JP5198834B2 - INPUT / OUTPUT DEVICE, ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING THE SAME, AND CONTROL METHOD FOR INPUT / OUTPUT DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input / output device capable of improving sensory operability for a user.

  In recent years, applications installed on PCs (personal computers) and the like include software such as a media player having a function of generating moving images or sounds, as well as software having a function of document creation or numerical calculation. In addition, for example, a media player not only has a function of playing back video or audio, but also a playlist function, a skin function that can customize the appearance or operation of software, a recording function from a CD (compact disk), a copyright management function, It has various functions such as a function for displaying the lyrics of the song being played. Furthermore, many media players also have a function for easily receiving a net radio or the like, a function for distributing promotional audio / video on a startup screen, a function for using a video content distribution service, and the like.

  Applications represented by these media players having various functions are mounted not only on PCs but also in portable electronic devices as shown in FIG. 10, for example. For example, as an electronic device, an electronic device having a push cross key 101 shown in FIG. 10A, an electronic device having a rotation key 102 shown in FIG. 10B, and a touch panel 103 shown in FIG. The electronic device provided is mentioned. Each electronic device shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C includes a display.

  The push cross key 101, the rotation key 102, or the touch panel 103 of each electronic device shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C is a function key for operating an application installed in each electronic device. The user can select or determine desired information by operating these function keys. That is, these function keys function as an input device for performing input by a user for operating the application.

  In addition, the display of each electronic device displays various information of the application. That is, the display functions as an output device for allowing the user to visually recognize the operation state of the application.

  In each of the electronic devices described above, for example, when the user changes the operation state of the application, the user first confirms the operation state of the application displayed on the display by looking at the display. Thereafter, the user operates the function keys such as the push cross key 101 while looking at the display to change to a desired operation state.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10D, there is an electronic device 110 in which a touch panel 111 is integrally provided on a display. That is, when the user touches the touch panel 111, the electronic device 110 detects this contact and controls the application based on the detected result. In this electronic device 110 as well, as with the electronic devices shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, the user can know the operating state of the application by visually recognizing the display.

  In addition, some electronic devices in which a display and a touch panel are integrally provided have a configuration in which when a user touches the touch panel, vibration of the touch panel itself or vibration of a vibration part provided in the touch panel is performed. Examples of such an electronic device include various devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a touch panel device in which a touch panel having ears on each of the upper, lower, left, and right sides is laid on the entire display, and a horizontal displacement portion or a vertical displacement portion is provided at a position corresponding to each ear portion. Has been. Specifically, in this touch panel device, the horizontal direction displacement unit displaces the touch panel in the left-right direction, and the vertical direction displacement unit displaces the touch panel in the vertical direction. Moreover, since the horizontal direction displacement part and the vertical direction displacement part are driven by adjusting timing, displacement speed, and size, a plurality of vibration patterns can be generated. That is, the touch panel can be vibrated in a desired two-dimensional direction by the horizontal direction displacement unit and the vertical direction displacement unit.

  With this configuration, the touch panel device can move the user's finger or the like to a specific position desired by the user. In addition, by giving specific meanings to various vibration patterns, information output from the touch pad device can be provided to the user as tactile information based on the vibration patterns.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an input device including a display, a vibration film divided into grid-like sections, and a touch panel provided with a switch provided at an arbitrary position. Specifically, this input device is provided with a vibration film on a display, a touch panel on the vibration film, and a switch provided on the touch panel and each part of the vibration film divided in a grid shape. It is prepared to correspond.

  In this input device, when a switch is pressed by the user, each display on the display corresponding to each switch is visually vibrated by vibrating in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, or the size is relatively changed. Provides visual vibration to the user. Further, in the case where each part of the vibration film is configured to vibrate differently, the user can sense which switch is pressed from the vibration transmitted to the fingertip.

  Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a display-type input device including a display panel having a plurality of scroll areas, a touch panel for performing scroll control corresponding to the scroll areas, and a vibration panel for vibrating the touch panel. Yes. Specifically, each scroll area is set to scroll items displayed on the scroll unit in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed. When an arbitrary scroll area is pressed, the vibration panel is controlled to vibrate corresponding to the scroll area.

With this configuration, the user is given feedback by different vibrations depending on the scroll direction and speed, and therefore can grasp the scroll direction and speed without gazing at the menu screen.
JP 2003-58321 A (published February 28, 2003) JP 2003-186622 A (published July 4, 2003) JP 2006-163460 A (published June 22, 2006)

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, while the touch panel vibrates with a vibration pattern corresponding to information displayed on the display (that is, while output to the user is performed), the user presses a finger or the like from the touch panel. Can't be released. Further, in the case of a vibration pattern that generates characters or symbols, the user may not be able to read which vibration pattern is in a short time.

  Furthermore, in the technique of Patent Document 1, a vibration pattern is generated by vibrating the entire touch panel, and it is necessary to move a finger in accordance with the vibration pattern. For this reason, it is difficult to sense various vibration patterns without moving the finger.

  In the technique of Patent Document 2, vibration is given to the pressed switch (that is, to the user operation) in order to improve the degree of recognition for the switch pressed by the user. However, the technique of Patent Document 2 does not disclose providing information from an application that operates on an electronic device including an input device to a user by vibration using a vibration film, for example.

  Furthermore, in the technique of Patent Document 2, different vibrations can be applied to each part of the vibration film corresponding to each switch, but the configuration that applies different vibrations to the part of the vibration film corresponding to one switch. is not.

  In the technique of Patent Document 3, different vibrations are applied to each scroll area so that the user can sense the scroll direction and speed. However, the technique of Patent Document 3 is not configured to give different vibrations to one scroll area.

  Therefore, since these techniques are not configured to output different vibrations from specific locations, it is difficult to improve sensory operability for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an input / output device capable of improving sensory operability for a user.

  In order to solve the above problems, an input / output device according to the present invention is an input / output device capable of acquiring a user's input operation and inputting a plurality of operation change commands to the application in order to change the state of the application. Then, the vibration means for outputting vibration to the user, the operation means for acquiring the user's input operation, and the vibration means are vibrated in a vibration state associated with an operation change command for changing the application state. Vibration control means, and application state control means for controlling the application in accordance with the operation change command associated with the vibration state of the vibration means when the operation means acquires a user input operation. It is characterized by.

