JP5792553B2 - Electronic apparatus and control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic device that performs processing according to a pressing load detected by a load detection unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electronic devices including touch sensors such as touch panels and touch switches are increasing as members for detecting contact by an operator in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. In addition to portable terminals, electronic devices including touch sensors, such as devices such as calculators and ticket machines, household appliances such as microwave ovens, televisions, and lighting devices, and industrial devices (FA devices) are widely used.

  Conventionally, various touch sensors have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This Patent Document 1 proposes an analog type resistive touch panel that can be miniaturized at a low production cost. A touch panel as described in Patent Document 1 is composed of two conductive films that are slightly spaced by spacers. This touch panel is configured to read a position where the conductive film is pressed and in contact with the other conductive film as a voltage by a voltage gradient applied to the one conductive film.

  For such a touch sensor, various systems such as a capacitive system and an optical system are known in addition to the resistive film system. Both types of touch sensors detect contact with an operator's finger or stylus pen. An electronic device including a touch sensor generally displays an image (hereinafter, referred to as “object”) such as operation keys and buttons on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display disposed on the back side of the touch sensor. When an operator performs an operation for contacting an object displayed on the display unit, the touch sensor detects a contact at a position corresponding to the object.

  An electronic device including such a touch sensor can be configured with various user interfaces by displaying various objects in accordance with application software to be used (hereinafter simply referred to as “application”). Therefore, the electronic device provided with the touch sensor can configure various user interfaces with a high degree of freedom. Since such an electronic device is easy to understand for the operator and easy to use, an electronic device equipped with a touch sensor is rapidly spreading.

  Recently, an electronic apparatus including a load detection unit (pressure detection unit) that detects a pressing load applied when an operator performs an operation on the touch sensor has also been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2). . According to the touch panel type input device described in Patent Document 2, not only the position touched when the operator performs an operation on the touch sensor but also the pressing load applied during the operation is detected. Can do.

JP 2003-241898 A JP 2006-39745 A

  If it is an apparatus provided with the mechanism which detects the pressing load by an operator's operation like the touchscreen type input device of patent document 2, a different process can be linked | related according to the detected pressing load. For example, such a device starts the process A when the first stage pressing load is detected, but detects a second stage pressing load that is larger than the first stage pressing load. It is also possible to function such as starting

  However, in the electronic apparatus that performs the processing associated with each of the pressure loads divided into a plurality of stages in this manner, the standard of the pressure load that is a threshold when the pressure load is divided into a plurality of stages is usually fixed. A value is used. Even if the reference of the pressure load that becomes a threshold when dividing the pressure load into a plurality of stages can be changed according to the preference of the operator, the reference of the pressure load that becomes a preset or changed threshold value Is normally fixed during the operation of the operator.

  As described above, it is assumed that the electronic device in which the threshold value of the pressing load is fixed cannot determine the stage of the pressing load by the operation of the operator as intended by the operator.

  For example, the pressing load when a normal operation is performed varies considerably depending on the operator. In addition, particularly when performing an operation of continuously pressing the touch sensor, the operator must be in contact with the touch sensor before starting the pressing operation to apply the pressing load and push the touch sensor. Is also envisaged. In such a case, the operator may be in very light contact or may have been subjected to a slight pressing load in advance. For this reason, when the reference of the pressing load serving as a threshold is preset, when the operator tries to apply the second stage pressing load beyond the first stage pressing load, the second stage pressing load is applied. May be too large or too small for some operators. In this case, depending on the operator, it is difficult to apply the second stage pressing load, or conversely, the second stage pressing load is reached even though the operator tried to fasten with the first stage pressing load. There is a risk that. In such a situation, the operator cannot perform a smooth operation as intended.

  In addition, when the threshold of the pressing load serving as a threshold is set in advance, if the operation mode is shifted to the operation mode in a state where the pressing load is detected before the operation mode is detected to detect the operation of the operator, the operation mode is shifted. It is also assumed that the pressing load exceeds a certain level at the moment. In such a case, even if the operator does not intend to operate by applying a pressing load, the process associated with the pressing load is started. In such a situation, the operator cannot perform a smooth operation as intended.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention made in view of such circumstances is to provide an electronic device that discriminates the stage of the pressing load as intended by the operator when detecting the pressing load due to the operation of the operator in a plurality of stages. Is to provide.

The invention according to the first aspect to achieve the above object is
An electronic device that performs processing associated with each of a plurality of categories,
A load detector for detecting the pressing load;
A load standard is set for each of the plurality of sections with reference to a pressing load at a timing when the amount of change of the pressing load per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the load standard is satisfied within a predetermined time after the setting of the load standard. A control unit that controls to perform an associated process based on a load standard set for each of the plurality of sections according to a pressing load ;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to the second aspect is
A method for controlling an electronic device that performs processing associated with a plurality of sections,
A load reference is set for each of the plurality of sections with reference to the pressing load at the timing when the amount of change in the detected pressing load per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
After the setting of the load reference , control is performed so as to perform an associated process based on the load reference set for each of the plurality of sections in accordance with the pressing load that is satisfied within a predetermined time .

