JP6207478B2 - Tactile sheet device, input device, and electronic device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera, a video camera, a mobile phone, a portable terminal device, a desktop personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer), a notebook personal computer, a braille, and a digital camera having a tactile input function that presents a tactile sensation when the icon screen is touched. The present invention relates to a tactile sheet device that can be applied to an electronic device such as a block device, an input device, and an electronic device.

  More specifically, a tactile presentation unit for presenting a tactile sensation having a predetermined size and arranged at a predetermined position or at a predetermined position of the base material is provided, and the medium is supplied from the medium supply unit to the tactile expression unit. Even if the surface of the member is observed to be flat, when the surface of the member is actually touched by hand and slid from the material for the base material to the tactile expression portion for presenting the tactile sense, In a predetermined position, the tactile sensation display unit can present a tactile sensation that gives a feeling of unevenness to the operating body, and can be programmed with a non-slip sheet that can be programmed on the grip portion of various electronic device casings, and a programmable icon touch. It can be applied to a tactile input sheet or the like.

  In recent years, a user (operator) has photographed a subject using a digital camera equipped with various types of operation modes, or has taken various contents into a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) It has come to use it. These digital cameras, portable terminal devices, and the like are provided with an input device. In many cases, a keyboard, an input means such as a JOG dial, a touch panel combined with a display unit, or the like is used as the input device. Furthermore, an input device that switches display contents when a user slides on the display screen with a finger has begun to be commercialized.

  In relation to the function of the input device described above, Patent Literature 1 discloses a menu selection device. According to this menu selection device, an item selection means and an item input means are provided, the item input means is provided on the item selection means, the item selection and input are assigned to the same key, and the item display and item selection input key Are juxtaposed. By configuring the apparatus in this way, it is possible to execute item selection and human power instruction (determination) using the same key.

  Patent Document 2 discloses another input device. According to this input device, a window hole is provided at a predetermined position of the casing, and an item is selected by sliding an operation button exposed from the window hole or specified by pressing another operation knob. The predetermined area in the item selection screen is enlarged and displayed. By configuring the apparatus in this way, the item selection operation can be executed easily and accurately.

  In connection with an input device with vibration, Patent Document 3 discloses an input device that can be mounted on an electronic device such as an air conditioner or an audio. According to this input device, the operation element having the functions of a rotary switch, a push switch, and a slide switch is provided. By operating, rotating, sliding, or pressing the operation element, an operation item is selected or an input confirmation operation is performed. During the finalizing operation, vibration is accompanied. By configuring the apparatus in this way, the operation burden can be greatly reduced.

  An input device combined with an actuator has also been developed. Actuators are produced by the difference in strain between two or more piezoelectric elements with different strain amounts, or when piezoelectric control elements and non-piezoelectric elements are pasted together and a vibration control voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements of the bonded body. The bending deformation of the bonded body is used dynamically (vibrating body function).

  Regarding an electronic device provided with this type of piezoelectric actuator, Patent Document 4 discloses an input / output device and an electronic device. This electronic apparatus includes an input / output device having a multilayer piezoelectric bimorph type piezoelectric actuator and a touch panel, and the piezoelectric actuator feeds back a different tactile sensation to the user through the touch panel depending on the type of information. The input / output device has a piezoelectric support structure in which a piezoelectric actuator is mounted on a support frame via a support portion. A support portion is attached to the center upper portion of the piezoelectric actuator, and this support portion is brought into contact with the touch panel. When a vibration control voltage is supplied to the piezoelectric actuator, vibration is transmitted to the touch panel.

  By configuring the electronic device in this way, it is possible to reliably provide the user with tactile feedback for an input operation corresponding to the type of information. In tactile feedback control using these piezoelectric actuators, the touch panel detects external inputs (position and pressure), and the control system triggers input information from the touch panel to vibrate the touch panel or the casing. To be made.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 02-230310 (Page 2 Fig. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-063227 (page 8 FIG. 15) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-070505 (FIG. 3 on page 5) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-094389 (FIG. 4 on page 9)

By the way, according to the conventional mobile phone with a tactile input function, and electronic devices such as a video camera, a digital camera, and a braille block device, there are the following problems.
i. According to electronic devices such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 3, an input device with a touch input function that combines various types of touch panels and a display unit is mounted, and an icon is selected on the display unit. In this case, the operator cannot give a tactile sensation synchronized with the selection.

  A normal touch panel has a “visual meaning”, and a conventional haptic device has a “tactile meaning that expresses a single vibration”. However, the input function cannot be said to be multifunctional in a complete sense unless a tactile expression that expresses the surface shape is attached.

  ii. Further, according to the input devices as shown in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when a keyboard is blind-touched, for example, a key operation feeling is given by a tactile sensation felt by a finger when a dome-shaped switch is pushed. However, in many cases, the tactile sensation felt by a finger can only express a uniform vibration or force change mainly in the contact surface between the finger and the input surface.

  iii. Regarding improvement of input operability using this type of haptic device, ii. In order to solve this problem, according to an input device as disclosed in Patent Document 4, a plurality of piezoelectric actuators are introduced to enhance the tactile sensation expressive power. However, the contact area between the finger and the input surface is small compared to the size (outer shape) of multiple piezoelectric actuators, and piezoelectric actuators have been introduced for the reason that various force changes cannot be expressed within the input surface. It is still insufficient as a tactile expression.

  iv. Iii. According to the input device currently filed by the inventors of the present application related to an input device that improves the above problem, a concave or convex portion is additionally provided by a transparent member on the display element of the operation panel. A method of forming a touch sheet is employed. However, since the concave or convex part of the touch sheet is fixed for the application state such as the operation key screen, it is confirmed that the icon image under the concave or convex part becomes difficult to see optically. It was done.

  v. Iv. In connection with the input device that improves the problem of the above, according to the input device currently filed by the inventors of the present application, a transparent member is used on the display screen to support the operation key screen application. A method of improving the operability by forming a concavo-convex shape at the position is adopted. However, the concavo-convex shape is fixed with respect to the application of the operation key screen, the position is not changed depending on the state of the application, and the shape is not changed depending on the application. As a result, it cannot be said that the user is given sufficiently satisfactory operability in the true sense.

  Therefore, the present invention solves such a conventional problem, and devise the structure and function of the touch sheet member so that a concave or convex shape for presenting a tactile sense can be constructed at a predetermined position. An object of the present invention is to provide a tactile sheet device, an input device, and an electronic device that can improve operability in a touch sheet and affinity in a non-slip sheet.

  The above-mentioned problem is that the material for the base material having a predetermined hardness and forming a sheet shape, and the tactile sensation presenting at a predetermined position or at a predetermined position of the material for the base material having a predetermined size. This is solved by a haptic sheet device comprising: a tactile sensation expression unit; and a medium supply unit that supplies a medium to the haptic expression unit.

  According to the tactile sheet device of the present invention, the medium is supplied from the medium supply unit to the tactile presentation unit for tactile presentation that has a predetermined size and is disposed at a predetermined position or at a predetermined position on the base material. It is made to supply. For example, an air conditioning unit serving as a medium supply unit blows air into an aperture portion that constitutes a tactile sensation expression unit, or sucks air from the aperture portion.

  Accordingly, the tactile sensation expression unit gives the operating body a feeling of unevenness due to the air blown out from the opening portion or the air flowing into the opening portion at some or a predetermined position of the base material. Thus, even if the surface of the member is observed to be flat, when the surface of the member is actually touched by the hand and slid from the material for the base material to the tactile sensation display part for presenting the tactile sense, the material for the base material It is possible to present a tactile sensation that gives a feeling of unevenness to the operating body at some places or at predetermined positions.

  An input device according to the present invention is an input device that inputs information by sliding or pressing operation with an operating body, and is provided on a display unit having an operating surface to detect a sliding position of the operating body. And a transparent tactile sheet means that is provided so as to cover a part or all of the detection unit and that is slid or pressed along the operation surface of the display unit. A material for a base material having a sheet shape with hardness, and a tactile expression unit for presenting a tactile sensation having a predetermined size and distributed in places or predetermined positions of the material for the base material, and the tactile sense And a medium supply unit for supplying a medium to the expression unit.

  According to the input device according to the present invention, since the tactile sheet device according to the present invention is provided, even if the display surface is observed to be flat, the icon image displayed on the display unit is touched by hand, When the user slides from the material to the tactile sensation expression unit, an input operation with a sense of unevenness can be presented.

  An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing having an operation surface, and an input device that is provided in the housing and inputs information by sliding or pressing operation using an operation body. A detection unit that is provided on a display unit that detects the sliding position of the operating body, and is provided so as to cover a part or all of the detection unit, and is slid or pressed along the operation surface of the display unit. Transparent tactile sheet means, the tactile sheet means comprising a base material having a predetermined hardness and a base material, and a base material having a predetermined size. It includes a tactile expression unit for presenting a tactile sensation distributed in places or at predetermined positions, and a medium supply unit that supplies a medium to the tactile expression unit.

  According to the electronic device according to the present invention, since the input device according to the present invention is provided, it is possible to provide an electronic device with a tactile input sheet for programmable icon touch that is linked with display contents.

  According to the tactile sheet device of the present invention, a medium supply unit that supplies a medium to a tactile presentation unit for tactile presentation that has a predetermined size and is disposed at a predetermined position or at a predetermined position on a base material. Is provided.

  With this configuration, even if the surface of the member is observed to be flat, when the surface of the member is actually touched by hand and slides from the material for the base material to the tactile sensation display section for presenting the tactile sense, the material for the base material In some places or at predetermined positions, the tactile sensation expression unit can present a tactile sensation that gives a feeling of unevenness to the operating body. As a result, the tactile sheet device can be applied to an anti-slip sheet that can be programmed by grip portions of various electronic device casings, an icon touch tactile input sheet that can be programmed by an input device, and the like.

  According to the input device according to the present invention, since the tactile sheet device according to the present invention is provided, even if the display surface is observed to be flat, the icon image displayed on the display unit is touched by hand, When the user slides from the material to the tactile sensation expression unit, an input operation with a sense of unevenness can be presented. Thereby, an input device with a tactile input sheet for programmable icon touch can be provided.

  According to the electronic device according to the present invention, since the input device according to the present invention is provided, an electronic device with a programmable tactile input sheet for icon touch can be provided. In addition, since the downsizing and operability of the input device can be improved, the malfunction of the electronic device can be reduced, the cost can be reduced, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the tactile-sheet apparatus 100 as a 1st Example. FIGS. 5A and 5B are a top view and a front view including a partial cross section showing an example of air supply in the tactile sheet device 100. FIGS. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the blower 3b. 3 is a perspective view showing an assembly example of a base member 1 and a flow channel panel 2 in the tactile sheet device 100. FIG. (A) is a top view which shows the example of a shape of a blower outlet, (B) is the X1-X1 arrow sectional drawing. (A) And (B) is the top view which shows the modification (the 1) of a blower outlet, and its X2-X2 arrow sectional drawing. (A) And (B) is the top view which shows the modification (the 2) of a blower outlet, and its X3-X3 arrow sectional drawing. (A) And (B) is the top view which shows the modification (the 3) of a blower outlet, and its X4-X4 arrow sectional drawing. (A) And (B) is the top view which shows the modification (the 4) of a blower outlet, and its X5-X5 arrow sectional drawing. (A) And (B) is the top view which shows the modification (the 5) of a blower outlet, and its X6-X6 arrow sectional drawing. (A) And (B) is the top view which shows the modification (the 6) of a blower outlet, and its X7-X7 arrow sectional drawing. (A) And (B) is the top view which shows the modification (the 7) of a blower outlet, and its X8-X8 arrow sectional drawing. (A) And (B) is the top view which shows the modification (the 8) of a blower outlet, and its X9-X9 arrow sectional drawing. (A) And (B) is the front view and top view including a partial cross section which show the structural example of the tactile-sheet apparatus 200 as a 2nd Example. (A)-(C) are process drawings which show the example of formation of the base member 11. FIG. (A)-(C) are the state transition diagrams which show the function example of the base member 11. FIG. (A) And (B) is the top view which shows the modification of base member 11 ', and its X10-X10 arrow sectional drawing. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the input device 300 as a 3rd Example which applied the tactile sense sheet apparatus 200. FIG. (A) And (B) is a top view which shows the structural example of the mobile telephone 600 which mounted the input device 300. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system of the mobile telephone 600, and its tactile feedback function example. FIGS. 9A to 9E are state diagrams illustrating a sliding and pressing operation example (part 1) in the mobile phone 600; FIGS. (A)-(E) is a state figure which shows the example of sliding and pressing operation in the mobile telephone 600 (the 2). 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control example of a display unit and a tactile variable sheet unit when an application is executed in the mobile phone 600. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the input device 400 as a 4th Example which applied the tactile-sheet apparatus. (A) And (B) is the front view and top view containing the partial cross section which show the example of the air supply in the input device 400. FIGS. 7A to 7C are top views illustrating display examples of an operation panel image in a mobile phone 710 in which the input device 400 is mounted. 10 is a flowchart showing a control example (No. 1) of a display unit and a tactile presentation laminated sheet unit when an application is executed in the mobile phone 710; 10 is a flowchart showing a control example (No. 2) of the display unit and the tactile presentation laminated sheet unit when the application is executed in the mobile phone 710; (A) And (B) is the perspective view which shows the structural example of the tactile-sheet apparatus 150 as a 5th Example, and the figure which shows the drive example. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the input device 500 to which the tactile sense sheet apparatus 150 is applied. (A) And (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of the input device 500. FIG. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the structural example of the tactile-sheet apparatus 151 applicable to the input device 500, and its drive example. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the structural example of the haptic sheet apparatus 152 applicable to the input device 500, and its drive example. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the structural example of the tactile-sheet apparatus 153 applicable to the input device 500, and its drive example. (A) And (B) is the perspective view which shows the structural example of the tactile-sheet apparatus 160 as a 6th Example, and the figure which shows the drive example. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the input device 700 as a 7th Example. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the input device 800 as an 8th Example. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the display apparatus 129 with a tactile sense variable sheet function. FIG. 44 is a diagram (cross-sectional view) illustrating a configuration example of a cross section of a display device 129; (A)-(C) are the data formats which show the multiplexing example of the display data in the input device 800, and a shape presentation signal. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating an example of selecting a tactile sense or display function in the input device 800. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device 229 with a tactile variable sheet function that can be applied to the input device 800. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device 329 having a tactile variable sheet function that can be applied to the input device 800. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device 429 with a tactile variable sheet function that can be applied to the input device 800. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device 529 with a tactile variable sheet function applicable to the input device 800. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device 629 with a tactile variable sheet function applicable to the input device 800. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the input device 900 as a 9th Example. It is a block diagram explaining the operation example (the 1) of the input device 900 which concerns on 1 operation key element. It is a block diagram explaining the operation example (the 2) of the input device 900 which concerns on 1 operation key element. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of input processing of the input device 900. (A)-(C) are the perspective view and sectional drawing which show the structural example of the mobile telephone 110 as a 10th Example. (A)-(C) are the perspective views and sectional drawings which show the structural example of the braille variable sheet apparatus 220 as an 11th Example.

   Subsequently, embodiments of the tactile sheet device, the input device, and the electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a tactile sheet device 100 as a first embodiment. The tactile sheet device 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be applied to electronic devices such as a digital camera, a video camera, a mobile phone, a portable terminal device, a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, an automatic teller machine, and a Braille block device. It is a thing. The tactile sheet device 100 includes a base member 1, a flow channel panel 2, and an air conditioning unit 3. The base member 1 constitutes an example of a base material and has a sheet shape with a predetermined hardness. For the base member 1, for example, a transparent soft silicon rubber member having a hardness of 20 to 40 ° is used.

  Holes pi (i = 1 to 24) for presenting tactile sensations are disposed at some or predetermined positions of the base member 1. The opening portions p1 to p24 constitute an example of a tactile expression portion and have a predetermined size. In this example, the openings p1 to p24 have a predetermined size of the opening diameter φ, and a plurality of openings are provided at predetermined positions of the base member 1 to form a tactile expression unit for presenting tactile sensations. The opening portions p1 to p12 are, for example, opened in a matrix shape at a lower portion of the surface of the base member 1, and the opening portions p13 to p17 are opened in a cross shape above the surface, and are lined along the right end side. Openings p18 to p24 are opened in a shape.

  A flow path panel 2 is provided below the base member 1, and air is guided to a plurality of apertures p1 to p17 or p18 to p24 opened in the base member 1. The flow path panel 2 includes, for example, a substrate 2c, apertures p1 to p12 that are opened in a matrix at a lower portion of the surface of the base member 1, and apertures p13 to p17 that are opened in a cross shape above the surface. And a flow path 2b communicating with the openings p18 to p24 opened in a line along the right end side thereof (see FIG. 4). The substrate 2c is provided below the flow channel panel 2, but this substrate 2c may be omitted if the strength of the bottom of the flow channel panel 2 can be secured.

  The flow path panel 2 is connected to an air conditioning unit 3 that constitutes an example of a medium supply unit, and blows air to the apertures p1 to p17 or p18 to p24, or the apertures p1 to p17 or p18. Air is sucked from ~ p24. The air conditioning unit 3 includes, for example, a flow path switching unit 3a and a blower 3b. The air-conditioning unit 3 blows air for each group like the plurality of apertures p1 to p17 or p18 to p24 opened in the base member 1, or the apertures p1 to p17 or and p18 to p18 It has a programmable function to draw air from p24. Of course, air may be individually blown to the opening portions p1 to p24, or air may be individually sucked from the opening portions p1 to p24.

  In this example, the openings p1 to p12 that are opened in a matrix at the lower surface portion of the base member 1 and the openings p13 to p17 that are opened in a cross shape above the surface are treated as the first group. It is made to blow air. The opening portions p18 to p24 opened in a line along the right end side are handled as the second group.

  The flow path switching unit 3a is connected to the flow path panel 2, and communicates with the first group of apertures p13 to p17 and the second group of apertures p18 to p24 corresponding to other functions. The flow paths 2a and 2b to be switched are switched. For the power for switching, for example, a sheet coil type motor or a solenoid member applying the same principle may be used.

  A blower 3b constituting an example of an air pressure regulator is connected to the flow path switching unit 3a, and the seventeen openings p1 to p17 of the base member 1 through the flow path switching unit 3a and the flow channel panel 2, and 7 The air (medium) is blown for each group like the individual opening portions p18 to p24, or the air is sucked for each group like the opening portions p1 to p17 and p18 to p24. In this example, the blower 3b supplies air to the opening. Or it is good also as a blower structure which blows air separately to the opening parts p1-p24, or sucks air individually from the said opening parts p1-p24. A blower 3b using a piezoelectric element is used.

  2A and 2B are a top view and a front view including a partial cross section showing an example of air supply in the tactile sheet device 100. 2A, the air is supplied from the blower 3b to the plurality of apertures p1 to p24 of the base member 1 through the flow channel switching unit 3a and the flow channel panel 2. The flow path switching unit 3a includes a valve core unit 301, valve switching units 302 and 303, valve bodies 304 and 305, and the like. The valve core part 301 has, for example, a rectangular shape, and is composed of a core member formed by molding resin or light metal with a mold.

  The valve switching portions 302 and 303 are provided in the valve core portion 301 with a fan shape. In the valve switching units 302 and 303, an intake pipe 314 is provided in communication with the blower 3b so as to take in air from the blower 3b. A valve body 304 and an exhaust port 306 are provided in the valve switching unit 302. The valve body 304 operates so as to close or open the exhaust port 306 by obtaining the power of the driving unit 3c such as a motor or a solenoid. The exhaust port 306 communicates with the flow path 2a. The drive part 3c is provided in the back surface side of the valve core part 301, for example.

  A valve body 305 and an exhaust port 307 are provided in the valve switching unit 303. The valve body 305 operates so as to close or open the exhaust port 307 by obtaining the power of the drive unit 3c. The exhaust port 307 communicates with the flow path 2b. As the valve bodies 304 and 305, long round plate-like rubber sheet members are used.

  In the above example, when the valve body 304 is opened via the drive unit 3c, the air supplied from the blower 3b passes through the exhaust port 306 and the flow path 2a, and the openings p1 to p3 (not shown). , Are guided to the opening portions p4 to p12 and the opening portions p13 to p17 (not shown). When the valve body 305 is opened, the air supplied from the blower 3b is guided to the openings P18 and p19 and the openings p20 to p24 (not shown) through the exhaust port 307 and the flow path 2b. Is done.

  When the valve bodies 304 and 305 are both opened, the air supplied from the blower 3b is guided to the openings p1 to p17 through the exhaust port 306 and the flow path 2a, and the exhaust port 307 and the flow It is guided to the openings p18 to p24 through the path 2b. Moreover, when both the valve bodies 304 and 305 are obstruct | occluded, supply of the air to the opening parts p1-p24 will be cut off.

  Thus, air is blown for each group such as the plurality of hole portions p1 to p17 and the hole portions p18 to p24 opened in the base member 1, or the hole portions p1 to p17 and the hole portions. The programmable air-conditioning part 3 which inhales air from p18-p24 is comprised. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the tactile sheet device 100, the air supplied from the air conditioning unit 3 through the flow path 2a and the like can be blown out from the hole part p5, the hole part p8, the hole part p10, and the like. it can. In addition, when inhaling air from the opening parts p1-p17 and the opening parts p18-p24, it can implement | achieve by replacing the connection of flow path 2a, 2b and exhaust port 306,307.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of the blower 3b. The blower 3b shown in FIG. 3 has a piston type structure, and includes a device main body 311, an intake port 312, a valve body 313, a piston portion 314, a piezoelectric portion 315, a valve body 316, an exhaust port 317, and a lid-use base 318. It is configured. The device main body 311 has a rectangular shape, and further has an internal volume in which the piston portion 314 can reciprocate. The apparatus main body 311 is comprised from the housing member which shape | molded resin or a light metal with the metal mold | die, for example.

  The apparatus main body 311 is provided with an intake port 312 and an exhaust port 317 having a predetermined size (opening diameter). For example, the air inlet 312 and the air outlet 317 are provided side by side on one side of the device body 311. The sizes of the opening diameters of the intake port 312 and the exhaust port 317 are set to be the same or larger than the intake port 312. The reason why the opening diameter of the exhaust port 317 is set large is to reduce the exhaust resistance.

  A valve body 313 is movably attached to the intake port 312 and is opened when air is taken into the device main body 311. The valve body 313 is closed when air is released from the inside of the apparatus main body 311 to the outside. A piston portion 314 having a predetermined shape is provided inside the device main body 311. A piezoelectric portion 315 is attached to one side of the piston portion 314, and operates so as to reciprocate by obtaining a driving force of the piezoelectric portion 315.

  A valve body 316 is movably attached to the exhaust port 317 and is opened when air is released from the inside of the device main body 311 to the outside. When the air is taken into the device main body 311, it is blocked. A plate-shaped rubber sheet member is used for the valve bodies 313 and 316. The piezoelectric unit 315 is attached to a base 318 that also serves as a lid. A piezoelectric element (PZT: Actuator) is used for the piezoelectric unit 315. The base 318 is assembled so as to close the device main body 311. Thereby, the blower 3b which can supply air to the flow-path panel 2 via the flow-path switching part 3a is comprised.

  In this example, the blower 3b having a piston type structure has been described. However, the blower 3b is not limited to this and may be a blower using a venturi effect. The venturi type blower includes a diaphragm in a pump chamber, and a venturi pipe portion is connected to one end of the pump chamber. The venturi pipe part is provided with a suction port and an outlet.

  According to this blower, when the diaphragm pushes the air in the pump chamber, a high-speed air flow is generated from the pump chamber toward the venturi tube. Since the venturi pipe part is designed to be thinner than the opening diameter of the suction port and the air outlet, the flow velocity of air (gas) is very high compared to the outside of the air outlet.

