JP4478436B2 - INPUT DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE, AND INPUT DEVICE CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device, an information processing device, a remote control device, and an input device control method, and more particularly to an input device that performs input by detecting the presence or absence of a pressing or contact operation on the surface of a panel. The present invention relates to an information processing device and a remote control device used, and a method for controlling such an input device.

  Currently, automatic cash handling machines of financial institutions, automatic ticket machines such as tickets and commuter passes, so-called convenience terminals used to provide services such as ticket sales at convenience stores, information processing devices such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. Input devices using touch panels are widely used. Such a touch panel type input device associates a button or icon displayed on a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with a coordinate system on the panel, and indicates an indicator such as a finger or a pen on the panel. By detecting the position touched by the user, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) function for the apparatus user is realized.

  Many of such touch panel type input devices are unlikely to use a real switch button, and it is difficult for the operator to feel the feeling of clicking the display button or the like (click feeling) during operation. Therefore, in a recent touch panel type input device, when an input operation is performed by an operator, an operation sound such as a beep sound is generated, or the shape of a display button is changed auditorily and visually. A device has been devised to notify that an input operation has been performed.

  However, when using such an input device, the response of the input device is slow even if the operator performs an input operation, the input device does not respond even if the operator intends to perform the input operation, or Even if the operator makes a mistake in the input operation, the user still feels uneasy about the operability and cannot always be said to be easy to use.

  Therefore, for example, a mechanism has been proposed in which a piezoelectric element is placed in contact with the panel, and when an input operation is performed, the piezoelectric element is driven to displace the panel and return a force sense to the operator. ing. Thus, when an operation is performed, the operator is given a click feeling as if the switch button had been pressed.

  For example, conventionally, a resistive film type touch panel in which a plurality of flexible electrode sheets are arranged with a certain interval with the electrode surfaces facing each other is used, and a bobbin coil is fitted into a casing with the touch panel fixed on the surface. An apparatus having a configuration has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this input device, when the operator presses the touch panel and the electrode sheets come into contact with each other and energization occurs, the bobbin coil is activated to push the touch panel back to the operator side. Thereby, a feeling of clicking is given to the operator.

Conventionally, a touch panel is supported by a piezoelectric element, and an operation force is detected based on a voltage generated in the piezoelectric element in response to pressing on the touch panel, and a high frequency is applied to the piezoelectric element in accordance with the operation force. An apparatus that is adapted to vibrate has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Thereby, even if there is no pressing stroke when the touch panel is pressed, a feeling of clicking is given to the operator.
JP 2002-259059 (paragraph numbers [0037] to [0040], FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 7) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-212725 (paragraph numbers [0132] to [0143], FIGS. 15 and 16)

  However, the conventional touch panel type input device does not feel a stroke when the panel is operated, and the input device emits an operation sound or pushes back the panel or vibrates after a slight delay in operating the panel. For this reason, it was not possible to completely eliminate the anxiety during panel operation, and it was not always satisfactory as a virtual switch.

  Even when using such a touch panel type input device, the operator remembers the sensation of pressing the actual switch button before, so there is no sense of stroke when pressing the panel, and he thinks that he has finished pressing it. If you suddenly receive strong feedback, you may feel uncomfortable.

In other words, it is necessary not only to simply give feedback to the operator but also to experience a stroke like when a switch button is pressed.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an input device that allows a user to feel a pseudo stroke when an operator operates a panel and a control method thereof.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a remote control device using such an input device.

In the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, in an input device in which an input is performed by a pressing operation or a contact operation on the surface of the panel, by detecting a signal that changes due to the pressing or contact on the surface of the panel as a detection data value , Means for detecting pressure or contact on the surface of the panel, and the time when the detected data value starts to change is determined as the start time of pressure or contact, and is stable and preset after the detection data value starts to change. Means for determining a time point when a predetermined time has passed as a confirmation point of pressing or contact, and a first output signal is generated from the start time to the confirmation time point, and a second output signal is generated after the confirmation time point And means for oscillating the panel according to the first output signal from the start time to the confirmation time, Means for vibrating the panel according to the second output signal after a point, the second output signal having a greater amplitude and lower frequency than the first output signal. in Ri signal der to vibrate, the means for vibrating the panel, the plate-shaped piezoelectric actuator provided on the back side of the panel is used, the first, is the piezoelectric actuator according to the second output signal curve input device the panel is characterized that you vibration by deforming is provided.

