JP5725368B2 - Tactile display, operation input device, and operation input system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes a plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along a single plane, and a drive mechanism that causes each of the projecting members to advance and retract independently along a direction intersecting the plane. The present invention also relates to a tactile display including a control device that controls the drive mechanism.

  As the tactile display as described above, a product shown in Non-Patent Document 1 is known. In general, the number of protruding members (pins) of a tactile display is limited compared to the number of pixels of a display device such as a monitor, so a wide variety of figures (for example, a GUI screen displayed on a monitor) can be expressed. In order to do this, it is necessary to perform some conversion processing. In the technique shown in Non-Patent Document 1, the GUI screen displayed on the monitor is converted into binary values of white and black, and the obtained black and white data is displayed on the tactile display corresponding to ON / OFF of the pin. It is described.

  In the technique of Non-Patent Document 1, in addition to using raster data such as a GUI screen as a target to be expressed on the tactile display, 1 dot on the GUI screen and one pin on the tactile display are 1: 1. It is assumed that it is compatible with.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228688 describes that a Braille expression method is devised so that a user can easily recognize Braille on a tactile display.

  However, in any document, for example, when a vector image or a raster image having a large number of pixels with respect to the number of pins of the tactile display is used, the image having a 1: 1 correspondence with the pin arrangement is represented on the tactile display. There was no mention of how to control the pin to make it more convenient and comfortable to use. That is, there is room for improvement in the conventional tactile display when expressing the image as described above.

JP 2009-204711 A

KGS "Dot View (Trademark Registration)" (http://www.kgs-jpn.co.jp/b_dv2.html)

  Even if there is a difference between the pin arrangement of the tactile display and the image displayed on the tactile display (if it is not 1: 1 correspondence), the uneven image can be displayed in a form with excellent usability. Realization of an expressible tactile display, an operation input device, and an operation input system is desired.

A plurality of projecting members arranged in a predetermined rule along a single plane according to the present invention; and a drive mechanism for independently moving the projecting members along a direction intersecting the plane. The characteristic configuration of the tactile display including the control device that controls the drive mechanism is as follows:
The controller is
An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data expressed by the protrusion of the protruding member;
A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the plane is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal shape A comparison unit that superimposes and compares the data;
When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the flat surface ,
The drive mechanism is configured to be able to set the projecting amount of the projecting member in stages,
The protrusion amount determination unit is configured to determine stepwise so that the protrusion amount is increased as an overlapping area between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data is increased .

According to this feature configuration, the amount of protrusion of the protruding member is determined in accordance with the state of overlap between the ideal shape data and the protruding region array, so even if there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, The shape close to the shape data can be expressed by the protruding member, and the tactile display can make it easy for the user to recognize the ideal shape. That is, a tactile display capable of expressing a concavo-convex image in a form with excellent usability even when the protruding region array and the concavo-convex image (ideal shape data) displayed on the tactile display do not have a 1: 1 correspondence. Can be realized.
In addition, according to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately set the protrusion amount as necessary in a portion where a part of the protrusion region overlaps with the ideal shape data, for example, in the contour portion of the ideal shape data. For this reason, for example, a tactile display that can express an image in a form with excellent usability by adjusting the amount of protrusion so that the area around the finger is smooth or adjusting the amount of protrusion so that fine figures can be expressed. Can be realized.
Furthermore, according to this configuration, since the protrusion amount is determined so as to have a size corresponding to the overlapping area between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data, a part where the protrusion region overlaps with the ideal shape data, for example, In the contour portion of the ideal shape data, the protruding amount of the protruding member can be set appropriately. For this reason, for example, it is possible to realize a tactile display capable of expressing a concavo-convex image while suppressing the occurrence of a steep stepped portion in the contour portion of ideal shape data and smoothing the finger contact.

  Note that “there is a difference between the protruding area array and the ideal shape data” here means that the ideal shape data is vector data, the boundary portion of each protruding area in the protruding area array and the ideal shape data. If the ideal shape data is raster data, the number of protruding members in the predetermined area and the number of pixels of the ideal shape data to be expressed in the predetermined area are completely Does not match.

As another characteristic configuration, a plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along a single plane and the projecting members advance and retract independently along a direction intersecting the plane. A tactile display comprising a drive mechanism to be operated and a control device for controlling the drive mechanism,
  The controller is
  An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data expressed by the protrusion of the protruding member;
  A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the plane is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal shape A comparison unit that superimposes and compares the data;
  When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the flat surface,
  The protrusion amount determination unit maximizes the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region when the entire protrusion region overlaps the ideal shape data, and a part of the protrusion region is When overlapping with the ideal shape data, the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region is less than the maximum protrusion amount and according to the degree of overlap between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data. The point is to determine the amount in stages.

According to this configuration, since the protrusion amount of the protruding member is determined in accordance with the state of overlap between the ideal shape data and the protrusion region array, the ideal shape can be obtained even when there is a deviation between the protrusion region array and the ideal shape data. The shape close to the data can be expressed by the protruding member, and the tactile display can easily recognize the ideal shape for the user. That is, a tactile display capable of expressing a concavo-convex image in a form with excellent usability even when the protruding region array and the concavo-convex image (ideal shape data) displayed on the tactile display do not have a 1: 1 correspondence. Can be realized.
In addition, according to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately set the protrusion amount as necessary in a portion where a part of the protrusion region overlaps with the ideal shape data, for example, in the contour portion of the ideal shape data. For this reason, for example, a tactile display that can express an image in a form with excellent usability by adjusting the amount of protrusion so that the area around the finger is smooth or adjusting the amount of protrusion so that fine figures can be expressed. Can be realized.

In addition, it is preferable that the protruding regions are arranged in a grid shape with respect to each of the protruding members arranged in a lattice shape in contact with the other protruding regions adjacent to each other with the protruding member as a center .

In addition, the ideal shape data has protrusion height information,
It is preferable that the protrusion amount determination unit determines the protrusion amount according to an overlapping state between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data and the protrusion height information.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to realize a tactile display capable of expressing a concavo-convex image in a form having excellent usability even when handling ideal shape data having protrusion height information, that is, ideal shape data having a three-dimensional shape. be able to.

  The characteristic configuration according to the present invention is particularly suitable when the ideal shape data is raster data having a larger number of pixels than the number of the protruding members.

  Further, the flat surface is constituted by a flat surface on the front side of the flat plate, each of the protruding members is inserted into a hole provided through the flat plate, and the drive mechanism is on the back side with respect to the flat plate. Provided, and protruding at an arbitrary protruding amount between a first state in which the height of the tip of the protruding member is higher than the front side plane and a second state in which the height of the tip is equal to or less than the front side plane. It is preferable that it is configured to be able to be made.

  According to this configuration, a tactile display having various configurations as described above can be appropriately realized.

In addition, the touch panel includes an operation panel having an operation surface formed on the front surface, detects a detected object that is in contact with or close to the operation surface, and receives an input corresponding to the detection position. A plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along the operation surface in a penetrable state, a drive mechanism for causing each of the projecting members to advance and retreat independently along the penetration direction of the operation plate, A characteristic configuration of the operation input device including a control device that controls the drive mechanism is as follows:
The controller is
An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data expressed by the protrusion of the protruding member;
A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the operation surface is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal A comparison unit that compares and compares the shape data;
When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the operation surface ,
The drive mechanism is configured to be able to set the projecting amount of the projecting member in stages,
The protrusion amount determination unit is configured to determine stepwise so that the protrusion amount is increased as an overlapping area between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data is increased .