On the other hand, the outside of the outlet is atmospheric pressure (1 atm), but the Venturi tube portion has a negative pressure because of its high flow velocity. Here, Bernoulli's theorem holds between the venturi tube and the outside of the outlet. When the density of air is ρ, the velocity of the venturi tube portion is v1, the pressure is P1, the velocity outside the outlet is v2, and the pressure is P2, the relationship is v1> v2, p1 <p2. , (1), ie,
ρ · v1 2 + 2 · P1 = ρ · v2 2 + 2 · P2 (1)
It becomes. Since P2 is atmospheric pressure and P2 is equal to or lower than atmospheric pressure, air is sucked from the suction port through the flow path. That is, air having a volume larger than the volume in which the air in the pump chamber is pushed is blown out from the outlet.

  Furthermore, when the diaphragm draws air in the pump chamber, a high-speed air flow is generated from the venturi pipe section toward the pump chamber. In this case as well, in the same manner as described above, the air flow rate in the venturi pipe part is larger than that outside the blower outlet, so that the pressure is negative. Accordingly, air is sucked from the suction port through the flow path. A blower using such a venturi effect can also be applied to the air conditioning unit 3.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly example of the base member 1 and the flow channel panel 2 in the tactile sheet device 100. According to the assembly example of the tactile sheet device 100 shown in FIG. 4, the base member 1 and the flow channel panel 2 are prepared. The base member 1 is formed by opening the opening portions p1 to p24 in a base material. For example, when the tactile sheet device 100 is used for an input detection unit such as a numeric keypad, a cross key, or a function selection key of a mobile phone as an example of an input device, the opening portion p1 is a position where a number “1” key is displayed. The opening p2 is opened at the position where the number “2” key is displayed, and the opening p3 is the position where the number “3” key is displayed. The opening portion p4 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the number “4” key is displayed, the opening portion p5 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the number “5” key is displayed, The opening portion p6 opens at a site that matches the position where the numeral “6” key is displayed.

  Further, the opening portion p7 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the number “7” key is displayed, and the opening portion p8 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the number “8” key is displayed. The portion p9 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the number “9” key is displayed, the opening portion p10 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the number “0” key is displayed, and the opening portion p11 is a symbol. An opening is made at a part that matches the position where the “#” key is displayed, and the opening p12 opens at a part that matches the position where the symbol “*” key is displayed.

  Further, the opening portion p13 constituting the cross key opens to a portion corresponding to the position where the determination “O” key is displayed, and the opening portion p14 opens to a portion corresponding to the position where the right arrow key is displayed. The opening portion p15 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the upward arrow key is displayed, the opening portion p16 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the left arrow key is displayed, and the opening portion p17 faces downward. Open to the part that matches the position where the arrow key is displayed.

  Furthermore, the opening portion p18 constituting the function selection key opens to a portion corresponding to the position where the “etc” key is displayed, and the opening portion p19 is located to a portion corresponding to the position where the “REW” key is displayed. Opening and opening part p20 open to a part matching the position where the left arrow stop key is displayed, and opening part p21 opens to a part matching the position where the right arrow stop key is displayed, and the opening part p22 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the left fast-forward key is displayed. The opening portion p23 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the right fast-forward key is displayed, and the opening portion p24 opens at a position corresponding to the position where the stop key is displayed (see FIG. 18). Any of the openings p1 to p24 is prepared with an opening diameter φ.

  The channel panel 2 is formed with the channels 2a and 2b on the substrate 2c. For example, the core and the cavity forming the tree-shaped flow path 2a and the straight flow path 2b are processed. The flow path 2a is comprised from the flow paths 201-211, for example. In the flow path 2a, the flow paths 201 and 206, the flow paths 202 and 207, the flow paths 203 and 208, the flow paths 204 and 208, and the flow paths 205 and 210 are orthogonal to each other in order from the upper portion of the flow path 211 at the central portion. Placed in.

  The flow path 211 in the central part induces air to the seven apertures p15, p13, p17, p2, p5, p8, and p10 when mounted, and the channel 201 induces air to the aperture p14. The flow path 202 guides air to the opening portion p1, the flow path 203 guides air to the opening portion p4, the flow path 204 guides air to the opening portion p7, and the flow path 205 corresponds to the opening portion p11. Induce air into

  In addition, the channel 206 guides air to the opening p16, the channel 207 guides air to the aperture p3, and the channel 208 guides air to the aperture p6. 209 is used to guide air to the opening p9, and the flow path 210 is used to guide air to the opening p12. The flow channel panel 2 is formed by clamping a mold having such a core and a cavity and enclosing a transparent resin material. The substrate 2c may be formed in the same mold together with the flow paths 2a and 2b.

  When the base member 1 and the flow channel panel 2 are prepared, the base member 1 and the flow channel panel 2 are bonded. It joins so that the base member 1 may be covered on the upper part of the flow-path panel 2. As shown in FIG. As the adhesive, for example, a hot-melt resin adhesive or a double-sided tape is used to maintain airtightness. Thereby, a tactile sheet device 100 ′ as an intermediate part having the base member 1 on the flow channel panel 2 is obtained. Thereafter, the air conditioning unit 3 is attached to complete the tactile sheet device 100. In this example, the flow path switching unit 3a has an extended portion of the exhaust port 306 in communication with the flow channel 2a of the flow channel panel 2, and the exhaust port 307 has an extended portion in communication with the flow channel 2b. The switching unit 3a and the flow channel panel 2 are connected. Refer to FIGS. 2A and 3 for the structure of the air-conditioning unit 3.

  The base member 1 and the flow channel panel 2 have a refractive index of 1 and a transmittance of 100%. The refractive index is about 1.4 and the total light transmittance is 70 to 95. % Transparent material is used. The thickness of the base member 1 is preferably 0.01 to 5 mm.

  The base member 1 includes an acrylic transparent material (hereinafter referred to as a transparent material), a polycarbonate (PC) based transparent material, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) based transparent material, and a polyethersulfone (PES) based material. Transparent material, polyarylate (PAR) based transparent material, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) based transparent material, liquid crystal polymer (LCP) based transparent material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based transparent material, polystyrene based Transparent materials, styrene-based transparent materials, urethane-based transparent materials, silicon-based transparent materials, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) -based materials, fluorine-based resin materials, cycloolefin polymer (COP) -based materials, acrylonitrile- All materials such as butadiene-styrene (ABS) based materials A transparent material formed by the above, a transparent material derived from all the above materials, a non-transparent material among all the above materials, and a polymer alloy formed by mixing with rubber among all the above materials. used.

  In addition, for the base member 1 and the flow channel panel 2, the following synthetic resins as a whole (with materials overlapping the above-described contents) can be used. Phenolic resin (PF), epoxy resin (EP), melamine resin (MF), urea resin (urea resin (UF), unsaturated polyester resin (UP), alkyd resin, polyurethane (PUR), thermosetting polyimide (PI) , Polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene (PS), polyacetic acid Vinyl (PVAc), Teflon (registered trademark) R (polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE), ABS resin (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin), AS resin, acrylic resin (PMMA), polyamide (PA), nylon, polyacetal (POM), Polycarbonate (poly -Bonate-based transparent material), modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE, modified PPE, PPO), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (polyethylene terephthalate-based transparent material), polyethylene terephthalate / glass resin-containing material (polyethylene terephthalate) Tartrate-based transparent material-G), glass fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (GF-polyethylene terephthalate-based transparent material), cyclic polyolefin (COP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polytetrafluoroethylene ((PTFE): General Teflon (registered trademark)), polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (polyethersulfone-based transparent material), amorphous polyarylate (PAR), liquid crystal polymer (L P), a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a thermoplastic polyimide (PI), a transparent material formed by synthesizing all materials of polyamideimide (PAI), a transparent material derived from all the above materials, Among all the above materials, a non-transparent material (which can be used for a non-slip sheet), and a polymer alloy formed by mixing with rubber among all the above materials are used.

  Then, with reference to FIGS. 5-13, the shape of the blower outlet in the opening part p1 etc. is demonstrated. FIG. 5A is a top view showing a shape example of the outlet Q1, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X1-X1. 5A is formed in the terminal part of the opening parts p1-p24 as shown in FIG. 4, The shape has an original circular shape. The opening portion p1 and the like are formed by opening the base member 1 shown in FIG. 5B.

  In this example, it is possible to obtain a tactile sensation due to a lump of air that is blown out from the opening portion p1 or the like. 5 to 13, I is a display area, and is an area where one element of the input key, for example, the numeral “1” key, the cross key determination key, and the like are displayed. In this display area I, the number “1” key, the determination key of the cross key and the like are displayed, and a sliding operation or a pressing operation is performed.

  6A and 6B are a top view showing a modified example (part 1) of the outlet and a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X2-X2. The air outlet Q2 shown in FIG. 6A has a triple circular shape. The outlet Q2 is configured to have, for example, a circular opening part at the center part, an arcuate opening part on a concentric circle thereof, and an arcuate opening part on the outside thereof. Each opening part is engaged and supported by the beam part.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the outer opening width is set to be narrower than the inner opening width. In this example, it is possible to obtain multiple tactile sensations due to the lump of air blown out in triple from the blowout port Q2 as compared to the lump of air blown out from the original blowout port Q1.

  7A and 7B are a top view and a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X3-X3 showing a modified example (part 2) of the outlet. The outlet Q3 shown in FIG. 7A has a dispersed porous shape. The air outlet Q3 has, for example, a large circular opening part at the center part, a plurality of circular opening parts radially outside the concentric edge, and a plurality of circular opening parts radially arranged on the outer edge. Is done. As shown in FIG. 7B, the outer opening diameter is set smaller than the inner opening diameter. In this example, it is possible to obtain a unique tactile sensation due to the lump of air that is blown out from the blowing port Q3 in a plurality of ways, compared to the lump of air that is blown out from the original blowing port Q1.

  8A and 8B are a top view and a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X4-X4 showing a modified example (part 3) of the outlet. The air outlet Q4 shown in FIG. 8A has a triple circular shape. The outlet Q4 has, for example, a small circular opening part at the center part, an arcuate opening part on a concentric circle thereof, and an arcuate opening part on the outside thereof. Each opening part is engaged and supported by the beam part. As shown in FIG. 8B, the inner opening width is set to be narrower than the outer opening width. In this example, it is possible to obtain multiple tactile sensations due to the lump of air that is dispersed and blown out from the blowing port Q4 in comparison with the lump of air blown out from the original blowing port Q1.

  9A and 9B are a top view and a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X5-X5 showing a modified example (part 4) of the outlet. The outlet Q5 shown in FIG. 9A has a dispersed porous shape. The outlet Q5 has, for example, a small circular opening part at the center part, a plurality of circular opening parts radially outside the concentric edge, and a plurality of circular opening parts radially arranged on the outer edge. Is done. As shown in FIG. 9B, the outer opening diameter is set to be larger than the inner opening diameter. In this example, it is possible to obtain a unique tactile sensation due to the lump of air that is dispersed and blown out from the blowing port Q5 in comparison with the lump of air blown out from the original blowing port Q1.

  10A and 10B are a top view and a sectional view taken along arrows X6-X6 showing a modified example (No. 5) of the outlet. The outlet Q6 shown in FIG. 10A has a single shape, and its inner surface side has a conical shape. In this example, it is possible to obtain a unique tactile sensation due to the lump of air blown out from the blowing port Q6 at a higher speed than the lump of air blown out from the original blowing port Q1.

  11A and 11B are a top view and a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X7-X7 showing a modified example (No. 6) of the outlet. The outlet Q7 shown in FIG. 11A has a single shape, and the inner surface has an inverted bowl shape. In this example, a unique tactile sensation in which the base member 1 swells is obtained in addition to the air mass blown out from the air outlet Q7 at a high speed compared to the air mass blown out from the original air outlet Q1. Can do.

  12A and 12B are a top view and a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X8-X8 showing a modified example (part 7) of the outlet. The outlet Q8 shown in FIG. 12A has a circular frame shape. The opening part is engaged and supported by the beam part. The opening portion p1 and the like are formed by opening the base member 1 shown in FIG. 12B. In this example, it is possible to obtain a unique tactile sensation due to the lump of air blown out in a circular frame shape from the blowout port Q8 as compared to the lump of air blown out from the original blowout port Q1.

  13A and 13B are a top view and a sectional view taken along arrow X9-X9 showing a modified example (No. 8) of the outlet. The air outlet Q9 shown in FIG. 13A has an outer edge type porous shape. The opening portion p1 and the like are formed by opening a plurality of small opening portions in the base member 1 shown in FIG. 13B. In this example, it is possible to obtain a unique tactile sensation due to a plurality of air masses blown out from the air outlet Q9 in the form of an outer frame as compared with a single air mass blown out from the original air outlet Q1.

  As described above, according to the tactile sheet device 100 as the first embodiment, the air conditioning unit 3 includes the flow path panel 2 that guides air to the 24 hole portions p1 to p24 opened in the base member 1. A blower 3b using a piezoelectric element is used, the blower 3b is connected to the flow channel panel 2, and the blower 3b passes air through the openings p1 to p24 of the base member 1 through the flow channel panel 2 for each group. It is made to blow.

  Therefore, even if the surface of the base member 1 is observed to be flat, when the surface of the member is actually touched by hand and slides from the base member 1 to the opening portion p1 for tactile presentation, the base member 1 At predetermined positions, the opening portions p1 to p24 can present a tactile sensation that gives the operator's fingers and the like (operation body) a feeling of unevenness due to the air blown from the opening portions p1 to p24. Such a tactile sheet device 100 can be applied to an anti-slip sheet that can be programmed by grip portions of various electronic device housings, a tactile input sheet for icon touch that can be programmed by an input device, and the like. As a result, an input device having a programmable tactile input sheet can be provided.

  14A and 14B are a front view and a top view including a partial cross section showing a configuration example of a tactile sheet device 200 as a second embodiment. In this example, the tactile sensation expression unit forms tactile sense presenting bag parts q1 to q24 having a predetermined size, and is arranged at a predetermined position of the base member 11.

  A tactile sheet device 200 shown in FIG. 14A is an input device mounted on an electronic device such as a digital camera, a video camera, a mobile phone, a portable terminal device, a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, or an automatic teller machine. It is applicable and has a sheet member 11, a flow channel panel 2, and an air conditioning unit 3.

  The air conditioning unit 3 constitutes an example of a medium supply unit, and operates to blow air to the bag units q1 to q24 (only q5, q8, and q10 are shown in the drawing). In this example, the air conditioning unit 3 has a programmable function of blowing air through the plurality of bag portions q1 to q24 disposed on the base member 11 individually or for each group. Also in this example, the flow path panel 2 for guiding air to the plurality of bag portions q1 to q24 disposed on the base member 11 is provided, and the air conditioner 3 includes a blower 3b (air pressure generator) using a piezoelectric element. Is used.

  The blower 3b is connected to the flow channel panel 2 via the flow channel switching unit 3a shown in FIG. 14B. The blower 3b divides the plurality of bag portions q1 to q24 of the base member 11 into two groups via the flow path panel 2 and blows compressed air. In addition, since the thing of the same name and the same code | symbol as 1st Example has the same function, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the above example, when the valve body 304 is opened via the drive unit 3c, the air supplied from the blower 3b passes through the exhaust port 306 and the flow path 2a, and the bag parts q1 to q3 (not shown), It guide | induces to the bag parts q4-q12 and the bag parts q13-q17 (not shown). When the valve body 305 is opened, the air supplied from the blower 3b is guided to the bag parts q18 and q19 and the bag parts q20 to q24 (not shown) through the exhaust port 307 and the flow path 2b. .

  When both the valve bodies 304 and 305 are opened, the air supplied from the blower 3b is guided to the bag portions q1 to q17 through the exhaust port 306 and the flow path 2a, and the exhaust port 307 and the flow path. It is guided to the bag parts q18 to q24 through 2b. Further, when both the valve bodies 304 and 305 are closed, the supply of air to the bag portions q1 to q24 is cut off.

  Thereby, air is sent to each group such as the plurality of bag portions q1 to q17 and the bag portions q18 to q24 disposed on the base member 11, or from the bag portions q1 to q17 and the bag portions q18 to q24. A programmable air-conditioning unit 3 that sucks air is configured. In the tactile sheet device 200 shown in FIG. 14A, the air supplied from the air conditioning unit 3 through the flow path 2a and the like can be filled into the bag part q5, the bag part q8, the bag part q10, and the like.

  Then, the formation method of the base member 11 is demonstrated, referring FIG. 15A to 15C are process diagrams illustrating an example of forming the base member 11. In this example, the first sheet member 11a and the first sheet member 11b having a shape obtained by folding the bag portions q7 and q11 shown in FIG. 14A in the horizontal direction are formed. For example, a mold member is processed to form a core and a cavity having a small bowl shape that represents the bag portions q7, q11 and the like. As shown in FIG. 15A, the bags q7 and q11 shown in FIG. 14A are folded in the horizontal direction by clamping a mold having such a core and cavity and enclosing a transparent resin material. The first sheet 11a having the concave half-cut bag portions q7 and q11 is formed.

  Next, the second sheet 11b having the air insertion portion 11c and the concave half bag portions q7 and q11, which are counterparts to the concave half bag portions q7 and q11 shown in FIG. 15A, is formed. For example, the mold member is processed to form a small bowl shape that represents the half-cut bag portions q7 and q11, the air insertion portion 11c, and the like, and a core and a cavity that form the shape of the air insertion portion 11c. The mold having the core and the cavity is clamped to enclose a transparent resin material, thereby having an air insertion portion 11c and concave half bag portions q7 and q11 as shown in FIG. 15B. The second sheet 11b is formed.

  Thereafter, the first and second concave sheets 11a and 11b are joined to form the base member 11 having the bag portions q1 to q24. At this time, the concave portions of the half bag portions q7 and q11 of the first sheet 11a and the concave portions of the half bag portions q7 and q11 of the second sheet 11b are joined in an aligned state. For joining the first and second sheets 11a and 11b, a hot-melt resin adhesive or a double-sided tape is used. Thereby, the base member 11 having a plurality of bag portions q1 to q24 as shown in FIG. 14A is completed.

  Subsequently, a function example of the base member 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16A to 16C are state transition diagrams showing an example of functions of the base member 11. The bag portion q11 and the like shown in FIG. 16A are in a state where air is not filled. In this state, when the bag portion q11 or the like is pressed, a concave tactile sensation can be obtained. The bag part q11 shown in FIG. 16B is in a state filled with air. The bag portion q11 and the like are always filled with compressed air from the air conditioning unit 3 shown in FIG. 14B via the flow path switching unit 3b.

  In this example, when the operator touches the bag portion q11 or the like filled with air shown in FIG. 16C with a finger or the like (operation body), the bulge of the bag portion q11 or the like due to the swelling of the operator's finger 30a or the like A feeling of unevenness is given depending on the shape. Thereby, a sliding operation and a pressing operation with a feeling of elasticity can be performed.

  17A and 17B are a top view showing a modification of the base member 11 and a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X10-X10. The base member 11 ′ shown in FIG. 17A is equivalent to the inverted small bowl-shaped bag body that does not have the outlet Q 7 shown in FIG. 11A. The sheet-like base member 11 ′ having the half-cut bag portion q7 shown in FIG. 17B is formed in FIG. 15A without forming the opposite half-cut bag portion q7 as shown in FIG. 15B. The tactile sheet device 102 can be configured by being joined to the flow channel panel 2 shown in FIG. 14A. Although not shown, the tactile sheet device 102 is obtained by joining the sheet-like base member 11 ′ having the half bag portion q 7 shown in FIG. 17B to the flow channel panel 2 shown in FIG. 14A. In the figure, I denotes a display area such as a number “1” key forming an icon image. Even with this structure, a unique tactile sensation in which the base member 11 'rises can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the tactile sheet device 200 as the second embodiment, the blower 3b blows compressed air to the bags q1 to q24 for each group via the flow path switching unit 3a. Accordingly, at some places or at a predetermined position of the base member 11, a tactile sensation that gives an uneven feeling to the operator's finger or the like (operation body) by the raised shape due to the swelling of the bag portions q1 to q24 or the original shape without air blowing. Can be presented. As a result, an input device having a programmable tactile input sheet can be provided.

  FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an input device 300 as a third embodiment to which the tactile sheet device 200 according to the present invention is applied. In this example, a first group of 17 element bag portions E1 to E17 and a second group of 8 element bag portions E18 to E25 provided on the same plane of the base member 101 can be selected. An input device 300 capable of executing the operation panel construction mode is provided.

  An input device 300 illustrated in FIG. 18 is a device that inputs information by sliding or pressing with an operator 30 finger or the like (operation body). The input device 300 includes a display unit 29, an input detection unit 45, and a tactile variable sheet unit 103.

  The display unit 29 has an operation surface, and displays a plurality of push button switch images during an input operation. The push button switch video constitutes an icon image for input operation. The push button switch image is a number “1” key K1 to a number “0” key K10, a symbol “*” key K11, a symbol “#” key, etc. K12, a cross key determination “O” key K13, and its right direction. Arrow key K14, Up arrow key K15, Left arrow key K16, Down arrow key K17, "etc" key K18, "REW" key K19, Left arrow stop key K20, Right arrow stop key K21, Left forward key K22 , A fast-forward key K23, a reproduction key K24, a stop key K25, and the like. A color organic GL display element or a liquid crystal display element (LCD device) is used for the display unit 29.

  Above the display unit 29, an input detection unit 45 constituting an example of a detection unit is provided. The input detection unit 45 has an operation surface. The input detection unit 45 is provided above the display unit 29 and operates to detect the sliding position of the operator's finger or the like. For the input detection unit 45, for example, a capacitive touch panel is used. The input detection unit 45 may be anything as long as it can distinguish between the function of cursoring and the selection. In addition to the capacitance type input device, for example, a resistive film type, a surface wave elastic type (SAW), an optical type, a plurality of types, etc. An input device such as a stepped tact switch may be used, and it is preferable that the input device has a configuration in which position detection information and press detection information are provided to the control system.

  Above the input detection unit 45, there is provided a transparent tactile variable sheet unit 103 that constitutes an example of a tactile sheet means. The tactile variable sheet unit 103 is provided so as to cover the entire input detection unit 45, and is slid or pressed along the operation surface of the display unit 29. Of course, the tactile variable sheet unit 103 may cover a part of the input detection unit 45. The tactile variable sheet portion 103 is provided with a tactile sheet device 200 having a bag structure according to the present invention.

  In this example, the tactile variable sheet portion 103 has a predetermined hardness and has a plurality of rectangular dish-shaped concave portions and covers the base member 101 that also serves as the flow channel panel 2 and the upper portion thereof in an airtight manner. The sheet-like lid film portion 5 and the air-conditioning portion 3 that supplies air to a plurality of tactile-sensing bag portions E1 to E25 configured by the base member 101 and the film portion 5 are configured. The The air conditioning unit 3 includes a flow path switching unit 3a and a blower 3b as shown in FIG. A blower 3b having a piezoelectric portion 315 is used. The element bag portions E1 to E25 configured by the base member 101 and the film portion 5 have a predetermined size, and are distributed in places or predetermined positions of the base member 101.

  For example, the base member 101 has a plurality of element bag portions E1 to E25 that are formed in concave portions of a predetermined size and distributed at predetermined positions. Element bag part E1-E25 comprises an example of a tactile sense expression part. In this example, numbers “0” to “9” keys corresponding to icon images for input operation, key element bags E1 to E12 such as symbols “*” and “#”, and cross key elements The bag parts E13 to E17 have, for example, a square concave shape.

  Element bag portion E18 for the function selection key, element bag portion E19 for the “REW” key, element bag portion E20 for the left arrow stop key, element bag portion E21 for the right arrow stop key, and leftward The element bag portion E22 of the fast-forward key, the element bag portion E23 of the fast-forward key, the element bag portion E24 of the reproduction key, and the element bag portion E25 of the stop key also have a square concave shape. Each of the element bag portions E1 to E25 is formed on the base member 101 having a hardness of 20 ° to 40 ° that also serves as the flow channel panel 2 '.