According to such an input device, the operator panel starts to vibrate the panel from the time obtained by pressing or contacting a finger or the like for input of the input device, when the pressing or contact is established in the input device, The panel vibrates with greater amplitude and lower frequency .

In the present invention, in the control method of the input device in which input is performed by a pressing operation or a contact operation on the surface of the panel, by detecting a signal that changes due to the pressing or the contact on the surface of the panel as a detection data value, Detects pressing or touching on the surface of the panel, determines the time when the detected data value starts to change as the starting time of pressing or touching, and stable and preset time has elapsed since the detection data value starts to change The determined time is determined to be a pressing or contact determination time, a first output signal is generated from the start time to the determination time, a second output signal is generated after the determination time, and from the start time The panel is vibrated in accordance with the first output signal until the determined time, and after the determined time, the second output signal is changed to the second output signal. When the panel is vibrated to generate the first and second output signals, the second output signal causes the panel to have a larger amplitude and lower frequency than the first output signal. The first and second output signals are generated so as to be vibrated at the same time, and when the panel is vibrated, a plate-like piezoelectric actuator provided on the back side of the panel is used as the first and second output signals. the method of the input device according to claim Rukoto to vibrate the panel is provided by curving deformation in accordance with.

According to such a control method of the input device, when pressing or contact with the panel surface is detected, the panel starts to vibrate from the pressing time or the contact time, and after the pressing or contact is confirmed , the panel has a larger amplitude. And vibrate at a lower frequency.

The input device according to the present invention has a small amplitude from the time when the operator presses or touches the panel with a finger or the like until the press or contact is determined, that is, from the start time of the press or contact to the determined time. Since the panel is vibrated with a large amplitude after the point of pressing or touching, the operator can get a sense of stroke by the small vibration of the panel from the point of pressing or touching. A click feeling can be obtained by the large vibration of the panel after the pressing or contact is confirmed. By providing a sense of stroke during the input operation, the operator can perform the input operation with peace of mind and accuracy.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example an input device using a resistive touch panel used as a control panel for operating a broadcasting device such as a switcher device for switching an input image. Will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of main parts of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
An input device 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a liquid crystal display unit 1 and a touch panel unit 2 disposed on the display surface side thereof, and a flexible substrate on which a piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted on the display surface side of the liquid crystal display unit 1. 4 is fixed.

  The liquid crystal display unit 1 includes a display panel 1a on which an image is displayed, and a frame 1b for holding the display panel 1a. A liquid crystal substrate, a backlight, etc. (not shown) are provided inside the display panel 1a. The frame 1b is made of, for example, metal, and is provided so as not to block the image display area on the display surface of the display panel 1a.

  The touch panel unit 2 includes a sensor for detecting an input operation by an operator, and here is a resistive film type touch panel including a resistive film type sensor. The touch panel unit 2 includes a pressing unit 2a pressed by an operator and a frame 2b for holding the pressing unit 2a. The pressing part 2a is made of a transparent resin sheet so that an image displayed on the display panel 1a of the liquid crystal display part 1 is transmitted. The frame 2b is made of metal, for example, and is provided so as not to block the display area of the display panel 1a.

  The resistance film type touch panel used as the touch panel unit 2 has a structure in which a plurality of electrode sheets on which transparent electrodes are formed are arranged with a certain interval with the electrode surfaces facing each other. Then, when the pressing portion 2a in FIG. 1 is pressed with an indicator such as an operator's finger or pen, the electrode sheets come into contact with each other, and by detecting the resistance change on each electrode sheet at this time, The position is specified as a coordinate value.

  The piezoelectric actuator 3 is a piezoelectric bimorph element, for example. The piezoelectric bimorph element has a structure in which a plurality of thin plate-like piezoelectric materials are bonded to each other with an electrode plate interposed therebetween, and has a property that the whole is curved when a voltage is applied from both sides. In the input device 100, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is curved and deformed according to a driving voltage applied through a wiring provided on the flexible substrate 4.