According to this configuration, it is possible to input a predetermined operation to another device connected so as to be able to transmit information in accordance with the detection position of the detected object that is in contact with or close to the operation surface of the touch pad. At this time, in a state where the tip end portion of the protruding member clearly protrudes from the operation surface, it is possible to provide the user with an operational feeling utilizing tactile sensation. In addition, in the state where the tip of the protruding member coincides with the operation surface or is buried on the back side from the operation surface, the operation surface of the touch pad is flat and does not hinder the user from operating the touch pad. .
Furthermore, since the protrusion amount of the protruding member is determined according to the overlap state between the ideal shape data and the protrusion region array, even if there is a deviation between the protrusion region array and the ideal shape data, the shape close to the ideal shape data Can be expressed by a projecting member, and the operation input device can make it easy for the user to recognize the ideal shape. In other words, even if the protrusion area array and the uneven image (ideal shape data) displayed on the antenna display do not have a 1: 1 correspondence, the operation input can express the uneven image in a form with excellent usability. An apparatus can be realized.
In addition, according to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately set the protrusion amount as necessary in a portion where a part of the protrusion region overlaps with the ideal shape data, for example, in the contour portion of the ideal shape data. For this reason, for example, an image can be expressed in a form with excellent usability by adjusting the protrusion amount so that the finger touch is smooth, or by adjusting the protrusion amount so that a fine figure can be expressed.
As described above, by causing the protruding member to move forward and backward, it is possible to provide the user with an operational feeling utilizing the sense of touch without impairing the operational feeling of the user on the touch pad.

In addition, the touch panel includes an operation panel having an operation surface formed on the front surface, detects a detected object that is in contact with or close to the operation surface, and receives an input corresponding to the detection position. A plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along the operation surface in a penetrable state, a drive mechanism for causing each of the projecting members to advance and retreat independently along the penetration direction of the operation plate, A characteristic configuration of the operation input device including a control device that controls the drive mechanism is as follows:
  The controller is
  An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data expressed by the protrusion of the protruding member;
  A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the operation surface is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal A comparison unit that compares and compares the shape data;
  When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the operation surface,
  The protrusion amount determination unit maximizes the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region when the entire protrusion region overlaps the ideal shape data, and a part of the protrusion region is When overlapping with the ideal shape data, the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region is less than the maximum protrusion amount and according to the degree of overlap between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data. The point is to determine the amount in stages.

According to this configuration, it is possible to input a predetermined operation to another device connected so as to be able to transmit information in accordance with the detection position of the detected object that is in contact with or close to the operation surface of the touch pad. At this time, in a state where the tip end portion of the protruding member clearly protrudes from the operation surface, it is possible to provide the user with an operational feeling utilizing the sense of touch. In addition, in the state where the tip of the protruding member coincides with the operation surface or is buried on the back side from the operation surface, the operation surface of the touch pad becomes flat.
 The operation of the touch pad by the user is not hindered.
  Furthermore, since the protrusion amount of the protruding member is determined according to the overlap state between the ideal shape data and the protrusion region array, even if there is a deviation between the protrusion region array and the ideal shape data, the shape close to the ideal shape data Can be expressed by a projecting member, and the operation input device can make it easy for the user to recognize the ideal shape. In other words, even if the protrusion area array and the uneven image (ideal shape data) displayed on the antenna display do not have a 1: 1 correspondence, the operation input can express the uneven image in a form with excellent usability. An apparatus can be realized.
  In addition, according to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately set the protrusion amount as necessary in a portion where a part of the protrusion region overlaps with the ideal shape data, for example, in the contour portion of the ideal shape data. For this reason, for example, an image can be expressed in a form with excellent usability by adjusting the protrusion amount so that the finger touch is smooth, or by adjusting the protrusion amount so that a fine figure can be expressed.
As described above, by causing the protruding member to move forward and backward, it is possible to provide the user with an operational feeling utilizing the sense of touch without impairing the operational feeling of the user on the touch pad.

In addition, the touch panel includes an operation panel having an operation surface formed on the front surface, detects a detected object that is in contact with or close to the operation surface, and receives an input corresponding to the detection position. A plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along the operation surface in a penetrable state, a drive mechanism for causing each of the projecting members to advance and retract independently along the direction of penetration of the operation plate, and display A characteristic configuration of an operation input system including a display device that has a screen and displays an image on the display screen, and a control device that controls the drive mechanism,
The controller is
An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data when expressing a shape according to an image displayed on the display screen by the protrusion of the protrusion member;
A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the operation surface is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal A comparison unit that compares and compares the shape data;
When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the operation surface ,
The drive mechanism is configured to be able to set the projecting amount of the projecting member in stages,
The protrusion amount determination unit is configured to determine stepwise so that the protrusion amount is increased as an overlapping area between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data is increased .

According to this configuration, it is possible to input a predetermined operation to another device connected so as to be able to transmit information in accordance with the detection position of the detected object that is in contact with or close to the operation surface of the touch pad. At this time, the control device expresses the shape (ideal shape data) corresponding to the image displayed on the display screen by the protrusion of the protrusion member.
Furthermore, since the protrusion amount of the protruding member is determined according to the overlap state between the ideal shape data and the protrusion region array, even if there is a deviation between the protrusion region array and the ideal shape data, the shape close to the ideal shape data Can be expressed by the protruding member, and the operation input system can easily recognize the ideal shape for the user. That is, even if the protrusion region array and the uneven image (ideal shape data) displayed on the antenna display do not have a 1: 1 correspondence, the uneven image can be expressed in a form having excellent usability.
In addition, according to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately set the protrusion amount as necessary in a portion where a part of the protrusion region overlaps with the ideal shape data, for example, in the contour portion of the ideal shape data. For this reason, for example, an image can be expressed in a form with excellent usability by adjusting the protrusion amount so that the finger touch is smooth, or by adjusting the protrusion amount so that a fine figure can be expressed .
Accordingly, the user can easily associate, for example, the position of the operation mark on the display screen with the position of the protruding member in the protruding state on the operation surface recognized by tactile sense, so that the desired operation mark can be easily obtained. Can be selected. Therefore, it is possible to provide an operation input system capable of performing more reliable operation input than in the past without paying attention to the display screen.

In addition, the touch panel includes an operation panel having an operation surface formed on the front surface, detects a detected object that is in contact with or close to the operation surface, and receives an input corresponding to the detection position. A plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along the operation surface in a penetrable state, a drive mechanism for causing each of the projecting members to advance and retract independently along the direction of penetration of the operation plate, and display A characteristic configuration of an operation input system including a display device that has a screen and displays an image on the display screen, and a control device that controls the drive mechanism,
  The controller is
  An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data when expressing a shape according to an image displayed on the display screen by the protrusion of the protrusion member;
  A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the operation surface is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal A comparison unit that compares and compares the shape data;
  When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the operation surface,
  The protrusion amount determination unit maximizes the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region when the entire protrusion region overlaps the ideal shape data, and a part of the protrusion region is When overlapping with the ideal shape data, the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region is less than the maximum protrusion amount and according to the degree of overlap between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data. The point is to determine the amount in stages.