  The above-described element bag portions E1 to E25 are arranged corresponding to the function keys K1 to K25. For example, the element bag portion E1 is disposed on the number “1” key K1 of the icon image displayed on the display unit 29, and the element bag portion E2 is disposed on the number “2” key K2. The portion E3 is disposed on the number “3” key K3, the element bag portion E4 is disposed on the number “4” key K4, and the element bag portion E5 is disposed on the number “5” key K5. The element bag portion E6 is disposed on the number “6” key K6, the element bag portion E7 is disposed on the number “7” key K7, and the element bag portion E8 is disposed on the number “8” key K8. The element bag portion E9 is disposed on the number “9” key K9, and the element bag portion E10 is disposed on the number “0” key K10.

  The element bag portion E11 is disposed on the symbol “*” key K11 of the icon image, and the element bag portion E12 is disposed on the symbol “#” key K12. The element bag portion E13 is disposed on the determination “O” key of the cross key icon image displayed on the display unit 29, the element bag portion E14 is disposed on the right arrow key, and the element bag portion E15 is The element bag portion E16 is disposed on the left arrow key, and the element bag portion E17 is disposed on the downward arrow key.

  Further, the element bag portion E18 is disposed on the “etc” key of the icon image displayed on the display unit 29, the element bag portion E19 is disposed on the “REW” key, and the element bag portion E20 is stopped by the left arrow. The element bag portion E21 is disposed on the right arrow stop key, the element bag portion E22 is disposed on the left fast-forward key, and the element bag portion E23 is disposed on the fast-forward key. The bag portion E24 is disposed on the reproduction key, and the element bag portion E25 is disposed on the stop key.

  In this example, a film portion 5 constituting a function of a lid portion is provided on the upper portion of the base member 101 having the element bag portions E1 to E25. For the film portion 5, a transparent material having a transmittance and a refractive index substantially equal to the transmittance and the refractive index of the base member 101 is used. For example, ZEONOR having a film thickness of about 25 [μm] is used. The hardness is about 20 ° to 40 °.

  When the input device 300 is configured in this manner, the blower 3b blows compressed air to the element bag portions E1 to E25 for each group. Therefore, at a predetermined position of the base member 101, the element bag portions E1 to E25 give a feeling of unevenness to the operator's finger or the like by the raised shape due to the swelling of the element bag portions E1 to E25 or the original shape without air blowing. Tactile sense can be presented.

  19A and 19B are top views illustrating a configuration example of a mobile phone 600 in which the input device 300 is mounted. A mobile phone 600 shown in FIG. 19A constitutes an example of an electronic device. According to the mobile phone 600, the display unit 29 having an operation surface has a number “1” key K1 to a number “0” forming the first group. Key K10, "*" symbol key K11, symbol "#" key K12, etc. Cross key determination "O" key K13, its right arrow key K14, its upward arrow key K15, its left arrow key K16, its downward arrow key An icon image of K17 is displayed. These key icon images of the first group are displayed on the display unit 29 when the application #A is executed, for example.

  In this example, the display area of the number “1” key K1 is the element bag portion E1 shown in FIG. 18, and similarly, the display area of the number “2” key K2 is the element bag portion E2, and the number “3” is displayed. The display area of the key K3 is the element bag portion E3, the display area of the number “4” key K4 is the element bag portion E4, the display area of the number “5” key K5 is the element bag portion E5, and the number “6” The display area of the “key” K6 is the element bag portion E6, the display area of the number “7” key K7 is the element bag portion E7, the display area of the number “8” key K8 is the element bag portion E8, and the number “ The display area of the “9” key K9 is the element bag portion E9, and the display area of the number “0” key K10 is the element bag portion E10, so that each touch feels uneven when sliding or pressing. Has been made.

  Further, the display area of the symbol “*” key K11 is the element bag portion E11 shown in FIG. 18, and the display area of the symbol “#” key K12 is the element bag portion E12, so that each of the touches can have an uneven feeling. Has been made. Similarly, the display area of the decision “O” key K13 that forms the cross key is the element bag portion E13, the display area of the right arrow key K14 is the element bag portion E14, and the display area of the upward arrow key K15 is the display area. The display area of the left arrow key K16 is the element bag section E16, and the display area of the downward arrow key K17 is the element bag section E17. When the sliding operation or the pressing operation is performed, A feeling of unevenness in the touch is obtained. Such a feeling of texture irregularities in the first group is caused by blowing air to the base member 101 that also serves as a flow channel panel by controlling the air conditioning unit 3 so that the flow channel switching unit 3a selects the flow channel 2a. .

  According to the mobile phone 600 shown in FIG. 19B, the display unit 29 having an operation surface has an “etc” key K18, a “REW” key K19, a left arrow stop key K20, a right arrow stop key K21, A video of a playback application or the like is displayed together with icon images of the fast forward key K22, the fast forward key K23, the playback key K24, and the stop key K25. These key icon images of the second group are displayed on the display unit 29 when, for example, the application #B is executed.

  In this example, the display area of the “etc” key K18 is the element bag portion E18 shown in FIG. 18, and similarly, the display area of the “REW” key K19 is the element bag portion E19, and the left arrow stop key K20 Is displayed as the element bag portion E20, the display area of the right arrow stop key K21 is set as the element bag portion E21, the display area of the left fast-forward key K22 is set as the element bag portion E22, and the display area of the fast-forward key K23 is the element The display area of the reproduction key K24 is the element bag section E24, and the display area of the stop key K25 is the element bag section E25. To be made. Such a feeling of texture unevenness of the second group is caused by blowing air to the base member 101 that also serves as the flow channel panel by controlling the air conditioning unit 3 so that the flow channel switching unit 3a selects the flow channel 2b. .

  As described above, according to the mobile phone 600, the expression position of the concavo-convex shape is variable depending on the state of the application #A or #B on the operation key screen, so that it is compared with the conventional keyboard or the conventional fixed method. In this case, various input units can be configured within the same area, that is, “in a tactile sense representing the surface shape”.

Next, the control system of the mobile phone 600 will be described. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the mobile phone 600 and an example of a touch feedback function thereof.
In this example, the piezoelectric part 315 of the tactile variable sheet 103 is controlled to adjust the amount of air supplied to the tactile presentation element bag parts E1 to E25 for each group, and the operator's finger 30a (operating body). The tactile sensation to be given is made variable.

  A cellular phone 600 shown in FIG. 20 includes a control unit 15, a reception unit 18, a transmission unit 22, an antenna duplexer 23, an input detection unit 45, a display unit 29, a power supply unit 33, a camera 34, a storage unit 35, and an incoming melody. The speaker 36a, the speaker 36b with an actuator function, and the tactile sense variable sheet portion 103 are provided. The input detection unit 45, the display unit 29, and the tactile variable sheet unit 103 constitute an input device 300.

  The input detection unit 45 detects the sliding position and pressing of the finger 30a of the operator 30, and outputs at least a position detection signal S1 indicating the sliding position and a pressing detection signal S2 indicating the pressing force F to the control unit 15. . For the input detection unit 45, an input device such as a capacitance method, a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method (SAW), an optical method, a multistage tact switch, or the like is used.

  The input detection unit 45 is connected to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 includes an image processing unit 26, an A / D driver 31, a CPU 32, and a memory unit 37. The A / D driver 31 is supplied with a position detection signal S1 and a pressure detection signal S2 from the input detection unit 45. The A / D driver 31 converts an analog signal composed of the position detection signal S1 and the press detection signal S2 into digital data in order to distinguish between the functions of cursoring and icon selection. In addition to this, the A / D driver 31 performs arithmetic processing on the digital data to detect whether the input is cursoring input or icon selection information, and flag data D3 or position detection information D1 or press detection for distinguishing between the cursoring input and icon selection. The information D2 is supplied to the CPU 32. These calculations may be executed in the CPU 32.

  A CPU 32 is connected to the A / D driver 31. The CPU 32 controls the entire mobile phone based on the system program. The storage unit 35 stores system program data for controlling the entire mobile phone. A RAM (not shown) is used as a work memory. When the power is turned on, the CPU 32 reads out the system program data from the storage unit 35 and develops it in the RAM, starts up the system and controls the entire mobile phone.

  For example, the CPU 32 receives position detection information D1, pressure detection information D2 and flag data D3 (hereinafter also simply referred to as input data) from the A / D driver 31, and sends predetermined command data D to the power supply unit 33, the camera 34, The data is supplied to devices such as the storage unit 35, the memory unit 37, the video & audio processing unit 44, the tactile variable sheet unit 103, the reception data from the reception unit 18, and the transmission data is transferred to the transmission unit 22. Control.

  In this example, the tactile variable sheet unit 103 is connected to the CPU 32 in addition to the input detecting unit 45, and the amount of air supplied to the tactile presentation element bag portions E1 to E25 under the control of the CPU 32 is piezoelectric. The tactile sensation given to the operator's finger 30a (operating body) is adjusted by adjusting each group via the unit 315.

  For example, the CPU 32 compares the press detection information D2 obtained from the input detection unit 45 with a preset pressing determination threshold value Fth, and outputs predetermined command data D to the tactile variable sheet unit 103 based on the comparison result. The piezoelectric portion 315 is driven and controlled. Here, if the tactile sensations propagated from the input detection surface at the pressed position of the input detection unit 45 are #a and #b, the tactile sense #a is input according to the pressing force F of the operator's finger 30a at the pressed position. It is provided by changing the detection surface from a vibration pattern having a low frequency and a small amplitude to a vibration pattern having a high frequency and a large amplitude.

  The tactile sense #b is obtained by changing the input detection surface corresponding to the pressing force F of the finger 30a of the operator at the pressed position from a high frequency and large amplitude vibration pattern to a low frequency and small amplitude vibration pattern. Provided. The vibration pattern output control on the input detection surface is executed by performing drive control by the piezoelectric unit 315 of the tactile variable sheet unit 103. Of course, the memory unit 37 may be controlled so as to control the vibration of the speaker 36b with an actuator function. Note that the vibration control of the speaker 36b may be omitted. When driving and controlling the tactile variable sheet unit 103, the medium is air and the amount thereof is adjusted and controlled, so that a stronger tactile sensation can be presented compared to the vibration control of the speaker 36b.

  The display unit 29 and the storage unit 35 are connected to the CPU 32 described above. For example, display information D4 for displaying an input item selection display screen three-dimensionally, and selection of an icon corresponding to the display information D4 Control information Dc and the like related to the position and vibration mode are stored for each display screen. The control information Dc can generate a plurality of different tactile sensations synchronized with the application (three-dimensional display and various display contents) in the display unit 29, and a plurality of specific vibration waveforms that generate the tactile sensations, and An algorithm for setting a specific haptic generation mode for each application is included. For the storage unit 35, an EEPROM, a ROM, a RAM, or the like is used.

  In this example, the CPU 32 performs display control of the display unit 29, drive control of the tactile variable sheet unit 103, and / or actuator function based on the position detection information D1, the press detection information D2 and the flag data D3 output from the A / D driver 31. The output control of the attached speaker 36b is executed.

  For example, the CPU 32 controls the air conditioning unit 3 so as to supply air to the tactile presentation element bag portions E1 to E25 of the tactile variable sheet unit 103 corresponding to the video content displayed on the display unit 29, The element bag portions E1 to E25 are distributed at predetermined positions on the base member 101 corresponding to the video content. Further, the CPU 32 controls the piezoelectric unit 315 of the tactile variable sheet unit 103 based on the position detection information D1 and the press detection information D2 obtained from the input detection unit 45, and supplies it to the element bag units E1 to E25 for tactile presentation. The amount of air to be adjusted is adjusted for each group, and the tactile sensation given to the operator's finger 30a (operation body) is varied.

  Further, the CPU 32 reads out the control information Dc from the storage unit 35, accesses the memory unit 37, and controls to supply the vibration generation signal Sa to the speaker 36b with an actuator function. This control may be omitted.

  Further, when the input detection unit 45 detects the press detection information D2 exceeding the press determination threshold Fth, the CPU 32 activates the tactile sense #a by controlling the tactile sense variable sheet unit 103 or the speaker 36b, and then the press determination threshold. When pressing detection information D2 lower than Fth is detected, drive control of the piezoelectric unit 315 or read control of the memory unit 37 is executed so as to activate the tactile sense #b by controlling the tactile variable sheet portion 103 or the speaker 36b. To do. This control generates a unique vibration pattern that matches the "pressing force" of the operator's finger 30a or the like.

  A memory unit 37 is connected to the CPU 32, and vibration generation data Da is read based on the control information Dc from the CPU 32. The vibration generation data Da is also output to the tactile variable sheet unit 103 via the CPU 32. The vibration generation data Da has an output waveform including a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a pulse wave, a rectangular wave, and the like. A video & audio processing unit 44 is connected to the memory unit 37, and each vibration generation data Da is supplied to the video & audio processing unit 44, and the vibration generation data Da is subjected to audio processing (digital / analog conversion / amplification etc.). The vibration generation signal Sout2 is supplied to the speaker 36b with an actuator function. The speaker 36b vibrates based on the vibration generation signal Sout2.

  In this example, the memory unit 37 stores a pressing determination threshold value Fth corresponding to each application. For example, the pressing determination threshold value Fth is stored in advance in a ROM or the like provided in the storage unit 35 as a trigger parameter. The storage unit 35 receives the memory control of the CPU 32, inputs the press detection information D2, compares the press determination threshold Fth set in advance with the press force F obtained from the press detection information D2, and satisfies Fth> F. A determination process or a determination process such as Fth ≦ F is executed.

  For example, when the pressing determination threshold Fth = 100 [gf] is set in the memory unit 37, the input detection surface is vibrated based on the vibration pattern for obtaining the tactile sensation of the classic switch. When the pressing determination threshold Fth = 20 [gf] is set, the input detection surface is vibrated based on a vibration pattern for obtaining a tactile sense of the cyber switch.

  In addition to the memory unit 37, the image processing unit 26 is connected to the CPU 32, and the display information D4 for three-dimensionally displaying button icons and the like is subjected to image processing. The display information D4 after the image processing is supplied to the display unit 29. In this example, the CPU 32 controls display of the display unit 29 so that the button icons in the display screen are displayed in a three-dimensional manner with a perspective in the depth direction.

  The input device 300 configured in this way, for example, presses (contacts) one of a plurality of button icons displayed on the display screen for selecting an input item, and moves the input detection unit 45 on the display screen in the Z direction. When pressed down, a screen input operation is performed with a tactile sensation. The operator 30 receives the vibration of the finger 30a and feels the vibration of each button icon as a tactile sensation.

  The display contents of the display unit 29 are determined by the eyes of the operator's eyes 30b, and the sound emission from the speakers 36a, 36b, etc. is determined by the sounds of the operator's ears 30c. The CPU 32 is connected to the display unit 29 and the input detection unit 45 that constitute the operation panel 98, and is used, for example, when manually inputting the telephone number of the other party. In addition to the icon selection screen described above, an incoming video may be displayed on the display unit 29 based on the video signal Sv.

  Also, the antenna 16 shown in FIG. 20 is connected to the antenna duplexer 23, and receives a radio wave from the other party from a base station or the like when an incoming call is received. A receiver 18 is connected to the antenna duplexer 23, receives reception data guided from the antenna 16, demodulates video and audio, and outputs the demodulated video and audio data Din to the CPU 32 and the like. The A video & audio processing unit 44 is connected to the receiving unit 18 through the CPU 32, and digital audio data is converted from digital to analog to output an audio signal Sout, or digital video data is converted from digital to analog to generate a video signal. Sv is output.

  Connected to the video & audio processing unit 44 are a speaker 36a for large sound and a speaker 36b with an actuator function for constituting a receiver. The speaker 36a is configured to ring a ringtone, a ringtone or the like based on the acoustic signal Sout1 when an incoming call is received.

  Further, the speaker 36b constitutes an example of a vibrating body, and is configured to vibrate together with the tactile variable sheet unit 103 or independently based on the vibration generation signal Sout2 at the time of tactile presentation. The speaker 36b is configured to vibrate the operation surface of the display unit 29 based on the position detection signal S1 obtained from the input detection unit 45. Of course, the speaker 36b receives the audio signal Sout2 'and expands the other party's speech 30d.

  In addition to the speakers 36a, 36b, the video & audio processing unit 44 is connected to a microphone 13 constituting a transmitter, and collects the operator's voice 30d and outputs an audio signal Sin. The video & audio processing unit 44 performs analog / digital conversion on the analog audio signal Sin to be sent to the other party at the time of calling and outputs digital audio data, or analog / digital conversion of the analog video signal Sv. Digital video data is output.

  In addition to the receiving unit 18, the transmitting unit 22 is connected to the CPU 32 to modulate the video and audio data Dout and the like to be sent to the other party, and supply the modulated transmission data to the antenna 16 through the antenna duplexer 23. To be made. The antenna 16 radiates a radio wave supplied from the antenna duplexer 23 toward a base station or the like.

  In addition to the transmission unit 22, a camera 34 is connected to the CPU 32 described above, and a subject is photographed. For example, still image information and operation information are transmitted to the other party through the transmission unit 22. The camera 34 is provided on the back side of the housing 401. The power supply unit 33 includes a battery 94, and includes a reception unit 18, a transmission unit 22, a display unit 29, a CPU 32, a camera 34, a storage unit 35, a memory unit 37, a video and audio processing unit 44, an input detection unit 45, and the like. DC power is supplied to the tactile variable sheet unit 103. In this example, the case where the memory unit 37 is provided separately from the video & audio processing unit 44 has been described, but a storage device provided in the video & audio processing unit 44 may also be used. The number of parts can be reduced.

  Subsequently, a function example of the input detection unit 45 will be described. 21A to E and FIGS. 22A to E are state diagrams showing examples of sliding and pressing operations (Nos. 1 and 2) in the mobile phone 600. 21A and 22A are examples of the operation of the operator's finger 30a, FIGS. 21B and 22B are examples of position detection obtained from the input detection unit 45, and FIGS. 21C and 22C are pressure detections obtained from the input detection unit 45. Examples, FIGS. 21D and 22D are examples of driving the piezoelectric unit 315 of the air-conditioning unit 3, and FIGS. 21E and 22E are examples of reaction force applied to the operator's finger 30a. FIG.

  In this example, it is assumed that the piezoelectric unit 315 of the air conditioning unit 3 of the tactile variable sheet unit 103 is inflated by supplying air to the element bag units E1 to E25. 21A is a tactile expression unit for presenting a tactile sensation generated on the display area of, for example, the numeral “1” key K1 in the tactile variable sheet 103. In this element bag portion E1, x1 is a position in the X-axis direction in the XYZ coordinate system, is a position of the protrusion edge on the left side of the element bag portion E1 in the figure, and x2 is a position of the center portion of the protrusion, x3 is the position of the right edge of the protrusion.

  With these as input detection conditions, the state I shown in FIG. 21A is a case where the operator's finger 30a is not touching the element bag portion E1 of the tactile sense variable sheet portion 103. In this case, according to the position detection example shown in FIG. 21B, the position detection signal S1 is not output from the input detection unit 45. Further, according to the press detection example shown in FIG. 21C, the press detection signal S <b> 2 is not obtained from the input detection unit 45. According to the driving example of the piezoelectric portion 315 shown in FIG. 21D, the air is supplied to the 24 element bag portions E1 to E25 to inflate them in order to present a feeling of unevenness to the touch. According to the reaction force example applied to the operator's finger 30a shown in FIG. 21E, the reaction force is not generated because the finger 30a does not touch the element bag portion E1.

  A state II shown in FIG. 21A is a case where the operator's finger 30a is sliding (sliding) on the tactile variable sheet 103. In this case, according to the position detection example shown in FIG. 21B, position detection by the input detection unit 45 is continued, and some position detection signal S1 is output. Further, according to the pressing detection example shown in FIG. 21C, the pressing detection by the input detection unit 45 is continued, but the pressing force F exceeding the determination threshold is not yet detected. According to the driving example of the piezoelectric portion 315 shown in FIG. 21D, the state in which air is supplied to the 25 element bag portions E1 to E25 and inflated in order to present a feeling of unevenness in the touch is maintained. According to the reaction force applied to the finger 30a of the operator shown in FIG. 21E, the reaction force is not generated because the finger 30a touches the tactile variable sheet 103 but does not press the element bag E1. .

  A state IV shown in FIG. 21A is a case where the operator's finger 30a reaches the protruding edge portion on the left side of the element bag portion E1 following the sliding (sliding) operation on the tactile variable sheet portion 103. In this case, according to the position detection example shown in FIG. 21B, the position detection signal S1 indicating the position x1 of the left protrusion edge of the element bag E1 is output from the input detection unit 45. Further, according to the pressing detection example shown in FIG. 21C, the pressing detection by the input detection unit 45 is continued, but the pressing force F exceeding the determination threshold is not yet detected. According to the driving example of the piezoelectric portion 315 shown in FIG. 21D, the air is further inflated by supplying air to the 25 element bag portions E1 to E25 in order to present a feeling of unevenness in the touch. According to the reaction force example applied to the operator's finger 30a shown in FIG. 21E, the reaction force is not generated because the finger 30a touches the tactile variable sheet portion 103 but is not pressed.

  The state V shown in FIG. 21A is a case where the operator's finger 30a reaches the center of the protrusion of the element bag E1 of the tactile variable sheet 103. In this case, according to the position detection example shown in FIG. 21B, the position detection signal S1 indicating the position x2 of the projection central portion of the element bag portion E1 is output from the input detection unit 45. Further, according to the pressing detection example shown in FIG. 21C, the pressing detection by the input detection unit 45 is continued, but the pressing force F exceeding the determination threshold is not yet detected. According to the driving example of the piezoelectric portion 315 shown in FIG. 21D, the state in which air is supplied to the 25 element bag portions E1 to E25 and further inflated in order to present a feeling of unevenness of the touch is maintained. According to the reaction force applied to the operator's finger 30a shown in FIG. 21E, the finger 30a touches the central portion of the protrusion, and the element bag portion E1 is further expanded, so that the reaction force can be obtained as a feeling of unevenness. It becomes like this.

  The state VI shown in FIG. 21A is a case where the operator's finger 30a has shifted from the projection central portion of the element bag portion E1 of the tactile variable sheet portion 103 to the right projection edge. In this case, according to the position detection example shown in FIG. 21B, the position detection signal S1 indicating the position x3 of the right edge of the element bag E1 is output from the input detection unit 45. Further, according to the pressing detection example shown in FIG. 21C, the pressing detection by the input detection unit 45 is continued, but the pressing force F exceeding the determination threshold is not yet detected.

  According to the driving example of the piezoelectric portion 315 shown in FIG. 21D, air is supplied to present the feeling of irregularities during normal operation from a state where air is supplied to the 25 element bag portions E1 to E25 and further inflated. Return to. In this example, the operator's finger 30a is returned from the protrusion edge on the right side of the element bag E1 of the tactile sense variable sheet 103 to the protrusion center. According to the reaction force applied to the operator's finger 30a shown in FIG. 21E, the finger 30a touches the right edge of the protrusion from the center of the protrusion, and the element bag portion E1 further expands to make FIG. 21A. A reaction force weaker than that in the state V can be obtained as a textured feeling.

  A state VII shown in FIG. 21A is a case where the operator's finger 30 a returns to the center of the protrusion of the element bag portion E1 of the tactile variable sheet portion 103. In this case, according to the position detection example shown in FIG. 21B, the position detection signal S1 indicating the position x2 of the projection central portion of the element bag portion E1 is output from the input detection unit 45. Further, according to the pressing detection example shown in FIG. 21C, the pressing detection by the input detection unit 45 is continued, but the pressing force F exceeding the determination threshold is not yet detected.

  According to the driving example of the piezoelectric portion 315 shown in FIG. 21D, the state in which air is supplied to the 25 element bag portions E1 to E25 and further inflated in order to present a feeling of unevenness of the touch is maintained. According to the reaction force applied to the operator's finger 30a shown in FIG. 21E, the finger 30a touches the central portion of the protrusion, and the element bag portion E1 is further expanded, so that the reaction force can be obtained as a feeling of unevenness. It becomes like this.