  According to the present invention, in the electronic device, when the pressing load caused by the operation of the operator is detected in a plurality of stages, the stage of the pressing load can be determined as intended by the operator.

It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the mounting structure of the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process by the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a graph explaining the example of the time change of the press load by operation of the operator in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process by the electronic device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph explaining the example of the time change of the press load by the operation of the operator in 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph explaining the other example of the time change of the press load by operation of the operator in 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph explaining the further example of the time change of the press load by operation of the operator in 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph explaining the further example of the time change of the press load by operation of the operator in 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph explaining the further example of the time change of the press load by operation of the operator in 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph explaining the further example of the time change of the press load by operation of the operator in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process by the electronic device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each of the following embodiments, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like will be described as an example of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention. However, the electronic device according to the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, or the like, and can be applied to any device having a touch sensor such as a PDA. The present invention is not limited to a portable electronic device, and can be applied to any device having a touch sensor, such as a bank ATM or a station ticket vending machine. Further, the present invention is preferably applied to an electronic device having a touch sensor, but is not limited to a device having a touch sensor, as will be described later, and is also applicable to an electronic device having no touch sensor. Can be applied.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a control unit 10, a touch sensor 20, a display unit 30, a load detection unit 40, a tactile sensation providing unit 50, and a storage unit 60.

  The control unit 10 controls and manages the entire electronic device 1 including each functional unit constituting the electronic device 1. Among the processes performed in the control unit 10, those unique to the present embodiment will be described later.

  The touch sensor 20 is usually configured by being superimposed on the front surface of the display unit 30 and detects contact by an operator's finger, stylus, or the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as “contact object”). The touch sensor 20 outputs a signal corresponding to the position where the contact is detected to the control unit 10 by detecting the contact by the contact object. The touch sensor 20 is configured using a system such as a resistance film system or a capacitance system, for example. Note that it is not essential for the touch sensor 20 to physically touch the touch sensor 20 when the touch sensor 20 detects a touch by the touch object. For example, when the touch sensor 20 is an optical type, the touch sensor 20 detects a position where the infrared light on the touch sensor 20 is blocked by the contact object, and thus it is not necessary for the contact object to touch the touch sensor 20. .

  In addition to performing display corresponding to each application, the display unit 30 draws and displays a user interface composed of objects in a predetermined display area. Furthermore, the display unit 30 also displays various information such as input results according to each application. The display unit 30 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic EL display panel, or the like.

  The load detection unit 40 detects a pressing load applied when the operator performs an operation on the touch sensor 20, and is configured using a strain gauge sensor, for example.

  The tactile sensation providing unit 50 vibrates the touch sensor 20 and is configured using, for example, a piezoelectric element or an ultrasonic transducer. The tactile sensation providing unit 50 presents a tactile sensation to a contact object that is in contact with the touch sensor 20 by generating a vibration according to a predetermined vibration pattern. In the present embodiment, the tactile sensation providing unit 50 generates vibration based on the drive signal supplied from the control unit 10.

  The storage unit 60 is configured by, for example, a NAND flash memory, and can store various types of information as well as various types of applications executed in the electronic device 1. In particular, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 60 can store a contact position detected by the touch sensor 20 at an arbitrary timing, and can also store a history of the contact position. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 60 can also store the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 at an arbitrary timing, and can also store the history of the pressing load.

  Next, the structural relationship between the touch sensor 20 and the display unit 30 described above, the load detection unit 40, and the tactile sensation providing unit 50 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting structure of the touch sensor 20, the display unit 30, the load detection unit 40, and the tactile sensation providing unit 50 of the electronic device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a main part, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the main part.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the display unit 30 that performs various displays is housed and held in a housing 90. The touch sensor 20 is held on the display unit 30 via an insulator 94 made of an elastic member. Note that the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the display unit 30 and the touch sensor 20 in a rectangular shape in plan view. In FIG. 2, the touch sensor 20 is illustrated as a square shape, but may be a rectangular shape or the like according to the specifications of the electronic device 1 on which the touch sensor 20 is mounted. In addition, the electronic device 1 holds the touch sensor 20 on the display unit 30 via the insulators 94 disposed at the four corners deviated from the display area A of the display unit 30 indicated by virtual lines in FIG. To do.

  The housing 90 is provided with an upper cover 92 so as to cover the surface area of the touch sensor 20 that is out of the display area of the display unit 30, and is made of an elastic member between the upper cover 92 and the touch sensor 20. An insulator 96 is provided.

  The touch sensor 20 includes, for example, a transparent film on the front surface, that is, a surface on which an operation is performed by an operator is configured with a transparent film, a back surface is configured with glass, and the operation surface is pressed according to a pressing load. Use a structure that bends (distorts) slightly.