According to this configuration, it is possible to input a predetermined operation to another device connected so as to be able to transmit information in accordance with the detection position of the detected object that is in contact with or close to the operation surface of the touch pad. At this time, in a state where the tip end portion of the protruding member clearly protrudes from the operation surface, it is possible to provide the user with an operational feeling utilizing the sense of touch. In addition, in the state where the tip of the protruding member coincides with the operation surface or is buried on the back side from the operation surface, the operation surface of the touch pad becomes flat.
 The operation of the touch pad by the user is not hindered.
  Furthermore, since the protrusion amount of the protruding member is determined according to the overlap state between the ideal shape data and the protrusion region array, even if there is a deviation between the protrusion region array and the ideal shape data, the shape close to the ideal shape data Can be expressed by a projecting member, and the operation input device can make it easy for the user to recognize the ideal shape. In other words, even if the protrusion area array and the uneven image (ideal shape data) displayed on the antenna display do not have a 1: 1 correspondence, the operation input can express the uneven image in a form with excellent usability. An apparatus can be realized.
  In addition, according to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately set the protrusion amount as necessary in a portion where a part of the protrusion region overlaps with the ideal shape data, for example, in the contour portion of the ideal shape data. For this reason, for example, an image can be expressed in a form with excellent usability by adjusting the protrusion amount so that the finger touch is smooth, or by adjusting the protrusion amount so that a fine figure can be expressed.
As described above, by causing the protruding member to move forward and backward, it is possible to provide the user with an operational feeling utilizing the sense of touch without impairing the operational feeling of the user on the touch pad.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the state mounted in the vehicle of the operation input system. It is a figure showing an example which shows the correspondence of an operation input device and a display screen. It is a perspective view of the touchpad with which an operation input device is equipped. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a drive mechanism. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an operation input system. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a status determination part. It is a figure showing an example which shows the relationship between ideal shape data and the protrusion amount of a protrusion member. It is the figure which represented distribution of the protrusion amount of a protrusion member in the cross section of the Z direction. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in an operation input calculating part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence for determining protrusion amount. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence for determining variation | change_quantity. It is a figure showing an example which shows the relationship between ideal shape data and the protrusion amount of a protrusion member. It is the figure which represented distribution of the protrusion amount of a protrusion member in the cross section of the Z direction. It is a figure showing an example which shows the relationship between ideal shape data and the protrusion amount of a protrusion member. It is the figure which represented distribution of the protrusion amount of a protrusion member in the cross section of the Z direction. It is a figure showing an example which shows the relationship between ideal shape data and the protrusion amount of a protrusion member. It is the figure which represented distribution of the protrusion amount of a protrusion member in the cross section of the Z direction. It is a figure showing an example which shows the relationship between ideal shape data and the protrusion amount of a protrusion member. It is the figure which represented distribution of the protrusion amount of a protrusion member in the cross section of the Z direction. It is a figure showing an example which shows the relationship between ideal shape data and the protrusion amount of a protrusion member. It is the figure which represented distribution of the protrusion amount of a protrusion member in the cross section of the Z direction. It is a figure showing an example which shows the relationship between ideal shape data and the protrusion amount of a protrusion member. It is the figure which represented distribution of the protrusion amount of a protrusion member in the cross section of the Z direction.

  An embodiment of a tactile display according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the information on the vehicle-mounted navigation device 1 (see FIG. 1) is presented to the user, and an operation that allows a predetermined (predetermined) operation input to the navigation device 1 is performed. The input device 4 will be described as an example. That is, in this embodiment, the operation input device 4 is a composite device in which the function as the output device of the navigation device 1 and the function as the input device are integrated. Hereinafter, after describing the schematic configuration of the navigation device 1 and the configuration of the operation input device 4, the configuration of the operation input system 3 of the navigation device 1 including the operation input device 4 will be described. The configuration will be described.

1. Schematic Configuration of Navigation Device A schematic configuration of the navigation device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. The navigation device 1 is configured to be able to realize basic functions such as display of a vehicle position, route search from a departure place to a destination, route guidance, and destination search. Since the internal configuration of the navigation device 1 is well known, the details are omitted.

The display input device 40 is a combination of a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and an input device such as a touch panel. The display input device 40 has a display screen 41 and displays an image such as a map around the vehicle position and an operation mark 44 (see FIG. 2) associated with a predetermined function on the display screen 41. Here, the operation mark 44 is operated by the touch panel or the touch pad 10, and when the operation input is transmitted to the navigation device 1 to realize a specific function, the user (here, a vehicle occupant) performs the function. It is a mark displayed on the display screen 41 so that it can be easily perceived. Such an operation mark 44 includes, for example, an operation icon drawn by an illustration or the like, a button image, a character key image, or the like. The display input device 40 detects an object to be detected that is in contact with or close to the touch panel and receives an input corresponding to the detection position. For example, the user selects and associates the operation mark 44 with the fingertip or the stylus pen tip as an object to be detected displayed on the display screen 41 so as to contact or approach the operation mark 44. Functions can be realized. In addition, the user can bring the object to be detected into contact with or close to a position other than the operation mark 44 displayed on the display screen 41.
For example, a point on the map can be selected. In the present embodiment, the display input device 40 corresponds to a “display device” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the touch pad 10 is provided separately from the display input device 40. The touch pad 10 has an operation surface 11a, detects an object D (see FIG. 2) that is in contact with or close to the operation surface 11a, and receives an input corresponding to the detection position. An operation cursor 45 (see FIG. 2) is displayed on the display screen 41 in correspondence with the detection position detected by the touch pad 10 as a pointing device. The user moves the operation cursor 45 on the display screen 41 by sliding a fingertip or the like as the detected object D in contact with or close to the operation surface 11a. Then, by performing a predetermined operation on the operation surface 11a in a state where the operation cursor 45 coincides with the operation mark 44, it is possible to select the operation mark 44 and realize a function associated therewith. In addition, the user can perform, for example, point selection on a map by performing a predetermined operation on the operation surface 11a in a state where the operation cursor 45 is at a position other than the operation mark 44 displayed on the display screen 41.

  It should be noted that the display input device 40 is disposed at a position where it can be seen without greatly changing the line-of-sight direction during driving so that it can be easily seen by the user (in particular, the driver of the vehicle here). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the display input device 40 is arranged at the center of the upper surface of the dashboard, but may be arranged at the position of the instrument panel or the like. On the other hand, the touch pad 10 is disposed at a position close to the user's hand so that the user can easily operate. That is, the touch pad 10 is disposed at a position closer to the user's hand than the display input device 40 and far from the line-of-sight direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the touch pad 10 is disposed in the center console portion, but may be disposed in the center portion of the upper surface of the dashboard, the spoke portion of the steering wheel, the door panel, or the like.

  In the present invention, among the devices connected to the navigation device 1 so as to be able to transmit information, the specific configuration of the touch pad 10 having a function as a tactile display has a novel feature in comparison with the conventional product. Yes. Therefore, in the following, the configuration of the operation input device 4 including the touch pad 10 will be described in more detail.