  State VIII shown in FIG. 21A is a case where the operator's finger 30a starts a pressing operation at the center of the protrusion of the element bag portion E1 of the tactile variable sheet portion 103. In this case, according to the position detection example shown in FIG. 21B, the operator's finger 30a stops at the center of the protrusion of the element bag portion E1, and therefore the position detection signal S1 is not output from the input detection unit 45. Further, according to the pressing detection example shown in FIG. 21C, the pressing detection by the input detection unit 45 is continued, but the pressing force F exceeding the determination threshold is not yet detected.

  According to the driving example of the piezoelectric portion 315 shown in FIG. 21D, air is supplied to the 25 element bag portions E1 to E25 in order to overcome the pressing force F with respect to the pressing operation of the operator's finger 30a, and further inflates are started. State. According to the reaction force example applied to the operator's finger 30a shown in FIG. 21E, the finger 30a is pressed in the Z direction from the center of the protrusion, and the reaction force is touched by further expanding the element bag portion E1. It comes to be obtained as a feeling of unevenness.

  The state IX shown in FIG. 21A is a case immediately before the operator's finger 30a completes the pressing operation at the center of the protrusion of the element bag portion E1 of the tactile variable sheet 103. In this case, according to the position detection example shown in FIG. 21B, the operator's finger 30a stops at the center of the protrusion of the element bag portion E1, and therefore the position detection signal S1 is not output from the input detection unit 45. Moreover, according to the press detection example shown to FIG. 21C, it is the state which the input detection part 45 detected the press detection signal S2 which shows the pressing force F exceeding a determination threshold value.

  According to the driving example of the piezoelectric portion 315 shown in FIG. 21D, air is supplied to the 25 element bag portions E1 to E25 and further inflated in order to overcome the pressing force F with respect to the pressing operation of the operator's finger 30a. State is maintained. According to the reaction force example applied to the operator's finger 30a shown in FIG. 21E, the finger 30a is pressed in the Z direction from the center of the protrusion, and the reaction force is touched by further expanding the element bag portion E1. It comes to be obtained as a feeling of unevenness.

  State X shown in FIG. 21A is a case where the operator's finger 30a completes the pressing operation at the center of the protrusion of the element bag portion E1 of the tactile variable sheet portion 103 and the pressing force F is gradually reduced. In this case, according to the position detection example shown in FIG. 21B, the operator's finger 30a stops at the center of the protrusion of the element bag portion E1, and therefore the position detection signal S1 is not output from the input detection unit 45. Further, according to the pressure detection example shown in FIG. 21C, the input detection unit 45 is in a state of detecting a pressure detection signal S2 indicating a pressing force F that gradually decreases below the determination threshold.

  According to the driving example of the piezoelectric portion 315 shown in FIG. 21D, air is supplied to the 25 element bag portions E1 to E25 and further inflated in order to overcome the pressing force F with respect to the pressing operation of the operator's finger 30a. The state continues. According to the reaction force applied to the operator's finger 30a shown in FIG. 21E, the finger 30a is gradually pressed in the Z direction at the center of the protrusion, and the element bag portion E1 gradually shifts to a normal bulge. By doing so, it becomes possible to obtain a feeling of unevenness of the touch that gradually reduces the reaction force. As described above, since the output [pa] of the piezoelectric portion 315 is controlled using the position detection signal S1 and the pressure detection signal S2 as a trigger, it is possible to express a more realistic and local feeling of texture unevenness.

  Next, an example of information processing in the mobile phone 600 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a control example of the display unit 29 and the tactile variable sheet unit 103 when the mobile phone 600 executes an application.

  In this embodiment, in the mobile phone 600 in which the input device 300 is mounted, one of the operation screens shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B is displayed based on the selection of the application #A or #B, and the display is interlocked with this display. Taking as an example a case where a tactile expression part is constructed by blowing air to the element bag parts E1 to E17 (first group) or the element bag parts E18 to E25 (second group) in the tactile variable sheet part 103 ( Hereinafter referred to as operation panel construction mode). In this example, when there is an application execution command, a case where selection candidates are switched in the order of application # A → application #B in the operation panel construction mode will be described as an example.

  Under these operation panel switching conditions, the CPU 32 inputs an application execution command in step ST1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The application execution command is given to the CPU 32 using, for example, power switch ON information as a trigger. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST2, and the CPU 32 branches the control in response to the application execution instruction being the application #A or other application execution instruction. When the application execution instruction is application #A, the process proceeds to step ST3, and the CPU 32 reads the control information of the application #A. The control information is associated with application #A, application #B, etc. in advance. The CPU 32 controls the display unit 29 to switch the display based on the control information.

  At this time, the CPU 32 outputs a display signal Sv based on the control information to the display unit 29. The display unit 29 is a cross of a number “1” key K1 to a number “0” key K10, a “*” symbol key K11, a symbol “#” key K12, and the like that form an icon image of the first group based on the display signal Sv. Key determination The icon image of the “O” key K13, its right arrow key K14, its upward arrow key K15, its left arrow key K16, and its downward arrow key K17 is displayed (see FIG. 19A).

  Further, the CPU 32 outputs command data D based on the control information to the air conditioning unit 3 of the tactile variable sheet unit 103. In order to select the flow path 2a, the air conditioning unit 3 performs switching control such that the valve body 304 is opened based on the command data D and the valve body 305 is closed. Air is blown from the blower 3b to the flow path 2a selected by the flow path switching unit 3a. The amount of air is adjusted by the piezoelectric unit 315 constituting the blower 3b. The piezoelectric unit 315 is controlled by command data D input from the CPU 32. By this control, the texture irregularities of the seventeen element bag portions E1 to E17 of the first group are varied.

  In this example, the display area of the number “1” key K1 is the element bag portion E1 shown in FIG. 18, and similarly, the display area of the number “2” key K2 is the element bag portion E2, and the number “3” is displayed. The display area of the key K3 is the element bag portion E3, the display area of the number “4” key K4 is the element bag portion E4, the display area of the number “5” key K5 is the element bag portion E5, and the number “6” The display area of the “key” K6 is the element bag portion E6, the display area of the number “7” key K7 is the element bag portion E7, the display area of the number “8” key K8 is the element bag portion E8, and the number “ The display area of the “9” key K9 is the element bag portion E9, and the display area of the number “0” key K10 is the element bag portion E10, so that each touch feels uneven when sliding or pressing. Has been made.

  Further, the display area of the symbol “*” key K11 is the element bag portion E11 shown in FIG. 18, and the display area of the symbol “#” key K12 is the element bag portion E12, so that each of the touches can have an uneven feeling. Has been made. Similarly, the display area of the decision “O” key K13 that forms the cross key is the element bag portion E13, the display area of the right arrow key K14 is the element bag portion E14, and the display area of the upward arrow key K15 is the display area. The display area of the left arrow key K16 is the element bag section E16, and the display area of the downward arrow key K17 is the element bag section E17. When the sliding operation or the pressing operation is performed, A feeling of unevenness in the touch is obtained.

  In step ST4, the CPU 32 executes the application #A. The application #A includes, for example, a number “1” key K1 to a number “0” key K10, a “*” symbol key K11, a symbol “#” key K12, and the like, a cross key determination “O” key K13, and its right arrow key In this process, information is input by operating K14, its upward arrow key K15, its leftward arrow key K16, and its downward arrow key K17.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST5, and the CPU 32 determines the end of the application #A. When there is no termination command for the application #A, the process returns to step ST4, and the display unit 29 continues to display the operation panel image related to the application #A. When there is an end command for the application #A, the process proceeds to step ST6, and the CPU 32 controls to transmit the command data D to the air conditioning unit 3 and stop the piezoelectric unit 315. At this time, the display of the operation panel image related to the application #A may be switched to, for example, a menu screen. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST13.

  If an application execution instruction other than application #A is set in step ST2, the process proceeds to step ST7. In step ST7, the application execution instruction branches control by the application #B or other applications. When the application execution instruction is application #B, the process proceeds to step ST8, and the CPU 32 reads the control information of the application #B. The CPU 32 controls the display unit 29 to switch the display based on the control information.

  At this time, the CPU 32 outputs a display signal Sv based on the control information to the display unit 29. The display unit 29 includes an “etc” key K18, an “REW” key K19, a left arrow stop key K20, a right arrow stop key K21, a left fast forward key K22, a fast forward key K23, and a reproduction key K24 that form an icon image of the second group. Then, a video of a playback application or the like is displayed together with the icon image of the stop key K25 (see FIG. 19B).

  Further, the CPU 32 outputs command data D based on the control information to the air conditioning unit 3. In order to select the flow path 2a, the air conditioning unit 3 performs switching control such that the valve body 305 is opened and the valve body 304 is closed based on the command data D. Air is blown from the blower 3b to the flow path 2b selected by the flow path switching unit 3a. The amount of air is adjusted by the piezoelectric unit 315 constituting the blower 3b. The piezoelectric unit 315 is controlled by command data D input from the CPU 32. By this control, the texture irregularities of the eight element bag portions E18 to E25 of the second group are varied.

  In this example, the display area of the “etc” key K18 is the element bag portion E18 shown in FIG. 18, and similarly, the display area of the “REW” key K19 is the element bag portion E19, and the left arrow stop key K20 Is displayed as the element bag portion E20, the display area of the right arrow stop key K21 is set as the element bag portion E21, the display area of the left fast-forward key K22 is set as the element bag portion E22, and the display area of the fast-forward key K23 is the element The display area of the reproduction key K24 is the element bag section E24, and the display area of the stop key K25 is the element bag section E25. To be made.

  In step ST9, the CPU 32 executes the application #B. The application #B operates, for example, an “etc” key K18, a “REW” key K19, a left arrow stop key K20, a right arrow stop key K21, a left fast forward key K22, a fast forward key K23, a play key K24, and a stop key K25. Thus, the video information is reproduced.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST10, and the CPU 32 determines the end of the application #B. If there is no termination command for the application #B, the process returns to step ST9 and the display unit 29 continues the operation panel display related to the application #B. When there is an end command for the application #B, the process proceeds to step ST <b> 11, and the CPU 32 controls to transmit the command data D to the air conditioning unit 3 and stop the piezoelectric unit 315. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST13.

  If an application execution instruction other than the applications #A and #B is set in step ST7, the process proceeds to step ST12. In step ST12, other applications are executed. In processing in other applications, for example, the display screen is switched to display a standby image or the like on the display unit 29. Further, the air conditioning unit 3 executes switching control to close the valve body 304 and the valve body 305 based on the command data D in order not to select both the flow paths 2a and 2b. The piezoelectric unit 315 stops driving based on the command data D input from the CPU 32. By this control, any of the 25 element bag portions E1 to E25 of the first and second groups loses the feeling of touch unevenness.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST13, and the end of the input process in the mobile phone 600 is determined. For example, the CPU 32 detects power-off information. If the power-off information is not detected, the process returns to step ST1 to repeat the above-described processing. When the power-off information is detected, the input process in the mobile phone 600 is terminated.

  As described above, according to the mobile phone 600 as the third embodiment, the input device 300 according to the present invention is provided, and an operation with respect to a user's sliding operation or pressing operation is performed according to the applications #A and #B. It has become possible to provide a structure that changes the shape of the screen or changes the pressure. Therefore, since the operation panel construction mode (icon image + tactile expression unit) can be executed by the tactile expression function by the tactile variable sheet unit 103 and the icon image display function of the display unit 29, the tactile variable sheet for programmable icon touch can be executed. A mobile phone 600 with a function can be provided. Moreover, since the size and operability of the input device 300 can be improved, the malfunction of the mobile phone 600 can be reduced, the cost can be reduced, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

  In this embodiment, the case of the tactile variable sheet portion 103 having 25 element bag portions E1 to E25 monitored by the tactile sheet means has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined amount of the base member 1 is determined. You may comprise the tactile sense variable sheet | seat part which has the opening parts p1-p25 for 25 tactile sense presentation in the position. Then, air is blown from the blower 3b to the apertures p1 to p24, and the blower 3b is feedback-controlled by the piezoelectric unit 315 and the CPU 32 to adjust the amount of air blown from the apertures p1 to p24. Even if the tactile sensation given to the operator's finger 30a is varied, the same effect can be obtained.

  FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an input device 400 as a fourth embodiment to which the tactile sheet device according to the present invention is applied. In this embodiment, unlike the third embodiment, the element bag portions are arranged in three layers in a form that forms an icon image of each group on different planes on the display unit 29, and from among these three groups. Provided is an input device 400 capable of executing an operation panel construction mode in which an element bag portion of a group corresponding to an icon image can be selected.

  An input device 400 illustrated in FIG. 24 is a device that inputs information by sliding or pressing with an operator 30 finger or the like (operation body). The input device 400 is configured by sequentially stacking an input detection unit 45 and a tactile variable transparent laminated sheet unit 140 on the display unit 29.

  The laminated sheet unit 140 constitutes an example of a tactile sheet unit, and includes a first layer tactile variable sheet unit 141, a second layer tactile variable sheet unit 142, and a third layer tactile variable sheet unit 143 in order from the bottom. It is constructed by stacking sequentially. The laminated sheet portion 140 is applied with the bag structure of the tactile sheet device 200 according to the present invention.

  The display unit 29 displays a plurality of push button switch images for the first layer to the third layer, respectively, during an input operation. The contents of the push button switch video constitute an icon image for input operation. A keyboard key array K100 or the like is displayed on the display unit 29 as a push button switch image for the first layer. In this example, an icon image corresponding to the arrangement of a key array including characters such as numerals, alphabets, and hiragana in which operation keys are arranged in five rows from the front to the back is displayed.

  The push button switch image for the second layer includes, for example, 20 keys K41 to K60 for selecting various functions. For example, icon images such as the Internet, calendar, camera, computer, music, telephone, multimedia, user data, album, various settings, clock, television, Web, alarm, etc. are displayed on the display unit 29.

  As for the push button switch image for the third layer, as in the third embodiment, the numeral “1” key K1 to the numeral “0” key K10, the symbol “*” key K11, and the symbol “#” key Icon images such as K12, etc., and determination "O" key K13 constituting the cross key, its right arrow key K14, its upward arrow key K15, its left arrow key K16, its downward arrow key K17, etc. are displayed. Is done. A color liquid crystal display element (LCD device) is used for the display unit 29.

  An input detection unit 45 is provided above the display unit 29 in the same manner as in the third embodiment, and operates to detect the sliding position and pressing force of the operator's finger or the like. As described in the third embodiment, the input detection unit 45 includes a capacitive touch panel, a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method (SAW), an optical method, a multi-stage tact switch, and the like. An input device having a configuration in which information and press detection information are given to the control system is used.

  Above the input detection unit 45, a first layer of a transparent tactile variable sheet 141 is provided. The tactile variable sheet unit 141 is provided so as to cover the entire input detection unit 45, and is pressed along the operation surface of the display unit 29. In this example, the tactile-variable sheet unit 141 has a substrate 2c, a plurality of concave portions (hereinafter referred to as element bag array E100) having a predetermined hardness, and a plurality of flow paths 2d to 2h. And a base member 104 having. In this example, an element bag portion array E100 corresponding to the arrangement of key arrays (including characters such as numerals, alphabets, and hiragana) in which operation keys are arranged in five rows from the front to the rear is provided.

  In the base member 104, for example, a flow path 2d is provided corresponding to the operation key of the first row, and a flow path 2e is provided corresponding to the operation key of the second row. The flow path 2f is arranged corresponding to the operation key, the flow path 2h is arranged corresponding to the operation key in the fourth row, and the flow path 2i is arranged corresponding to the operation key in the fifth row. Of course, the tactile variable sheet unit 141 may cover a part of the input detection unit 45. In this example, the upper portion of the base member 104 is sealed (covered) with the substrate 2c on the back side of the tactile variable sheet portion 142 of the second layer as a lid in order to improve airtightness. Thus, the element bag portion array E100 is configured by the base member 104 and the substrate 2c of the tactile variable sheet portion 142.

  A haptic variable sheet portion 142 is disposed above the haptic variable sheet portion 141. The tactile-variable sheet part 142 includes a substrate 2c and a base member 105 having a predetermined hardness on the upper part thereof and having 20 rectangular dish-shaped element bag parts E41 to E60 and a flow path 2i. Yes. In this example, the element bag portions E41 to E60 are located at positions corresponding to icon images such as the Internet, calendar, camera, computer, music, telephone, multimedia, user data, album, various settings, clock, television, web, alarm clock, etc. It is arranged. The upper part of the base member 105 is also hermetically sealed with the back side substrate 2c of the third-layer tactile variable sheet portion 143 as a lid in order to improve airtightness. Thus, the element bag portions E41 to E60 are configured by the base member 105 and the substrate 2c of the tactile variable sheet portion 143.

  A haptic variable sheet portion 143 is disposed above the haptic variable sheet portion 142 described above. The tactile variable sheet portion 143 includes a substrate 2c, and a base member 106 having a predetermined hardness on the upper portion thereof and having 17 elliptical dish-shaped element bag portions E1 to E17 and a flow path 2a. Yes. In this example, element bag portions E1 to E12 are arranged at positions corresponding to icon images such as numbers “0” to “9”, symbol “*” key, symbol “#” key, etc. Element bag portions E13 to E17 are arranged at positions corresponding to the images.

  In this example, the upper portion of the base member 106 is hermetically sealed (covered) with a film portion 5 for a sheet-like lid in order to improve airtightness. For the film portion 5, a transparent material having a transmittance and a refractive index substantially equal to the transmittance and the refractive index of the base member 101 is used. For example, ZEONOR having a film thickness of about 25 [μm] is used. The hardness is about 20 ° to 40 °. Thereby, the base member 106 and the film part 5 constitute 17 element bag parts E1 to E17.

  An air conditioning unit 3 ′ as shown in FIG. 25A is connected to the seven flow paths 2 a and 2 d to 2 i of the three-layer tactile variable sheet units 141 to 143 described above. FIGS. 25A and 25B are a front view and a top view including a partial cross section showing a configuration example of the input device 400. FIG. An input device 400 illustrated in FIG. 25A includes a display unit 29, an input detection unit 45, a laminated sheet unit 140, and an air conditioning unit 3 '. The air conditioning unit 3 ′ includes the flow paths 2d to 2h of the first layer tactile variable sheet unit 141, the flow path 2i of the second layer tactile variable sheet unit 142, or the third layer tactile variable sheet unit 143. It operates to blow air to the flow path 2a. In this example, the air conditioning unit 3 ′ has a programmable function of blowing air for each layer of the three layers of the tactile variable sheet units 141 to 143 constituting the laminated sheet unit 140. Also in this example, a blower 3b (air pressure generator) using a piezoelectric element is used for the air conditioning unit 3 '.

  FIG. 25B is a top view illustrating a configuration example of the second-layer tactile variable sheet unit 142 of the input device 400 and a configuration example of the second-layer valve switching unit 308 in the flow path switching unit 3a ′. The air conditioning unit 3 ′ illustrated in FIG. 25B includes a flow path switching unit 3 a ′ and a blower 3 b. A blower 3b having a piezoelectric portion 315 is used. The blower 3b is connected to the seven flow paths 2a and 2d to 2i through a flow path switching unit 3a 'as shown in FIG. 25B.

  The blower 3b blows compressed air to the element bag part array E100 of the tactile variable sheet part 141 through the flow path switching unit 3a ′ and the five flow paths 2d to 2h, and the flow path switching unit 3a ′ and the single flow path switching unit 3a ′. Compressed air is blown to the 20 element bags E41 to E60 of the tactile variable sheet portion 142 via the flow path 2i, and 17 of the tactile variable sheet portion 143 is transmitted via the flow path switching portion 3a ′ and the single flow path 2a. Compressed air is blown to the individual element bags E1 to E17.

  The flow path switching unit 3a 'includes a valve core unit 301', valve switching units 302, 308, 311, valve bodies 304, 309, 312 and the like. The valve core portion 301 ′ has, for example, a rectangular shape, and is composed of a core member formed by molding resin or light metal with a mold.

  The valve switching portions 302, 308, 311 are provided in the valve core portion 301 'with a fan shape. In the valve switching units 302, 308, and 311, an intake pipe 314 is provided so as to communicate with the blower 3b so as to take in air from the blower 3b. A valve body 304 and an exhaust port 306 are provided in the valve switching unit 302. The valve body 304 operates so as to close or open the exhaust port 306 by obtaining the power of the driving unit 3c such as a motor or a solenoid. The exhaust port 306 communicates with the flow path 2a. The drive part 3c is provided, for example, on the back side of the valve core part 301 '.

  A valve body 309 and an exhaust port 310 are provided in the valve switching unit 308. The valve body 309 operates so as to close or open the exhaust port 310 with the power of the drive unit 3c. The exhaust port 310 communicates with the flow path 2i.

  A valve body 312 and an exhaust port 313 are provided in the valve switching unit 311. The valve body 311 operates so as to close or open the exhaust port 313 with the power of the drive unit 3c. The exhaust port 313 communicates with the flow paths 2d to 2h. As the valve bodies 304, 309, and 312, long round plate-like rubber sheet members are used. In addition, since the thing of the same name and the same code | symbol as 1st Example has the same function, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the above example, when the valve body 304 is opened via the drive unit 3c, the air supplied from the blower 3b passes through the exhaust port 306 and the flow path 2a, and the 17 element bags of the tactile variable sheet unit 143 are provided. Guided to parts E1-E17.

  When the valve body 308 is opened, the air supplied from the blower 3b passes through the exhaust port 310 and the flow path 2i, and the 20 element bag portions E41 to E52 of the tactile variable sheet portion 142 (see FIG. 24). And it guide | induces to the element bag parts E53-E60. Further, when the valve body 312 is opened, the air supplied from the blower 3b passes through the exhaust port 313, the flow paths 2d to 2h, the element bag portion array E100 (see FIG. 24) of the tactile variable sheet portion 141, and It is guided to the element bag portions E53 to E60. When the valve bodies 304, 308, and 312 are closed, the supply of air to all the element bag parts E1 to E17, the element bag parts E41 to E60, and the element bag part array E100 of the laminated sheet part 140 is cut off. To be made.

  Accordingly, the flow paths 2d to 2h of the first layer tactile variable sheet part 141, the flow path 2i of the second layer tactile variable sheet part 142, or the flow path 2a of the third layer tactile variable sheet part 143. 24, the programmable air conditioning unit 3 ′ can be configured. Therefore, in the input device 400 shown in FIG. 24, the air supplied from the air conditioning unit 3 ′ through the channels 2a, 2d to 2i, etc. Part E1-E17, element bag part E41-E60, or element bag part array E100 can be filled.

  26A to 26C are top views illustrating display examples of the operation panel screen in the mobile phone 710 on which the input device 400 is mounted. A mobile phone 710 shown in FIG. 26A is used in a vertically long form. According to the mobile phone 710, the display unit 29 having an operation surface has a number “1” key K1 to a number “0” forming an icon image of the application # 1. Key K10, "*" symbol key K11, symbol "#" key K12, etc. Cross key determination "O" key K13, its right arrow key K14, its upward arrow key K15, its left arrow key K16, its downward arrow key K17 is displayed as the operation screen.

  In this example, the display area of the number “1” key K1 is the element bag portion E1 shown in FIG. 24, and similarly, the display area of the number “2” key K2 is the element bag portion E2, and the number “3” is displayed. The display area of the key K3 is the element bag portion E3, the display area of the number “4” key K4 is the element bag portion E4, the display area of the number “5” key K5 is the element bag portion E5, and the number “6” The display area of the “key” K6 is the element bag portion E6, the display area of the number “7” key K7 is the element bag portion E7, the display area of the number “8” key K8 is the element bag portion E8, and the number “ The display area of the “9” key K9 is the element bag portion E9, and the display area of the number “0” key K10 is the element bag portion E10, so that each touch feels uneven when sliding or pressing. Has been made.