  Furthermore, the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a strain gauge for detecting a pressing load applied to the touch sensor 20 in the vicinity of each side covered with the upper cover 92 on the transparent film on the surface of the touch sensor 20. Each sensor is provided by bonding or the like. In addition, on the glass surface on the back surface of the touch sensor 20, a piezoelectric element or an ultrasonic vibrator for vibrating the touch sensor 20 is provided in the vicinity of two opposing sides by bonding or the like. That is, in the electronic device 1 shown in FIG. 2, the load detection unit 40 shown in FIG. 1 is configured using four strain gauge sensors, and the tactile sensation providing unit 50 is configured using two vibrators. The load detection unit 40 detects the load from, for example, the average value of the outputs of the four strain gauge sensors. The tactile sensation providing unit 50 drives, for example, two vibrators in the same phase. In FIG. 2B, illustration of the housing 90, the upper cover 92, and the insulator 96 shown in FIG. 2A is omitted.

  Next, processing by electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment performs a process associated with each pressing load divided into a plurality of stages. Here, the pressing load divided into a plurality of stages may be a pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 divided into a plurality of arbitrary stages. In the following description, for simplification of description, a case where the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 is classified based on the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2 will be described. For the sake of convenience, the description will be made assuming that the second pressing load P2 is a larger (higher) pressing load than the first pressing load P1. As will be described later, the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2 are not predetermined fixed values but variable values set based on the operation of the operator.

  In the following description, regarding the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40, the pressing load exceeding the first pressing load P1 is defined as the first stage pressing load, and the pressing load exceeding the second pressing load P2 is set to the second. Classify as stage pressing load. Then, the electronic device 1 performs processing associated with each pressing load divided based on the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2 described above according to the detected change amount of the pressing load. Description will be made assuming that the first process or the second process is performed. However, the electronic device according to the present invention can perform a number of different processes by dividing the pressing load according to more criteria.

  That is, in the following description, the electronic device 1 performs the first process as the process associated with the first stage pressing load, and the second process as the process associated with the second stage pressing load. I do. Here, the first process and the second process can be arbitrary processes performed by the electronic device 1. For example, the first process can be a process of starting playback of a music file in a music player application executed in the electronic device 1. In this case, the second processing can be, for example, processing for starting fast-forwarding of a music file.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing by the electronic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. When the process according to the present embodiment starts, the control unit 10 monitors the contact detected by the touch sensor 20 and also monitors the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit 10 performs monitoring while storing a history of changes in the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 in the storage unit 60. Moreover, in the following description, the process of the control part 10 based on the pressing load which the load detection part 40 detects is demonstrated mainly. In the process actually performed by the electronic device 1, when the touch panel 20 detects a contact at a position corresponding to a specific object displayed on the display unit 30, it is preferable to perform the process described below.

  When the process shown in FIG. 3 is started, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S11). . That is, in step S <b> 11, an operation that the operator intentionally presses the touch sensor 20 is detected. When the operator performs an operation of depressing the touch sensor 20, the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 increases rapidly from that point. Therefore, the control unit 10 determines that the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, whereby the operation that the operator intentionally presses the touch sensor 20 is performed. Can be detected.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate predetermined value of the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load is defined in advance and stored in, for example, the storage unit 60 so that a pressing operation based on the operator's intention can be detected. Let me. In addition, it is assumed that the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load when the pressing operation is performed varies slightly depending on the operator. For this reason, the change per unit time of the pressing load can be adjusted by changing the predetermined value of the predetermined change amount later, or by sampling the pressing load when the operator performs the pressing operation. You may make it prescribe | regulate the appropriate predetermined value of quantity.

  FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining an example of the temporal change of the pressing load due to the operation of the operator. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents the passage of time, and the vertical axis represents the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40. In FIG. 4, the pressing load is kept low for a while after the operator starts touching the touch sensor 20 at the origin O (operation start), but from the time point T0 (point A). Represents a state in which the operator performs an operation of intentionally pressing the touch sensor 20.

  In step S11, a time point at which the slope of the temporal change of the pressing load due to the operation of the operator changes steeply is detected as in the change of the graph shown at point A in FIG. In FIG. 4, two types of changes in the pressing load with time since the operator started the pressing operation on the touch sensor 20 at the origin O are shown. That is, when the operator starts the pressing operation and the pressing load increased at the point A changes through the point B, and when the operator starts the pressing operation and increases the pressing load at the point A. Is changed through the point C.

  If it is not determined in step S11 that the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load has reached a predetermined value or more, the control unit 10 sets the pressing load detected at that time as the zero point of the detected pressing load. "Zero point correction" is performed (step S12). In the graph of the time change of the pressing load shown in FIG. 4, the amount of change of the pressing load per unit time is not large from the origin O to the point A until the point A and does not exceed the predetermined value. (No in step S11). In this case, the control unit 10 sets the load detected by the load detection unit 40 to zero, returns to step S11, and continues the process. As a result of such processing, at point A in the graph shown in FIG. 4, the pressing load (P0) detected at point A is the reference zero point.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the amount of change in the pressing load per unit time has become a predetermined value or more, the control unit 10 sets the values of the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2 (step S11). S13). In the present embodiment, the first pressing load P1 is a threshold value serving as a reference for defining the first stage pressing load, and the first process is associated with the first stage pressing load. Similarly, the second pressing load P2 is a threshold value serving as a reference for defining the second stage pressing load, and the second process is associated with the second stage pressing load.