  In order to solve the above problem, an input / output device control method according to the present invention includes an oscillating unit that outputs a vibration to a user and an operating unit that acquires an input operation of the user. A device control method, wherein a vibration control step for vibrating the vibration means in a vibration state associated with an operation change command for changing an application state, and when the operation means acquires a user input operation And an application state control step for controlling the application according to the operation change command associated with the vibration state of the vibration means.

  According to the above configuration, the vibration control means vibrates the vibration means in a vibration state associated with the operation change command. Then, the application state control means controls the application according to the operation change command associated with the vibration state when the user input operation is acquired.

  Therefore, the user can sense the vibration state corresponding to the operation change command in the vibration means, and perform the input operation on the operation means when the vibration state corresponds to the desired operation change command. The application can be controlled according to the change command. That is, the input / output device can control the operation of the application without looking at the display device provided in the electronic device, for example.

  Further, in the input / output device according to the present invention, the operation change command may be state designation information indicating a state of an application designated by a user.

  According to the above configuration, the operation change command is the state designation information indicating the state of the application designated by the user. Here, the designation of the application by the user is performed, for example, when the user operates a function key or the like provided in an electronic device including an input / output device. For this reason, the user can perceive the vibration state output from the vibration means to determine which application state is designated without looking at the function keys, for example.

  Furthermore, the input / output device according to the present invention further comprises a time measuring means for measuring time after the vibration means starts vibration in the vibration state associated with the first operation change command, and the vibration control If the operation means does not acquire the user's input operation before the time measured by the time measuring means exceeds a preset time, the vibration state of the vibration means is changed to the first operation change command. May be changed to a vibration state associated with a different second operation change command.

  According to the above configuration, the vibration control unit may change the vibration state of the vibration unit to the first state when the operation unit does not acquire the user input operation before the time counted by the time measurement unit exceeds a preset time. The vibration state associated with the operation change command is changed to the vibration state associated with the second operation change command.

  Thus, in the input / output device, the vibration state of the vibration unit is changed when a preset time has elapsed, so that the user senses the vibration state corresponding to the operation change command that is sequentially changed by the vibration unit. can do.

  Further, in the input / output device according to the present invention, the vibration means may be partitioned in a lattice shape and may output vibration independently for each partition.

  According to the said structure, a vibration means outputs a vibration independently for every division divided into the grid | lattice form. Thereby, in the input / output device, which section of the vibration means is vibrated at which timing can be set in association with the operation change command. Therefore, the user can accurately know the vibration state associated with the operation change command.

  Furthermore, the input / output device according to the present invention is provided with a cover portion on a vibration surface where the user of the vibration means can perceive vibration, and the cover portion corresponds to the section of the vibration means. You may provide the projection part arrange | positioned substantially perpendicular | vertical with respect to the surface, and the connection part which has the elasticity which connects the said adjacent projection part.

  According to the above configuration, the vibration means is provided with the cover portion, and the cover portion includes the protrusion portion arranged corresponding to the partition of the vibration means and the connection portion connecting the adjacent protrusion portions. Is provided. Moreover, the connection part has elasticity.

  Here, when an arbitrary section of the vibration means vibrates, the vibration of the section is transmitted to the protrusion corresponding to the section. At this time, since the protrusions are connected by a connecting part having elasticity, the vibration transmitted to the protruding part is attenuated at the connecting part before being transmitted to the adjacent protruding part. That is, even if any section of the vibration means vibrates, the vibration is not transmitted to the adjacent protrusions.

  Thus, by providing the input / output device with the cover portion, the user can easily determine the position of vibration and can reliably read various vibrations output from the vibration means.

  Furthermore, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention is an electronic apparatus including the input / output device described above, and includes an application execution unit that executes the application in an application state controlled by the application state control unit. It may be.

  According to the above configuration, the application execution unit of the electronic device including the input / output device executes the application in the application state controlled by the application state control unit of the input / output device. That is, the user can operate a desired application on the electronic device by performing an input operation on the operation unit when the vibration state corresponds to the desired operation change command.

  In addition, since the electronic device includes the above-described input / output device, it is possible to perform application operation control without looking at the display device provided in the electronic device, for example.

  Furthermore, the electronic apparatus according to the present invention may further include an activation unit that activates the input / output device when a user operation is acquired.

  According to the above configuration, the activation unit activates the input / output device when a user operation is acquired. Here, when the user does not desire to determine the operation state of the application using the input / output device, the vibration control unit does not need to vibrate the vibration unit. In addition, for example, when an electronic device is carried and is operating in a pocket such as a user's clothes or a bag, the operation unit may acquire an input operation that is not desired by the user by touching the pocket. There is sex.

  Therefore, by providing the electronic device with the activation means, when the user does not want to operate the input / output device, the functions of the input / output device (vibration output of the vibration means, acquisition of input operation of the operation means, etc.) are stopped. Can do. Thereby, the power consumption of the electronic device provided with the input / output device can be reduced. Further, in the electronic device, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the input / output device such that the operation means acquires an input operation not desired by the user.

  As described above, the input / output device according to the present invention supports vibration means for outputting vibration to the user, operation means for acquiring the user's input operation, and an operation change command for changing the application state. The vibration control means for vibrating the vibration means in the attached vibration state, and the application according to the operation change command associated with the vibration state of the vibration means when the operation means acquires a user input operation. And application state control means for controlling.

  An input / output device control method according to the present invention is a control method for an input / output device comprising: vibration means for outputting vibration to a user; and operation means for acquiring a user's input operation. A vibration control step for vibrating the vibration means in a vibration state associated with an operation change command for changing an application state, and a vibration state of the vibration means when the operation means acquires a user input operation. And an application state control step for controlling the application in accordance with the associated operation change command.