  Further, the display area of the symbol “*” key K11 is the element bag portion E11 shown in FIG. 24, and the display area of the symbol “#” key K12 is the element bag portion E12, so that each hand can have a feeling of unevenness. Has been made. Similarly, the display area of the decision “O” key K13 that forms the cross key is the element bag portion E13, the display area of the right arrow key K14 is the element bag portion E14, and the display area of the upward arrow key K15 is the display area. The display area of the left arrow key K16 is the element bag section E16, and the display area of the downward arrow key K17 is the element bag section E17. When the sliding operation or the pressing operation is performed, A feeling of unevenness in the touch is obtained. Such a feeling of unevenness on the icon image of application # 1 is controlled by the air conditioning unit 3 ′ so that the channel switching unit 3a ′ shown in FIG. This is caused by blowing air to the tactile variable sheet portion 143 having the base member 106.

  According to the mobile phone 710 shown in FIG. 26B, the display unit 29 having an operation surface has the Internet, calendar, camera, computer, music, telephone, multimedia, user data, album, various types of icon images of the application # 2. Key images such as setting, clock, television, web, and alarm are displayed as operation screens. In this example, the element bag portions E41 to E60 are located at positions corresponding to icon images such as the Internet, calendar, camera, computer, music, telephone, multimedia, user data, album, various settings, clock, television, web, alarm clock, etc. It is arranged so that when the sliding operation or the pressing operation is performed, a feeling of unevenness in the hand can be obtained. Such a feeling of unevenness on the icon image of application # 2 is controlled by the air conditioning unit 3 ′ so that the channel switching unit 3a ′ shown in FIG. This is caused by blowing air to the tactile variable sheet portion 142 having the base member 105.

  A mobile phone 710 shown in FIG. 26C is used in a landscape orientation. According to the mobile phone 710, a keyboard key array K100 that forms an icon image of application # 3 is displayed as an operation screen on the display unit 29 having an operation surface. The The video of the key array K100 includes characters such as numerals, alphabets, and hiragana in which operation keys are arranged in five rows from the front to the rear. In this example, the element bag portion array E100 is disposed at a position corresponding to the icon image of the key array in which the operation keys for the keyboard are arranged in five rows from the front toward the rear, and when the sliding operation or the pressing operation is performed, Each feels an uneven texture.

  Such a feeling of unevenness on the icon image of application # 3 is controlled by controlling the air-conditioning unit 3 ′ so that the channel switching unit 3a ′ shown in FIG. 25B selects the channels 2d to 2h. This is caused by blowing air to the tactile variable sheet portion 141 having the panel base member 104.

  In this example, when the keyboard key array K100 that forms the icon image of the application # 3 is blind-touched, a tactile sensation felt by the finger 30a or a non-planar key top (for example, a dome-shaped one) is pressed. It is possible to obtain a tactile expression felt by the finger 30a. Further, it is possible to realize a shape expression using a tactile sensation on the operation screen, and to change the position of the tactile expression depending on the state of the application # 3 on the operation key screen.

  Next, an example of information processing in the mobile phone 710 will be described. 27 and 28 are flowcharts showing control examples (Nos. 1 and 2) of the display unit 29 and the tactile presentation laminated sheet unit 140 at the time of application execution in the mobile phone 710.

  In this embodiment, in the cellular phone 710 in which the input device 400 is mounted, one of the operation screens shown in FIGS. 26A to 26C is displayed based on the selection of the applications # 1 to # 3, and the display is linked to this display. An example of constructing a tactile expression part by blowing air to the element bag parts E1 to E17, the element bag parts E41 to E60, or the element bag part array E100 in the tactile variable sheet parts 141 to 143 (operation panel construction mode) ).

  In this example, when there is an application execution command, a case where selection candidates are switched in the order of application # 1, application # 2, and application # 3 with respect to the operation panel construction mode will be described as an example. Of course, the CPU 32 that controls the tactile presentation laminated sheet portion 140 airs the three-layer element bag portions E1 to E25 for tactile presentation of the laminated sheet portion 140 in accordance with the video content displayed on the display portion 29. The air conditioning unit 3 ′ is controlled so as to supply the haptic variable sheet units 141 to 143 so that the tactile variable sheet units 141 to 143 are distributed at predetermined positions of the base members 104, 105, and 106 corresponding to the video content.

  With these as operation panel switching conditions, the CPU 32 inputs an application execution command in step ST21 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The application execution command is given to the CPU 32 using, for example, power switch ON information as a trigger. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST22, and the CPU 32 branches the control in response to the application execution instruction being the application # 1 or another application execution instruction. When the application execution instruction is application # 1, the process proceeds to step ST23, and the CPU 32 reads the control information of the application # 1. The control information is associated with application # 1, application # 2, application # 3, etc. in advance. The CPU 32 controls the display unit 29 to switch the display based on the control information.

  At this time, the CPU 32 outputs a display signal Sv based on the control information to the display unit 29. The display unit 29 is a cross key such as a number “1” key K1 to a number “0” key K10, a “*” symbol key K11, a symbol “#” key K12, and the like that form an icon image of the application # 1 based on the display signal Sv. The determination “O” key K13, its right arrow key K14, its upward arrow key K15, its left arrow key K16, and its icon image of its downward arrow key K17 are displayed (see FIG. 26A).

  Further, the CPU 32 outputs command data D based on the control information to the air conditioning unit 3 ′ of the input device 400. The air conditioning unit 3 ′ performs switching control to open the valve body 304 and close the valve bodies 309 and 312 based on the command data D in order to select the flow path 2 a of the tactile variable sheet unit 143. Air is blown from the blower 3b to the flow path 2a selected by the flow path switching unit 3a '. The amount of air is adjusted by the piezoelectric unit 315 constituting the blower 3b. The piezoelectric unit 315 is controlled by command data D input from the CPU 32. By this control, the texture irregularities of the 17 element bag portions E1 to E17 at positions corresponding to the icon image of the application # 1 are varied.

  In this example, the display area of the number “1” key K1 is the element bag portion E1 shown in FIG. 24, and similarly, the display area of the number “2” key K2 is the element bag portion E2, and the number “3” is displayed. The display area of the key K3 is the element bag portion E3, the display area of the number “4” key K4 is the element bag portion E4, the display area of the number “5” key K5 is the element bag portion E5, and the number “6” The display area of the “key” K6 is the element bag portion E6, the display area of the number “7” key K7 is the element bag portion E7, the display area of the number “8” key K8 is the element bag portion E8, and the number “ The display area of the “9” key K9 is the element bag portion E9, and the display area of the number “0” key K10 is the element bag portion E10, so that each touch feels uneven when sliding or pressing. Has been made.

  Further, the display area of the symbol “*” key K11 is the element bag portion E11 shown in FIG. 24, and the display area of the symbol “#” key K12 is the element bag portion E12, so that each hand can have a feeling of unevenness. Has been made. Similarly, the display area of the decision “O” key K13 that forms the cross key is the element bag portion E13, the display area of the right arrow key K14 is the element bag portion E14, and the display area of the upward arrow key K15 is the display area. The display area of the left arrow key K16 is the element bag section E16, and the display area of the downward arrow key K17 is the element bag section E17. When the sliding operation or the pressing operation is performed, A feeling of unevenness in the touch is obtained.

  In step ST24, the CPU 32 executes the application # 1. The application # 1 includes, for example, a number “1” key K1 to a number “0” key K10, a “*” symbol key K11, a symbol “#” key K12, and the like, a cross key determination “O” key K13, and its right arrow key In this process, information is input by operating K14, its upward arrow key K15, its leftward arrow key K16, and its downward arrow key K17.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST25, and the CPU 32 determines the end of the application # 1. If there is no termination command for the application # 1, the display unit 29 returns to step ST24 and continues displaying the operation panel image related to the application # 1. When there is an end command for the application # 1, the process proceeds to step ST26, and the CPU 32 controls to transmit the command data D to the air conditioning unit 3 and stop the piezoelectric unit 315. At this time, the display of the operation panel image related to the application # 1 may be switched to, for example, a menu screen. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST38.

  If an application execution instruction other than application # 1 is set in step ST22 described above, the process proceeds to step ST27. In step ST27, the application execution instruction branches control by the application # 2 or other application. When the application execution command is application # 2, the process proceeds to step ST28, and the CPU 32 reads the control information of the application # 2. The CPU 32 controls the display unit 29 to switch the display based on the control information.

  At this time, the CPU 32 outputs a display signal Sv based on the control information to the display unit 29. The display unit 29 is an operation screen for key images such as the Internet, calendar, camera, computer, music, telephone, multimedia, user data, album, various settings, clock, TV, Web, alarm clock, etc. that form the icon image of the application # 2. (See FIG. 26B).

  Further, the CPU 32 outputs command data D based on the control information to the air conditioning unit 3 '. In order to select the flow path 2 i, the air conditioning unit 3 ′ performs switching control that opens the valve body 309 and closes the valve bodies 304 and 312 based on the command data D. Air is blown from the blower 3b to the flow path 2b selected by the flow path switching unit 3a '. The amount of air is adjusted by the piezoelectric unit 315 constituting the blower 3b. The piezoelectric unit 315 is controlled by command data D input from the CPU 32. By this control, the texture irregularities of the 20 element bag portions E41 to E60 corresponding to the icon image of the application # 2 are changed.

  In step ST29, the CPU 32 executes the application # 2. Application # 2 is, for example, selection of 20 functions corresponding to icon images such as the Internet, calendar, camera, computer, music, telephone, multimedia, user data, album, various settings, clock, TV, Web, alarm, etc. The operation keys K41 to K60 are used to process information. When the sliding operation or the pressing operation is performed, a feeling of touch unevenness is obtained.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST30, and the CPU 32 determines the end of the application # 2. When there is no termination command for the application # 2, the display unit 29 returns to step ST29 and continues displaying the operation panel image related to the application # 2. If there is a command to end the application # 2, the process proceeds to step ST31, and the CPU 32 controls to transmit the command data D to the air conditioning unit 3 'and stop the piezoelectric unit 315. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST38.

  If an application execution instruction other than the applications # 1 and # 2 is set in step ST27, the process proceeds to step ST32 in FIG. In step ST32, when the application execution instruction is application # 3, the process proceeds to step ST33, and the CPU 32 reads the control information of the application # 3. The CPU 32 controls the display unit 29 to switch the display based on the control information.

  At this time, the CPU 32 outputs a display signal Sv based on the control information to the display unit 29. The display unit 29 displays the keyboard key array K100 that forms the icon image of the application # 3 as an operation screen (see FIG. 26C). Further, the CPU 32 outputs command data D based on the control information to the air conditioning unit 3 '. The air conditioning unit 3 ′ performs switching control to open the valve body 312 and close the valve bodies 304 and 309 based on the command data D in order to select the flow paths 2 d to 2 h. Air is blown from the blower 3b to the flow paths 2d to 2h selected by the flow path switching unit 3a '. The amount of air is adjusted by the piezoelectric unit 315 constituting the blower 3b. The piezoelectric unit 315 is controlled by command data D input from the CPU 32. By this control, the texture irregularities of the element bag array E100 corresponding to the icon image of the application # 3 can be varied.

  In step ST29, the CPU 32 executes the application # 3. For example, the application # 3 is configured to process information by operating a key array K100 for a keyboard. When the sliding operation or the pressing operation is performed, a feeling of touch unevenness is obtained.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST30, and the CPU 32 determines the end of the application # 3. If there is no termination command for the application # 3, the process returns to step ST34, and the display unit 29 continues the operation panel display related to the application # 3. If there is an instruction to end the application # 3, the process proceeds to step ST36, and the CPU 32 controls to transmit the command data D to the air conditioning unit 3 'and stop the piezoelectric unit 315. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST38.

  In the case of the application execution instruction other than the applications # 1 to # 3 in the above-described step ST32, the process proceeds to step ST37 and another application is executed. In processing in another application, for example, the display screen is switched to display a standby image or the like on the display unit 29. Further, in the air conditioning unit 3 ′, switching control is performed such that the valve body 304 and the valve bodies 309 and 312 are closed based on the command data D in order not to select any of the flow paths 2a and 2d to 2i. . The piezoelectric unit 315 stops driving based on the command data D input from the CPU 32. By this control, all of the 17 element bag portions E1 to E17, the 20 element bag portions E41 to E60, and the element bag portion array E100 corresponding to the icon images of the applications # 1 to # 3 lose the touch unevenness feeling. It becomes like this.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST38, and the end of the input process in the mobile phone 710 is determined. For example, the CPU 32 detects power-off information. If the power-off information is not detected, the process returns to step ST21 to repeat the above-described processing. When power-off information is detected, the input process in the mobile phone 710 is terminated.

  As described above, according to the cellular phone 710 as the fourth embodiment, the input device 400 according to the present invention is provided, and the laminated sheet portion 140 for presenting a tactile sensation is configured by three layers of tactile variable sheet portions 141 to 143. The blower 3b is compressed air into the element bag part array E100 of the tactile variable sheet part 141, the element bag parts E41 to E60 of the tactile variable sheet part 142, or the element bag parts E1 to E17 of the tactile variable sheet part 143. Will start to blow.

  Therefore, at a predetermined position of the base member 104, the element bag portion array E100 is formed in a raised shape by each swelling of the element bag portion array E100 with respect to an operator's finger or the like, or at a predetermined position of the base member 105. The element bag portions E41 to E60 are formed by the bulging shape of each of the element bag portions E41 to E60 with respect to the operator's finger or the like, or at a predetermined position of the base member 106. It becomes possible to present a tactile sensation that gives a feeling of unevenness to the operator's finger or the like by the raised shape due to the swelling of the element bag portions E1 to E17.

  Accordingly, the operation panel construction mode (icon image + tactile expression unit) can be executed by the tactile expression function by the laminated sheet unit 140 and the icon image display function of the display unit 29. A mobile phone 710 with a tactile variable sheet function can be provided. Moreover, since the size and operability of the input device 400 can be improved, the malfunction of the mobile phone 710 can be reduced, the cost can be reduced, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

  29A and 29B are a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a tactile sheet device 150 as a fifth embodiment and a diagram illustrating a driving example thereof. In this example, the CPU 32 that controls the tactile sheet device 150 for presenting the tactile sensation is driven so as to supply a drive voltage to the element muscle portion 54 of the tactile sheet device 150 in accordance with the video content displayed on the display unit 29. The power source 55 is controlled so that the element muscle portions 54 are distributed at predetermined positions of the base frame portion 53 corresponding to the video content.

  A tactile sheet device 150 shown in FIG. 29A includes an upper electrode 51, a lower electrode 52, a sheet-like base frame portion 53, and an element muscle portion 54. The base frame portion 53 constitutes an example of a material for a base material, and an opening portion 53a having a predetermined opening diameter is formed in the base frame portion 53, and a tactile sense presentation is provided in the opening portion 53a. It arrange | positions so that the element muscle part 54 for use may be inserted. For the base frame portion 53, a transparent soft silicon rubber member having a hardness of 20 to 40 ° is used. The opening 53a is disposed at a predetermined position of the base frame 53. For the element muscle 54, a transparent and conductive polymer material (artificial muscle) is used. The polymer material includes a flexible and tough conductive embroidery film having an operating voltage of about 1.5 V, and a conductive gel polymer that can swell greatly in a good solvent.

  The elemental muscle portion 54 fitted in the opening portion 53a is sandwiched between the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 from above and below. The electrodes 51 and 52 have a predetermined size, and a predetermined driving voltage is applied between the electrodes 51 and 52. A common pattern or an individual divided pattern is applied to the electrodes 51 and 52. A transparent ITO film is used for the electrodes 51 and 52. According to the operation principle of the element muscle portion 54, the expansion and contraction motion is obtained by switching the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the electrodes 51 and 52.

  In the tactile sheet device 150 shown in FIG. 29B, the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 are connected to a drive power supply 55 that constitutes an example of a power supply unit as a medium supply unit, and are driven by the electrodes 51 and 52 sandwiching the polymer material. A voltage (medium) is supplied. A DC power supply is used as the drive power supply 55. The drive power supply 55 outputs about ± DC voltage 1.0 to 3.0V. For example, when a positive polarity voltage is applied from the drive power supply 55 to the electrode 51 and a negative polarity voltage is applied to the electrode 52, negative ions are taken into the element muscle portion 54 and the element muscle portion 54 swells. Become.

  On the other hand, when a negative polarity voltage is applied from the drive power supply 55 to the electrode 51 and a positive voltage is applied to the electrode 52, negative ions are released from the element muscle part 54 and the element muscle part 54 contracts. Become.

  Further, when a driving voltage is applied to the electrodes 51 and 52 sandwiching a conductive elastomer (artificial muscle) such as silicon or acrylic, the electrodes are attracted to each other. As a result, the conductive elastomer protrudes outside the electrodes 51 and 52. When the supply of the drive voltage to the electrodes 51 and 52 is stopped, the electrodes 51 and 52 and the conductive elastomer will return to their original shapes within the elastic displacement range.

  Incidentally, the contraction rate of human muscle is 20%, and the maximum generated force is about 0.35 MPa (1 MPa = 10 kgf / cm 2). On the other hand, according to the high generation force type artificial muscle, the drive voltage is 1.5 V, the expansion / contraction rate is 12 to 15%, and the maximum generation force is about 49 MPa. Further, according to the high contraction type artificial muscle, the driving voltage is 1.5 V, the expansion / contraction rate is 20 to 40%, and the maximum generated force is about 2 to 10 MPa.

  In this way, when the tactile sheet device 150 is configured and the driving voltage is supplied from the driving power supply 55 to the electrodes 51 and 52 arranged in the vertical direction of the elemental muscle portion 54, the expansion and contraction movement such as swelling and contraction is performed in about 2 seconds. The element muscle portion 54 can function as a possible conductive polymer actuator. Accordingly, at some points of the base frame portion 53 or at a predetermined position, the element muscle portion 54 feels unevenness due to the raised shape due to the pressure change of the element muscle portion 54 or the original shape without supplying the driving voltage to the operator's finger 30a. A tactile sensation that gives

  FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an input device 500 to which the tactile sheet device 150 according to the present invention is applied. In this example, 17 element muscle portions G1 to G17 forming the first group and / or 8 element muscle portions G18 to G25 forming the second group provided on the same plane of the base frame portion 53 are grouped. An input device 500 capable of executing the operation panel construction mode that can be selected is provided.

  An input device 500 shown in FIG. 30 is an application of the tactile sheet device 150 shown in FIG. 29, and is a device that inputs information by sliding or pressing operation with a finger or the like (operation body) of the operator 30. is there. The input device 500 includes a display unit 29, an input detection unit 45, and a tactile variable sheet unit 145.

  The display unit 29 has an operation surface, and displays a plurality of push button switch images during an input operation. The push button switch video constitutes an icon image for input operation. The push button switch image is a number “1” key K1 to a number “0” key K10, a symbol “*” key K11, a symbol “#” key, etc. K12, a cross key determination “O” key K13, and its right direction. Arrow key K14, Up arrow key K15, Left arrow key K16, Down arrow key K17, "etc" key K18, "REW" key K19, Left arrow stop key K20, Right arrow stop key K21, Left forward key K22 , A fast-forward key K23, a reproduction key K24, a stop key K25, and the like. A color liquid crystal display element (LCD device) is used for the display unit 29.

  Above the display unit 29, an input detection unit 45 constituting an example of a detection unit is provided. The input detection unit 45 has an operation surface. The input detection unit 45 is provided above the display unit 29 and operates to detect the sliding position of the operator's finger or the like. For the input detection unit 45, for example, a capacitive touch panel is used. The input detection unit 45 may be anything as long as it can distinguish between the function of cursoring and the selection. In addition to the capacitance type input device, for example, a resistive film type, a surface wave elastic type (SAW), an optical type, a plurality of types, etc. An input device such as a stepped tact switch may be used, and it is preferable that the input device has a configuration in which position detection information and press detection information are provided to the control system.

  Above the input detection unit 45, a transparent tactile variable sheet unit 145 that constitutes an example of a tactile sheet unit is provided. The tactile variable sheet unit 145 is provided so as to cover the entire input detection unit 45, and is slid or pressed along the operation surface of the display unit 29. Needless to say, the tactile variable sheet unit 145 may be configured to cover a part of the input detection unit 45. The tactile variable sheet portion 145 includes a tactile sheet device 150 having a counter electrode structure according to the present invention.

  In this example, the tactile variable sheet portion 145 has a transparent base frame portion 53, and the base frame portion 53 has a predetermined hardness and 25 oval concave portions r1 to r1. r25. For the base frame portion 53, polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin (PMMA) or the like having a thickness of about 0.01 to 0.5 [mm] is used.

  On the upper part of the base frame portion 53, a first group electrode pattern 51a and a second group electrode pattern 51b are electrically separated and arranged in parallel. The electrode patterns 51a and 51b are provided on an insulating base sheet 51 '. Below the base frame portion 53, a first group electrode pattern 52a and a second group electrode pattern 52b are electrically separated and arranged in parallel. The electrode patterns 52a and 52b are provided on an insulating base sheet 52 '. The element muscle portions G1 to G25 sandwiched between the electrode patterns 51a and 51b, the base frame portion 53, and the electrode patterns 52a and 52b have a predetermined volume, and the opening portions r1 to r1 of the base frame portion 53. One is inserted into r25 and arranged.

  For example, the element muscle part G <b> 1 is inserted into the opening part r <b> 1 of the base frame part 53. Similarly, the opening muscle r2 has the element muscle part G2, the opening part r3 has the element muscle part G3, the opening part r4 has the element muscle part G4, and the opening part r5 has the element muscle part G5. Element r6 has element muscle G6, hole r7 has element muscle G7, hole r8 has element muscle G8, hole r9 has element muscle G9, and hole r10 has element muscle. Element G10, elemental muscle part G11 in opening part r11, elemental muscle part G12 in opening part r12, elemental muscle part G13 in opening part r13, elemental muscle part G14 in opening part r14, opening part The element muscle portion G15 is inserted into r15, the element muscle portion G16 is inserted into the aperture portion r16, and the element muscle portion G17 is inserted into the aperture portion r17 or integrally molded.

  In addition, the elemental muscle part G18 is formed in the opening part r18, the elemental muscle part G19 in the opening part r19, the elemental muscle part G20 in the opening part r20, the elemental muscle part G21 and the opening part r22 in the opening part r21. The element muscle part G22, the element part muscle part G23 in the hole part r23, the element muscle part G24 in the hole part r24, and the element muscle part G25 in the hole part r25 are respectively inserted or integrally formed. In the case of adopting the above-described insertion method, the element muscle portions G1 to G25 are bonded to the electrode patterns 52a and 52b via the ring-shaped double-sided tape 56. The element muscle parts G1 to G25 constitute an example of a tactile expression part. The element muscle portions G1 to G25 have, for example, an elliptical column shape, and the thickness is about 0.01 to 0.5 [mm].

  In the above-described base frame 53, the key element muscles G1 to G12 such as the numbers “0” to “9” corresponding to the input operation icon image, the symbols “*” and “#”, and the cross The key element muscle portions G13 to G17 have an elliptical concave shape. The above-described element muscle portions G1 to G25 are arranged corresponding to the function keys K1 to K25.

  For example, the element muscle part G1 is arranged on the number “1” key K1 of the icon image displayed on the display unit 29, and the element muscle part G2 is arranged on the number “2” key K2, The part G3 is arranged on the number “3” key K3, the element muscle part G4 is arranged on the number “4” key K4, and the element muscle part G5 is arranged on the number “5” key K5. The element muscle portion G6 is disposed on the number “6” key K6, the element muscle portion G7 is disposed on the number “7” key K7, and the element muscle portion G8 is disposed on the number “8” key K8. The element muscle part G9 is arranged on the numeral “9” key K9, and the element muscle part G10 is arranged on the numeral “0” key K10.

  The element muscle part G11 is arranged on the symbol “*” key K11 of the icon image, and the element muscle part G12 is arranged on the symbol “#” key K12. The element muscle part G13 is arranged on the determination “O” key of the cross key icon image displayed on the display part 29, the element muscle part G14 is arranged on the right arrow key, and the element muscle part G15 is arranged. The element muscle part G16 is arranged on the left arrow key, and the element muscle part G17 is arranged on the down arrow key.