  The values of the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2 set in step S13 can be set as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 4, at a time T1 when a predetermined short time ΔT has elapsed from a time T0 when it is determined in step S11 that the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load has reached or exceeded a predetermined value (point A). Set. In this embodiment, since the stage of the pressing load by the operation of the operator is determined at the time point T1, the stage of the pressing load is determined after the operator starts increasing the pressing load for a predetermined short time ΔT. For example, it is preferable to predetermine a suitable time such as 1 second. In addition, it is possible to adjust the predetermined time ΔT by changing the predetermined time ΔT later or by sampling the time change of the pressing load when the operator performs the pressing operation. May be.

  When the time point T1 is set, the first pressure load P1 is set by adding the load ΔP1 to the pressure load P0 with reference to the pressure load P0 corrected for the zero point at the time point T0. This first pressing load P1 becomes the reference of the pressing load in the first stage. Similarly, the second pressing load P2 is set by adding the load ΔP2 to the pressing load P0 with reference to the pressing load P0 corrected at the zero point at the time point T0. This second pressing load P2 becomes a reference for the pressing load in the second stage. Thus, in the present embodiment, by setting the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2, the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 is divided into a plurality of stages.

  When the values of the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2 are set in step S13, the control unit 10 determines that the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 at the time T1 exceeds the second pressing load P2. It is determined whether or not (step S14).

  When it is determined in step S <b> 14 that the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P <b> 2, the control unit 10 performs control so as to start a second process that is a process associated with the second stage pressing load. (Step S15). When the second process is started, the control unit 10 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to present a tactile sensation by vibrating the touch sensor 20 in order to make the operator recognize that fact (step S16). Is preferred. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the electronic device 1 has appropriately started processing based on his / her pressing operation.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the operator starts the pressing operation and the pressing load increased at the time point A reaches the point C, the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2 at the time point T1. In this case, a second process that is a process associated with the second-stage pressing load is started.

  On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S14 that the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2, the control unit 10 determines that the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 at the time T1 exceeds the first pressing load P1. It is determined whether or not (step S17). When it is determined in step S <b> 17 that the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P <b> 1, the control unit 10 performs control so as to start the first process that is a process associated with the first stage pressing load. (Step S18). When the first process is started, the control unit 10 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to present a tactile sensation by vibrating the touch sensor 20 in order to make the operator recognize that fact (step S19). Is preferred. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the electronic device 1 has appropriately started processing based on his / her pressing operation.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the operator starts the pressing operation and the pressing load increased at the time point A reaches the point B, the pressing load at the time point T1 does not exceed the second pressing load P2. However, it exceeds the first pressing load P1. In this case, the first process, which is a process associated with the first stage pressing load, is started.

  If it is not determined in step S17 that the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1, the control unit 10 ends the process without starting the first process and the second process. Although FIG. 3 shows the end of the process for convenience of explanation, when the process shown in FIG. 3 is ended, if the mode for detecting the operation by the operator is still continued, the process is started again. Return and continue processing.

  The tactile sensation presented in step S19 can be the same as the tactile sensation presented in step S16. However, by making the tactile sensation different, the operator can perform the process started by the electronic device 1 based on his own pressing operation. , Can be distinguished by tactile sensation. In the present invention, it is not essential to present a tactile sensation in steps S16 and S19. For example, instead of presenting tactile sensation, or together with presenting tactile sensation, the display unit 30 changes the display or outputs a sound from a sound output unit (not shown) to indicate that the second process has started. May be recognized by a person.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 10 performs processing associated with each pressing load divided into a plurality of stages according to the change amount of the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 in a predetermined time. Of these, control is performed to perform any one of the processes. In particular, in the above-described processing, the “predetermined time” is preferably a time from the reference time (T0) to the time (T1) when the predetermined time has elapsed. That is, the control unit 10 is associated with each pressing load divided into a plurality of stages according to the amount of change from the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 at the reference time when a predetermined time has elapsed from the reference time. It is preferable to control to perform any one of the processes. In this case, the “reference time” is preferably a time point when the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 increases by a predetermined amount or more per unit time (time point T0 when the point A is determined). . However, in the present invention, the predetermined time and the reference time are not limited to the above-described modes, and can be set in various modes.

