and the display device 200 are physically separated from each other, a cursor indicating the touch position may be included in the image displayed by the display device 220. By installing the display device 200 relatively in front of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 4, the viewpoint movement when the driver of the vehicle confirms the display on the display device 200 during driving is reduced.

  In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel 1 is fixed to the display surface side of the display device 200, and the touch panel 1 and the display device 200 (so-called touch panel display) are provided on the center console of the vehicle.

<2. Processing of control unit>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of processing of the control unit 3. When the control unit 3 is activated, the control unit 3 operates in a non-vibration control mode (a mode in which the vibration control unit 3a is disabled).

  In step S1, the control unit 3 determines whether or not to shift from the non-vibration control mode to the vibration control mode (a mode in which the vibration control unit 3a is enabled).

  For example, the control unit 3 may determine to shift from the non-vibration control mode to the vibration control mode when the display image data generated by the display control unit 3 becomes predetermined data. As a specific example, the display device 200 displays various images of a navigation device that guides a travel route to a destination, and the display screen of the display device 200 is a virtual keyboard of the navigation device as shown in FIG. When switching to a screen, the case where it judges that control part 3 shifts from non-vibration control mode to vibration control mode can be mentioned. That is, when the screen is switched to an input screen for inputting information such as characters, or a setting screen such as an UP / DOWN key for changing a setting value such as a volume, in other words, an input mode for inputting or setting information. When switched, the mode is shifted from the non-vibration control mode to the vibration control mode.

  Since the display control unit 3 automatically shifts to the vibration control mode when the display image data generated by the display control unit 3 becomes predetermined data, the predetermined data is transferred to the predetermined position after the detected object moves to the predetermined position. Convenience is improved when the image data or the like of the operation screen greatly improves the operability of the input operation performed.

  In addition, for example, the control unit 3 may have a detection function of detecting the traveling state of the vehicle, and may determine that the vibration control mode is shifted from the non-vibration control mode when the vehicle enters the traveling state. As a method of detecting the traveling state of the vehicle, for example, vehicle speed information is acquired from the outside of the touch input device 100 (for example, a vehicle control ECU (Electric Control Unit)), and the traveling state is detected if the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed. For example, a vehicle speed can be estimated from an image taken by a vehicle-mounted camera, and a traveling state can be detected if the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed.

  Since the necessity of blind operation for safety increases when the vehicle is in a traveling state, the safety of the vehicle is improved by automatically shifting to the vibration control mode when the vehicle is in a traveling state. It should be noted that the transition from the non-vibration control mode to the vibration control mode is made when the two conditions of the input mode and the vehicle are in a running state are met, and the vehicle is simply switched to the input mode or simply travels. The transition from the non-vibration control mode to the vibration control mode may not be performed only by entering the state.

  If it is determined not to shift to the vibration control mode, the process returns to step S1 while remaining in the non-vibration control mode. Although not shown in FIG. 6, in the non-vibration control mode, touch position detection and image display by the display device 200 are performed, and the touch input device 100 is ready to accept input operations. Yes.

  On the other hand, when it is determined to shift to the vibration control mode, the process shifts from the non-vibration control mode to the vibration control mode, and the processes after step S2 are executed. In order to prevent an erroneous operation after step S2, for example, the input operation is confirmed by a flick operation, the input operation is not accepted in the vibration control mode, or the pressure is applied when the touch panel 1 is a pressure-sensitive touch panel. An input operation may be confirmed by an operation (push-in operation).

  In step S2, the touch panel 1 detects a touched position, and the position information generation unit 3b creates position information regarding the touch position.

  Next, the display control unit 3c creates display image data based on the position information output from the position information generation unit 3b, and causes the display device 200 to display an image based on the display image data (step S3).

  Next, the vibration control unit 3a calculates the distance between the touch position and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1 (step S4). If the display screen of the display device 200 is the virtual keyboard screen shown in FIG. 7, for example, the position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1 corresponding to the central portion P1 of the virtual key “A” may be set to a predetermined position. If the display screen of the display device 200 is a virtual up / down key screen for setting the temperature of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 8, for example, the touch panel 1 corresponding to the intermediate position P2 between the virtual up key U1 and the virtual down key D1. The position on the detection surface may be set to a predetermined position. If the display screen of the display device 200 is a virtual up / down key screen for setting the temperature of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 8, for example, the position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1 corresponding to the central portion P3 of the virtual up key U1. And a position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1 corresponding to the central portion P4 of the virtual down key D1 may be set to predetermined positions.

  Next, the vibration control unit 3a determines whether or not the distance between the touch position and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S5). If a plurality of predetermined positions are set, it may be determined whether or not the distance between the touch position and at least one predetermined position is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

  When it is determined that the distance between the touch position and the predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1 is not less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, when it is determined that the distance between the touch position and the predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S <b> 6, the vibration control unit 3 a determines a vibration mode according to the distance between the touch position and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1. The mode of vibration may be changed continuously (analogly) according to the distance between the touch position and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1, and between the touch position and the predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1. It may be changed stepwise (digitally) according to the distance.