  The flexible substrate 4 is a flexible wiring substrate in which wiring is formed using a conductive metal foil such as copper foil on a resin film such as polyimide, and an electrode for supplying a driving voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 3 is provided. A pair of through holes, which will be described later, is provided, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 is held using the through holes.

  In the input device 100, the touch panel unit 2 is disposed on the display surface side of the liquid crystal display unit 1 so as to sandwich the flexible substrate 4 and the piezoelectric actuator 3. An image of an operation function item such as an icon displayed on the display panel 1a of the liquid crystal display unit 1 is transmitted to the pressing unit 2a of the touch panel unit 2, and the operator presses the image display position on the pressing unit 2a with a finger or the like. Thus, an input operation corresponding to the display image is performed.

  The liquid crystal display unit 1 and the touch panel unit 2 are mounted on an external housing (not shown) of the input device 100. At this time, the touch panel unit 2 is disposed with respect to the liquid crystal display unit 1 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the display surface. Thereby, when the piezoelectric actuator 3 is curved and deformed, the distance of the touch panel unit 2 to the liquid crystal display unit 1 changes. A circuit that performs detection of a pressing operation on the touch panel unit 2 and drive control of the piezoelectric actuator 3 according to the pressing operation is housed in, for example, an external housing.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a mounting state of the piezoelectric actuator on the flexible substrate, in which FIG. 2A is a plan view of a principal portion of the flexible substrate, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX.
As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible substrate 4 has a mounting portion 41 composed of a pair of through holes 41 a and 41 b for mounting the piezoelectric actuator 3, and a wiring pattern 42 a for supplying a driving voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 3. 42b is provided.

  In the mounting portion 41, the through holes 41a and 41b are formed in parallel, for example, in the same shape. Moreover, between the through-holes 41a and 41b, the resin film which comprises the flexible substrate 4 is left in bridge shape, and the center spacer part 41c is formed. In the present embodiment, for example, such mounting portions 41 are provided at two locations on one flexible substrate 4.

  The wiring patterns 42 a and 42 b are provided so that each wiring is connected to one end of the mounting portion 41. On the other hand, wiring terminals 31a and 31b are provided at one end of the piezoelectric actuator 3, and when these wiring terminals 31a and 31b come into contact with the wiring patterns 42a and 42b on the flexible substrate 4, a driver (not shown). A drive voltage is supplied from the circuit to the piezoelectric actuator 3.

  In the mounting portion 41, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is inserted into one through hole 41a from the front side, for example, and then inserted again from the back side into the through hole 41b through the lower portion of the central spacer portion 41c, so that both ends in the longitudinal direction are Mounting is performed in contact with the surface of the flexible substrate 4. Since the piezoelectric actuator 3 has relatively high rigidity, while the flexible substrate 4 is easily deformed, only the central spacer portion 41c bulges in the front side direction as shown in FIG. The actuator 3 is held. At this time, the wiring terminals 31a and 31b provided at one end of the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the wiring patterns 42a and 42b on the flexible substrate 4 come into contact with each other and are electrically connected. Preferably, after making these contact, the contact is fixed using solder or the like, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 itself is fixed on the flexible substrate 4.

  After the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted as described above, the flexible substrate 4 is sandwiched between the frame 1 b of the liquid crystal display unit 1 and the frame 2 b of the touch panel unit 2. At this time, for example, the upper surface in FIG. 2 of the central spacer portion 41c is in contact with the frame 2b of the touch panel portion 2, and the regions 43a and 43b in which the lower surface in FIG. In contact with the frame 1b. With such a mounting structure, the central spacer portion 41c of the flexible substrate 4 functions as a spacer between the frame 2b of the touch panel portion 2 and the piezoelectric actuator 3, and the regions 43a and 43b of the flexible substrate 4 are liquid crystal display. It functions as a spacer between the frame 1 b of the part 1 and the piezoelectric actuator 3.

