JP6477305B2 - Electronic device and press detection program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device and a press detection program.

  Conventionally, a movable plate having an input operation surface on the surface, a support substrate that is arranged with a slight insulating interval from the movable plate, and supports the movable plate from the back surface, a pressure on the input operation surface and its pressing position, There is a touch panel input device including press detection means for detecting press position data detected from contact between conductive plates formed on a movable plate and opposing surfaces on a support substrate. When the touch panel input device detects a press, the touch panel input device vibrates the movable plate or the support substrate to generate an input operation feeling. In addition, when a piezoelectric substrate having a pair of drive electrodes fixed on both sides facing each other is fixed to a movable plate or a support substrate directly or via a drive electrode, and a pressure on the input operation surface is detected, a pair of drives A driving voltage is applied to the electrodes, and the movable plate or the support substrate is vibrated by the expanding and contracting piezoelectric substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-122507 A

  By the way, the conventional touch panel input device cannot detect whether the user is pressing the touch panel when the piezoelectric substrate is vibrated. For this reason, the conventional touch panel input device is not easy to use.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a user-friendly electronic device and a press detection program.

  An electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a top panel having an operation surface, a position detection unit that detects a position of an operation input performed on the operation surface, a vibration element that generates vibration on the operation surface, A drive control unit that drives the vibration element with a drive signal that generates a natural vibration of an ultrasonic band on the operation surface according to a position of an operation input to the operation surface, and is supplied from the drive control unit to the vibration element. A current detection unit that detects a current amount to be detected, and a current amount detected by the current detection unit and a voltage value of the drive signal when the position of the operation input is detected by the position detection unit. And a pressing determination unit that determines whether the top panel is pressed by the operation input based on a ratio of 1.

  A user-friendly electronic device and a press detection program can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the electronic device 100 of embodiment. It is a top view which shows the electronic device 100 of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the AA arrow cross section of the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the wave front formed in parallel with the short side of the top panel 120 among the standing waves produced in the top panel 120 by the natural vibration of an ultrasonic band. It is a figure explaining a mode that the dynamic friction force applied to the fingertip which performs operation input changes with the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band produced in the top panel 120 of the electronic device. It is a figure which shows the structure of the electronic device 100 of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the electric current detection part 180. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the presence or absence of a press, and the voltage and electric current of a drive signal. It is a figure which shows the relationship between pressing force and the ratio of the electric current and voltage of a drive signal. It is the figure which summarized the experimental result shown in FIG. 9 by the relationship between pressing force and ratio Ip / Vp. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of operation of electronic device 100. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a pressing force, an amplitude of a drive signal, and a ratio Ip / Vp when operated as in FIG. 11. 4 is a diagram showing data stored in a memory 250. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing data stored in a memory 250. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing data stored in a memory 250. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the application processor 220 performs. It is a figure which shows the data which linked | related the difference (Ip0 / Vp0-Ip / Vp) of ratio, and the press conversion coefficient PF by the 1st modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a view showing the periphery of a driver's seat 11 in a vehicle 10. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an electronic device 100A of a second modification example of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the electronic device 100B of a 3rd modification. It is a figure which shows the cross section of touchpad 160B2 of the electronic device 100B of a 3rd modification. It is a figure which shows the structure of the electronic device 100C of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the application processor 220C performs.

  Embodiments to which an electronic device and a press detection program of the present invention are applied will be described below.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As an example, the electronic device 100 is a smartphone terminal or a tablet computer using a touch panel as an input operation unit. The electronic device 100 may be any device that uses a touch panel as an input operation unit. For example, the electronic device 100 is a device that is installed and used in a specific place such as a portable information terminal or ATM (Automatic Teller Machine). May be.

  The input operation unit 101 of the electronic device 100 is provided with a display panel below the touch panel. Various buttons 102A or a slider 102B or the like (hereinafter referred to as GUI operation unit 102) using a GUI (Graphic User Interface) is provided on the display panel. Is displayed).

  A user of the electronic device 100 usually touches the input operation unit 101 with a fingertip in order to operate the GUI operation unit 102.

  Next, a specific configuration of the electronic device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  2 is a plan view showing electronic device 100 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross-section taken along line AA of electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 2 and 3, an XYZ coordinate system that is an orthogonal coordinate system is defined as shown.

  The electronic device 100 includes a housing 110, a top panel 120, a double-sided tape 130, a vibration element 140, a touch panel 150, a display panel 160, and a substrate 170.