  Furthermore, the element muscle part G18 is arranged on the “etc” key of the icon image displayed on the display unit 29, the element muscle part G19 is arranged on the “REW” key, and the element muscle part G20 stops the left arrow. Arranged on the key, the element muscle G21 is arranged on the right arrow stop key, the element muscle G22 is arranged on the left fast-forward key, and the element muscle G23 is arranged on the fast-forward key. The muscle part G24 is arranged on the reproduction key, and the element muscle part G25 is arranged on the stop key.

  For the electrode patterns 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b sandwiching the element muscle portions G1 to G25, a transparent thin film material having a transmittance and a refractive index substantially equal to the transmittance and the refractive index of the base frame portion 53 is used. Is done. For example, an ITO film having a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.125 [mm] is used for the electrode patterns 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b. The hardness is about 20 ° to 40 °.

  A drive power supply 55 is connected to the electrode patterns 51a and 51b and the electrode patterns 52a and 52b, and a tactile sensation presented between the electrode patterns 51a and 51b, the base frame 53, and the electrode patterns 52a and 52b is not shown. A drive voltage is applied to each of the 25 element muscle portions G1 to G25 for each group. The drive power supply 55 is a DC power supply as described with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, an operation example of the input device 500 will be described. 31A and 31B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an operation example of the input device 500. FIG.

  An input device 500 illustrated in FIG. 31A includes the tactile variable sheet 150 illustrated in FIG. The tactile variable sheet unit 150 is a case where the drive power supply 55 connected to the electrode pattern 51a on the base sheet 51 'and the electrode pattern 52a on the base sheet 52' does not supply a drive voltage. In this case, the element muscle portions G1, G4 and the like sandwiched between the electrode pattern 51a, the base frame portion 53, and the electrode pattern 52a maintain the original shape without swelling.

  31B is a case where a drive voltage is supplied from the drive power supply 55 between the electrode patterns 51a and 52a. For example, the drive power supply 55 applies a DC voltage of about +1.5 V to the electrode patterns 51a and 52a. In this case, the element muscle portions G1, G4 and the like sandwiched between the electrode pattern 51a, the base frame portion 53, and the electrode pattern 52a swell and maintain a convex shape.

  When the first group is selected by the input device 500 in accordance with the operation principle of the tactile variable sheet unit 150, a positive voltage is applied to the electrode pattern 51a and the electrode pattern 52a. By this voltage application, the 17 element muscle portions G1 to G17 sandwiched between the electrode pattern 51a, the base frame portion 53, and the electrode pattern 52a are swollen all at once, and the posture changes to a convex shape.

  Similarly, when the second group is selected, a positive voltage is applied to the electrode pattern 51b and the electrode pattern 52B. By applying this voltage, the eight element muscle portions G18 to G25 sandwiched between the electrode pattern 51b, the base frame portion 53, and the electrode pattern 52b swell all at once, and the posture changes to a convex shape. Any of the element muscle portions G1 to G25 returns to the original shape when the application of the drive voltage to the electrode patterns 51a and 51b, the electrode patterns 52a and 52b, etc. is stopped. Such convex shapes of the element muscle parts G1 to G17 or G18 to G25 give a feeling of unevenness in touch when the sliding operation or the pressing operation is performed.

  The configuration example and information processing example of the mobile phone in which the input device 500 is mounted are almost the same as the configuration example of the mobile phone 600 shown in FIG. 20 and the information processing example shown in FIG. Omitted. Note that the cellular phone in which the input device 500 is mounted can be applied by replacing the input device 300 with the input device 500 and further replacing the tactile variable sheet unit 103 with the tactile variable sheet unit 150 in the block diagram shown in FIG. . Further, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 23, the element bag portion E1... Can be read as the element muscle portion G1.

  When the input device 500 is configured in this manner, the drive power supply 55 applies a DC drive voltage to the element muscle parts G1 to G17 or the element muscle parts G18 to G25 for each group. Therefore, at a predetermined position of the base frame portion 53, the element muscle portions G1 to G25 have a concavo-convex sensation due to the raised shape due to the swelling of the element muscle portions G1 to G25 with respect to the operator's finger or the like, the depressed shape, or the original shape due to no energization. A tactile sensation that gives

  Subsequently, a modified example (part 1) of the tactile sheet device 150 will be described. FIGS. 32A and 32B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a tactile sheet device 151 applicable to the input device 500 and a driving example thereof. A tactile sheet device 151 shown in FIG. 32A includes an upper electrode 51, a lower electrode 52, a sheet-like base frame portion 531 and an element muscle portion 541.

  The base frame portion 531 constitutes an example of a material for a base material, and a C-shaped opening portion 53b having a predetermined opening ring width is formed in the base frame portion 531, and the opening portion 53b Is arranged so as to fit a C-shaped element muscle portion 541 for presenting a tactile sensation. For the base frame portion 531, a transparent soft silicon rubber member having a hardness of 20 to 40 ° is used.

  The opening portion 53 b is disposed at a predetermined position of the base frame portion 531. A material similar to that for the tactile sheet device 150 is used for the element muscle portion 541. The elemental muscle portion 541 inserted into the opening portion 53b is sandwiched between the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 from above and below, and a predetermined drive voltage is applied between the electrodes 51 and 52. A transparent ITO film is used for the electrodes 51 and 52. In addition, since the thing with the same name and the same code | symbol as the tactile-sheet apparatus 150 has the same function, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the tactile sheet device 151 shown in FIG. 32B, the drive power supply 55 is also connected to the electrode 51 and the electrode 52, and the drive voltage is supplied to the electrodes 51 and 52. Since the operation principle of the element muscle portion 541 is the same as that of the tactile sheet device 150, the description thereof is omitted.

  In this way, when the tactile sheet device 151 is configured and the drive voltage is supplied from the drive power supply 55 to the electrodes 51 and 52 arranged in the vertical direction of the element muscle portion 541, the expansion and contraction motion such as swelling and contraction is approximately C-shaped. The element muscle portion 541 can be made to function as a conductive polymer actuator that is possible in 2 seconds. Accordingly, the element muscle portion 541 has an uneven shape due to the original shape without supply of the driving shape or the raised shape due to the pressure change of the element muscle portion 541 to the operator's finger 30a at some or a predetermined position of the base frame portion 531. A tactile sensation that gives Thereby, it becomes possible to provide the input device 500 to which the tactile sheet device 151 is applied.

  Next, a modified example (No. 2) of the tactile sheet device 150 will be described. 33A and 33B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a tactile sheet device 152 applicable to the input device 500 and a driving example thereof. A tactile sheet device 152 shown in FIG. 33A includes an upper electrode 51, a lower electrode 52, a sheet-like base frame portion 532, and an element muscle portion 542.

  The base frame portion 532 constitutes an example of a material for a base material, and the base frame portion 532 is formed with a hemispherical hole portion 53c having a predetermined opening diameter. A tactile sense is formed in the hole portion 53c. A hemispherical element muscle portion 542 for presentation is arranged to be fitted. For the base frame portion 532, a transparent soft silicon rubber member having a hardness of 20 to 40 ° is used.

  The hole portion 53 c is disposed at a predetermined position of the base frame portion 532. A material similar to that of the tactile sheet device 150 is used for the element muscle portion 542. The elemental muscle portion 542 inserted into the hole 53c is sandwiched between the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 from above and below, and a predetermined drive voltage is applied between the electrodes 51 and 52. A transparent ITO film is used for the electrodes 51 and 52. In addition, since the thing with the same name and the same code | symbol as the tactile-sheet apparatus 150 has the same function, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the tactile sheet device 152 shown in FIG. 33B, the drive power supply 55 is also connected to the electrode 51 and the electrode 52, and the drive voltage is supplied to the electrodes 51 and 52. Since the operation principle of the element muscle portion 542 is the same as that of the tactile sheet device 150, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the tactile sheet device 152 is configured as described above and the driving voltage is supplied from the driving power supply 55 to the electrodes 51 and 52 arranged in the vertical direction of the element muscle portion 542, the hemispherical swelling or the constricting to the concave shape is performed. The element muscle portion 542 can function as a conductive polymer actuator capable of movement. Accordingly, the element muscle portion 542 has a raised shape due to a change in the pressure of the element muscle portion 542 or an original shape without supply of a driving voltage to the operator's finger 30a at some or a predetermined position of the base frame portion 532. A tactile sensation that gives Thereby, it becomes possible to provide the input device 500 to which the tactile sheet device 152 is applied.

  Next, a modified example (No. 3) of the tactile sheet device 150 will be described. 34A and 34B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a tactile sheet device 153 applicable to the input device 500 and a driving example thereof. The tactile sheet device 153 shown in FIG. 34A includes an upper electrode 51, a lower electrode 52, a sheet-like base frame portion 533, and an element muscle portion 543.

  The base frame portion 533 constitutes an example of a base material, and the base frame portion 533 is formed with an inverted mortar-shaped hole portion 53d having a predetermined opening diameter. In the hole portion 53d, A mortar-shaped element muscle portion 543 for presenting a tactile sensation is arranged to be inserted. For the base frame portion 533, a transparent soft silicon rubber member having a hardness of 20 to 40 ° is used.

  The hole portion 53d is disposed at a predetermined position of the base frame portion 533. The same material as that of the tactile sheet device 150 is used for the element muscle portion 543. The elemental muscle portion 543 inserted into the hole 53d is sandwiched between the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 from above and below, and a predetermined drive voltage is applied between the electrodes 51 and 52. A transparent ITO film is used for the electrodes 51 and 52. In addition, since the thing with the same name and the same code | symbol as the tactile-sheet apparatus 150 has the same function, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the tactile sheet device 153 shown in FIG. 34B, the drive power supply 55 is also connected to the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 so that the drive voltage is supplied to the electrodes 51 and 52. Since the principle of operation of the element muscle portion 543 is the same as that of the tactile sheet device 150, description thereof is omitted.

  When the tactile sheet device 153 is configured in this way and the drive voltage is supplied from the drive power supply 55 to the electrodes 51 and 52 arranged in the vertical direction of the element muscle portion 543, the expansion and contraction such as swelling in a mortar or shrinking in a concave shape. The element muscle portion 543 can function as a conductive polymer actuator that can move. Accordingly, the element muscle portion 543 has an uneven shape due to the original shape without the supply of the driving shape or the raised shape due to the pressure change of the element muscle portion 543 to the operator's finger 30a at some or a predetermined position of the base frame portion 533. A tactile sensation that gives Thereby, it becomes possible to provide the input device 500 to which the tactile sheet device 153 is applied.

FIGS. 35A and 35B are a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a tactile sheet device 160 as a sixth embodiment and a diagram illustrating a driving example thereof. In this example, the CPU 32 that controls the tactile sheet device 160 for tactile presentation supplies a drive voltage to the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ of the tactile sheet device 160 in accordance with the video content displayed on the display unit 29. The driving power supply 55 ′ is controlled so that the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ is distributed at the electrode forming positions corresponding to the video content.
A tactile sheet device 160 shown in FIG. 35A includes a plurality of upper electrodes 51, a plurality of lower electrodes 52, and a muscle sheet portion 54 ′. The muscle sheet portion 54 ′ constitutes an example of a material for a base material and a tactile sensation expression portion, and is configured to construct an uneven shape at positions corresponding to a plurality of operation key elements of an icon image on the operation screen. A transparent and conductive polymer material (artificial muscle) is used for the muscle sheet portion 54 ′. The polymer material includes a flexible and tough conductive embroidery film having an operating voltage of about 1.5 V, and a conductive gel polymer that can swell greatly in a good solvent.

  A plurality of electrodes 51 having a predetermined area are provided on the muscle sheet portion 54 '. A plurality of electrodes 52 having an area facing the predetermined electrode 51 are provided below the muscle sheet portion 54 ′. When the tactile sheet device 160 having the counter electrode structure is configured, the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ is sandwiched between the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 at predetermined positions from above and below. A predetermined drive voltage is applied between the electrodes 51 and 52 in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment. Unlike the fifth embodiment, the electrodes 51 and 52 are individually divided for each of a plurality of operation key elements. A transparent ITO film is used for the electrodes 51 and 52. According to the operation principle of the muscle sheet portion 54 ′, the expansion and contraction motion is obtained for each operation key element by switching the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the individual electrodes 51 and 52.

  In the tactile sheet device 160 shown in FIG. 35B, a drive power supply 55 ′ is connected to the electrode 51 and the electrode 52, and a drive voltage (medium) is supplied between the individual electrodes 51 and 52. As the drive power supply 55 ', a DC power supply and an electrode selection function are used. The drive power supply 55 'outputs about ± DC voltage 1.0 to 3.0V. For example, when a positive polarity voltage is applied from the drive power supply 55 ′ to the electrode 51 and a negative polarity voltage is applied to the electrode 52, negative ions are taken into the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ and the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ swells. It becomes a form to do. On the other hand, when a negative polarity voltage is applied from the drive power supply 55 ′ to the electrode 51 and a positive voltage is applied to the electrode 52, negative ions are released from the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ and the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ contracts. It becomes a form to do.

  In this way, when the tactile sheet device 160 as the sixth embodiment is configured and the drive voltage is supplied from the drive power supply 55 ′ to the electrodes 51 and 52 arranged in the vertical direction of the muscle sheet portion 54 ′, the operation is performed. The muscle sheet portion 54 ′ can be made to function as a conductive polymer actuator capable of expanding and contracting such as swelling and contraction for each key element. Therefore, at some or a predetermined position of the tactile sheet device 160, the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ is raised to the operator's finger 30a due to the pressure change of the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ or the original shape without supplying the driving voltage. This makes it possible to present a tactile sensation that gives a feeling of unevenness.

  In the above example, the case where the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 face each other has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 35C, the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 are connected to one surface of the muscle sheet portion 54 ′, for example, Alternatively, the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ may be arranged in parallel on the back surface while maintaining a predetermined distance. Even with such a configuration, the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ above the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 does not supply the raised shape or the driving voltage due to the pressure change of the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ to the operator's finger 30 a. A tactile sensation that gives a sense of unevenness depending on the shape can be presented. A two-dot chain line shown in FIGS. 35B and 35C is a transparent film member for surface protection or a transparent interlayer insulating film member.

  FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of an input device 700 according to the seventh embodiment. In this example, the input device 700 is configured by combining the tactile sheet devices 150 and 160 ′ according to the present invention, and the 17 element muscle portions G1 to G1 forming the first group provided on the same plane of the base frame portion 53 are included. Provided is an input device 700 capable of executing an operation panel construction mode in which G17 and / or eight element muscle portions G18 to G25 forming a second group can be selected for each group.

  Also in this example, the CPU 32 that controls the tactile sheet device 170 for presenting the tactile sense supplies the driving voltage to the element muscle portions G1 to G25 of the tactile sheet device 170 in accordance with the video content displayed on the display unit 29. The element muscle portions G1 to G25 are distributed at electrode formation positions corresponding to the video content.

  An input device 700 shown in FIG. 36 includes the structures of the element muscle portions G1 to G25 of the tactile sheet device 150 shown in the fifth embodiment and the electrodes 51 and 52 of the tactile sheet device 160 ′ according to the sixth embodiment. This is an apparatus to which information is input by sliding or pressing the operator 30 with a finger or the like (operation body). The input device 700 includes a display unit 29, an input detection unit 45, and a tactile variable sheet unit 170.

  In the same way as in the fifth embodiment, the display unit 29 performs the input operation with the numeral “1” key K1 to the numeral “0” key K10, the symbol “*” key K11, the symbol “#” key K12, etc. Key determination "O" key K13, right arrow key K14, upward arrow key K15, left arrow key K16, downward arrow key K17, "etc" key K18, "REW" key K19, left arrow stop key K20 Icon images such as a right arrow stop key K21, a left fast forward key K22, a fast forward key K23, a reproduction key K24, and a stop key K25 are displayed. For the display unit 29, a color organic EL display element, a liquid crystal display element (LCD device), or the like is used.

  Above the display unit 29, an input detection unit 45 constituting an example of a detection unit is provided. The input detection unit 45 has an operation surface. The input detection unit 45 is provided above the display unit 29 and operates to detect the sliding position of the operator's finger or the like. For the input detection unit 45, for example, a capacitive touch panel is used. The input detection unit 45 may be anything as long as it can distinguish between the function of cursoring and the selection. In addition to the capacitance type input device, for example, a resistive film type, a surface wave elastic type (SAW), an optical type, a plurality of types, etc. An input device such as a stepped tact switch may be used, and it is preferable that the input device has a configuration in which position detection information and press detection information are provided to the control system.

  Above the input detection unit 45, a transparent tactile variable sheet unit 170 constituting an example of a tactile sheet unit is provided. The tactile variable sheet unit 170 is provided so as to cover the entire input detection unit 45, and is slid or pressed along the operation surface of the display unit 29. Of course, the tactile variable sheet unit 170 may cover a part of the input detection unit 45. In the tactile variable sheet 170, the individual insertion structures of the element muscle portions G1 to G25 of the tactile sheet device 150 shown in the fifth embodiment and the electrode juxtaposed structure of the tactile sheet device 160 ′ according to the sixth embodiment are provided. Is provided.

  In this example, the tactile variable sheet unit 170 has an insulating and transparent electrode film unit 511 on the input detection unit 45. The electrode film portion 511 is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) transparent material having a thickness of about 0.1 [mm] and an ITO film. The electrode film portion 511 includes a plurality of positive and negative electrode patterns 51a and 52a individually corresponding to the operation key elements for the first group, and a plurality of positive and negative electrode patterns individually corresponding to the operation key elements for the second group. 51b and 52b are electrically separated and juxtaposed. The plurality of electrode patterns 51a and 52a are connected in parallel, and the plurality of electrode patterns 51b and 52b individually corresponding to the operation key elements for the second group are connected in parallel. The wiring patterns connected in parallel and grouped in the positive and negative directions are gathered in the lead terminal 512.

  The electrode film portion 511 is provided with the transparent base frame portion 53 as described in the fifth embodiment. The base frame portion 53 has a predetermined hardness and has 25 hole portions r1 to r25 having an elliptical concave shape. For the base frame portion 53, polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin (PMMA) or the like having a thickness of about 0.01 to 0.5 [mm] is used. Also in this example, the element muscle portions G1 to G25 are disposed in an elliptical concave shape constituted by the base frame portion 53 and the electrode film portion 511. For example, the element muscle portions G <b> 1 to G <b> 25 have a predetermined volume, and are inserted into the corresponding opening portions r <b> 1 to r <b> 25 at the base frame portion 53 one by one.

  For example, the element muscle part G <b> 1 is inserted into the opening part r <b> 1 of the base frame part 53. Similarly, the opening muscle r2 has the element muscle part G2, the opening part r3 has the element muscle part G3, the opening part r4 has the element muscle part G4, and the opening part r5 has the element muscle part G5. Element r6 has element muscle G6, hole r7 has element muscle G7, hole r8 has element muscle G8, hole r9 has element muscle G9, and hole r10 has element muscle. Element G10, elemental muscle part G11 in opening part r11, elemental muscle part G12 in opening part r12, elemental muscle part G13 in opening part r13, elemental muscle part G14 in opening part r14, opening part The element muscle portion G15 is inserted into r15, the element muscle portion G16 is inserted into the aperture portion r16, and the element muscle portion G17 is inserted into the aperture portion r17 or integrally molded.

  In addition, the elemental muscle part G18 is formed in the opening part r18, the elemental muscle part G19 in the opening part r19, the elemental muscle part G20 in the opening part r20, the elemental muscle part G21 and the opening part r22 in the opening part r21. The element muscle part G22, the element part muscle part G23 in the hole part r23, the element muscle part G24 in the hole part r24, and the element muscle part G25 in the hole part r25 are respectively inserted or integrally formed. In the case of adopting the above-described insertion method, each of the element muscle portions G1 to G25 is bonded to the electrode film portions 511 and 52b via the ring-shaped double-sided tape 56. The element muscle parts G1 to G25 constitute an example of a tactile expression part. The element muscle portions G1 to G25 have, for example, an elliptical column shape, and the thickness is about 0.01 to 0.5 [mm].

  On the upper part of the base frame part 53, a film part 5 constituting the function of the lid part is provided. For the film portion 5, a transparent material having a transmittance and a refractive index substantially equal to the transmittance and refractive index of the base frame portion 53 is used. For example, ZEONOR having a film thickness of about 25 [μm] is used. The hardness is about 20 ° to 40 °.

   In the above-described base frame 53, the key element muscles G1 to G12 such as the numbers “0” to “9” corresponding to the input operation icon image, the symbols “*” and “#”, and the cross The key element muscle portions G13 to G17 have an elliptical concave shape. The above-described element muscle portions G1 to G25 are arranged corresponding to the function keys K1 to K25.

  The element muscle part G1 is arranged on the number “1” key K1 of the icon image displayed on the display unit 29 in the same manner as the fifth embodiment, and the element muscle part G2 is the number “2” key K2. The element muscle part G3 is arranged on the numeral “3” key K3, the element muscle part G4 is arranged on the numeral “4” key K4, and the element muscle part G5 is arranged with the numeral “3”. 5 ”key K5, element muscle G6 is arranged on the number“ 6 ”key K6, element muscle G7 is arranged on the number“ 7 ”key K7, and element muscle G8. Are arranged on the number “8” key K8, the element muscle part G9 is arranged on the number “9” key K9, and the element muscle part G10 is arranged on the number “0” key K10. .

  The element muscle part G11 is arranged on the symbol “*” key K11 of the icon image, and the element muscle part G12 is arranged on the symbol “#” key K12. The element muscle part G13 is arranged on the determination “O” key of the cross key icon image displayed on the display part 29, the element muscle part G14 is arranged on the right arrow key, and the element muscle part G15 is arranged. The element muscle part G16 is arranged on the left arrow key, and the element muscle part G17 is arranged on the down arrow key.

  Furthermore, the element muscle part G18 is arranged on the “etc” key of the icon image displayed on the display unit 29, the element muscle part G19 is arranged on the “REW” key, and the element muscle part G20 stops the left arrow. Arranged on the key, the element muscle G21 is arranged on the right arrow stop key, the element muscle G22 is arranged on the left fast-forward key, and the element muscle G23 is arranged on the fast-forward key. The muscle part G24 is arranged on the reproduction key, and the element muscle part G25 is arranged on the stop key.

  A transparent thin film material having a transmittance and a refractive index substantially equal to the transmittance and refractive index of the base frame portion 53 is used for the electrode film portion 511 that sandwiches these element muscle portions G1 to G25. For example, an ITO film having a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.125 [mm] is used for the electrode patterns 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b. The hardness is about 20 ° to 40 °.

  Although not shown, a drive power supply 55 ′ is connected to the plurality of electrode patterns 51 a, 51 b and the plurality of electrode patterns 52 a, 52 b grouped positively and negatively in the electrode film part 511, and the film part 5 and the base frame part 53 are connected. A drive voltage is applied to each of the 25 elemental muscle portions G1 to G25 for presenting tactile senses sandwiched between the electrode film portion 511 and each group. As the drive power supply 55 ', a DC power supply having an electrode selection function as described in FIG. 29 is used.

  The configuration example and information processing example of the mobile phone in which the input device 700 is mounted are almost the same as the configuration example of the mobile phone 600 shown in FIG. 20 and the information processing example shown in FIG. Omitted. Note that the cellular phone equipped with the input device 700 can be applied by replacing the input device 300 with the input device 700 in the block diagram shown in FIG. 20 and further replacing the tactile variable sheet portion 103 with the tactile variable sheet portion 170. . 23, the element bag portion E1... Can be read as the element muscle portion G1... And the air conditioning unit 3 can be read as the function of the drive power supply 55 '.