  For example, as the distance between the touch position and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1 increases, the vibration amplitude may be increased in the vibration unit 2 of the configuration example illustrated in FIG. In this case, the user can move the detected object to a predetermined position without gazing at the screen by moving the detected object in a direction in which vibration is weakened. That is, the blind operation can be supported regardless of the touched position.

  Further, for example, the greater the distance between the touch position and the predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1, the smaller the vibration amplitude in the vibration unit 2 of the configuration example illustrated in FIG. In this case, the user can move the detected object to a predetermined position without gazing at the screen by moving the detected object in a direction in which the user can move smoothly. That is, the blind operation can be supported regardless of the touched position. Furthermore, since the frictional resistance between the detected object and the detection surface of the touch panel 1 becomes smaller as the detected object moves, the movement of the latter half of the detected object becomes easier. On the other hand, the greater the distance between the touch position and the predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1, the larger the vibration amplitude in the vibration unit 2 of the configuration example shown in FIG. It will be easy.

  When a plurality of predetermined positions are set, the vibration mode element may be changed according to the distance between the touch position and the predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1 at each of the plurality of predetermined positions. Thereby, the user can distinguish and grasp the distance between the touch position at each of the plurality of predetermined positions and the predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1. If there are two predetermined positions, for example, the vibration amplitude may be changed according to the distance between the touch position and one predetermined position, and the vibration frequency may be changed according to the distance between the touch position and the other predetermined position.

  In step S7 following step S6, the vibration control unit 3a vibrates the vibration unit 2 in the vibration mode determined in step S6, and then returns to step S2.

  In step S8, the control unit 3 notifies that the distance between the touch position and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel 1 has become a predetermined value or less. Thus, the user can clearly recognize that the detected object has reached the predetermined position or the vicinity of the predetermined position. As a notification method, for example, a notification method for stopping vibration of the vibration unit 2, a notification signal (control signal) is output to a sound output device or a light emitting device provided outside the touch input device 100, and sound or light is output. An informing method for informing the user by using it can be given.

  In step S9 following step S8, the control unit 3 switches from the vibration control mode to the non-vibration control mode, and then returns to step S1.

<3. Modification>
The above-described embodiment is an example in all respects and should not be considered as limiting, and the technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims, not the description of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, it should be understood that all modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced.

  In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that various functions are realized in software by the arithmetic processing of the CPU according to the program. However, some of these functions are realized by an electrical hardware circuit. Also good. Conversely, some of the functions realized by the hardware circuit may be realized by software.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where there are one or two predetermined positions has been described, but there may be three or more predetermined positions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Touch panel 1a Detection surface of a touch panel 2 Vibration part 2a, 2b Solenoid actuator 2c-2f Vibrator 3 Control part 3a Vibration control part 3b Position information generation part 3c Display control part 4 Storage part 4a Program 5a, 5b Elastic member 6 Case 100 Touch input device 200 Display device

Claims (9)

A touch panel for detecting the touched position;
A vibrating section for vibrating the touch panel;
A control unit for controlling the vibration unit,
The control unit is a touch-type input device that controls the vibration unit so that the touch panel vibrates in a manner corresponding to a distance between the touched position and a predetermined position on a detection surface of the touch panel.   The touch-type input device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies when the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value.   The touch-type input device according to claim 1, wherein, when a plurality of the predetermined positions are set, the control unit changes a mode element according to the distance at each of the plurality of predetermined positions. The vibration unit vibrates the detection surface of the touch panel,
The said control part controls the said vibration part so that the frictional resistance of the to-be-detected body which performs input operation, and the detection surface of the said touch panel may change according to the said distance. Touch input device.   The touch-type input device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit starts control of the vibration unit when an input mode for inputting or setting information is entered. The controller is
In conjunction with a display control device that displays an image based on display image data on a display device,
The touch-type input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein control on the vibration unit is started when the display image data becomes predetermined data. The touch input device is mounted on a vehicle,
The said control part is provided with the detection part which detects the driving | running state of the said vehicle, and starts the control with respect to the said vibration part when the said vehicle becomes a driving | running state. Touch input device. A touch-type input device control method comprising: a touch panel that detects a touched position; and a vibration unit that vibrates the touch panel.
Calculating a distance between the touched position and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel;
Controlling the vibrating unit so that the touch panel vibrates in a manner according to the distance;
A method for controlling a touch input device. A touch input device control program comprising a touch panel for detecting a touched position and a vibration unit for vibrating the touch panel,
Calculating a distance between the touched position and a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel;
Controlling the vibrating unit so that the touch panel vibrates in a manner according to the distance;
A control program for a touch input device that causes a computer to execute.