  Therefore, the user can sense the vibration state corresponding to the operation change command in the vibration unit, and perform an input operation on the operation unit when the vibration state corresponds to the desired operation change command. The application can be controlled according to the operation change command. That is, the input / output device can control the operation of the application without looking at the display device provided in the electronic device, for example.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Outline of digital audio player]
First, an example of the outline of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the digital audio player 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital audio player (electronic device) 1 includes an input / output device 2, function keys 3, and a display 4.

  The input / output device 2 outputs operation states of various applications that can be executed in the digital audio player 1 to the user, and controls the operation states of the application by acquiring user input operations.

  The input / output device 2 is provided at an arbitrary position on the surface of the digital audio player 1. For example, the digital audio player 1 shown in FIG. 2 is provided on the same surface as the surface on which the display 4 is provided. The schematic configuration of the input / output device 2 will be described later.

  The function key 3 is used to generate a command for designating the operation state of the application when pressed by a user operating the digital audio player 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the function key 3 is provided on the side surface of the surface of the digital audio player 1 provided with the display 4. This side surface is, for example, the surface on the thumb side when the user holds the digital audio player 1 with the right hand when viewing the display 4.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the function keys 3 include a play key 31, a fast forward key 32, a rewind key 33, a stop key 34, and the like, but are not limited thereto. In other words, the function key 3 only needs to have a function for designating the operation state of the application by being pressed by the user, and other examples include a pause key and a recording key. .

  The display 4 is provided on the surface of the digital audio player 1 at a position where the user can easily see, and is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example. The display 4 displays an operation state of the application.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the digital audio player 1 further includes a key state detection unit 11 and an application execution unit (application execution means) 12.

  The key state detection unit 11 detects that the function key 3 or the operation key 5 is pressed when either the function key 3 or the operation key 5 described later is pressed, and transmits the detection result to the input / output device 2. To do.

  The application execution unit 12 executes the application in the operation state of the application determined by the input / output device 2. Examples of applications executed by the application execution unit 12 include a media player that distributes music and moving images.

[I / O device appearance]
Next, the external appearance of the input / output device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the external appearance of the input / output device 2 of the present invention. FIG. 3 (a) is an external view showing the stacked state of the input / output device 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the device 2. FIG. As shown in FIG. 3A, the input / output device 2 includes a vibration unit (vibration unit) 21 and a push SW (operation unit) 22. In addition, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3A indicates the key surface, that is, the surface where user input is possible. In this case, the surface opposite to the surface facing the push SW (switch) 22 of the vibration unit 21. Is the key surface.

  The vibration unit 21 outputs vibrations corresponding to various operation states of the application that can be executed by the application execution unit 12. The vibration unit 21 is configured to be able to vibrate independently for each cell partitioned in a lattice shape, and its surface (hereinafter referred to as an exposed surface) is exposed on the surface of the digital audio player 1.

  Accordingly, in the input / output device 2, which cell of the vibration unit 21 is vibrated at which timing can be set in association with the operation state of the application whose operation is designated, as shown in an operation table T1 described later. it can. The same applies to the input / output device 2a described later.

  The user can sense various vibration states by touching the exposed surface of the vibration unit 21. That is, the user senses which cell of the vibration unit 21 is vibrating and how the vibration position moves, so that various operation states of the application executable by the application execution unit 12 are detected. Can be known accurately.

  In addition, as the vibration part 21, a piezoelectric film, an electrostatic film, etc. are mentioned, However, It is not restricted to this, What is necessary is just a structure which can be made to vibrate for every cell. Moreover, the vibration part 21 and its cell should just be a magnitude | size which can detect the various vibration states output when a user's finger | toe touches, and the vibration part 21 is a magnitude | size which can push down push SW22. I just need it.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the push SW 22 is provided below the vibration unit 21 (inside the digital audio player 1) so as to contact a surface opposite to the exposed surface of the vibration unit 21. Yes. For example, as the push SW 22, a tact switch incorporating a telescopic member can be cited.

  Accordingly, the vibration unit 21 is movable in the direction in which the push SW 22 operates, and the push SW 22 is pressed in conjunction with the pressing of the vibration unit 21. That is, when the vibration unit 21 is pressed, the push SW 22 is pressed. When the vibration unit 21 is not pressed, the push SW 22 is not pressed.

  The push SW 22 has a function for determining the operation state of the application. When the push SW 22 is pressed, a UI control unit 26 to be described later determines the operation state of the application and controls the application execution unit 12 to execute the application in the operation state of the application.

  As described above, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the input / output device 2 outputs to the user when each cell of the vibration unit 21 vibrates independently. On the other hand, since the push SW 22 is provided below the vibration unit 21, it becomes possible for the user to perform key input when the user presses each vibration cell of the vibration unit 21 (that is, the entire vibration unit 21). .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the input / output device 2 may be configured to include a cover portion 20 on the exposed surface of the vibration portion 21. FIG. 4 shows a modified example of the input / output device 2 shown in FIG. 3, and is an explanatory diagram showing an appearance of the input / output device 2 as the modified example. 4A is an external view showing a stacked state of the input / output device 2 which is a modified example of FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is an operation state of the input / output device 2 which is a modified example of FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown. Further, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4A indicates the key surface as in FIG. 3A, and in this case, the surface of the cover portion 20 opposite to the surface facing the vibrating portion 21 is a surface. It becomes the key surface.

  The input / output device 2 illustrated in FIG. 4A includes a cover unit 20, a vibration unit 21, and a push SW 22, and includes the cover unit 20 on the entire exposed surface of the vibration unit 21 illustrated in FIG. It has become. The vibrating unit 21 and the push SW 22 have the same functions as the vibrating unit 21 and the push SW 22 shown in FIG.

  The cover part 20 is provided so as to cover the entire exposed surface of the vibration part 21, and includes a ball (protrusion part) 20a and a line part (connection part) 20b. As shown in FIG. 4B, the ball 20a vibrates so as to protrude from both surfaces of the cover portion 20 (that is, the surface exposed to the surface of the digital audio player 1 and the surface facing the vibration portion 21). One is provided for each cell of the unit 21. The ball 20a is made of rubber such as natural rubber or butadiene rubber. However, the ball 20a is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the ball 20a has elastic rubber properties. In other words, the ball 20a may be configured to be able to output the vibration of the cell to the user when any cell of the vibration unit 21 vibrates.