  In this state, when a driving voltage is supplied to the piezoelectric actuator 3, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is curved and deformed according to the driving voltage. As described above, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is provided with the two wiring terminals 31a and 31b. When the potential difference between them is 0, the piezoelectric actuator 3 does not bend, and by increasing the potential difference, the amount of bending is increased. growing. The bending direction of the piezoelectric actuator 3 is reversed when the polarity of the voltage is reversed. Therefore, in the input device 100, the amount of bending, the bending period, the bending direction, and the like of the piezoelectric actuator 3 can be changed by controlling the voltage (amplitude), frequency, waveform (rectangular wave or sine wave) of the drive voltage, and the like. it can.

  When the piezoelectric actuator 3 is curved, the central spacer portion 41c moves in a direction perpendicular to the display unit with respect to the liquid crystal display unit 1 according to the displacement of the central portion. The touch panel portion 2 moves in accordance with the displacement of the central spacer portion 41c, the panel surface is displaced, and a force sense is returned to the operator.

  A reinforcing plate made of a highly rigid material such as celluloid may be attached to the front surface of the central spacer portion 41c or the back surface of the portion of the flexible substrate 4 where both ends of the piezoelectric actuator 3 are in contact.

  The mounting method of the piezoelectric actuator 3 as described above is only an example, and a spacer is provided near the center of one surface of the piezoelectric actuator 3, and spacers are also provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction on the other surface. As long as it has the provided structure, the piezoelectric actuator 3 may be mounted by other methods.

Next, the hardware configuration of the input device 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram of the input device.
The input device 100 includes a sensor unit 101, a position determination processing unit 102, a control unit 103, and a drive unit 104.

  The sensor unit 101 is incorporated in the touch panel unit 2 and includes a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a pressing operation on the input device 100 by an operator. Here, the sensor unit 101 is applied to the panel surface (the pressing unit 2a) of the touch panel unit 2 by a resistance film method. The presence or absence of pressing is detected.

  When the operator presses the panel surface of the analog resistive film type touch panel used as the touch panel unit 2 in the present embodiment with a finger or the like, the electrode sheets that are arranged to face each other at regular intervals come into contact with each other, and energization occurs. The resistance values in the X direction and the Y direction on the electrode sheet change depending on the contact position, and the voltage values corresponding to the X direction and the Y direction change. The voltage values in the X direction and the Y direction are 0V or close to 0V until the panel surface of the resistive touch panel is pressed with a finger or the like, and gradually increases when starting to be pressed. If it continues for a certain amount of time, it becomes saturated and stable.

  In the input device 100, it is assumed that the pressure by the operator is fixed in such a state that the voltage value is stable, and the change in the voltage value from the point of time when the pressure is started by the operator is within a predetermined fluctuation range and is stable. After a certain period of time has passed, the pressing is confirmed. In that case, the time from the stabilization of the voltage value until the pressing is confirmed can be arbitrarily set in advance in the input device 100.

  The sensor unit 101 detects the presence or absence of pressure on the panel surface based on voltage values (analog signals) in the X direction and the Y direction, and the voltage value is a detection data value (digital signal) obtained by A / D conversion.

  The position determination processing unit 102 periodically reads the detected data values in the X direction and the Y direction detected by the sensor unit 101 and monitors changes thereof, so as to determine the pressing start time and the pressing confirmed time point on the panel surface. It has become. That is, the time point at which the detection data value starts to change is determined as the pressing start time point, and the time point after a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection data value has stabilized is determined as the pressing confirmation time point.

  The position determination processing unit 102 specifies the XY coordinate value of the pressed position on the electrode sheet from the detected data value when a predetermined time elapses after the detection data value is stabilized and the pressing is confirmed, and is specified. Save the coordinate value as position information. Note that the processing in the position determination processing unit 102 may be realized by a hardware block or a CPU.

  Furthermore, the position determination processing unit 102 generates a control signal corresponding to the input from the start of pressing to the determination or after the pressing is determined based on the detection data value output from the sensor unit 101, and the control signal is used as the control signal. Based on this, the control unit 103 is controlled. The control signal generated by the position determination processing unit 102 includes a voltage (amplitude), a frequency, and a waveform (rectangular wave or sine wave) for specifying the signal waveform of the driving voltage when driving the driving unit 104. It is a digital signal.

  The control unit 103 is a waveform generation device that controls a voltage, a frequency, and a waveform based on a control signal from the position determination processing unit 102 and generates a signal waveform of a drive voltage for driving the drive unit 104. Output as an output signal.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control unit.
As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 103 includes, for example, a D / A conversion unit 103a, a waveform control unit 103b, and a driver circuit 103c.