  In this embodiment, based on the pressing load (P0) detected at the point of time when the operator intentionally started the pressing operation (point A), the first pressing that becomes the reference of the pressing load in the first stage A second pressing load P2 serving as a reference for the load P1 and the pressing load in the second stage is set. For this reason, even when the operator has previously touched the touch sensor 20, the pressure load at that time is used as a reference, and the operation is classified into a plurality of stages according to the amount of change in the pressure load detected in a predetermined time. One of the processes associated with each pressed load is performed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the pressure load due to the operation of the operator is detected by being divided into a plurality of levels, the level of the pressure load can be determined as intended by the operator.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an electronic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the processing by the control unit 10 is changed in the first embodiment described above. That is, in the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment changes a process after step S13 described with reference to FIG. Specifically, in the second embodiment, it is determined at time point T1 whether or not the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 has reached the first stage pressing load, and the pressing load is the second stage. Whether or not the pressing load has been reached is determined at time T2 after time T1.

  The electronic device 2 according to the second embodiment can be realized by basically the same device configuration and control as those of the electronic device 1 described in the first embodiment, except for the above points. For this reason, below, the description which becomes the same content as having demonstrated in 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing by the electronic apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment.

  When the process shown in FIG. 5 starts, in step S11, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 has become a predetermined value or more. . If it is not determined in step S11 that the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load has become equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 10 performs zero point correction in step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load has reached a predetermined value or more, the control unit 10 sets the values of the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2 in step S13. To do.

  Hereinafter, the setting of the values of the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2 in the present embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment described above, T1 is set at the time when the time ΔT has elapsed from the time T0 when it is determined that the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load has become a predetermined value or more (point A). When the time point T1 is set, the first pressure load P1 is set by adding the load ΔP1 with the zero point corrected pressure load P0 at the time point T0 as a reference, and the load ΔP2 is added to the pressure load P0. Thus, the second pressing load P2 was set.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the time ΔT <b> 1 has elapsed from the time T <b> 0 when it is determined that the amount of change per unit time of the pressing load has reached or exceeded a predetermined value (point A), A time point T1 is set. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the time point T2 is set when a time ΔT2 longer than the time ΔT1 has elapsed from the time point T0. FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining an example of the temporal change of the pressing load due to the operation of the operator, as in FIG. Also in FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents the passage of time, and the vertical axis represents the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40.

  In the second embodiment, when the time point T1 is set, as shown in FIG. 6, the load ΔP1 is added based on the pressure load P0 corrected for the zero point at the time point T0, so that the first pressure Set the load P1. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the time point T2 is set, as shown in FIG. 6, a load ΔP2 larger than the load ΔP1 is applied with reference to the zero point corrected pressing load P0 at the time point T0. Thus, the second pressing load P2 is set.

  In the second embodiment, the time ΔT1 is set based on substantially the same purpose as the predetermined short time ΔT described in the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the time point T1 when the time ΔT1 has elapsed from the time point T0 is used only for determining whether or not the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1. For this reason, the time ΔT1 may be a time slightly shorter than the time ΔT described in the first embodiment, for example, 0.5 seconds. In the second embodiment, the time T2 when the time ΔT2 has elapsed from the time T0 is used only to determine whether or not the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2. For this reason, the time ΔT2 is preferably a time longer than the time ΔT1 described above, and may be a time such as 1 second, for example.

  Thus, when the values of the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2 are set in step S13, the control unit 10 determines that the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 at the time T1 is the first pressing load. It is determined whether or not the load P1 is exceeded (step S21).

  When it is determined in step S <b> 21 that the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P <b> 1, the control unit 10 performs control so as to start the first process that is a process associated with the first stage pressing load. (Step S22). When the first process is started, the control unit 10 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to present a tactile sensation by vibrating the touch sensor 20 in order to make the operator recognize that fact (step S23). Is preferred. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the electronic device 2 has appropriately started processing based on his / her pressing operation.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the operator starts the pressing operation and the increased pressing load at the time point A reaches the point B, the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 at the time point T1. In this case, the first process, which is a process associated with the first stage pressing load, is started.

  When the first process is started in step S22 and a tactile sensation is presented in step S23, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 at the time T2 exceeds the second pressing load P2. Determination is made (step S24). If it is not determined in step S21 that the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1, the control unit 10 proceeds to the process in step S24 without performing the processes in steps S22 and S23.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the first process is started and is being executed in step S22 (step S25). ). If it is determined in step S25 that the first process is being executed, the control unit 10 cancels the first process (step S26), and is a process associated with the second stage pressing load. Control is performed to start the second process (step S27).

  On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S25 that the first process is being executed, the control unit 10 performs control so that the process proceeds to step S27 and the second process is started without performing the process in step S26. .