  Adjacent balls 20a are connected by a line portion 20b. The line part 20b should just have the rubber-like property which can be expanded-contracted similarly to the ball | bowl 20a. When an arbitrary cell of the vibration unit 21 vibrates, this vibration is transmitted to the ball 20a corresponding to this cell. At this time, since the balls 20a are connected to each other by the line portion 20b, the vibration transmitted to the balls 20a attenuates at the line portion 20b before being transmitted to the adjacent balls 20a. That is, even if an arbitrary cell of the vibration unit 21 vibrates, the vibration is not transmitted to the adjacent ball 20a.

  As described above, by providing the input / output device 2 with the cover unit 20, the user can easily determine the position of vibration and can reliably read various vibrations output from the vibration unit 21. .

[Configuration of I / O device]
Next, a more detailed configuration of the input / output device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input / output device 2 provided in the digital audio player 1 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated, the input / output device 2 includes a vibration unit 21, a push SW 22, a state detection unit 23, a state determination unit 24, a drive unit 25, a UI control unit (vibration control unit, application state control unit, time measuring unit) 26, and An operation / operation order table storage unit 27 is provided. In addition, since the vibration part 21 and push SW22 were mentioned above, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The state detection unit 23 detects a non-pressed state of the push SW 22 that functions as a determination key, and transmits the state of the push SW 22 to the state determination unit 24 as a detection result. Further, the state determination unit 24 determines whether or not the push SW 22 has been pressed, and transmits the determination result to the UI control unit 26.

  For example, when the push SW 22 is pressed, the state detection unit 23 detects an SW press signal indicating that the push SW 22 is pressed, and transmits the SW press detection signal to the state determination unit 24 as the detection result. When receiving the SW detection pressing signal, the state determination unit 24 determines that the push SW 22 has been pressed, and transmits the SW pressing determination signal to the UI control unit 26.

  The drive unit 25 drives the vibration unit 21 to vibrate with the vibration output value transmitted from the UI control unit 26. For example, when the vibration unit 21 is an electrostatic film, the driving unit 25 is configured to apply a voltage that can be switched periodically and at high speed to the transparent electrode provided to correspond to each cell of the vibration unit 21. It has become. The drive unit 25 is not limited to this, and any configuration may be used as long as it provides vibration to each cell of the vibration unit 21 so that each cell of the vibration unit 21 can be controlled by a vibration output value.

  The UI control unit 26 controls the input / output device 2 and the application execution unit 12 of the digital audio player 1. Specifically, when the detection result received from the key state detection unit 11 indicates that any one of the function keys 3 is pressed, the UI control unit 26 operates the application corresponding to the function key 3. Judge that it is specified. Then, the UI control unit 26 refers to the operation table T1 stored in the operation / operation order table storage unit 27, and transmits a vibration output value corresponding to the operation designation to the drive unit 25. At this time, the UI control unit 26 stores the operation state of the application whose operation is designated corresponding to the pressed function key 3.

  Further, when receiving the SW pressing determination signal from the state determination unit 24, the UI control unit 26 determines the stored operation state of the application whose operation is specified as the operation state to be executed by the application execution unit 12. Then, the determination result is transmitted to the application execution unit 12.

  Further, after the application operation is designated, the UI control unit 26 causes the vibration unit 21 to vibrate when the push SW 22 is not pressed down and a certain time elapses without an operation designation different from the operation designation. Stop.

  Specifically, the UI control unit 26 starts time measurement when a vibration output value (that is, vibration state information) is transmitted to the drive unit 25, and ends time measurement when a SW press determination signal is received. It is determined whether or not the measured time exceeds a set time stored in advance in the UI control unit 26. If the UI control unit 26 determines that the measured time exceeds the set time, the UI control unit 26 stops the vibration of the vibration unit 21.

  The operation / operation order table storage unit 27 stores an operation table T1 or an operation order table T2 referred to by the UI control unit 26. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation table T1. The description of the operation order table T2 will be described later.

  As described above, the operation table T1 is stored in the operation / operation order table storage unit 27 and is a table referred to by the UI control unit 26. Based on the operation table T1, the UI control unit 26 controls the vibration of the vibration unit 21 in association with the operation state of the application whose operation is designated, and the application execution unit according to the operation state of the application whose operation is designated. 12 to control the application executed.

  The “operation state (operation change command) of the application whose operation is designated” in the operation table T1 indicates the operation state of the application that can be executed by the application execution unit 12, and also indicates the state of the application designated by the user. It is. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, “playback”, “fast forward”, “rewind”, “song feed”, “song back”, “pause”, and “stop” are set as the operation state of the application designated by this operation. ".

  The “vibration direction” and “vibration flow speed” of the vibration unit 21 are set in association with the operation states of the applications for which these operations are specified. For example, when the operation state of the application whose operation is specified is “Playback”, the vibration direction is set to “Positive”, the vibration flow speed is set to “Low speed”, and the operation state is “Fast forward”. The direction is set to “positive” and the speed of vibration is set to “high speed”. When the operation state is “pause”, “the entire surface of the vibration unit 21 is set to vibrate intermittently”, and when the operation state is “stop”, “the entire surface of the vibration unit 21 is It is set to “vibrate continuously”.

  The association between the “operation state of the application whose operation is designated”, “vibration direction”, and “velocity of vibration flow” in the operation table T1 is determined by any operation designation when the user senses the vibration of the vibration unit 21. Any setting may be used as long as it can recognize whether or not. Further, the speed at which the vibration flows is in three stages of “low speed”, “high speed”, and “super high speed”. This flowing speed can also be set arbitrarily, and may be set so that it is recognized that vibrations are flowing at different speeds depending on the user who touches the vibration unit 21. About the said correlation and the setting of the speed which a vibration flows, it can set similarly also about the below-mentioned operation | movement order table T2.

  Further, the vibration direction “positive” indicates the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2, but is not limited to this, for example, the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 or the arrow shown in FIG. 2. The direction perpendicular to the vibration direction may be defined as the “positive” vibration direction.