The D / A conversion unit 103a converts the voltage included in the control signal output from the position determination processing unit 102 into an analog value, and outputs the converted control voltage to the driver circuit 103c.
The waveform control unit 103b generates a rectangular wave or a sine wave having a specific frequency using the frequency and waveform included in the control signal output from the position determination processing unit 102, and outputs the generated control waveform to the driver circuit 103c. To do.

  The driver circuit 103c outputs a signal waveform of the drive voltage to the drive unit 104 as an output signal based on the control voltage output from the D / A conversion unit 103a and the control waveform output from the waveform control unit 103b.

  Since the control unit 103 generates an output signal for controlling the drive unit 104, the configuration is not particularly limited as long as it can generate a signal waveform matched to the drive unit 104.

  Here, the drive unit 104 is the piezoelectric actuator 3 described above, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 is curved and deformed according to the signal waveform of the drive voltage output from the control unit 103. The driving unit 104 is supplied with an AC voltage such as an AC rectangular wave voltage or an AC sine wave voltage. When such an alternating drive voltage is supplied, the piezoelectric actuator 3 can be finely vibrated, and as a result, the touch panel unit 2 can also be finely vibrated.

Next, a method for allowing the operator to experience a pseudo stroke in the input device 100 having the above-described configuration will be described.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the panel pressing time and the piezoelectric actuator drive voltage. In FIG. 5, the upper diagram shows the relationship between the panel pressing time of the touch panel unit 2 and the detected data value, and the lower diagram shows the signal waveform of the drive voltage supplied to the piezoelectric actuator 3. In the upper diagram of FIG. 5, as an example, the change in the detected data value in the X direction is illustrated.

  As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 5, the detected data value detected at the time of the input operation is 0 or a value close to 0 before pressing the panel surface of the touch panel unit 2, and gradually increases with the start of pressing. If it continues as it is to some extent, it becomes stable. In the input device 100, by supplying a drive voltage having a signal waveform as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5 to the piezoelectric actuator 3 in accordance with the detection data value changing in this way, the operator can experience a pseudo stroke. Can be made.

  That is, the input device 100 supplies a high-frequency AC rectangular wave voltage with a small amplitude to the piezoelectric actuator 3 from the start of pressing to the confirmation of pressing to vibrate the piezoelectric actuator 3 finely and vibrate the touch panel unit 2 weakly. Let Then, after the pressing is confirmed, a low-frequency AC rectangular wave voltage having a large amplitude is supplied, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the touch panel unit 2 are vibrated greatly. Although the time from the start of pressing to the confirmation of pressing is about several tens of ms to 100 ms, the operator can press from the start of pressing by pressing the touch panel unit 2 and returning a force sense to the operator. By the weak vibration until confirmation, it is possible to experience a feeling of stroke as when the switch button is pressed. In addition, the operator can experience a click feeling as if the switch button was pressed by the stronger vibration after the pressing is confirmed.

Also, depending on the application, the input device 100 may be easier for the operator to give a longer stroke feeling.
FIG. 6 is another explanatory diagram of the relationship between the panel pressing time and the piezoelectric actuator drive voltage. In FIG. 6, the upper diagram shows the relationship between the panel pressing time of the touch panel unit 2 and the detected data value, and the lower diagram shows the signal waveform of the drive voltage supplied to the piezoelectric actuator 3. In the upper diagram of FIG. 6, as an example, a change in the detected data value in the X direction is shown.

  As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 6, the detected data value detected during the input operation is 0 or a value close to 0 before pressing the panel surface of the touch panel unit 2 as in FIG. 5, and gradually increases with the start of pressing. When the pressure continues for a certain amount of time, it becomes stable.

  In order to produce a longer stroke feeling, as shown in FIG. 6, it is set so that the pressing is confirmed at a later time. The input device 100 supplies a high-frequency AC rectangular wave voltage with a small amplitude to the piezoelectric actuator 3 from the start of pressing to the later confirmed pressing, and then supplies a low-frequency AC rectangular wave voltage with a large amplitude. As a result, the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the touch panel unit 2 vibrate weakly from the start of pressing to the later confirmed pressing, and then vibrate more strongly, so that the operator can feel a long stroke feeling. become.