  When the second process is started in step S27, the control unit 10 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to present a tactile sensation by vibrating the touch sensor 20 in order to make the operator recognize that fact ( Step S28) is preferred. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the electronic device 2 has appropriately started processing based on his / her pressing operation. If it is determined in step S24 that the pressing load does not exceed the second pressing load P2, the control unit 10 ends the process shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the pressing load is kept low for a while after the operator starts touching the touch sensor 20 at the origin O (operation start), but from the time point T0 (point A). Represents a state in which the operator performs an operation of intentionally pressing the touch sensor 20.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the pressing load increased by the operator at the point A reaches the point C via the point B, and the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2 at the point T2. In this case, the first process started at time T1 is canceled at time T2, and the second process, which is a process associated with the second stage pressing load, is started.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 10 is associated with each pressing load divided into a plurality of stages according to the change amount of the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 in the first predetermined time. Control is performed so that one of the processes is performed as the first process. In addition, the control unit 10 cancels the first process according to the change amount of the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 in the second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time, and performs a plurality of steps. Control is performed so that any one of the processes associated with each of the pressing loads divided into two is performed as the second process.

  Hereinafter, some examples of the processing of the electronic device 2 performed in the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the pressing load is kept low for a short time after the operator starts the operation to contact the touch sensor 20 at the origin O (operation start), and the operator starts from the time T0 (point A). Is the same as before until an operation of intentionally pressing the touch sensor 20 is performed. Therefore, the description of the processing performed up to this point is omitted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the pressing load strengthened at the point A by the operator reaches the point C via the point B. In this example, the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 at the time T1 (point B), but the pressing load does not exceed the second pressing load P2 at the time T2 (point C). . In this case, the first process started at the time point T1 is not canceled at the time point T2, and the first process is still performed. In addition, since the pressing load does not exceed the second pressing load P2 at the time point T2, the second process that is a process associated with the second stage pressing load is not performed.

  Also in the example shown in FIG. 8, the pressing load strengthened at the point A by the operator reaches the point C via the point B. In this example, the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 (and also the second pressing load P2) at the time T1 (point B), and the pressing load is the first at the time T2 (point C). 2 pressing load P2 is exceeded. In this case, the first process started at time T1 is canceled at time T2, and the second process, which is a process associated with the second stage pressing load, is started.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9 as well, the pressing load increased by the operator at the point A reaches the point C via the point B. In this example, the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 (and the second pressing load P2) at the time T1 (point B), but the pressing load at the time T2 (point C). Does not exceed the second pressing load P2. In this case, the first process started at the time point T1 is not canceled at the time point T2, and the first process is still performed. In addition, since the pressing load does not exceed the second pressing load P2 at the time point T2, the second process that is a process associated with the second stage pressing load is not performed.

  Also in the example shown in FIG. 10, the pressing load strengthened at the point A by the operator reaches the point C via the point B. In this example, the pressing load does not exceed the first pressing load P1 at the time T1 (point B), but the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2 at the time T2 (point C). Yes. In this case, since the pressing load does not exceed the first pressing load P1 at the time point T1, the first process, which is a process associated with the first stage pressing load, is not performed. On the other hand, since the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2 at the time point T2, the second process, which is a process associated with the second stage pressing load, is started.

  Also in the example shown in FIG. 11, the pressing load strengthened at the point A by the operator reaches the point C via the point B. In this example, the pressing load does not exceed the first pressing load P1 at the time T1 (point B), and the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2 at the time T2 (point C). Absent. In this case, since the pressing load does not exceed the first pressing load P1 at the time point T1, the first process, which is a process associated with the first stage pressing load, is not performed. In addition, since the pressing load does not exceed the second pressing load P2 at the time point T2, the second process, which is a process associated with the second stage pressing load, is not performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, similar to the electronic device 1 described in the first embodiment, when the pressure load caused by the operation of the operator is detected in a plurality of stages, The stage can be determined as intended by the operator.

  In addition, according to the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the detected pressure load exceeds the first pressure load P1 and the time point T1 for determining whether or not the second pressure load P2 is exceeded. The time T2 is set so as to be shifted. In this way, by shifting the point for determining a large pressing load a little later, it is determined whether the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 and whether the second pressing load P2 is exceeded. It is possible to discriminate with higher accuracy than that of the embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an electronic apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention will be described.

  Similar to the second embodiment, the third embodiment changes the processing by the control unit 10 in the first embodiment. That is, in the electronic device 2 according to the second embodiment, the third embodiment changes processing subsequent to step S21 described in FIG. Specifically, also in the third embodiment, it is determined at time point T1 whether or not the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 has reached the first stage pressing load, and the pressing load is the second stage. Whether or not the pressing load has been reached is determined at time T2 after time T1. However, in the third embodiment, the first or second process is performed at time T2 based on the determinations at time T1 and time T2.

  The electronic device 3 according to the third embodiment can be realized by basically the same device configuration and control as the electronic device 2 described in the second embodiment described above except for the above points. For this reason, hereinafter, descriptions that are the same as those described in the first and second embodiments are omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing by the electronic apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment.

  When the process shown in FIG. 12 is started, the processes from step S11 to step S13 are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. In addition, the process which sets the value of 1st press load P1 and 2nd press load P2 in step S13 is also performed similarly to 2nd Embodiment. When the values of the first pressing load P1 and the second pressing load P2 are set in step S13, the control unit 10 determines that the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 at the time T1 exceeds the first pressing load P1. It is determined whether or not (step S21).