[Process flow in input / output devices]
Next, the flow of processing in the input / output device 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the input / output device 2.

  First, when any function key 3 is pressed, the key state detection unit 11 detects a function key pressing signal from the pressed function key 3 and transmits the detection result to the UI control unit 26 as a function key detection signal. To do. Upon receiving the function key detection signal, the UI control unit 26 determines which function key 3 has been pressed, so that which operation state is designated as the application operation state, that is, the application operation designation is made. It is determined whether or not there is (S1).

  For example, when the playback key 31 is pressed, the key state detection unit 11 detects a function key pressing signal indicating “playback”, and outputs a function key detection signal indicating “playback” as the detection result. Send to. When the UI control unit 26 receives the key state detection signal indicating “play”, the UI control unit 26 determines that there has been an operation designation for designating the operation state of the application to “play”.

  If the UI control unit 26 determines that the operation of the application has been specified (YES in S1), the UI control unit 26 refers to the operation table T1 stored in the operation / operation order table storage unit 27, and the operation of the application whose operation is specified Vibration state information indicating the vibration direction of the vibration unit 21 associated with the state and the velocity at which the vibration flows is acquired. At this time, the UI control unit 26 stores an operation state (that is, an operation change command) of the application whose operation is designated.

  For example, the UI control unit 26 determines that there has been an operation designation that designates the operation state of the application as “play”. At this time, the UI control unit 26 refers to the operation table T1 to determine the vibration direction “positive” associated with the operation state of the application indicating “playback” and the vibration flow speed “low speed” as vibration state information. Get as. The UI control unit 26 stores an operation state indicating “playback” as the operation state of the application whose operation is designated. If the UI control unit 26 determines that the application operation is not designated (NO in S1), the process of S1 is executed again.

  The UI control unit 26 transmits the acquired vibration state information to the drive unit 25 as a vibration output value. When the drive unit 25 receives the vibration output value from the UI control unit 26, the drive unit 25 drives the vibration unit 21 to vibrate with the vibration direction indicated by the vibration output value and the speed at which the vibration flows. That is, the vibration unit 21 outputs a vibration controlled by the vibration direction indicated by the vibration output value and the speed at which the vibration flows in conjunction with the driving of the drive unit 25 (S2).

  When the process of S2 is completed, the state determination unit 24 determines whether or not there is an input to the push SW 22 that functions as a determination key for determining the operation state of the application, that is, whether or not the push SW 22 is pressed by the user (S3). ).

  Specifically, when the push SW 22 is pressed, the state detection unit 23 detects a SW pressing signal and transmits the detection result to the state determination unit 24 as a SW pressing detection signal. And the state determination part 24 will determine with having input into push SW22, if this SW pressing detection signal is received. That is, the state determination unit 24 determines whether or not there has been an input to the push SW 22 based on whether or not the SW pressing detection signal from the state detection unit 23 is received.

  When the state determination unit 24 determines that there is an input to the push SW 22 (YES in S3), the state determination unit 24 transmits a SW pressing determination signal to the UI control unit 26. Upon receiving this SW pressing determination signal, the UI control unit 26 determines the stored operation state of the application whose operation is specified as the operation state to be executed by the application execution unit 12 (S4). In the above-described example, since the operation state of the application whose operation is designated indicates “reproduction”, the operation state of the application executed by the application execution unit 12 is determined as “reproduction”.

  When the UI control unit 26 determines the operation state of the application in S4, the UI control unit 26 transmits the determination result to the application execution unit 12 as an operation state determination signal, and ends the processing of the input / output device 2.

  When the state determination unit 24 determines that there is no input to the push SW 22 (NO in S3), the UI control unit 26 determines whether there is another operation designation different from the operation state of the application designated in the process of S1. Is determined (S5). That is, as in the processing in S1, a function key pressing signal from the function key 3 pressed by the key state detection unit 11 is detected, and the detection result is transmitted to the UI control unit 26 as a function key detection signal. The UI control unit 26 receives this function key detection signal to determine which operation state is designated as the operation state of the application.

  If the UI control unit 26 determines that an operation designation different from the operation designation in the process of S1 has been made (YES in S5), the process returns to the process of S2. That is, the UI control unit 26 refers to the operation table T1, and displays vibration state information indicating the vibration direction and the vibration flow speed of the vibration unit 21 associated with the operation state of the application whose operation is designated in S5. get. As a result, the UI control unit 26 provides the vibration unit 21 with vibration corresponding to the operation state of the application designated in the process of S5.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation designation different from the operation designation in the process of S1 has not been made (NO in S5), the UI control unit 26 determines whether a predetermined time, that is, a preset time has elapsed. Is determined (S6). That is, the UI control unit 26 determines whether or not the measured time has exceeded a preset time stored in advance.

  If it is determined by the UI control unit 26 that a certain time has passed (that is, the set time has been exceeded) (YES in S6), the processing of the input / output device 2 is terminated. On the other hand, if the UI control unit 26 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S6), the process returns to S3.

  As described above, the input / output device 2 designates the operation state of the application every time the function key 3 is pressed, and outputs the vibration associated with the operation state designated by the operation from the vibration unit 21. Further, when the push SW 22 is pressed, the input / output device 2 causes the application execution unit 12 to execute the application according to the operation state of the application whose operation is designated.

  Therefore, the user can know which function key 3 is pressed by sensing the vibration in the vibration unit 21. When the desired function key 3 is pressed, the user can control the application executed by the application execution unit 12 according to the operation state of the application whose operation is specified by pressing the push SW 22. . Therefore, the input / output device 2 can control the operation of the application without the user looking at the function key 3 or the display 4.

  In addition, the input / output device 2 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the vibration unit 21 and the push SW 22 are integrally provided, and the push SW 22 is pressed in conjunction with the pressing of the vibration unit 21. For this reason, the user can know the operation state of the application whose operation is designated simply by touching the vibration unit 21, and the application executed by the application execution unit 12 according to the operation state of the application whose operation is designated. Can be controlled. Therefore, the input / output device 2 can perform operation control of the application more reliably.