  In the example of FIGS. 5 and 6, the case where the AC rectangular wave voltage is supplied to the piezoelectric actuator 3 has been described. Of course, an AC sine wave voltage may be supplied. However, as for the waveform, the rectangular wave tends to be more easily recognized as vibration for the operator than the sine wave, and the voltage of the rectangular wave can be lowered.

  Further, in the input device 100, the voltage, frequency, waveform, and drive voltage supply time required to make the operator feel a stroke feel using the voltage value detected from the touch panel unit 2. Since it differs depending on the determined press confirmation time, the type of application, and the like, it can be arbitrarily set in advance.

  Moreover, in the input device 100, when the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the touch panel unit 2 are vibrated weakly between the start of pressing and the confirmation of pressing, the frequency can be changed. For example, the frequency is changed from about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz from the start of pressing, and the voltage is changed from 1/2 to 1/8 of the peak voltage during vibration that makes the user feel the click feeling, and is vibrated with a rectangular wave. As a result, the operator can feel a sense of stroke closer to the actual stroke. However, if the frequency or voltage is too high, weak vibrations for experiencing a sense of stroke will enter the audible range, and depending on the installation conditions of the input device 100, it may be annoying to the operator. Need to be fully considered.

  Further, in a normal input device, for example, when the operator presses a place that is not a display button on the touch panel unit due to a parallax shift due to the separation of the liquid crystal display unit and the touch panel unit, usually, The input is not accepted by the device. In such a case, in the input device 100, when the operator presses the panel, a predetermined driving voltage is supplied to the piezoelectric actuator 3 to give the operator a feeling of stroke with weak vibration. It can also be configured to stop the vibration without stopping the supply of voltage and giving a click feeling. Thereby, the operator can recognize at least that he / she is pressing, and can also recognize that he / she has pressed the wrong place because there is no click feeling.

  Further, in such a case, a vibration different from that for giving a stroke feeling or a click feeling can be given as a vibration representing an error, or an alarm or the like can be warned.

  By the way, in the above description, the case where the resistive film type touch panel having the resistive film type sensor unit 101 is used as the touch panel unit 2 of the input device 100 has been described as an example. Even if various touch panels employing an optical method, an ultrasonic method, an electromagnetic induction method, or the like are used, it is possible to make the operator feel a stroke. In short, as long as a sensor that can detect that there is some change in the signal (detected data value) detected from the start of the input operation until the input operation is confirmed, the stroke can be given to the operator. It is possible to give a feeling.

  For example, in the case of the electrostatic capacity method, a contact portion of an operator's finger is formed by a transparent conductive panel, and a circuit for voltage application and current detection is provided in a frame on the outer edge of the contact portion, thereby A certain voltage is applied to the sex panel. In an input device using such a touch panel, when the operator touches the panel with a finger, the capacitance on the panel changes, and the change is detected as a current value.

  In the case of the optical system, the contact portion is formed of a transparent panel such as glass or acrylic. Then, a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a light receiving element are arranged in the frame on the outer edge of the contact part, and infrared rays are emitted in a matrix on the surface of the contact part, and the infrared light is received by the opposing light receiving element. Let In an input device using such a touch panel, when an operator brings a finger or the like into contact with the panel surface, light is blocked and a change in the blocked light is detected as an electrical signal.

  In the case of the ultrasonic method, a contact portion is formed by a transparent panel, and a transmitter and a receiver are arranged facing each other in the X direction and the Y direction in the outer frame, and the surface of the contact portion is formed by an oscillator. Generate surface acoustic waves. In such an input device using a touch panel, when an operator brings a finger into contact with the surface of the panel, the vibration of the contact portion is absorbed by the finger, and a surface acoustic wave transmission delay caused thereby is detected.

  In the case of the electromagnetic induction method, an input operation is performed on a contact portion formed of a transparent panel using a pen-type indicator equipped with a circuit for generating a magnetic field. A large number of sensor coils for detecting a magnetic field are provided as sensor portions on the back side of the panel (the back side of the operation surface). In an input device using such a touch panel, a change in magnetic field is detected by a sensor unit when an operator brings an indicator into contact with the panel surface.