2. Configuration of Operation Input Device As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation input device 4 includes an operation plate 11 having an operation surface 11a formed on the front surface, and an object D to be detected that is in contact with or close to the operation surface 11a. A touch pad 10 that detects and receives an input corresponding to the detected position; a plurality of projecting members 20 that are arranged according to a predetermined rule along the operation surface 11a in a state where each can penetrate the operation plate 11; A drive mechanism 30 that causes each of the members 20 to advance and retract independently along the penetration direction of the operation plate 11, and an operation input calculation unit 50 that controls the drive mechanism 30 are provided. In general, the operation input device 4 is configured such that the protruding member 20 driven by the driving mechanism 30 can protrude from the surface of the touch pad 10 (can be moved in and out). Here, the penetration direction of the protruding member 20 with respect to the operation plate 11 is set to a direction intersecting the operation surface 11a, specifically, a direction orthogonal to the operation surface 11a.

  Here, the operation surface 11a in the present embodiment corresponds to a “single plane” in the present invention, and the operation input calculation unit 50 corresponds to a “control device” in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the touch pad 10 has an operation plate 11, and an operation surface 11 a is formed on the front side of the operation plate 11. As such a touch pad 10, various types such as a resistance film type and a capacitance type can be used. In this example, a capacitance type is adopted. A substrate and an electrode layer are provided on the back side of the operation surface 11a. The touch pad 10 detects a fingertip or the like as the detected object D that is in contact with or close to the operation surface 11a and receives an input corresponding to the detected position.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation plate 11 is provided with a hole 12 that penetrates the operation plate 11. In the present embodiment, a plurality of such hole portions 12 are provided along a predetermined rule along the operation surface 11a. In this example, the operation surfaces 11a are arranged in a grid (matrix) so as to be aligned in the XY direction, and the holes 12 are arranged at equal intervals along the XY direction. In the present embodiment, the number of holes 12 is smaller than the number of pixels on the display screen 41. In the present embodiment, the hole 12 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the front side of the operation plate 11. In addition, although the conductive wiring member 13 connected to the electrode layer provided on the back side of the operation surface 11a is arranged in a lattice shape along the operation surface 11a, each hole 12 is formed in the wiring member. No. 13 is provided. That is, each hole 12 is provided in the rectangular area surrounded by the plurality of wiring members 13 in this example without interfering with all the wiring members 13. Thereby, it is prevented that the function of the touch pad 10 is impaired by providing the plurality of holes 12 in the operation plate 11.

  A protruding member 20 is inserted into each of the holes 12 provided through the operation plate 11. Therefore, in this example, a plurality of protruding members 20 are also provided along the operation surface 11a with the same arrangement rule as the holes 12. In the example of FIG. 2, the arrangement area of the hole 12 and the protruding member 20 on the touch pad 10 is an arrangement on the display screen 41 of an operation mark display area R (see FIG. 2) described later. Corresponds to the area.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the protruding member 20 includes an elongated columnar (pin-shaped) pin member 21 and a cylindrical member 22 that is generally cylindrical. The outer diameter of the pin member 21 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hole 12. The cylindrical member 22 includes two semi-cylindrical members that are equally divided along the axial direction of the cylindrical member 22. The pin member 21 is locked to the cylindrical member 22 in a state where the pin member 21 is sandwiched between two semi-cylindrical members at the lower end thereof. In this example, the tip end (upper end) of the pin member 21 is inserted into each hole 12. In the reference state where the protruding member 20 is not driven by the drive mechanism 30 (the state on the left side in FIG. 4), the tip portion (tip surface) of the flatly formed pin member 21 matches the level of the operation surface 11a. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a drive mechanism 30 is provided on the back side of the operation plate 11. The drive mechanism 30 is a mechanism for causing the protruding member 20 to advance and retreat along a direction intersecting (orthogonal in this example) with respect to the operation surface 11a (referred to as “advance / retreat operation direction Z”). The forward / backward movement direction Z in the present embodiment corresponds to the “penetration direction” in the present invention. The drive mechanism 30 includes a piezoelectric element 31.

  The piezoelectric element 31 is a passive element using a piezoelectric effect, and converts a voltage applied to the piezoelectric body into a force, or converts an external force applied to the piezoelectric body into a voltage. The piezoelectric element 31 is provided so as to vibrate in the forward / backward movement direction Z. A connecting member 33 is connected to the piezoelectric element 31, and the connecting member 33 vibrates integrally with the piezoelectric element 31. The connecting member 33 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape (pin shape). The distal end portion of the connecting member 33 opposite to the side connected to the piezoelectric element 31 is inserted into the space inside the cylindrical member 22. The outer diameter of the connecting member 33 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical member 22, and the outer peripheral surface of the connecting member 33 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 22 are in contact with each other.

A spring member 34 is provided so as to surround the tubular member 22 from the outer peripheral side at a contact position where the connecting member 33 and the tubular member 22 come into contact with each other. The spring member 34 provides a preload having a predetermined size toward the inner peripheral side, and generates a predetermined frictional force between the connecting member 33 and the cylindrical member 22 constituting the protruding member 20. The preload imparted by the spring member 34 is set so that the static frictional force between the connecting member 33 and the cylindrical member 22 is at least greater than the component force in the direction Z of gravity movement acting on the protruding member 20. . Further, the preload is set so that these can slide in a state in which a dynamic friction force is generated between the connecting member 33 and the cylindrical member 22 due to the vibration of the piezoelectric element 31. In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism 32 is comprised by the sliding part of the cylindrical member 22 and the connection member 33, and the spring member 34 as a preload provision means.

  In the present embodiment, the magnitude relationship between the vibration speed to one side and the vibration speed to the other side along the advancing / retreating operation direction Z of the piezoelectric element 31 is adjusted by a protrusion control unit 52 (see FIG. 5) described later. It is possible. Thereby, the arbitrary protrusion amount between the state in which the front end portion of the protruding member 20 protrudes to the front side of the operation plate 11 and the state in which the front end portion of the protrusion member 20 is buried on the back side from the front surface of the operation plate 11. It is possible to project with. In the present embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 is configured to be able to change the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 step by step.

  More specifically, the vibration speed toward the projecting direction side (front side from the operation surface 11a) is made smaller than the vibration speed toward the buried direction side (back side from the operation surface 11a), which is the anti-projection direction side. Thus, the protruding member 20 moves to the protruding direction side based on the difference between the static friction and the dynamic friction generated between the connecting member 33 and the cylindrical member 22. Thereby, the front-end | tip part of the protrusion member 20 (pin member 21) protrudes to the front side rather than the operation surface 11a. In other words, the protruding member 20 can be in a state (protruding state) where the tip end portion penetrates the operation plate 11 and protrudes to the front side from the operation surface 11a. This protruding state is a state in which the height of the tip of the protruding member 20 along the advancing / retreating operation direction Z is higher than that of the operation surface 11a, and corresponds to the “first state” in the present invention. The operation surface 11a of the operation plate 11 corresponds to the “front surface” in the present invention.

  On the other hand, the protrusion member 20 moves to the burying direction side by making the vibration speed in the burying direction side smaller than the vibration speed in the protrusion direction side. That is, the protruding member 20 can be in a state where the tip end is buried on the back side from the operation surface 11a (an embedded state). The “embedded state” includes a state in which the tip of the pin member 21 of the projecting member 20 matches the level of the operation surface 11a. This buried state is a state in which the height of the tip of the protruding member 20 along the advancing / retreating operation direction Z is equal to or less than the operation surface 11a, and corresponds to the “second state” in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 is configured by the piezoelectric element 31, the sliding mechanism 32, and the protrusion control unit 52. The drive mechanism 30 allows the plurality of protruding members 20 to move independently between the protruding state and the buried state. As described above, the operation input device 4 according to the present embodiment includes the touch pad 10 and the plurality of protruding members 20 provided so as to be able to protrude and retract from the operation surface 11 a of the touch pad 10.