  Thus, according to the input device 700 as the seventh embodiment, the drive power supply 55 'applies a DC drive voltage to the element muscle portions G1 to G17 or the element muscle portions G18 to G25 for each group. Accordingly, at the positions corresponding to the individual operation keys of the base frame portion 53, the element muscle portions G1 to G25 are raised by the swelling of the element muscle portions G1 to G25 with respect to the operator's finger or the like, the depressed shape, or no energization. It becomes possible to present a tactile sensation that gives a sense of unevenness according to the original shape.

  Of course, without connecting the electrode patterns 51a, 51b and the electrode patterns 52a, 52b in parallel, the electrode patterns 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b are wired so as to correspond to the individual operation keys and are gathered to the lead terminal 512, From the drive power supply 55 ', the magnitude of the DC drive voltage is variably applied to the element muscle portions G1 to G25 corresponding to the individual operation keys. If comprised in this way, in the position corresponding to each operation key of the base frame part 53, each of the element muscle parts G1-G25 will have the amount of swelling of the element muscle parts G1-G25 with respect to an operator's finger | toe etc. It is possible to present a programmable tactile sensation that gives a sense of unevenness according to a bulge shape that is variably adjusted, a depressed shape, or an original shape that is not energized.

  FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an input device 800 as the eighth embodiment. In this example, an input device 800 is provided in which the wiring pattern constituting the tactile sheet means shares a part of the wiring pattern constituting the display unit 29. Also in this example, the CPU 32 that controls the tactile sheet unit 180 for presenting the tactile sense performs drive control so as to supply a drive voltage to the conductive rubber 182 of the tactile sheet unit 180 in accordance with the video content displayed on the display unit 29. The conductive rubber 182 is distributed at the electrode formation positions corresponding to the video content.

  An input device 800 shown in FIG. 37 is an application of the structure of the electrodes 51 and 52 of the tactile sheet device 160 ′ according to the sixth embodiment, and can be slid by a finger or the like (operation body) of the operator 30. And a device for inputting information by a pressing operation. The input device 800 includes the film unit 5, the input detection unit 45, and a display device 129 with a tactile sense variable sheet function.

  The display device 129 has the function of the display unit 29 described in the fifth embodiment and the counter electrode structure of the tactile sheet device 160 described in the sixth embodiment. In the same manner as in the fifth embodiment, the display device 129 is configured to input K12 such as a number “1” key K1 to a number “0” key K10, a symbol “*” key K11, a symbol “#” key, etc. Cross key determination "O" key K13, right arrow key K14, upward arrow key K15, left arrow key K16, downward arrow key K17, "etc" key K18, "REW" key K19, left arrow stop key Icon images such as K20, right arrow stop key K21, left fast-forward key K22, fast-forward key K23, playback key K24, and stop key K25 are displayed. For the display device 129, a color organic EL display element, a liquid crystal display element (LCD device), or the like is used.

  An input detection unit 45 is provided above the display device 129. The input detection unit 45 has an operation surface. The input detection unit 45 is provided above the display device 129 and operates to detect the sliding position of the operator's finger or the like. For the input detection unit 45, for example, a capacitive touch panel is used. The input detection unit 45 may be anything as long as it can distinguish between the function of cursoring and the selection. In addition to the capacitance type input device, for example, a resistive film type, a surface wave elastic type (SAW), an optical type, a plurality of types, etc. An input device such as a stepped tact switch may be used, and it is preferable that the input device has a configuration in which position detection information and press detection information are provided to the control system.

  A film unit 5 is provided above the input detection unit 45. A transparent material having a transmittance and a refractive index substantially equal to the transmittance and the refractive index of the input detection unit 45 is used for the film unit 5. For example, ZEONOR having a film thickness of about 25 [μm] is used. The hardness is about 20 ° to 40 °.

  FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of the display device 129 with a tactile variable sheet function. FIG. 39 is a diagram (cross-sectional view) illustrating a configuration example of a cross section of the display device 129. According to the display device 129 shown in FIG. 38, a transparent tactile variable sheet unit 180 that constitutes an example of a tactile sheet unit, and the display unit 29 is provided on the tactile variable sheet unit 180. For example, an organic EL element is used for the display unit 29.

  The tactile variable sheet unit 180 is provided at a position that covers the entire lower surface of the display unit 29, and is slid or pressed along the operation surface of the display unit 29. Of course, the tactile variable sheet unit 180 may be configured to cover a part of the lower surface of the display unit 29.

  The tactile variable sheet portion 180 includes the structure of the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ and the counter electrode structure of the tactile sheet device 160 according to the sixth embodiment. In addition, the wiring pattern of the display unit 29 and the tactile variable sheet are provided. A part of the wiring pattern of the portion 180 is shared.

  In this example, the tactile variable sheet portion 180 is configured by laminating a conductive rubber portion 182 and an intermediate layer film 183 on a base film 181 as shown in FIG. The base film 181 is composed of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -based transparent material having a thickness of about 0.1 [mm], and an ITO film that forms a wiring pattern group 57 patterned on the material. The wiring pitch of the wiring pattern group 57 is about 1/2 to 1 times the arrangement pitch of the display pixels.

  A conductive rubber part 182 is joined to the upper part of the base film 181 with an adhesive or the like. The conductive rubber portion 182 is made of a transparent and conductive sheet-like polymer material (artificial muscle). The conductive rubber portion 182 includes a flexible and tough conductive embroidery film having an operating voltage of about 1.5 V, and a conductive gel polymer that can swell greatly in a good solvent.

  As shown in FIG. 39, electrodes 52 are disposed on the lower surface of the conductive rubber 182 at positions corresponding to the individual operation keys, and the plurality of electrodes 52 are individually connected to the wiring pattern group 57 described above. An intermediate layer film 183 is bonded to the upper portion of the conductive rubber portion 182 with an adhesive or the like. An insulating and transparent polyimide film member is used for the intermediate layer film 183.

  On the upper part of the intermediate layer film 183, a display unit 29 constituting an organic EL element is bonded with an adhesive or the like. The display unit 29 includes a sealing layer 29a, a self-luminous organic material 29b, an intermediate layer film 29c, a base panel 29d, and an electrode pattern 29e. As shown in FIG. 38, the sealing layer 29a has a frame shape and is provided on the intermediate layer film 183 so as to seal the light-emitting organic material 29b.

  An intermediate layer film 29c is bonded to the top of the sealing layer 29a and the self-luminous organic material 29b with an adhesive or the like. An insulating and transparent polyimide film member is also used for the intermediate layer film 29c. A base panel 29d is disposed on the intermediate layer film 29c. A transparent film member or a glass member is used for the base panel 29d.

  On the lower surface side of the base panel 29d, an electrode pattern 29e shared by the touch-sensitive variable sheet portion 180 and the display portion 29 is disposed. The electrode pattern 29e is made of an ITO film, and may be either a single pattern or a solid pattern divided into blocks, or a pattern divided into a matrix.

  The above-described wiring pattern group 57 is connected to a driving power supply 55 ′ (not shown) together with the electrode pattern 29e of the display unit 29. The driving power supply 55 ′ uses the electrode 52 and the electrode pattern 29e of the organic EL display element for each operation key. A DC drive voltage is applied between the two. At that time, the magnitude of the DC drive voltage may be varied and applied. These constitute the input device 800.

  40A to 40C are data formats showing an example of multiplexing display data and shape presentation signals in the input device 800.

  According to the data format DF1 shown in FIG. 40A, the display of the icon image on the display unit 29 and the tactile expression by the conductive rubber 182 on the tactile sheet unit 180 are made to function simultaneously, and the display data D1, D2, D3,. .. and shape presentation signals S1, S2, S3... Are alternately applied in packets between the electrode pattern 29e and the wiring pattern group 57. The minimum drive frequency fm of one packet is about 100 Hz to 1 KHz (0.1 to 10 ms in a cycle). The display data D1, D2, D3,... Are converted into a display signal Sv by digital-analog conversion.

  For example, the shape presentation signal S1 is applied next to the display data D1 via the wiring pattern group 57 between the electrode 52 and the electrode pattern 29e arranged for each operation key image, and the shape is next to the display data D2. The presentation signal S2 is applied, the shape presentation signal S3 is applied next to the display data D3, the shape presentation signal S4 is applied next to the display data D4, the display data D5, then the shape presentation signal S5 is applied, and then the display data D6 is applied. The shape presentation signal S6 is applied in a time division manner.

  According to the data format DF2 shown in FIG. 40B, only the tactile expression by the conductive rubber 182 in the tactile sheet unit 180 is made to function, and the shape presentation signals S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6. A packet is applied between the pattern 29e and the wiring pattern group 57. For example, the next shape presentation signal S2 is transmitted every other empty packet via the wiring pattern group 57 between the electrode 52 and the electrode pattern 29e arranged for each operation key image. Such an intermittent transmission method is adopted. Of course, a redundant transmission method in which the shape presentation signal S1 is transferred in two packets may be used.

  According to the data format DF3 shown in FIG. 40C, only the display of the icon image on the display unit 29 is made to function, and the display data D1, D2, D3... Are between the electrode pattern 29e and the wiring pattern group 57. To be packetized and applied. The display data D1, D2, D3,... Are converted into a display signal Sv by digital-analog conversion. For example, in the intermittent transmission method, display data D1 is arranged every other empty packet via the wiring pattern group 57 between the electrode 52 and the electrode pattern 29e arranged corresponding to each operation key image. The next display data D2 is sequentially transmitted. In the redundant transmission system, the display data D1 is loaded on two packets, and the next display data D1 is transferred on the next two packets.

  In the input device 800 described above, the display data D1, D2, D3... Are output from the signal processing unit (not shown) such as the video & audio processing unit 44 shown in FIG. 20 to the display unit 29 instead of the display signal Sv. In addition, the shape presentation signals S1, S2, S3... Are output to the tactile sheet unit 180 instead of the vibration control signal Sout2. Of course, the display data D1, D2, D3... Is supplied from the video & audio processing unit 44 to the display unit 29, or the shape presentation signals S1, S2, S3. Also good.

  Next, an operation example in the input device 800 will be described. A tactile sense and display function selection example will be described. FIG. 41 is an operation flowchart showing an example of tactile sense and display function selection in the input device 800. In this embodiment, in the input device 800 in which the tactile sheet unit 180 is mounted, an operation screen is displayed based on selection of an icon image display output application or a shape presentation application, and the tactile sheet unit 180 is interlocked with this display. As an example, a tactile sensation expression unit is constructed by applying a driving voltage to the conductive rubber 182 via the electrode 52 and the electrode pattern 29e. In this example, when there is an application execution command, a case where selection candidates are switched in the order of display output application → shape presentation application is taken as an example.

  In this example, the control unit 15 shown in FIG. 20 is connected to the input device 50, and the CPU 32 corresponds to the video content displayed on the display unit 29, and the plurality of electrodes 52 and electrode patterns of the tactile sheet unit 180. A drive power supply 55 '(not shown) is controlled so as to apply a drive voltage via 29e, and the conductive rubber 182 forms an uneven shape at a predetermined position corresponding to the video content.

  With these as tactile sense and display function selection conditions, the CPU 32 inputs an application execution command in step ST81 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The application execution command is given to the CPU 32 using, for example, power switch ON information as a trigger. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST82, and the CPU 32 branches the control in accordance with the application execution instruction corresponding to the display output application or other application execution instruction.

  When the application execution command executes a command accompanied by the display output application and the shape presentation application, or when only the display output application command is executed, the process proceeds to step ST83, and the CPU 32 reads the control information of the display output application. The control information is associated with a display output application, a shape presentation application, and the like in advance. The CPU 32 controls the output of the display unit 29 and the tactile sheet unit 180 based on the control information.

  In this example, since the CPU 32 assumes that the application execution command is a display output application or a shape presentation application is executed in parallel, control branches in accordance with the content of the application execution command also in step ST83. When the shape presentation application is executed, the process proceeds to step ST84, and the CPU 32 causes the display unit 29 and the tactile sheet unit 180 to simultaneously display the icon image for the operation key and the tactile expression by the conductive rubber 182. To control.

  For example, the CPU 32 outputs display data and shape presentation signals D1, S1, D2, S2, D3, S3, D4, S4, D5, S5, D6... To the input device 800 in the data format DF1 shown in FIG. To do. Display data D1, D2, D3... And shape presentation signals S1, S2, S3... Are alternately applied in packets between the electrode pattern 29e and the wiring pattern group 57. The display data D1, D2, D3,... Are converted into a display signal Sv by digital-analog conversion. The display unit 29 displays an icon image for the operation key based on the display signal Sv. A driving power supply 55 ′ (not shown) applies a driving voltage to the plurality of electrodes 52 and the electrode pattern 29 e of the tactile sheet unit 180 at a position corresponding to the display content of the icon image for the operation key. Thereby, the conductive rubber 182 forms an uneven shape at a predetermined position corresponding to the video content. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST88.

  When the application execution command executes only the display output application in step ST83 described above, the process proceeds to step ST85, and the CPU 32 controls the display unit 29 so as to function only the display of the icon image for the operation key. For example, the CPU 32 outputs the display data D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6... To the input device 800 in the data format DF3 shown in FIG. Display data D1, D2, D3... Are applied between the electrode pattern 29e and the wiring pattern group 57 every other packet or using two packets. The display data D1, D2, D3,... Are converted into a display signal Sv by digital-analog conversion. The display unit 29 displays an icon image for the operation key based on the display signal Sv. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST88.

  If an application execution instruction other than the display output application is set in step ST82 described above, the process proceeds to step ST86, and the application execution instruction branches control by the shape presentation application or other application. When the application execution command is a shape presentation application, the process proceeds to step ST87, and the CPU 32 reads control information of the shape presentation application. The CPU 32 controls a driving power supply 55 ′ (not shown) based on the control information, and applies a driving voltage to the plurality of electrodes 52 and the electrode pattern 29 e of the tactile sheet unit 180. As a result, the conductive rubber 182 forms an uneven shape at a predetermined position. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST88.

  The process proceeds to step ST88 to determine the end of the input process in the input device 800. For example, the CPU 32 detects an end command output from the host control system. If no end command is detected, the process returns to step ST81 to repeat the above-described processing. When the end command is detected, the input process in the input device 800 is ended.

  Thus, according to the input device 800 as the eighth embodiment, the display device 129 having the tactile variable sheet function having the tactile sheet portion 180 according to the present invention is provided, so that the display surface is observed in a flat state. Even when the icon image or the like displayed on the display unit 29 is touched with the hand and the upper part of the conductive rubber 182 is slid on the display screen, an input operation with a feeling of unevenness can be presented. As a result, it is possible to provide an input device 800 with a programmable tactile variable sheet function for icon touch.

  According to the above-described example, the magnitude of the DC drive voltage is varied and applied from the drive power supply 55 'to the electrode 52 and the electrode pattern 29e corresponding to each operation key. If comprised in this way, in the position corresponding to each operation key of the conductive rubber 182, each of the conductive rubber 182 sandwiched between the electrode 52 and the electrode pattern 29e serving as the key element is in contact with the operator's finger or the like. A programmable tactile sensation that gives a sense of unevenness can be presented by a raised shape, a depressed shape, or an original shape with no energization in which the amount of swelling of the conductive rubber 182 in that portion is variably adjusted.

  Next, a modification (No. 1) of the display device in the input device 800 will be described. FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device 229 with a tactile variable sheet function that can be applied to the input device 800. The display device 229 shown in FIG. 42 includes a transparent tactile variable sheet portion 180 that constitutes an example of a tactile sheet means, and a display unit 29 on the tactile variable sheet unit 180. The tactile variable sheet unit 180 and the display unit 29 are provided. The electrode pattern 29e and the wiring pattern group 57 are shared. In this example, a liquid crystal display element is used for the display unit 29 instead of the organic EL element, and a backlight 29g is provided in the lowermost layer. The other constituent members and functions are the same as those of the display device 129 and have the same functions, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In this example, the tactile variable sheet portion 180 is provided on the backlight 29g shown in FIG. A base film 181 is provided on the backlight 29g, and a conductive rubber portion 182 and an intermediate layer film 183 are laminated on the base film 181. A conductive rubber part 182 is joined to the upper part of the base film 181 with an adhesive or the like. The conductive rubber portion 182 is made of a transparent and conductive sheet-like polymer material (artificial muscle).

  As shown in FIG. 42, electrodes 52 are disposed on the lower surface of the conductive rubber 182 at positions corresponding to the individual operation keys, and the plurality of electrodes 52 are individually connected to the wiring pattern group 57 described above. An intermediate layer film 183 is bonded to the upper portion of the conductive rubber portion 182 with an adhesive or the like. A display portion 29 constituting a liquid crystal display element is bonded to the upper part of the intermediate layer film 183 with an adhesive or the like.

  The display unit 29 includes a sealing layer 29a, a liquid crystal material 29f, an intermediate layer film 29c, a base panel 29d, an electrode pattern 29e, and a backlight 29g. The sealing layer 29a has a frame shape as shown in FIG. 38 and is provided on the intermediate layer film 183 so as to seal the liquid crystal material 29f.

  An intermediate layer film 29c is bonded to the top of the sealing layer 29a and the liquid crystal material 29f with an adhesive or the like. A base panel 29d is disposed on the intermediate layer film 29c. On the lower surface side of the base panel 29d, an electrode pattern 29e shared by the touch-sensitive variable sheet portion 180 and the display portion 29 is disposed. The above-described wiring pattern group 57 is connected to a drive power supply 55 ′ (not shown) together with the electrode pattern 29e of the display unit 29. The drive power supply 55 ′ uses the electrode 52 and the electrode pattern 29e of the liquid crystal display element for each operation key. A DC driving voltage is applied during the period. At that time, the magnitude of the DC drive voltage may be varied and applied. Thus, a display device 229 applicable to the input device 800 is configured.

  When the display device 229 having the liquid crystal display element on the tactile variable sheet portion 180 is configured as described above, even if the display surface is observed to be flat, the icon image or the like displayed on the display portion 29 is touched and displayed. When the upper part of the conductive rubber 182 at the bottom of the screen is slid, an input operation with a feeling of unevenness can be presented. This makes it possible to provide an input device 800 with a programmable tactile variable sheet function for icon touch.

  Next, a modification (No. 2) of the display device in the input device 800 will be described. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device 329 with a tactile variable sheet function that can be applied to the input device 800. 43 includes a transparent tactile variable sheet 180 and a display unit 29 on the tactile variable sheet 180, and an electrode pattern 29e shared by the tactile variable sheet 180 and the display unit 29. The wiring pattern groups 57 and 58 are individually arranged. In this example, an organic EL element is used for the display unit 29 instead of the liquid crystal display element.

  In this example, the tactile variable sheet portion 180 has a base film 181 shown in FIG. 43, and is configured by laminating an intermediate layer film 183 and a conductive rubber portion 182 on the base film 181. The intermediate layer film 183 may be omitted. An intermediate layer film 183 is bonded to the upper portion of the base film 181 with an adhesive or the like, and a conductive rubber portion 182 is bonded to the intermediate layer film 183 with the same agent. The conductive rubber portion 182 is made of a transparent and conductive sheet-like polymer material (artificial muscle).

  A wiring film portion 184 is provided on the conductive rubber 182. For the film portion 184, an insulating and transparent polyimide film member is used. A wiring pattern group 57 for a tactile variable sheet is provided on the lower surface side of the film part 184, and a wiring pattern group 58 for an organic EL element is provided on the upper surface side thereof. In this example, on the upper surface side of the conductive rubber 182, the electrodes 52 shown in FIG. 43 are arranged at positions corresponding to the individual operation key images, and the plurality of electrodes 52 are individually connected to the wiring pattern group 57. .

  A display portion 29 having an organic EL element is bonded to the upper portion of the wiring film portion 184 with an adhesive or the like. The display unit 29 includes a sealing layer 29a, a self-luminous organic material 29b, an intermediate layer film 29c, a base panel 29d, and an electrode pattern 29e. The sealing layer 29a has a frame shape as shown in FIG. 38, is provided on the intermediate layer film 29h, and seals the self-luminous organic material 29b.

  An intermediate layer film 29c is bonded to the top of the sealing layer 29a and the self-luminous organic material 29b with an adhesive or the like. A base panel 29d is disposed on the intermediate layer film 29c. An electrode pattern 29e is disposed on the lower surface side of the base panel 29d and is shared by the tactile variability sheet portion 180 and the display portion 29. The wiring pattern group 58 on the lower surface side of the intermediate layer film 29h applies a driving voltage to each pixel of the self-luminous organic material 29b together with the electrode pattern 29e.

  The above-described wiring pattern groups 57 and 58 are connected to the drive power supply 55 ′ (not shown) together with the electrode pattern 29e of the display unit 29, and the drive power supply 55 ′ shares the electrode 52 and the organic EL element for each operation key. A DC drive voltage is applied between the electrode pattern 29e. At that time, the magnitude of the DC drive voltage may be varied and applied. Thus, a display device 229 applicable to the input device 800 is configured. The other constituent members and functions are the same as those of the display device 129 and have the same functions, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, even when the display device 329 having the organic EL element is configured on the touch-sensitive variable sheet portion 180 and the wiring pattern group 58 is provided without sharing the wiring pattern group 57, the display surface is flat. When an icon image or the like displayed on the display unit 29 is touched with a hand and the upper part of the conductive rubber 182 is slid on the display screen, an input operation with a feeling of unevenness can be presented. This makes it possible to provide an input device 800 with a programmable tactile variable sheet function for icon touch.

  Next, a modification (No. 3) of the display device in the input device 800 will be described. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device 429 having a tactile variable sheet function that can be applied to the input device 800. The display device 429 shown in FIG. 44 includes a transparent tactile variable sheet unit 180, and a display unit 29 on the tactile variable sheet unit 180, and an electrode pattern 29e shared by the tactile variable sheet unit 180 and the display unit 29. The wiring pattern groups 57 and 58 are individually arranged. In this example, a liquid crystal display element is used for the display unit 29 instead of the organic EL element.

  In this example, the tactile variable sheet portion 180 has a base film 181 on the top of the backlight 29g shown in FIG. 44, and is configured by laminating an intermediate layer film 183 and a conductive rubber portion 182 on the base film 181. The The intermediate layer film 183, the base film 181 and the like may be omitted. The intermediate layer film 183 is bonded to the upper portion of the base film 181 with an adhesive or the like, and the conductive rubber portion 182 is bonded to the intermediate layer film 183 with the same agent. The conductive rubber portion 182 is made of a transparent and conductive sheet-like polymer material (artificial muscle).

  A wiring film portion 184 is provided on the conductive rubber 182. For the film portion 184, an insulating and transparent polyimide film member is used. A wiring pattern group 57 for a tactile variable sheet is provided on the lower surface side of the film portion 184, and a wiring pattern group 58 for a liquid crystal display element is provided on the upper surface side thereof. In this example, the electrode 52 shown in FIG. 44 is disposed on the upper surface side of the conductive rubber 182 at a position corresponding to each operation key image, and the plurality of electrodes 52 are individually connected to the wiring pattern group 57. .

  A display portion 29 having a liquid crystal display element is bonded to the upper portion of the wiring film portion 184 with an adhesive or the like. The display unit 29 includes a sealing layer 29a, a liquid crystal material 29f, an intermediate layer film 29c, a base panel 29d, and an electrode pattern 29e. The sealing layer 29a has a frame shape as shown in FIG. 38, is provided on the intermediate layer film 29h, and seals the liquid crystal material 29f.

  An intermediate layer film 29c is bonded to the top of the sealing layer 29a and the liquid crystal material 29f with an adhesive or the like. A base panel 29d is disposed on the intermediate layer film 29c. An electrode pattern 29e is disposed on the lower surface side of the base panel 29d and is shared by the tactile variability sheet portion 180 and the display portion 29. The wiring pattern group 58 on the lower surface side of the intermediate layer film 29h applies a driving voltage to each pixel of the liquid crystal material 29f together with the electrode pattern 29e.