[Modified example of digital audio player]
First, a modified example of the outline of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the digital audio player 1a of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the digital audio player (electronic device) 1 a includes an input / output device 2 a, a display 4, and operation keys (activation means) 5. In addition, since the display 4 has the same function as the display 4 mentioned above, the description is abbreviate | omitted. As for the input / output device 2a, only the UI control unit 26 having a function different from that of the input / output device 2 and the operation order table T2 stored in the operation / operation order table storage unit 27 will be described. That is, description of other members having the same function in the input / output device 2a is omitted.

  The operation key 5 is provided on the side surface of the digital audio player 1a (similar to the side surface of the digital audio player 1 described above). However, the operation key 5 is not limited to this, and any position on the surface of the digital audio player 1 that can be easily operated by the user. As long as it is provided. The device mounted as the operation key 5 varies depending on the function, shape, and the like of the digital audio player 1a. For example, a slide key, a tact switch, and the like can be given. Here, a tact switch is provided.

  The operation key 5 controls the activation of the input / output device 2a. That is, the operation key 5 is a function key for enabling or disabling the functions of the vibration unit 21 and the push SW 22.

  Specifically, when the operation key 5 is pressed by the user, the input / output device 2 a outputs vibration from the vibration unit 21 and accepts a user input operation to the push SW 22. That is, when the operation key 5 is pressed by the user, the functions of the vibration unit 21 and the push SW 22 are valid.

  On the other hand, when the operation key 5 is not pressed by the user (when the user lifts the finger from the operation key 5), the input / output device 2a stops the vibration output from the vibration unit 21 and applies to the push SW22. Does not accept user input operations. That is, when the operation key 5 is not pressed by the user, the functions of the vibration unit 21 and the push SW 22 are invalid.

  That is, the operation key 5 transmits an operation key pressing signal to the input / output device 2a while being continuously pressed by the user. When the UI control unit 26 of the input / output device 2a receives this operation key pressing signal from the operation key 5, the UI control unit 26 activates each function of the input / output device 2a. That is, only while the user continues to press the operation key 5, the UI control unit 26 of the input / output device 2a can output the vibration of the vibration unit 21 in association with the operation state of the application, and to the push SW 22. The operation state of the application associated with the user input operation can be determined.

  Here, when the user does not desire to determine the operation state of the application using the input / output device 2a, the UI control unit 26 activates the input / output device 2a, and the vibration unit 21 enters the operation order table T2. There is no need to output vibration based on it. That is, in this case, it is not necessary to validate the functions of the vibration unit 21 and the push SW 22. Further, when the digital audio player 1a is carried and is operating in a pocket such as a user's clothes or a bag, there is a possibility that the push SW 22 may be pressed by the vibration unit 21 touching the pocket.

  Accordingly, when the digital audio player 1a includes the operation key 5 and the user does not want to operate the input / output device 2a, each function of the input / output device 2a (vibration output of the vibration unit 21 and input operation of the push SW 22 is acquired. Etc.) can be stopped. For this reason, the power consumption of the digital audio player 1a provided with the input / output device 2a can be reduced. Further, in the digital audio player 1a, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the input / output device 2a, for example, the vibration unit 21 touches the pocket and presses the push SW 22.

  As described above, the operation key 5 controls the activation of the input / output device 2a (that is, whether the vibration key 21 and the push SW 22 are enabled / disabled by pressing or not pressing the operation key 5). Therefore, it can be said that the digital audio player 1a has a part of a hold function that can switch between valid / invalid operation. At this time, the operation key 5 may be realized by a slide key. In this case, the operation key 5 realizes, for example, three-value input of “hold mode”, “vibration key mode (input / output device 2a operation mode)”, and “normal input mode”.

  Here, the “hold mode” refers to a mode in which all operations on the digital audio player 1a are invalid. The “vibration key mode” refers to a mode in which only an operation using the input / output device 2a is enabled. This “vibration key mode” is, for example, a mode used when the digital audio player 1a is operated in a pocket. Further, the “normal input mode” refers to a mode in which all operations for each function of the digital audio player 1a are valid. This “normal input mode” is a mode used when the user performs an operation while looking at the display 4 of the digital audio player 1a, for example.

  The UI control unit 26 of the digital audio player 1a controls the input / output device 2a and the application execution unit 12 of the digital audio player 1a. Specifically, when the detection result received from the key state detection unit 11 indicates that the operation key 5 is pressed, the UI control unit 26 indicates the operation order table T2 stored in the operation / operation order table storage unit 27. Determine the operating state number of the application. At this time, the UI control unit 26 stores the determined operation state number of the application. Then, the UI control unit 26 refers to the operation order table T2, acquires vibration state information indicating the vibration direction of the vibration unit 21 corresponding to the operation state number and the speed at which the vibration flows, and also stores the vibration state information. It transmits to the drive part 25 as a vibration output value.

  When the UI control unit 26 receives the SW pressing determination signal from the state determination unit 24, the UI control unit 26 refers to the operation order table T2 and determines the operation mode (operation change command) of the application corresponding to the stored operation state number. At the same time, the operation state of the application indicated by this operation mode is determined. Then, the determination result is transmitted to the application execution unit 12.

  Furthermore, the UI control unit 26 changes the vibration of the vibration unit 21 when the push SW 22 is not pressed and a predetermined time has elapsed. Specifically, the UI control unit 26 starts time measurement when the vibration output value is transmitted to the drive unit 25, and ends this time measurement when the SW pressing determination signal is received. Then, it is determined whether or not the measured time exceeds the set time stored in the UI control unit 26 in advance. This set time may be the same as the set time stored in the UI control unit 26 of the input / output device 2 or may be a separately set time. If the UI control unit 26 determines that the measured time exceeds the set time, the UI control unit 26 advances the stored operation state number by one.

  Here, the operation order table T2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation order table T2. Similar to the operation table T1, the operation order table T2 is stored in the operation / operation order table storage unit 27 and is referred to by the UI control unit 26. The operation order table T2 controls the vibration of the vibration unit 21 in association with the operation state number of the application, and determines the operation state of the application when the push SW 22 is pressed.