3. Configuration of Operation Input System As shown in FIG. 5, the operation input system 3 in the navigation device 1 includes the operation input device 4, the display input device 40, and the operation input calculation unit 50 interposed therebetween. Is formed. In the present embodiment, the operation input calculation unit 50 is configured by a microcomputer including a storage area such as a nonvolatile memory. The operation input device 4 and the display input device 40 are connected via an operation input calculation unit 50 so that information can be transmitted.

  The operation input calculation unit 50 includes a status determination unit 51, a protrusion control unit 52, a position detection unit 53, a drawing control unit 54, and a selection operation determination unit 55. In the present embodiment, the operation input calculation unit 50 further includes a state detection unit 56 and an input reception unit 57.

The status determination unit 51 acquires the ideal shape data I expressed by the operation input device 4, and in accordance with the ideal shape data I, a protrusion status representing information for making each of the protrusion members 20 into an appropriate protrusion state To decide. In the present embodiment, the protrusion status is “the amount of movement in the Z-axis direction of the protrusion member 20 required to protrude the protrusion member 20 from the operation surface 11a by an arbitrary amount between the buried state and the protrusion state (hereinafter, It is called “change amount”). Here, the “embedded state” is a state in which the protruding member 20 is at the minimum displacement position within the movable range in the forward / backward movement direction Z (a state in which the tip portion of the pin member 21 matches the level of the operation surface 11a). The “protruding state” is a state in which the protruding member 20 is at the maximum displacement position within the movable range in the forward / backward movement direction Z. The present invention has a novel feature in the method of determining the protrusion amount (change amount) in the status determination unit 51. This will be described in detail in the next section.

  Here, as described above, the display screen 41 can display an image of the operation mark 44 associated with a predetermined function in addition to the map image around the vehicle position. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, images of three operation marks 44 are equally spaced in the operation mark display region R set on the lower side of the display screen 41 by being superimposed on the map image around the vehicle position. They are displayed side by side in a row. These operation marks 44 correspond to main functions for operating the navigation device 1 and various equipment of the vehicle. As an example, these are associated with the vehicle position display function, the destination search function, and the audio setting function in order from the left. In addition to these, for example, an operation mark 44 associated with a probe traffic information display function, an air conditioner setting function, or the like may be displayed.

  The protrusion control unit 52 controls the position of the protrusion member 20 in the protrusion direction (corresponding to the advancing / retreating operation direction Z) with respect to the operation surface 11a. The protrusion control unit 52 controls the drive mechanism 30 based on the information received from the status determination unit 51. In the present embodiment, the protrusion control unit 52 applies a pulse voltage to vibrate the piezoelectric element 31. In that case, the protrusion control part 52 is comprised so that the magnitude relationship of the vibration speed to the one direction side along the advancing / retreating operation direction Z and the vibration speed to the other side can be adjusted. Such a configuration can be realized by changing the duty ratio according to the vibration direction of the piezoelectric element 31. The protrusion control part 52 moves the protrusion member 20 to the protrusion direction side by making the vibration speed to the protrusion direction side smaller than the vibration speed to the burying direction side. On the other hand, the protrusion control part 52 moves the protrusion member 20 to the burying direction side by making the vibration speed to the burying direction side smaller than the vibration speed to the protrusion direction side.

  The position detection unit 53 acquires the detection position of the detection object D on the operation surface 11 a of the touch pad 10. The position detection unit 53 outputs the acquired detection position information to the drawing control unit 54 and the selection operation determination unit 55.

  The drawing control unit 54 performs drawing control of the display image on the display screen 41. In addition, the drawing control unit 54 sends ideal shape data I, which is ideal shape data when expressing a shape corresponding to an image (see FIG. 2) displayed on the display screen 41, to the status determination unit 51. It is configured to be able to communicate. In the present embodiment, the drawing control unit 54 displays the main operation mark 44 in the operation mark display region R set on the display screen 41 and displays the image of the operation mark display region R in the status determination unit 51. It is comprised so that it may transmit. Furthermore, in this embodiment, at the time of transmission, the operation mark 44 displayed in the operation mark display area R is converted into a geometric figure and transmitted. In this example, each operation mark 44 is converted into a different shape (geometrical figure) corresponding to each of the plurality of operation marks 44, and the converted shape is expressed by the plurality of protruding members 20. That is, in the present embodiment, the status determination unit 51 acquires data having different shapes for each operation mark 44 as the ideal shape data I. With such a configuration, the expression by the protruding member 20 is facilitated, and when the user uses the operation input device 4, it is easy to understand the correspondence between the figure recognized by the protruding member 20 and the operation mark 44, which is easy to use. A good operation input device 4 (tactile display) can be realized.

  The selection operation determination unit 55 determines the presence / absence of a selection operation for the operation mark 44 displayed on the display screen 41 based on information from the position detection unit 53 and a state detection unit 56 described later.

The state detection unit 56 detects the protruding amount of the protruding member 20. The state detection unit 56 is configured to be able to acquire information from, for example, a position sensor (not shown). The state detection unit 56 outputs the detection result information to the input reception unit 57 of the selection operation determination unit 55.

  The input receiving unit 57 receives an input to the protruding member 20 when the state detecting unit 56 detects that the protruding member 20 has changed from the protruding state to the buried state. Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the protruding member 20 corresponding to the specific operation mark 44 displayed on the display screen 41 is in the protruding state. Therefore, receiving an input to the protruding member 20 is equivalent to receiving an input to the operation mark 44 corresponding to the protruding member 20. That is, when the input receiving unit 57 detects that the protruding member 20 has changed from the protruding state to the buried state, the input receiving unit 57 receives an input to the operation mark 44 corresponding to the protruding member 20. Based on this, the selection operation determination unit 55 determines that there has been a selection operation of the operation mark 44 corresponding to the protruding member 20.

  In the present embodiment, by providing such an input receiving unit 57, a selection operation of the operation mark 44 via the protruding member 20 is received separately from a normal selection operation based on a touch operation on the touch pad 10 or the like. Can do. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the user recognizes the target protruding member 20 in a protruding state by a sliding operation on the operation surface 11a such as a fingertip as the detection object D, and then directly protrudes the protruding member 20 A desired operation mark 44 can be selected simply by pushing the member 20 into a buried state. That is, the user can select the operation mark 44 by an intuitive operation in which the protruding member 20 in the protruding state is regarded as a button and the simulated button is pushed. Therefore, according to the operation input device 4 and the operation input system 3 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform an operation input with excellent convenience.

  With the above configuration, a user interface that is intuitive and easy to use can be realized for the user. Here, in the present invention, the operation input calculating unit 50 is configured in a form having excellent usability, for example, so that the user can easily recognize the operation mark 44 corresponding to the protruding member 20 from the protruding member 20 in the protruding state. Is configured. Therefore, the internal configuration of the operation input calculation unit 50 will be described in detail below.