  When each of these methods is used, a flexible substrate on which a piezoelectric actuator is mounted is provided between the frame of the panel serving as the contact portion and the frame of the liquid crystal display portion. Regardless of the method, the time until each detected data value changes and stabilizes, that is, the time from the start of input operation to confirmation is about several tens to 100 ms, as in the case of the resistive film method. Detects a signal that changes when the operator touches the panel surface, generates a signal waveform of a drive voltage to be supplied to the piezoelectric actuator according to the signal, drives the piezoelectric actuator according to the signal waveform, It only has to be vibrated. Thereby, it is possible to make the operator feel a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

  In the above description, in order to achieve a feeling of stroke and click, the panel that is pressed with a finger or touched by a finger or the like is vibrated by a piezoelectric actuator. Any device that can give vibration to such a panel can be applied to the input device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the touch panel type input device, the operation is performed by giving a weak vibration to the panel between the start of the input operation by pressing or touching the panel surface where the input operation is performed and the determination. Since the user can feel the stroke feeling, the operator can perform the input operation with peace of mind. Accordingly, the operator can know the start of pressing during the input operation, and thus the subsequent operation of the finger or the like is not lost. In addition, the feedback caused by the weak vibration unconsciously recognizes that the operation that has just been performed is correct, and the force required to press with a finger or the like can be reduced.

  Also, for example, when the operator presses a place that is not a display button, the device side only shows no response in the conventional case, and in this case, the operator is either weakly pressed or badly pressed. In some cases, it was impossible to judge. However, according to the input device of the present invention, if the panel is pressed, it vibrates and a feeling of stroke is obtained. Therefore, it can be recognized that the operator is pressing the panel at least. If the pressed location is not a display button, the operator can recognize that the wrong location has been pressed by stopping the vibration without giving a click feeling. Alternatively, it is possible to add another type of vibration indicating an error, or to warn with an alarm or the like. From the above, it is possible to reduce the stress caused by an erroneous operation of the operator.

  The touch panel type input device is an important interface part where the usability of the touch panel greatly affects the overall impression of the system. The input device of the present invention makes it reliable and secure even for operators who are unfamiliar with the input operation. A feeling can be given.

  In the above description, the case where control is performed so that the operator feels a sense of stroke or click when pressing or touching the panel is described. In the same manner as in the contact operation, it is possible to perform control so that a click feeling or a stroke feeling is experienced.

  The input device as described above can be suitably used as an input device for an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), in particular, a portable information processing device such as a mobile phone or a PDA. Moreover, as an input device for operating these devices such as the above-mentioned switcher device and other devices such as a cash machine (CD), an automatic teller machine (ATM), and a game machine of a financial institution. May be used. Furthermore, it may be used as an input device of a remote control device for remotely operating these devices.

  The input device of the present invention is also applicable to an input device that does not have an image display unit, such as an input pad provided as a pointing device in an input operation unit of a notebook PC or a tablet device for graphic drawing software.

It is a principal part exploded perspective view of the input device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which shows the mounting state to the flexible substrate of a piezoelectric actuator, Comprising: (A) is a principal part top view of a flexible substrate, (B) is XX arrow sectional drawing. It is a hardware block diagram of an input device. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a control part. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between panel pressing time and a piezoelectric actuator drive voltage. It is another explanatory drawing of the relationship between panel pressing time and a piezoelectric actuator drive voltage.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Liquid crystal display part, 1a ... Display panel, 1b, 2b ... Frame, 2 ... Touch panel part, 2a ... Pressing part, 3 ... Piezoelectric actuator, 4 ... Flexible substrate, 31a, 31b ... Wiring Terminals 41... Mounting portions 41 a and 41 b... Through holes 41 c. Center spacer portions 42 a and 42 b... Wiring patterns 43 a and 43 b. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 ... Position determination process part, 103 ... Control part, 103a ... D / A conversion part, 103b ... Waveform control part, 103c ... Driver circuit, 104 ... Drive part.