  When it is determined in step S21 that the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1, the control unit 10 then determines that the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 at the time T2 exceeds the second pressing load P2. It is determined whether or not (step S31).

  If it is determined in step S31 that the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2, the control unit 10 performs control so as to start a second process that is a process associated with the second stage pressing load. (Step S32).

  When the second process is started in step S32, the control unit 10 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to present a tactile sensation by vibrating the touch sensor 20 in order to make the operator recognize that effect ( Step S33) is preferred. Thus, the operator can recognize that the electronic device 3 has appropriately started processing based on his / her pressing operation.

  On the other hand, when it is not determined in step S31 that the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2, the control unit 10 starts a first process that is a process associated with the first stage pressing load. Control (step S34).

  When the first process is started in step S34, the control unit 10 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to present a tactile sensation by vibrating the touch sensor 20 in order to make the operator recognize that fact ( Step S35) is preferred. Thus, the operator can recognize that the electronic device 3 has appropriately started processing based on his / her pressing operation.

  When it is not determined in step S21 that the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1, the control unit 10 then determines that the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 at the time T2 is the second pressing load P2. It is determined whether or not it exceeds (step S36).

  If it is determined in step S36 that the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2, the control unit 10 proceeds to the process in step S32 and starts the second process, and then presents a tactile sensation in step S33. It is preferable to control so that it does. On the other hand, if it determines with the press load not exceeding the 2nd press load P2 in step S36, the control part 10 will complete | finish the process shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, processing by the electronic apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 described in the second embodiment again.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the pressing load strengthened by the operator at the point A reaches the point C through the point B, and the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 at the point T1. Further, at time T2, the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2. In this case, the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 at the time point T1, but the first process is not started at the time point T1. Thereafter, at time T2, the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2, and the second process is started at this time T2.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 10 has a plurality of stages according to the change amount of the pressing load detected by the load detection unit 40 in both the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time. Control is performed so as to perform any one of the processes associated with the respective pressing loads. Here, it is preferable that the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.

  Hereinafter, similarly to the second embodiment, the processing of the electronic device 3 performed in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the examples illustrated in FIGS.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 at the time T1 (point B), but the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2 at the time T2 (point C). Not exceeded. In this case, the first process and the second process are not started at the time T1, but the first-stage pressing is performed at the time T2 based on the fact that the pressing load has exceeded the first pressing load P1 at the time T1. A first process that is a process associated with the load is started.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 (and also the second pressing load P2) at the time T1 (point B), and is pressed at the time T2 (point C). The load exceeds the second pressing load P2. In this case, neither the first process nor the second process is started at the time point T1, but the second stage pressing is performed at the time point T2 based on the fact that the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2 at the time point T2. A second process that is a process associated with the load is started.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 (and also the second pressing load P2) at the time T1 (point B), but at the time T2 (point C). The pressing load does not exceed the second pressing load P2. In this case, the first process and the second process are not started at the time T1, but the first-stage pressing is performed at the time T2 based on the fact that the pressing load has exceeded the first pressing load P1 at the time T1. A first process that is a process associated with the load is started.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, the pressing load does not exceed the first pressing load P1 at the time T1 (point B), but the pressing load is the second pressing load P2 at the time T2 (point C). Is over. In this case, neither the first process nor the second process is started at the time point T1, but the second stage pressing is performed at the time point T2 based on the fact that the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2 at the time point T2. A second process that is a process associated with the load is started.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, the pressing load does not exceed the first pressing load P1 at the time T1 (point B), and the pressing load is the second pressing load P2 at the time T2 (point C). Is not exceeded. In this case, neither the first process nor the second process is started at the time point T1 or the time point T2.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, similar to the electronic device 1 described in the first embodiment, when the pressure load caused by the operation of the operator is detected in a plurality of stages, The stage can be determined as intended by the operator.

  Also in the third embodiment, it is determined whether or not the detected pressure load exceeds the first pressure load P1 and the time T1 when it is determined whether or not the second pressure load P2 is exceeded. The time T2 is set so as to be shifted. Therefore, also in the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, whether the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 and whether the second pressing load P2 is exceeded are determined as follows. The determination can be made with higher accuracy than in the embodiment.

  In FIG. 12, if it is determined in step S31 that the pressing load exceeds the second pressing load P2, the first process is started in step S34 and the tactile sensation is presented in step S35. did. However, as described above, in the present invention, it is not essential to provide tactile sensation. For example, when it is determined in step S21 that the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1 (Yes in step S21). After), a tactile sensation may be presented as in step S35. In this way, even if the first process is not started immediately when it is determined in step S21 that the pressing load has exceeded the first pressing load P1, the tactile sensation is presented, so that the operator can It can be recognized that the pressing load exceeds the first pressing load P1.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications or changes can be made as appropriately described in the above-described embodiments. In addition, the flowchart for describing processing by the electronic device according to each embodiment described in FIGS. 3, 5, and 12 illustrates one typical example of the flow of processing that can be performed in each embodiment. It is just a thing. Accordingly, the processing flow in each embodiment can be changed as appropriate, or a certain process can be omitted or added, or the processing order can be changed so that there is no logical contradiction.