4). Internal configuration of operation input calculation unit 4-1. Prior to the description of the ideal shape data status determination unit 51, the ideal shape data I input to the status determination unit 51 will be described. In the present embodiment, raster data having a larger number of pixels than the number of protruding members 20 is used as the ideal shape data I. Specifically, a part or all of the raster data drawn on the display input device 40 by the drawing control unit 54 is input to the status determination unit 51 as ideal shape data. In the present embodiment, an image of the operation mark display area R is set as ideal shape data. Further, in the present embodiment, the drawing control unit 54 is configured to convert the operation mark 44 included in the operation mark display area R into a simple geometric figure and then output it to the status determination unit 51. Has been. What kind of geometric figure to convert the operation mark 44 included in the operation mark display area R may be set in advance when the operation mark 44 is created.

  Below, the function of the operation input calculating part 50 is demonstrated by taking the case where a circle is displayed on the operation input device 4 as an example. That is, a case where a circle is input to the operation input calculation unit 50 as the ideal shape data I will be described.

4-2. Internal Configuration of Operation Input Calculation Unit Hereinafter, the internal configuration and function of the operation input calculation unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 6, the status determination unit 51 included in the operation input calculation unit 50 includes:
An ideal shape data acquisition unit 511, a comparison unit 512, a storage unit 513, a protrusion amount determination unit 514, and a change amount determination unit 515 are provided.

  The ideal shape data acquisition unit 511 has a function of acquiring ideal shape data I that is ideal shape data expressed on the operation input device 4 by the protrusion of the protrusion member 20 from the outside of the status determination unit 51. In the present embodiment, the ideal shape data acquisition unit 511 is configured to acquire ideal shape data I from the selection operation determination unit 55 or the drawing control unit 54, as shown in FIGS.

  The storage unit 513 stores physical information related to the protruding member 20 included in the operation input device 4. Specifically, the number of projecting members 20 and the arrangement position information of each projecting member 20 are stored.

  The comparison unit 512 virtually sets the protruding areas a corresponding to the respective arrangement areas (arrangement positions) of the protruding members 20 on the operation surface 11a from the information regarding the protruding members 20 stored in the storage unit 513. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the projecting region a is set so that there is no gap between the projecting member 20 and the adjacent projecting member 20. Specifically, a square projecting region a centering on the projecting member 20 is set for each projecting member 20 arranged in a lattice pattern. This square is set so that the length of one side is equal to the distance between the protruding members 20 adjacent in the vertical and horizontal directions. Thereby, each protrusion area | region a has contact | abutted with the other protrusion area | region a adjacent to circumference | surroundings without gap, and is arrange | positioned at the grid shape.

  Further, the comparison unit 512 superimposes the projection region array A formed by the set of the projection regions a of all the projection members 20 and the ideal shape data I acquired by the ideal shape data acquisition unit 511, and compares them. Do. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the protruding region array A coincides with the entire operation surface 11 a of the operation plate 11 of the operation input device 4. The comparison unit 512 superimposes the ideal shape data I and the protruding region array A so that the size of the ideal shape data I matches the size of the protruding region array A in the XY direction. That is, as will be described later, the coordinates of the ideal shape data I are assigned to the coordinates in the protruding region array A.

  Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, raster data is used as the ideal shape data I, and when the number of pixels of the ideal shape data I corresponds to the number of projecting members 20 is 1: 1, Processing in a protrusion amount determination unit 514 described later is skipped.

  On the other hand, when there is a deviation between the protruding area array A and the ideal shape data I, the protrusion amount determining unit 514 overlaps each of the protruding areas a constituting the protruding area array A with the ideal shape data I. Depending on the state, the amount of protrusion of the protrusion member 20 corresponding to each of the protrusion regions a with respect to the operation surface 11a is determined. The method for determining the protrusion amount in the protrusion amount determination unit 514 will be described in detail in the next section.

  The change amount determining unit 515 determines, for each protruding member 20, the amount of change of the protruding member 20 from the difference between the current protruding amount of the protruding member 20 and the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 determined by the protruding amount determining unit 514. And the distance to be actually driven by the drive mechanism 30 is calculated. Note that the projection amount determined by the previous projection amount determination unit 514 may be used instead of the current projection amount of the projection member 20.

4-3. Method for Determining Projection Amount In this embodiment, the projection amount determination unit 514 determines the projection amount of the projection member 20 when the entire projection area a of the projection member 20 overlaps the ideal shape data I. It is the maximum. On the other hand, when only a part of the projecting region a overlaps with the ideal shape data I, the projecting amount of the projecting member 20 is equal to or less than the maximum projecting amount, and the projecting region and the ideal shape data I The amount is determined according to the degree of overlap.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 is configured such that the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 can be set in stages. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, specifically, the maximum protrusion amount is set to 100% and the minimum protrusion amount is set to 0%, and is divided into five stages of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. It is configured to be configurable.

  The protrusion amount determination unit 514 is configured to increase the protrusion amount as the overlapping area between the protrusion region a and the ideal shape data I increases. That is, the overlapping area in a certain protruding region a and the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 in the protruding region a are determined to have a corresponding relationship (for example, a proportional relationship). In this example, the overlapping area of the protruding region a and the ideal shape data I is divided into a plurality of ranges, and the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 is determined stepwise. Specifically, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 7, in the protruding region a where the overlapping area is 0 or more and less than 33%, the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 is 25%, and when the overlapping area is 33 or more and less than 66%. The protrusion amount is determined to be 50%, and the protrusion amount is determined to be 75% when the overlapping area is less than 66 to 100%. Note that when the protruding region a and the ideal shape data I do not overlap at all, the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 is determined to be 0%.

4-4. Processing Procedure in Operation Input Calculation Unit Next, a processing procedure for obtaining the amount of change of each protruding member 20 in the operation input calculation unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. The processing procedure described below can be executed by hardware, software (program), or both constituting each functional unit of the operation input computing unit 50. When each of the above functional units is configured by a program, the arithmetic processing device including the operation input arithmetic unit 50 operates as a computer that executes the program that configures each functional unit.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the process in the operation input calculating unit 50 is roughly divided into a protrusion amount determination process # 01 and a change amount determination process # 02. In the present embodiment, the projection amount determination process # 01 is performed by the ideal shape data acquisition unit 511, the comparison unit 512, and the projection amount determination unit 514, and the variation amount determination process # 02 is performed by the variation amount determination unit 515. Is called. Hereinafter, the protrusion amount determination process # 01 and the change amount determination process # 02 will be described in order.

4-4-1. Protrusion Amount Determination Process As shown in FIG. 10, in the protrusion amount determination process # 01, a preparation process before entering the process for each of the protrusion members 20 is first performed. As this preparation process, first, the ideal shape data acquisition unit 511 reads the ideal shape data I (step # 101). Next, the ideal shape data I is assigned to the coordinates of the protruding region array A of the operation input device 4 by the comparison unit 512 (step # 102).

  And in the protrusion amount determination part 514, the process (following steps # 111- # 115) for determining the protrusion amount for every protrusion member 20 is performed. Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the graphic range of the ideal shape data I overlaps the protruding area a of the protruding member 20 (step # 111). If they do not overlap (Step # 111: No), it is determined that the protruding area a is outside the graphic range of the ideal shape data I, and the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 is determined to be 0%. On the other hand, if they overlap (step # 111: Yes), the degree of overlap (area in the present embodiment) between the protruding region a and the graphic range of the ideal shape data I is calculated (step # 112).