  The “operation mode” of the operation order table T2 indicates the operation state of the application that can be executed by the application execution unit 12, like the “operation state of the application whose operation is designated” of the operation table T1. Each operation mode is uniquely assigned an “operation state number”. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, an operation state number “1” is set in the operation mode indicating “playback”, and an operation state number “2” is set in the operation mode indicating “fast forward”. .

  In the operation order table T2, “vibration direction” and “vibration flow speed” of the vibration unit 21 are set in association with the operation states of these applications. Note that the operation state of the application and the vibration of the vibration unit 21 associated with the operation state are the same as those in the above-described operation table T1, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the UI control unit 26 controls the vibration of the vibration unit 21 in association with the “operation state number” in the operation order table T2. That is, the UI control unit 26 controls the vibration of the vibration unit 21 in association with the “operation mode” of the operation order table T2.

  The vibration direction “normal” in the operation order table T2 indicates the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7, but is not limited to this, for example, the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The direction perpendicular to the arrow shown in FIG. 7 may be the vibration direction “positive”.

  In the operation order table T2, the operation state number is uniquely assigned to each operation mode. However, the operation order number is not limited to this, and may be alphanumeric characters or symbols instead of the number. That is, any information may be used as long as the information that replaces the operation state number is uniquely assigned to each operation mode and can identify each operation mode.

[Process flow in input / output devices]
Next, the flow of processing in the input / output device 2a provided in the digital audio player 1a will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the input / output device 2a provided in the digital audio player 1a.

  First, the UI control unit 26 determines whether or not there is an input to the operation key 5 (S11). Specifically, when the operation key 5 is pressed by the user, an operation key pressing signal is detected from the pressed operation key 5 and the detection result is transmitted to the UI control unit 26 as an operation key detection signal. When receiving the operation key detection signal, the UI control unit 26 determines that there is an input to the operation key 5.

  When the UI control unit 26 receives the operation key detection signal and determines that there is an input to the operation key 5 (YES in S11), the operation order stored in the operation / operation order table storage unit 27 is determined. With reference to the table T2, vibration state information indicating the vibration direction of the vibration unit 21 and the vibration flow speed is acquired. If the UI control unit 26 determines that there is no input to the operation key 5 (NO in S11), it executes the process of S11 again.

  Here, when receiving the operation key detection signal, the UI control unit 26 determines the operation state number of the application shown in the operation order table T2. At this time, the UI control unit 26 stores the determined operation state number of the application.

  For example, when the operation state number of the application is determined as “1”, the UI control unit 26 stores the operation state number “1”. Then, the vibration direction “positive” and the vibration flowing direction “low speed” of the vibration unit 21 associated with the operation state number “1” of the application shown in the operation order table T2 are acquired as vibration state information. When there is an input to the operation key 5, the UI control unit 26 may determine the operation state number of the application to a number other than “1”. That is, when referring to the operation order table T2 shown in FIG. 8, the UI control unit 26 may determine the operation state number of the application as any one of “2” to “7”.

  Then, the UI control unit 26 transmits the acquired vibration state information to the drive unit 25 as a vibration output value. When receiving the vibration output value from the UI control unit 26, the drive unit 25 drives the vibration unit 21 to vibrate with the vibration direction of the vibration unit 21 indicated by the vibration output value and the speed at which the vibration flows. That is, the vibration unit 21 outputs a vibration controlled by the vibration direction indicated by the vibration output value and the speed at which the vibration flows in conjunction with the driving of the drive unit 25 (S12).

  When the process of S12 is completed, the state determination unit 24 determines whether or not there is an input to the push SW 22 that functions as a determination key for determining the operation state of the application, that is, whether or not the push SW 22 is pressed by the user (S13). ). Since the specific process is the same as the process of S3 of FIG. 6 described above, the description thereof is omitted here.

  When the state determination unit 24 determines that there is an input to the push SW 22 (YES in S13), the state determination unit 24 transmits a SW pressing determination signal to the UI control unit 26. When the UI control unit 26 receives the SW pressing determination signal, the UI control unit 26 refers to the operation order table T2, and acquires the operation mode of the application associated with the operation state number of the application stored when the vibration output value is determined. To do. That is, the UI control unit 26 determines the operation state of the application to be executed by the application execution unit 12 by acquiring the operation mode of the application from the operation order table T2 (S14).

  For example, in the above example, the UI control unit 26 stores the operation state number “1” of the application. In this case, the UI control unit 26 acquires the “playback” mode as the operation mode of the application by referring to the operation order table T2. The UI control unit 26 acquires the “reproduction” mode, and determines that the operation state of the application executed by the application execution unit 12 is “reproduction”.

  When the UI control unit 26 determines the operation state of the application in S14, the UI control unit 26 transmits the determination result to the application execution unit 12 as an operation state determination signal, and ends the processing of the input / output device 2a.

  On the other hand, when the state determination unit 24 determines that there is no input to the push SW 22 (NO in S13), the UI control unit 26 determines whether or not a predetermined time, that is, a preset time has elapsed (S15). . That is, the UI control unit 26 determines whether or not the measured time has exceeded a preset time stored in advance.

  When it is determined in the UI control unit 26 that a certain time has elapsed (that is, the set time has been exceeded) (YES in S15), the UI control unit 26 advances the stored operation state number by 1 (S16). ). In the above example, the operation state number “1” of the stored application is changed to “2”. When the operation state number of the stored application is the final number (that is, when the operation state number is “7” in the operation order table T2), the operation state number is changed to “1”.

  Then, the UI control unit 26 determines whether or not the input to the operation key 5 is completed by determining whether or not the reception of the operation key detection signal is ended (S17). If it is determined by the UI control unit 26 that the input to the operation key 5 has not been completed, that is, if the operation key 5 is continuously pressed by the user (NO in S17), the process returns to S12.

  Specifically, for example, when the operation state number of the application is changed from “1” to “2” in the process of S16, for example, the operation state number “2” of the application is stored in the UI control unit 26. Yes. Accordingly, in the process of S12, when the UI control unit 26 refers to the operation order table T2, the vibration direction “positive” of the vibration unit 21 associated with the operation state number “2” of the application, the vibration flow speed Get “fast”.