Claims (6)

In an input device in which input is performed by pressing operation or contact operation on the surface of the panel,
Means for detecting pressure or contact on the surface of the panel by detecting a signal that changes due to pressure or contact on the surface of the panel as a detection data value;
The point in time when the detection data value starts to change is determined as the start point of pressing or contact, and the point in time when the preset time has stabilized after the detection data value has started to change is determined as the fixed point of pressing or contact. Means to
Means for generating a first output signal from the start time to the determined time, and generating a second output signal after the determined time;
Means for oscillating the panel according to the first output signal from the start time to the determined time, and for vibrating the panel according to the second output signal after the determined time;
Have
Said second output signal, Ri said first signal der vibrating the panel with a larger amplitude in and lower frequency than the output signal,
As a means for vibrating the panel, a plate-like piezoelectric actuator provided on the back side of the panel is used, and the panel is vibrated by bending and deforming the piezoelectric actuator according to the first and second output signals. input device according to claim to Rukoto.   The means for generating the first output signal is configured such that the amplitude and frequency when the panel is vibrated from the start time to the determined time are small and high from the start time. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the first output signal is generated.   Generates an output signal to vibrate the panel only from the start time to the determined time when input by the pressing operation or contact operation by the means for detecting the pressing or contact with the surface of the panel is unacceptable 2. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing the operation. In an information processing apparatus including an input device in which an input is performed by a pressing operation or a contact operation on the surface of the panel,
The input device is
Means for detecting pressure or contact on the surface of the panel by detecting a signal that changes due to pressure or contact on the surface of the panel as a detection data value;
The point in time when the detection data value starts to change is determined as the start point of pressing or contact, and the point in time when the preset time has stabilized after the detection data value has started to change is determined as the fixed point of pressing or contact. Means to
Means for generating a first output signal from the start time to the determined time, and generating a second output signal after the determined time;
Means for oscillating the panel according to the first output signal from the start time to the determined time, and for vibrating the panel according to the second output signal after the determined time;
Have
Said second output signal, Ri said first signal der vibrating the panel with a larger amplitude in and lower frequency than the output signal,
As a means for vibrating the panel, a plate-like piezoelectric actuator provided on the back side of the panel is used, and the panel is vibrated by bending and deforming the piezoelectric actuator according to the first and second output signals. the information processing apparatus according to claim to Rukoto. In a remote control device provided with an input device in which input is performed by pressing operation or contact operation on the surface of the panel,
The input device is
Means for detecting pressure or contact on the surface of the panel by detecting a signal that changes due to pressure or contact on the surface of the panel as a detection data value;
The point in time when the detection data value starts to change is determined as the start point of pressing or contact, and the point in time when the preset time has stabilized after the detection data value has started to change is determined as the fixed point of pressing or contact. Means to
Means for generating a first output signal from the start time to the determined time, and generating a second output signal after the determined time;
Means for oscillating the panel according to the first output signal from the start time to the determined time, and for vibrating the panel according to the second output signal after the determined time;
Have
Said second output signal, Ri said first signal der vibrating the panel with a larger amplitude in and lower frequency than the output signal,
As a means for vibrating the panel, a plate-like piezoelectric actuator provided on the back side of the panel is used, and the panel is vibrated by bending and deforming the piezoelectric actuator according to the first and second output signals. remote control device according to claim to Rukoto. In the control method of the input device in which input is performed by pressing operation or contact operation on the surface of the panel,
By detecting a signal that changes as a result of pressing or touching the surface of the panel as a detection data value, detecting pressing or touching the surface of the panel;
The point in time when the detection data value starts to change is determined as the start point of pressing or contact, and the point in time when the preset time has stabilized after the detection data value has started to change is determined as the fixed point of pressing or contact. And
A first output signal is generated from the start time to the fixed time point, and a second output signal is generated after the fixed time point,
The panel is vibrated according to the first output signal from the start time to the confirmed time, and the panel is vibrated according to the second output signal after the confirmed time,
When the first and second output signals are generated, the first output signal causes the first output signal to vibrate the panel with a larger amplitude and a lower frequency than the first output signal. , Generate a second output signal ,
When vibrating the panel, the first plate-shaped piezoelectric actuator provided on the back side of the panel, an input, characterized in Rukoto to vibrate the panel by curving deformation in accordance with the second output signal Control method of the device.

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