Next, it is determined whether or not the degree of overlap is 100% (step # 113). In the case of 100% (step # 113: Yes), it is determined that the protruding region a is within the graphic range of the ideal shape data I, and the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 is determined to be 100%. On the other hand, if it is not 100% (step # 113: No), it is determined that the boundary exists in the figure range (only a part of the protruding area a overlaps the ideal shape data I), and the degree of overlap is 66. It is determined whether or not it is greater than or equal to% (step # 114). When the degree of overlap is 66% or more (step # 114: Yes), the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 is determined to be 75%. On the other hand, if the degree of overlap is less than 66% (step # 114: No), it is determined whether or not the degree of overlap is 33% or more (step # 115). When the degree of overlap is 33% or more (step # 115: Yes), the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 is determined to be 50%. On the other hand, when the degree of overlap is less than 33% (step # 115: No), the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 is determined to be 25%. As described above, the protruding amount of each protruding member 20 is determined.

4-4-2. Change Determination Processing As shown in FIG. 11, in the change determination processing # 02, first, processing for determining the change for each projecting member 20 (steps # 201 to # 205) is performed. Specifically, first, the protrusion amount B determined in the protrusion amount determination process # 01 is read (step # 201). Next, the current protrusion amount C is read (step # 202). Subsequently, it is determined whether the protrusion amount B and the protrusion amount C are not equal (step # 203). When the protrusion amount B and the protrusion amount C are equal (step # 203: No), the change amount is determined to be 0 (step # 205). On the other hand, when the protrusion amount B and the protrusion amount C are not equal (step # 203: Yes), the difference between the protrusion amount B and the protrusion amount C is set as the change amount Δ. As described above, the amount of change of each protruding member 20 is determined (step # 204).

  After determining the variation Δ for all the projecting members 20, information on the variation Δ of each projecting member 20 is collectively set to the projecting control unit 52. And the protrusion control part 52 drives the drive mechanism 30 corresponding to each protrusion member 20 all at once based on each variation | change_quantity (DELTA) (step # 211).

  As described above, the ideal shape data I can be expressed on the operation input device 4 in a form having excellent usability.

5. Other Embodiments Finally, other embodiments such as a tactile display according to the present invention will be described. Note that the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradiction arises.

 (1) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the protrusion amount determination unit 514 determines the protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 as the overlap area between the protrusion region a and the ideal shape data I increases is described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the protrusion amount determination unit 514 maximizes the protrusion amount when the overlap area between the protrusion region a and the ideal shape data I is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the overlap area between the protrusion region a and the ideal shape data I. When the value is less than the threshold value, the protrusion amount may be minimized.

  Examples of such a configuration are shown in FIGS. In the example of FIGS. 12 and 13, the threshold value is set to 100%. That is, the protruding member 20 can be protruded only when the protruding region a and the ideal shape data I are completely overlapped. On the other hand, in the example of FIGS. 14 and 15, the threshold value is set to 1%. That is, when the protruding region a and the ideal shape data I overlap even a little, the protruding member 20 can be protruded. Although not shown, the threshold value may be an intermediate value from the maximum value to the minimum value, such as 50%.

(2) In the above embodiment, the configuration in the case where the ideal shape data I is a two-dimensional image has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the ideal shape data I has the protrusion height information h, and the protrusion amount determination unit 514 determines the protrusion amount according to the state of overlap between the protrusion region a and the ideal shape data I and the protrusion height information h. It does not matter as a configuration to determine.

  Examples of such a configuration are shown in FIGS. In this case, a three-dimensional shape is assumed as the ideal shape data I having the height information h. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, a cylindrical figure cut obliquely is assumed. In expressing the ideal shape data I on the operation input device 4, the protrusion amount of each protrusion member 20 is the volume of the ideal shape data I at the position corresponding to the protrusion region array A (that is, the ideal shape data I It may be determined according to the product of the area and the protrusion height information h). In determining the amount of protrusion, how to determine the amount of protrusion from the state of overlap between the protrusion region array A and the volume of the ideal shape data I is the state of overlap between the protrusion region array A and the area of the ideal shape data I Various methods can be used in the same manner as in the case of obtaining the protrusion amount from the above.

 (3) In the said embodiment, the protrusion amount determination part 514 demonstrated as an example the structure which determines largely the protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 as the overlap area of the protrusion area | region a and the ideal shape data I becomes large. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the protrusion amount determination unit 514 maximizes the protrusion amount when the protrusion region a and the ideal shape data I all overlap, and the protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 when these overlap partially. May be an intermediate value from the maximum value to the minimum value. Examples of such a configuration are shown in FIGS. In this case, when the protrusion area a and the ideal shape data I are completely overlapped, the protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 is set to the maximum 100%, and the protrusion area a and the ideal shape data I overlap even a little. The protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 is 50%.

 (4) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the protrusion amount determination unit 514 determines the protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 as the overlap area between the protrusion region a and the ideal shape data I increases is described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. The protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 in the protrusion amount determination unit 514 may be determined according to the state of overlap between each of the protrusion regions a constituting the protrusion region array A and the ideal shape data I. Specifically, regardless of the overlapping state of the projected area a and the ideal shape data I of interest, each of the protruding areas a adjacent to the protruding area a and the ideal shape data I are overlapped. Accordingly, the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 may be determined.

  Examples of such a configuration are shown in FIGS. In this case, when the protrusion area a and the ideal shape data I are completely overlapped, the protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 is maximized, and furthermore, in the protrusion area a adjacent to the protrusion area a where the protrusion amount is maximum. The protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 corresponding to the protrusion region a is set to an intermediate value that is larger than the uniform minimum value and smaller than the maximum value. Specifically, when the protrusion area a and the ideal shape data I are completely overlapped, the protrusion amount is set to 100%, and in the other protrusion areas a, the protrusion area a having a protrusion amount of 100% is vertically and horizontally When adjacent to each other, the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 corresponding to the protruding region a is uniformly 75%. With such a configuration, the finger contact is smooth, and at the same time, an appropriate level difference is generated in the contour portion of the ideal shape data I, and a tactile display with good finger contact can be realized.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the protruding region a adjacent to the protruding region a where the protruding amount is the maximum, the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 corresponding to the protruding region a is larger than the uniform minimum value and maximized. Although the intermediate value is smaller than the value, the protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 corresponding to the protrusion region a may be maximized.

  Examples of such a configuration are shown in FIGS. Specifically, when the protrusion area a and the ideal shape data I completely overlap, the protrusion amount is set to 100%, and the protrusion area a that completely overlaps the ideal shape data I is adjacent vertically and horizontally. In the protruding area a, the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 corresponding to the protruding area a is 100%. With such a configuration, it can be relatively close to the ideal shape data I.

 (5) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the ideal shape data acquisition unit 511 acquires raster data having the number of pixels larger than the number of the protruding members 20 as the ideal shape data I has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the ideal shape data acquisition unit 511 may acquire vector data as the ideal shape data I. In addition, even when the ideal shape data acquisition unit 511 acquires raster data having the same number of pixels as the number of protruding members 20 as the ideal shape data I, the position of each pixel of the ideal shape data I is set to one pixel. When shifted from the protruding region a in the following range, the ideal shape data I can be appropriately expressed on the operation input device 4 by the operation input calculation unit 50 of the present invention. As such an application example, for example, an image included in the ideal shape data I may be time-series changed or rotated on the operation input device 4.