  In the process of S15, when the UI control unit 26 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S15), the process proceeds to S17. Further, in the process of S17, when the reception of the operation key detection signal is completed in the UI control unit 26 (that is, when the input to the operation key 5 is completed) (YES in S17), the process of the input / output device 2a is performed. Complete.

  As described above, in the input / output device 2a, the vibration corresponding to the operation state of the application that can be executed by the application execution unit 12 (that is, the vibration associated with the operation mode) is switched at regular intervals and output from the vibration unit 21. To do. Then, as with the input / output device 2, when the push SW 22 is pressed, the application execution unit 12 executes the application according to the operation mode.

  Therefore, the user can sense vibrations corresponding to the operation states of various applications that are sequentially changed by touching the vibration unit 21. When the user senses vibration corresponding to the operation state of the desired application, the user can control the application executed by the application execution unit 12 according to the operation mode by pressing the push SW 22. Therefore, the input / output device 2a can reliably control the operation of the application without the user looking at the display 4 or the like.

  In addition, the input / output device 2 a is configured to integrally provide the vibration unit 21 and the push SW 22 as in the case of the input / output device 2. For this reason, the user can know the operation states of various applications simply by touching the vibration unit 21 and can control the application executed by the application execution unit 12 according to the operation mode. For this reason, the input / output device 2a can perform operation control of the application more reliably.

  In the input / output devices 2 and 2a according to the present embodiment, the vibration unit 21 and the push SW 22 are integrally provided. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the vibration unit 21 and the push SW 22 are provided separately. It may be a configuration.

  The digital audio player 1a according to this embodiment includes the operation key 5. However, when the input / output device 2a is provided in an electronic device other than the portable electronic device, the operation key 5 is provided. It does not have to be. Further, the operation key 5 may be provided for the digital audio player 1 according to the present embodiment.

[Supplement]
Finally, each block of the input / output devices 2 and 2a, particularly the UI control unit 26, may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows.

  That is, the input / output devices 2 and 2a include a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and a RAM (random access) that expands the program. memory), a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. An object of the present invention is a record in which the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program of the input / output devices 2 and 2a, which is software that implements the functions described above, is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This can also be achieved by supplying a medium to the input / output devices 2 and 2a and having the computer (or CPU or MPU) read and execute the program code recorded on the recording medium.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  The input / output devices 2 and 2a may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The input / output device according to the present invention can notify the user of the vibration associated with the operation change command (that is, the operation state or operation mode of the application whose operation is designated). On the other hand, the input / output device can control the operation state of the application executed by the application execution unit according to the operation change command corresponding to the vibration of the vibration unit when the user presses the push SW.

  For this reason, the input / output device can be applied not only to a portable digital audio player and the like, but also to various electronic devices such as a PC and a PDA (personal digital assistance).

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital audio player and an input / output device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the digital audio player shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of the input / output device shown in FIG. 1, The figure (a) is an external view which shows the lamination | stacking state of an input / output device, The figure (b) shows the operation state of an input / output device. It is explanatory drawing shown. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the external appearance of the input / output device shown in FIG. 1, The same figure (a) is an external view which shows the lamination | stacking state of an input / output device, The same figure (b) is the input / output device. It is explanatory drawing which shows an operation state. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation table stored in an operation / operation order table storage unit of the input / output device illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the input / output device shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a modification example of the appearance of the digital audio player shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation order table stored in an operation / operation order table storage unit of the input / output device shown in FIG. 1. 7 is a modified example of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, and is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the input / output device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a view showing a conventional technique, and is an external view showing a conventional electronic device. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an electronic device having a push cross key as an input device, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the electronic device provided with the rotation key as an input device, The same figure (c) is a figure which shows the electronic device provided with the touch panel as an input device, The same figure (d) is a touch panel integrated with the display. It is a figure which shows the electronic device provided in.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1a Digital audio player (electronic equipment)
2, 2a Input / output device 5 Operation key (starting means)
12 Application execution unit (application execution means)
20 Cover part 20a Ball (protrusion part)
20b Line part (connection part)
21 Vibration part (vibration means)
22 Push SW (Operating means)
26 UI control unit (vibration control means, application state control means, timing means)

Claims (7)

An input / output device capable of acquiring a user input operation and inputting a plurality of operation change commands to the application in order to change the state of the application,
Vibration means for outputting vibration to the user by vibrating a vibration surface partitioned into a plurality of regions that independently vibrate;
Operation means for acquiring a user input operation by pressing the vibration surface ;
Vibration control means for performing control to output vibration from the vibration means by vibrating the vibration surface in a vibration state associated with an operation change command for changing an application state;
Application state control means for controlling the application according to the operation change command associated with the vibration state of the vibration surface when the operation means obtains an input operation of a user. Output device.   2. The input / output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation change command is state designation information indicating a state of an application designated by a user. And further comprises time measuring means for measuring a time from when the vibration surface starts vibration in a vibration state associated with the first operation change command,
The vibration control means is configured to change the vibration state of the vibration surface to the first operation when the operation means does not acquire a user input operation before the time measured by the time measurement means exceeds a preset time. 2. The input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the input / output device is changed to a vibration state associated with a second operation change command different from the change command. A cover portion is provided on the vibration surface of the vibration means,
The cover portion includes a protrusion portion disposed substantially perpendicular to the vibration surface corresponding to the section of the vibration surface, and a connecting portion having elasticity to connect the adjacent protrusion portion. The input / output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An electronic apparatus comprising the input / output device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An electronic apparatus comprising application execution means for executing the application in an application state controlled by the application state control means . The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an activation unit that activates the input / output device when a user operation is acquired . Vibration means for outputting vibration to the user by vibrating a vibration surface partitioned into a plurality of regions that independently vibrate;
An input / output device control method comprising: an operation means for acquiring a user input operation by pressing the vibration surface;
A vibration control step for performing control to output vibration from the vibration means by vibrating the vibration surface in a vibration state associated with an operation change command for changing an application state;
In accordance with the above operation change command associated with the vibration state of the vibrating surface when said operating means has obtained the input operation of the user input and output, characterized in that it comprises, an application state control step of controlling the application Control method of the device .

Images