  The above-described wiring pattern groups 57 and 58 are connected to the drive power supply 55 ′ (not shown) together with the electrode pattern 29e of the display unit 29, and the drive power supply 55 ′ shares the electrode 52 and the liquid crystal display element for each operation key. A DC drive voltage is applied between the electrode pattern 29e. At that time, the magnitude of the DC drive voltage may be varied and applied. Thus, a display device 229 applicable to the input device 800 is configured. The other constituent members and functions are the same as those of the display device 129 and have the same functions, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In this way, even when the display device 429 having the liquid crystal display element is formed on the tactile variable sheet portion 180 and the wiring pattern group 58 is provided without sharing the wiring pattern group 57, the display surface is flat. When an icon image or the like displayed on the display unit 29 is touched with a hand and the upper part of the conductive rubber 182 is slid on the display screen, an input operation with a feeling of unevenness can be presented. This makes it possible to provide an input device 800 with a programmable tactile variable sheet function for icon touch.

  Next, a modification (No. 4) of the display device in the input device 800 will be described. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device 529 with a tactile variable sheet function that can be applied to the input device 800. A display device 529 shown in FIG. 45 includes a transparent tactile variable sheet unit 180 and a display unit 29 on the tactile variable sheet unit 180, and an electrode pattern 185 shared by the tactile variable sheet unit 180 and the display unit 29. The wiring pattern groups 57 and 58 are individually arranged. In this example, an organic EL element is used for the display unit 29 in place of the liquid crystal display element, and a tactile variable sheet unit 180 is disposed on the display unit 29.

In this example, the display device 529 includes a film portion 29i for organic EL wiring. An insulating and transparent polyimide film member is used for the film portion 29i. A wiring pattern group 58 for organic EL elements is provided on the upper surface side of the film part 29i.
A display part 29 having an organic EL element is bonded to the upper part of the film part 29i with an adhesive or the like. The display unit 29 includes a sealing layer 29a, a self-luminous organic material 29b, an intermediate layer film 29c, and a base panel 29d. The sealing layer 29a has a frame shape as shown in FIG. 38 and is provided on the intermediate layer film 29c so as to seal the self-luminous organic material 29b. A sealing panel 29d ′ is disposed on the sealing layer 29a and the self-luminous organic material 29b. A tactile variable sheet portion 180 is provided on the upper portion of the sealing panel 29d ′.

  In this example, the tactile variable sheet portion 180 has a base film 181 shown in FIG. 45, and is configured by laminating a conductive rubber portion 182, an electrode pattern 185 and a base panel 186 on the base film 181. A wiring pattern group 57 is disposed on the upper surface side of the base film 181. A conductive rubber part 182 is joined to the upper part of the base film 181 with an adhesive or the like. The conductive rubber portion 182 is made of a transparent and conductive sheet-like polymer material (artificial muscle).

  In this example, the electrodes 52 shown in FIG. 45 are disposed on the lower surface side of the conductive rubber 182 at positions corresponding to the individual operation key images, and the plurality of electrodes 52 are individually connected to the wiring pattern group 57. The An electrode pattern 185 is disposed on the conductive rubber 182 and is shared by the tactile variability sheet unit 180 and the display unit 29. A base panel 186 is provided on the electrode pattern 185. The wiring pattern group 58 on the lower surface side of the intermediate layer film 29c described above applies a driving voltage to each pixel of the self-luminous organic material 29b together with the electrode pattern 185.

  The above-described wiring pattern groups 57 and 58 are connected to the drive power supply 55 ′ (not shown) together with the electrode pattern 185 of the display unit 29, and are shared with the electrode 52 and the organic EL element for each operation key in the drive power supply 55 ′. A DC drive voltage is applied between the electrode pattern 185 and the electrode pattern 185. At that time, the magnitude of the DC drive voltage may be varied and applied. Thus, a display device 529 applicable to the input device 800 is configured. The other constituent members and functions are the same as those of the display device 129 and have the same functions, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, even when the display device 529 having the tactile variable sheet portion 180 is configured on the display unit 29 and the wiring pattern group 58 is provided without sharing the wiring pattern group 57, the display surface is flat. When an icon image or the like displayed on the display unit 29 is touched with a hand and the upper part of the conductive rubber 182 is slid on the display screen, an input operation with a feeling of unevenness can be presented. This makes it possible to provide an input device 800 with a programmable tactile variable sheet function for icon touch.

  Next, a modification (No. 5) of the display device in the input device 800 will be described. FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device 629 with a tactile variable sheet function that can be applied to the input device 800. A display device 629 shown in FIG. 46 includes a display unit 29 and a transparent tactile variable sheet unit 180 on the display unit 29, and electrode patterns 29e shared by the tactile variable sheet unit 180 and the display unit 29, and individual The wiring pattern groups 57 and 58 are arranged in the configuration. In this example, a liquid crystal display element is used for the display unit 29 instead of the organic EL element.

  In this example, the display unit 29 has a film part 29j for liquid crystal wiring above the backlight 29g shown in FIG. An insulating and transparent polyimide film member is used for the film portion 29j. A wiring pattern group 58 for a liquid crystal display element is provided on the lower surface side of the film portion 29j.

  A display portion 29 having a liquid crystal display element is bonded to the upper portion of the wiring film portion 29j with an adhesive or the like. The display unit 29 includes a sealing layer 29a, an intermediate layer film 29c, a sealing panel 29d ', and a liquid crystal material 29f. The sealing layer 29a has a frame shape as shown in FIG. 38 and is provided on the intermediate layer film 29c so as to seal the liquid crystal material 29f. A sealing panel 29d 'is bonded to the top of the sealing layer 29a and the liquid crystal material 29f with an adhesive or the like. A tactile variable sheet portion 180 is provided on the upper portion of the sealing panel 29d '.

  In this example, the tactile variable sheet portion 180 has a base film 181 shown in FIG. 46, and is configured by laminating a conductive rubber portion 182, an electrode pattern 185, and a base panel 186 on the base film 181. A wiring pattern group 57 is disposed on the upper surface side of the base film 181. A conductive rubber part 182 is joined to the upper part of the base film 181 with an adhesive or the like. The conductive rubber portion 182 is made of a transparent and conductive sheet-like polymer material (artificial muscle).

  In this example, the electrodes 52 shown in FIG. 46 are arranged on the lower surface side of the conductive rubber 182 at positions corresponding to the individual operation key images, and the plurality of electrodes 52 are individually connected to the wiring pattern group 57. The An electrode pattern 185 is disposed on the conductive rubber 182 and is shared by the tactile variability sheet unit 180 and the display unit 29. A base panel 186 is provided on the electrode pattern 185. The wiring pattern group 58 on the lower surface side of the above-described intermediate layer film 29c applies a driving voltage to each pixel of the liquid crystal material 29f together with the electrode pattern 185.

  The above-described wiring pattern groups 57 and 58 are connected to the drive power supply 55 ′ (not shown) together with the electrode pattern 185 of the tactile variable sheet portion 180, and the drive power supply 55 ′ uses the electrode 52, the liquid crystal display element, A DC drive voltage is applied between the shared electrode pattern 185. At that time, the magnitude of the DC drive voltage may be varied and applied. Thus, a display device 629 applicable to the input device 800 is configured. The other constituent members and functions are the same as those of the display device 129 and have the same functions, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, even when the display device 629 having the touch-sensitive variable sheet portion 180 is formed on the liquid crystal display element and the wiring pattern group 58 is provided without sharing the wiring pattern group 57, the display surface is flat. When an icon image or the like displayed on the display unit 29 is touched with a hand and the upper part of the conductive rubber 182 is slid on the display screen, an input operation with a feeling of unevenness can be presented. This makes it possible to provide an input device 800 with a programmable tactile variable sheet function for icon touch.

  FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the input device 900 as the ninth embodiment. In this embodiment, the input detection unit 45 as described in the eighth embodiment is not provided between the uppermost film unit 5 and the display device 129 with a tactile variable sheet function, but an element in the display device 129. The pressure displacement of the muscle portion 54 (conductive rubber 182) is read to detect the sliding position and pressing force of the operator's finger 30a and the like.

  The input device 900 shown in FIG. 47 includes a tactile variable sheet 190, a load resistor RL, a comparison circuit 450, and a drive power source 505 in a configuration example in which a portion corresponding to a certain operation key element is extracted.

  The tactile variable sheet 190 includes the electrodes 51 and 52 and the element muscle 54 (which may be a conductive rubber 182). Also in this example, the element muscle portion 54 corresponding to the operation key element is sandwiched between the electrodes 51 and 52. For example, the electrode 51 is connected to the ground line GND, and the electrode 52 is connected to the drive power source 505 via a load resistor RL.

  A comparison circuit 450 constituting another example of the detection unit is connected to the connection point between the load resistance RL and the electrode 52 so as to read the pressure displacement (change) of the element muscle portion 54 and detect the pressing force of the operating body. Become. In this example, a voltage drop (hereinafter referred to as an output voltage V0) corresponding to the pressing force F applied to the element muscle portion 54 is generated in the load resistance RL. Two comparators 451 and 452 are used in the comparison circuit 450, and the comparators 451 and 452 are connected to the power supply line VCC and the ground line GND, respectively. The connection point between the load resistor RL and the electrode 52 is connected to the + terminals of the comparators 451 and 452.

  The drive power supply 505 is connected to the negative terminals of the comparators 451 and 452 at each stage of the comparison circuit 450, and the reference voltage VREF is supplied. The position detection comparator 451 is supplied with the position detection threshold voltage Vth1 as the reference voltage VREF, and the pressing force determination threshold comparator 452 is supplied with the pressing force determination threshold voltage Vth2. The drive power supply 505 is connected to the power supply line VCC and the ground line GND. The threshold voltages Vth1 and Vth2 and the drive voltage Vo are set by command data D from the CPU 32. The comparator 451 compares the threshold voltage Vth1 with the output voltage V0, and outputs a position detection signal S1 to the CPU 32 when an output voltage V0 exceeding the threshold voltage Vth1 is obtained. The comparator 452 compares the threshold voltage Vth2 with the output voltage V0, and outputs a pressing force detection signal S2 to the CPU 32 when an output voltage V0 exceeding the threshold voltage Vth2 is obtained.

Next, an example of input processing in the input device 900 will be described. 48 and 49 are block diagrams for explaining an operation example (Nos. 1, 2) of one operation key element. FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing an example of the input process.
In this example, the drive power source 505 applies a drive voltage Vo having a magnitude based on the shape presentation command data D input from the CPU 32 between the electrodes 51 and 52. As an example, the threshold voltage Vth1 is set in the comparator 451, and the threshold voltage Vth2 is set in the comparator 452.

  With these as input conditions, the position detection signal S1 and the pressure detection signal S2 are input to the A / D driver 31 in step ST91 of the flowchart shown in FIG. According to the tactile variable sheet unit 190 shown in FIG. 48, the elemental muscle portion 54 changes to a convex shape when the shape is presented. This shape change is caused by the fact that the driving power source 505 receives the shape presentation command data D from the CPU 32 and applies a drive voltage Vo having a magnitude based on the command data D between the electrode 51 and the electrode 52 so that the element muscle portion 54 This is to change the shape into a convex shape. In this state, since the comparator 451 does not detect the output voltage V0 exceeding the threshold voltage Vth1, the position detection signal S1 is low level = “0”. Further, since the comparator 452 does not detect the output voltage V0 exceeding the threshold voltage Vth2, the pressing detection signal S2 is also at the low level = “0”.

  And the position detection in step ST92 and the pressure detection in step ST95 are processed in parallel. According to the tactile variable sheet 190 shown in FIG. 49, when the shape is presented, the element muscle 54 is pressed by the operator's finger 30a or the like, and the element muscle 54 changes to a concave shape. . However, since the operator's finger 30a and the like are pressing on the element muscle portion 54, the current i flowing through the load resistance RL changes. For example, it decreases or increases compared to the current i in a state where the element muscle portion 54 is not pressed. This change in current i appears due to a voltage drop across the load resistor RL.

  According to the position detection process in step ST92, the sliding position of the operator's finger 30a or the like is detected by monitoring the output voltage V0 at the connection point between the load resistor RL and the electrode 52. In this example, in step ST93, the comparator 451 compares the threshold voltage Vth1 with the output voltage V0 and monitors the output voltage V0 exceeding the threshold voltage Vth1. At this time, when the comparator 451 detects the output voltage V0 exceeding the threshold voltage Vth1, for example, the position detection signal S1 (which may be the position detection voltage V1) of high level = “1” is sent to the A / D driver 31. Is output. The A / D driver 31 outputs position detection information D1 obtained by analog / digital conversion of the position detection signal S1 to the CPU 32. When the output voltage V0 exceeding the threshold voltage Vth1 is detected, the process proceeds to step ST94, and the position detection information D1 is stored in the storage unit 35 as shown in FIG.

  According to the pressure detection process executed in step ST95 in parallel with the above-described process, the pressing force of the operator's finger 30a and the like is detected by monitoring the output voltage V0 at the connection point between the load resistance RL and the electrode 52. To be made. In this example, in step ST96, the comparator 452 compares the threshold voltage Vth2 with the output voltage V0 and monitors the output voltage V0 exceeding the threshold voltage Vth2. At this time, when the element muscle portion 54 is further strongly pressed, the comparator 452 detects the output voltage V0 exceeding the threshold voltage Vth2, so that, for example, a press detection signal of high level = “1”. S2 (the pressure detection voltage V2 may be used) is output to the A / D driver 31. The position detection voltage V1 and the pressure detection voltage V2 are different in magnitude (V1 ≠ V2). The A / D driver 31 outputs the pressure detection information D2 obtained by analog-digital conversion of the pressure detection signal S2 to the CPU 32.

  When the output voltage V0 exceeding the threshold voltage Vth2 is detected in the above example, the process proceeds to step ST97, and the input is determined using the press detection information D2 as a trigger. Accordingly, the CPU 32 can detect the sliding position and the pressing force F of the operator's finger 30a and the like from the position detection information D1 and the pressure detection information D2.

  Thus, according to the input device 900 as the ninth embodiment, the touch key variable sheet portion 190, the load resistance RL, and the comparison circuit 450 are provided for one element of the operation key, and the electrode 52 and the load resistance of the touch sensitive variable sheet portion 190 are provided. The comparison circuit 450 monitors the output voltage V0 at the connection point with the RL. For example, when there are 20 operation keys, 20 circuits for monitoring the output voltage V0 may be provided.

  Therefore, since the function of the input detection unit 45 can be constructed by the element muscle portion 54 (conductive rubber 182) of the tactile variable sheet unit 190 and the comparison circuit 450, the input detection unit 45 in the fifth to eighth embodiments. The resistance film type touch panel and the capacitive type touch panel which are configured as described above can be omitted. The comparison circuit 450 can be arranged on a circuit board that is out of the display screen without being arranged on the display screen, and the design restriction of the input detection unit 45 can be relaxed.

  In addition, compared to conventional methods, it is possible to express uneven shapes through touch on the display screen, and the place to express can be changed depending on the application state of the operation key screen, so the user has so far It is possible to obtain tactile information (such as simple unevenness and the texture of clothes) from the operation plane of the present invention, as if it were obtained by touching a real-world keyboard or a substance having an uneven shape in the existing world. It has become possible to dramatically improve sex.

  51A to 51C are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a mobile phone 110 as the tenth embodiment. A mobile phone 110 shown in FIG. 51A includes an anti-slip sheet 160 'to which the tactile sheet device 160 described in the sixth embodiment is applied. For example, the non-slip sheet 160 ′ is provided so as to surround a side portion gripped by the operator with the mobile phone 110.

  A mobile phone 110 shown in FIG. 51B has a casing 111, and for example, an electrode 52, a muscle sheet portion 54 ', and an electrode 51 are stacked so as to surround the casing 111. Referring to the driving example shown in FIG. 35, there is a case where there is no shape presentation command for executing shape presentation from the host CPU 32 to the drive power supply 55 '(OFF). In this case, the uneven shape change is not seen around the side surface of the casing 111. There is no difference from the state around the side of a conventional mobile phone.

  According to the mobile phone 110 shown in FIG. 51C, this is a case where there is a shape presentation command from the host CPU 32 to the drive power supply 55 '(ON). In this case, an uneven shape appears around the side surface of the casing 111. In this example, the side surface portion of the casing of the mobile phone 110 held by the operator changes to a corrugated shape. The control for changing only the gripped portion to the concavo-convex shape may be the control method described in the ninth embodiment. Thereby, a grip feeling is given compared with the state around the side surface of the conventional mobile phone.

  52A to 52C are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the Braille variable sheet device 220 as the eleventh embodiment. A braille variable sheet device 220 shown in FIG. 52A includes a braille variable sheet 180 'to which the tactile sheet device 180 described in the eighth embodiment is applied. The braille variable sheet 180 ′ is provided, for example, on an operation screen that the operator touches with the braille variable sheet device 220. In the drawing, a cylindrical shape shown by a broken line is an element Braille, and is a portion where the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ is raised in a convex shape reflecting the shape of a circular electrode 51 (not shown).

  The braille variable sheet device 220 shown in FIG. 52B is configured by laminating an input detection unit 45 and a braille variable sheet 180 ′ on the display unit 29 in order. For example, the braille variable sheet 180 ′ is provided on the base film 181 having the wiring pattern group 57, the muscle sheet portion 54 ′ bonded to the base film 181 and the back side of the muscle sheet portion 54 ′. The electrode 51 and the film part 186 are laminated on the electrode 51. The display unit 29 and the input detection unit 45 may be omitted.

  Also in this example, referring to the driving example shown in FIG. 35, a shape presentation command for executing element braille shape presentation is supplied from the host CPU 32 to the drive power supply 55 '. In this example, there is no shape presentation command (OFF). In this case, no change in the concavo-convex shape is seen on the operation screen touched by the operator.

  According to the braille variable sheet device 220 shown in FIG. 52C, there is a case where there is a shape presentation command from the host CPU 32 to the drive power supply 55 '(ON). In this case, a concavo-convex shape appears on the operation screen touched by the operator. In this example, the case side surface portion of the braille variable sheet device 220 that is touched by the operator changes to a cylindrical protrusion (convex) shape. The Braille appearance control for changing the convex portion constituting the Braille block into a convex shape may be the control method described in the ninth embodiment. This makes it possible to provide a braille variable sheet device 220 capable of braille interaction that allows a braille block to appear variably based on control information, as compared to a conventional fixed braille block.

  In the first to eleventh embodiments described above, the individual functions have been described with respect to the tactile sheet means. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and tactile sheet means having individual functions may be used in combination. For example, the tactile sensation expressing unit has tactile presentation element opening portions p1 to p25 having a predetermined size of opening diameter and opened at a predetermined position of the base member 1, and the medium supply unit opens the element. The first tactile sheet means having the air conditioning unit 3 that blows air into the holes p1 to p25 or sucks air from the element apertures p1 to p25, and the tactile expression unit has a predetermined size. A second tactile sheet comprising element bag portions q1 to q25 for presenting tactile sensation disposed at predetermined positions of the base member 11, and a medium supply portion having a blowing section for blowing air to the element bag portions q1 to q25. And the tactile sensation expression unit includes electrodes 51 and 52 having a predetermined size and conductive element muscles E1 for providing tactile sensation disposed at predetermined positions of an insulating and transparent member. E25, conductive rubber 182 and the like are used, and the medium supply section is the element muscle section E1 to E2. The third is a such combining tactile sheet means having or conductive rubber 182 or the like of the electrodes 51 and 52 drive power source 55 supplies a drive voltage Vo '.

  The present invention relates to a digital camera, a video camera, a mobile phone, a portable terminal device, a desktop personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer), a notebook personal computer, a Braille, and the like, which have a tactile input function for presenting a tactile sensation when touching an icon screen It is extremely suitable when applied to electronic devices such as block devices and automatic teller machines.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,11,101 ... Base member, 2 ... Channel panel, 3 ... Air-conditioning part (medium supply part), 5 ... Film part, 13 ... Microphone, 15 ... Control part , 16 ... Antenna, 18 ... Receiver, 21 ... Receiver, 22 ... Transmitter, 23 ... Duplexer, 26 ... Image processor, 29 ... Display 31 ... A / D driver, 32 ... CPU (control unit), 33 ... power supply unit, 34 ... camera, 35 ... storage unit, 36a ... speaker, 36b ... Speaker with actuator function, 37... Memory unit, 44... Video & audio processing unit, 45... Input detection unit, 51, 52... Electrode, 53. 54 ... elemental muscle part, 55, 55 ', 505 ... drive power supply, 57, 58 ..Wiring pattern group, 100, 150, 151, 152, 153, 200 ... tactile sheet device, 103 ... tactile sheet unit, 220 ... Braille variable sheet device (electronic device), 300, 400, 500 , 700, 800, 900 ... input device, 110, 600, 710 ... mobile phone (electronic device)

Claims (9)

Sheet-like material for tactile presentation,
A flow channel panel disposed at a position in contact with the sheet-shaped material, a supply unit for supplying a medium between the sheet-shaped material and the flow channel panel,
With
The flow channel panel is a base member having a plurality of concave portions and groove portions connecting the concave portions to each other on the upper surface of the flow channel panel,
The sheet-shaped material covers the upper surface of the flow channel panel, and when the medium is supplied between the sheet-shaped material and the flow channel panel via the groove by the supply unit, The tactile sheet device is configured such that a space between the sheet-shaped material and the flow channel panel expands, and a raised shape is formed at a position corresponding to the concave portion on the upper surface of the sheet-shaped material. An input device for inputting information by sliding or pressing operation with an operating body,
A detection unit that is provided in a display unit having an operation surface and detects a sliding position of the operation body;
A transparent tactile sheet means that is provided so as to cover a part or all of the detection unit, and is slid or pressed along the operation surface of the display unit,
The tactile sheet means includes
Sheet-like material for tactile presentation,
A flow channel panel disposed at a position in contact with the sheet-shaped material, a supply unit for supplying a medium between the sheet-shaped material and the flow channel panel,
With
The flow channel panel is a base member having a plurality of concave portions and groove portions connecting the concave portions to each other on the upper surface of the flow channel panel,
The sheet-shaped material covers the upper surface of the flow channel panel, and when the medium is supplied between the sheet-shaped material and the flow channel panel via the groove by the supply unit, An input device in which a space between the sheet-shaped material and the flow channel panel expands, and a raised shape is formed at a position corresponding to the concave portion on the upper surface of the sheet-shaped material. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the supply unit has a programmable function of supplying a medium individually or in groups to a plurality of locations where the raised shape is formed. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the supply unit includes a piezoelectric element, and supplies a compression medium to the plurality of lids individually or in groups through the flow channel panel. . The input device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of places where the raised shape is formed are arranged corresponding to the video content displayed on the display unit. The input device according to claim 5, further comprising a control unit that controls supply of the medium to the plurality of lid units in accordance with video content displayed on the display unit. The input device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the supply unit to adjust an amount of a medium to be supplied to the lid unit, thereby changing a tactile sensation to be given to the operation body. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit detects a pressing force of the operating body by reading a change in pressure at a plurality of locations where the raised shape is formed. A housing having an operation surface;
An input device that is provided in the housing and inputs information by sliding or pressing with an operating body;
The input device is:
A detection unit that is provided in a display unit having an operation surface and detects a sliding position of the operation body;
A transparent tactile sheet means that is provided so as to cover a part or all of the detection unit, and is slid or pressed along the operation surface of the display unit,
The tactile sheet means includes
Sheet-like material for tactile presentation,
A flow channel panel disposed at a position in contact with the sheet-shaped material, a supply unit for supplying a medium between the sheet-shaped material and the flow channel panel,
Have
The flow channel panel is a base member having a plurality of concave portions and groove portions connecting the concave portions to each other on the upper surface of the flow channel panel,
The sheet-shaped material covers the upper surface of the flow channel panel, and when the medium is supplied between the sheet-shaped material and the flow channel panel via the groove by the supply unit, An electronic apparatus in which a space between the sheet-shaped material and the flow channel panel expands, and a raised shape is formed at a position corresponding to the concave portion on the upper surface of the sheet-shaped material.

Images