 (6) In the above embodiment, as the tactile display, the operation surface 11a is configured by the front side plane of the operation plate 11, and each of the protruding members 20 is inserted into the hole 12 provided through the operation plate 11. The drive mechanism 30 is provided on the back side with respect to the operation plate 11, and is configured to allow the protruding member 20 to protrude with an arbitrary protruding amount between the protruding state and the buried state. 4 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the present invention can be used not only for the operation input device 4 described above but also for other known tactile displays.

 (7) In the said embodiment, the case where the drive mechanism 30 was comprised so that the protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 could be set in steps was demonstrated as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the drive mechanism 30 may be configured so that the protruding amount of the protruding member 20 can be set steplessly (linearly). In this case, for example, the protrusion amount determination unit 514 can determine the protrusion amount of the protrusion member 20 so as to be proportional to the overlapping area of the protrusion region a and the ideal shape data I.

  A plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along a single plane; a drive mechanism for independently moving the projecting members along a direction intersecting the plane; and the drive mechanism It can utilize for the tactile display provided with the control apparatus which controls.

4: Operation input device (tactile display)
11a: Operation surface (plane)
20: Protruding member 30: Drive mechanism 50: Operation input calculation unit (control device)
511: Ideal shape data acquisition unit 512: Comparison unit 514: Protrusion amount determination unit I: Ideal shape data a: Protrusion region A: Protrusion region arrangement Z: Advance / retreat operation direction (penetration direction)

Claims (10)

A plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along a single plane; a drive mechanism for independently moving the projecting members along a direction intersecting the plane; and the drive mechanism A tactile display comprising a control device for controlling
The controller is
An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data expressed by the protrusion of the protruding member;
A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the plane is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal shape A comparison unit that superimposes and compares the data;
When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the flat surface ,
The drive mechanism is configured to be able to set the projecting amount of the projecting member in stages,
The protrusion amount determination unit is a tactile display that determines the protrusion amount in a stepwise manner as the overlapping area of the protrusion region and the ideal shape data increases . A plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along a single plane; a drive mechanism for independently moving the projecting members along a direction intersecting the plane; and the drive mechanism A tactile display comprising a control device for controlling
  The controller is
  An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data expressed by the protrusion of the protruding member;
  A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the plane is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal shape A comparison unit that superimposes and compares the data;
  When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the flat surface,
  The protrusion amount determination unit maximizes the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region when the entire protrusion region overlaps the ideal shape data, and a part of the protrusion region is When overlapping with the ideal shape data, the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region is less than the maximum protrusion amount and according to the degree of overlap between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data. Tactile display that determines the amount in stages. 3. The tactile display according to claim 1, wherein the projecting regions are arranged in a grid pattern with respect to the projecting members arranged in a lattice shape in contact with other projecting regions adjacent to each other with the projecting member as a center. . The ideal shape data has protrusion height information,
The tactile sensation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protrusion amount determination unit determines the protrusion amount according to an overlapping state between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data and the protrusion height information. display. The tactile display according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the ideal shape data is raster data having a number of pixels larger than the number of protruding members. The flat surface is constituted by a flat plate on the front side, and each of the projecting members is inserted into a hole provided through the flat plate, and the drive mechanism is provided on the back side with respect to the flat plate. The protruding member protrudes at an arbitrary protruding amount between a first state in which the height of the tip end portion is higher than the front side plane and a second state in which the height of the tip end portion is equal to or less than the front side plane. The tactile display according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the tactile display is configured to be possible. A touchpad that has an operation panel with an operation surface on the front, detects an object to be detected that is in contact with or close to the operation surface, and receives an input corresponding to the detected position, and each can penetrate the operation plate A plurality of projecting members arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule along the operation surface, a drive mechanism that causes each of the projecting members to advance and retreat independently along the penetration direction of the operation plate, and the drive mechanism An operation input device comprising a control device for controlling
The controller is
An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data expressed by the protrusion of the protruding member;
A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the operation surface is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal A comparison unit that compares and compares the shape data;
When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the operation surface ,
The drive mechanism is configured to be able to set the projecting amount of the projecting member in stages,
The protrusion amount determination unit is an operation input device that determines in a stepwise manner to increase the protrusion amount as the overlapping area between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data increases . A touchpad that has an operation panel with an operation surface on the front, detects an object to be detected that is in contact with or close to the operation surface, and receives an input corresponding to the detected position, and each can penetrate the operation plate A plurality of projecting members arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule along the operation surface, a drive mechanism that causes each of the projecting members to advance and retreat independently along the penetration direction of the operation plate, and the drive mechanism An operation input device comprising a control device for controlling
The controller is
An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data expressed by the protrusion of the protruding member;
A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the operation surface is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal A comparison unit that compares and compares the shape data;
When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the operation surface ,
The protrusion amount determination unit maximizes the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region when the entire protrusion region overlaps the ideal shape data, and a part of the protrusion region is When overlapping with the ideal shape data, the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region is less than the maximum protrusion amount and according to the degree of overlap between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data. Operation input device that determines the amount in stages . A touchpad that has an operation panel with an operation surface on the front, detects an object to be detected that is in contact with or close to the operation surface, and receives an input corresponding to the detected position, and each can penetrate the operation plate A plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along the operation surface, a drive mechanism for independently moving the projecting members along the penetrating direction of the operation plate, and a display screen. An operation input system comprising: a display device that displays an image on the display screen; and a control device that controls the drive mechanism,
The controller is
An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data when expressing a shape according to an image displayed on the display screen by the protrusion of the protrusion member;
A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the operation surface is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal A comparison unit that compares and compares the shape data;
When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the operation surface ,
The drive mechanism is configured to be able to set the projecting amount of the projecting member in stages,
The protrusion amount determination unit is an operation input system that determines in a stepwise manner that the protrusion amount is increased as an overlapping area between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data increases . A touchpad that has an operation panel with an operation surface on the front, detects an object to be detected that is in contact with or close to the operation surface, and receives an input corresponding to the detected position, and each can penetrate the operation plate A plurality of projecting members arranged according to a predetermined rule along the operation surface, a drive mechanism for independently moving the projecting members along the penetrating direction of the operation plate, and a display screen. An operation input system comprising: a display device that displays an image on the display screen; and a control device that controls the drive mechanism,
The controller is
An ideal shape data acquisition unit for acquiring ideal shape data, which is ideal shape data when expressing a shape according to an image displayed on the display screen by the protrusion of the protrusion member;
A projection area corresponding to each arrangement area of the projection members on the operation surface is virtually set, and a projection area array formed by a set of the projection areas of all the projection members, and the ideal A comparison unit that compares and compares the shape data;
When there is a deviation between the protruding region array and the ideal shape data, each of the protruding regions is set according to the state of overlap between the protruding region and the ideal shape data that constitute the protruding region array. A protrusion amount determination unit that determines a protrusion amount that is a protrusion height of each of the protrusion members corresponding to the operation surface ,
The protrusion amount determination unit maximizes the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region when the entire protrusion region overlaps the ideal shape data, and a part of the protrusion region is When overlapping with the ideal shape data, the protrusion amount of the protrusion member corresponding to the protrusion region is less than the maximum protrusion amount and according to the degree of overlap between the protrusion region and the ideal shape data. Operation input system that determines the amount in stages .

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