  Further, the present invention is preferably applied to an electronic device equipped with a touch sensor. However, the level of the pressure load is determined by detecting the pressure load generated by the operation of the operator in a plurality of levels. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to a device provided with a touch sensor. For example, the present invention can be applied to an electronic device that includes a load detection unit but does not include a touch sensor. In this case, for example, a load for detecting the pressing load on the key or button so that the pressing load when the operator performs an operation on the key or button constituting the normal operation unit can be detected. It is preferable to provide a detection unit. Alternatively, in particular, when it is not essential for a key, a button, or the like to detect a pressing load, for example, an aspect including a load detection unit that detects a pressing load when the operator directly presses the casing of the electronic device. Can also think.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the contact with respect to the touch surface of the said contact detection part was detected using the touch sensor 20, when the reference | standard of a predetermined pressing load was satisfy | filled using the load sensor (load detection part) It can also be determined that contact has been made. Such a load detection unit can be configured as a touch sensor 20 provided with an arbitrary number of strain gauge sensors and the like.

  Moreover, such a load detection part can be comprised according to the contact detection system in the touch sensor 20. FIG. For example, in the case of the resistance film method, if a load can be detected from a change in an output signal based on a change in resistance due to a contact area, it can be configured without using a strain gauge sensor. Alternatively, in the case of the electrostatic capacity method, even when the load can be detected from the change in the output signal based on the change in the electrostatic capacity, it can be configured without using the strain gauge sensor.

  Further, the tactile sensation providing unit 50 is configured using an arbitrary number of piezoelectric vibrators, is configured by providing a transparent piezoelectric element over the entire surface of the touch sensor 20, or rotates the eccentric motor once in one cycle of the drive signal. It can also be configured in this way. Furthermore, when the load detection unit and the tactile sensation providing unit 50 are configured using piezoelectric elements, the load detection unit and the vibration unit can be configured by sharing the piezoelectric elements. This is because the piezoelectric element generates electric power when pressure is applied and deforms when electric power is applied. In this case, the tactile sensation providing unit 50 detects the pressing load based on the output of the piezoelectric element that also serves as the load detecting unit, and, for example, when a reference for the pressing load is set, the tactile sensation providing unit 50 generates vibration by driving the piezoelectric element. It can also be generated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made assuming the configuration in which the touch sensor 20 is arranged on the upper surface of the display unit 30. The electronic device according to the present invention does not necessarily have such a configuration, and the touch sensor 20 and the display unit 30 can be separated from each other. However, when the touch sensor 20 is arranged so as to overlap the upper surface of the display unit 30, the operator can easily recognize the correspondence between the displayed image and the generated vibration.

  In addition, the display unit 30 and the touch sensor 20 in the description of the present embodiment may be configured by an integrated device, for example, by providing both functions of the display unit and the contact detection unit on a common substrate. Good. As an example of the configuration of the device in which both functions of the display unit and the contact detection unit are integrated as described above, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements such as photodiodes are regularly arranged in a matrix electrode array of pixel electrodes included in the liquid crystal panel. Can be mentioned. This device displays an image with a liquid crystal panel structure, while reflecting the light of the backlight for liquid crystal display at the tip of the pen that contacts the desired position on the panel surface, and the surrounding photoelectric conversion elements receive this reflected light. By doing so, the position of contact can be detected.

  Furthermore, in the description of each of the embodiments described above, expressions such as a predetermined amount “more” or “exceeding a predetermined pressing load” are used, but these numerical values are threshold values as threshold values. The expression of whether or not contains can be replaced as appropriate. For example, expressions such as “above” and “less than” and “exceeding” and “below” can be appropriately replaced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic device 10 Control part 20 Touch sensor 30 Display part 40 Load detection part 50 Tactile sense presentation part 60 Storage part

Claims (2)

An electronic device that performs processing associated with each of a plurality of categories,
A load detector for detecting the pressing load;
A load standard is set for each of the plurality of sections with reference to a pressing load at a timing when the amount of change of the pressing load per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the load standard is satisfied within a predetermined time after the setting of the load standard. A control unit that controls to perform an associated process based on a load standard set for each of the plurality of sections according to a pressing load ;
An electronic device comprising: A method for controlling an electronic device that performs processing associated with a plurality of sections,
A load reference is set for each of the plurality of sections with reference to the pressing load at the timing when the amount of change in the detected pressing load per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
An electronic device control method for performing control so as to perform an associated process based on a load reference set for each of the plurality of sections in accordance with the pressing load that is satisfied within a predetermined time after the setting of the load reference.

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