  The housing 110 is made of, for example, resin, and as shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 170, the display panel 160, and the touch panel 150 are disposed in the recess 110 </ b> A, and the top panel 120 is bonded by the double-sided tape 130. .

  The top panel 120 is a thin flat plate member that is rectangular in plan view, and is made of transparent glass or a reinforced plastic such as polycarbonate. The surface of the top panel 120 (the surface on the Z-axis positive direction side) is an example of an operation surface on which the user of the electronic device 100 performs operation input.

  In the top panel 120, the vibration element 140 is bonded to the surface in the negative direction of the Z axis, and four sides in a plan view are bonded to the housing 110 with a double-sided tape 130. The double-sided tape 130 only needs to be able to bond the four sides of the top panel 120 to the housing 110, and does not have to be a rectangular ring as shown in FIG.

  A touch panel 150 is disposed on the Z-axis negative direction side of the top panel 120. The top panel 120 is provided to protect the surface of the touch panel 150. Further, another panel or a protective film may be provided on the surface of the top panel 120.

  The top panel 120 vibrates when the vibration element 140 is driven in a state where the vibration element 140 is bonded to the surface in the negative Z-axis direction. In the first embodiment, the top panel 120 is vibrated at the natural vibration frequency of the top panel 120 to generate a standing wave in the top panel 120. However, since the vibration element 140 is bonded to the top panel 120, it is actually preferable to determine the natural vibration frequency in consideration of the weight of the vibration element 140 and the like.

  The vibration element 140 is bonded to the surface of the top panel 120 on the Z-axis negative direction side along the short side extending in the X-axis direction on the Y-axis positive direction side. The vibration element 140 may be an element that can generate vibrations in an ultrasonic band. For example, an element including a piezoelectric element such as a piezoelectric element can be used.

  The vibration element 140 is driven by a drive signal output from a drive control unit described later. The amplitude (intensity) and frequency of vibration generated by the vibration element 140 are set by the drive signal. Further, on / off of the vibration element 140 is controlled by a drive signal.

  In addition, an ultrasonic band means a frequency band about 20 kHz or more, for example. In the electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment, the frequency at which the vibration element 140 vibrates is equal to the frequency of the top panel 120. Therefore, the vibration element 140 is driven by a drive signal so as to vibrate at the natural frequency of the top panel 120. Driven.

  The touch panel 150 is disposed on the display panel 160 (Z-axis positive direction side) and below the top panel 120 (Z-axis negative direction side). The touch panel 150 is an example of a position detection unit that detects a position where the user of the electronic device 100 touches the top panel 120 (hereinafter referred to as an operation input position).

  On the display panel 160 below the touch panel 150, various buttons and the like (hereinafter referred to as GUI operation unit) by GUI are displayed. For this reason, the user of the electronic device 100 usually touches the top panel 120 with a fingertip in order to operate the GUI operation unit.

  The touch panel 150 may be a position detection unit that can detect the position of an operation input to the user's top panel 120, and may be, for example, a capacitance type or resistance film type position detection unit. Here, a mode in which the touch panel 150 is a capacitance type position detection unit will be described. Even if there is a gap between the touch panel 150 and the top panel 120, the capacitive touch panel 150 can detect an operation input to the top panel 120.

  In addition, here, a form in which the top panel 120 is disposed on the input surface side of the touch panel 150 will be described, but the top panel 120 may be integrated with the touch panel 150. In this case, the surface of the touch panel 150 becomes the surface of the top panel 120 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and an operation surface is constructed. Moreover, the structure which excluded the top panel 120 shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3 may be sufficient. Also in this case, the surface of the touch panel 150 constructs the operation surface. In this case, the member having the operation surface may be vibrated by the natural vibration of the member.

  In the case where the touch panel 150 is a capacitive type, the touch panel 150 may be disposed on the top panel 120. Also in this case, the surface of the touch panel 150 constructs the operation surface. Moreover, when the touch panel 150 is a capacitance type, the structure which excluded the top panel 120 shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3 may be sufficient. Also in this case, the surface of the touch panel 150 constructs the operation surface. In this case, the member having the operation surface may be vibrated by the natural vibration of the member.

  The display panel 160 may be a display unit that can display an image, such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The display panel 160 is installed on the substrate 170 (Z-axis positive direction side) by a holder or the like (not shown) inside the recess 110A of the housing 110.

  The display panel 160 is driven and controlled by a driver IC (Integrated Circuit), which will be described later, and displays a GUI operation unit, images, characters, symbols, graphics, and the like according to the operation status of the electronic device 100.

  The substrate 170 is disposed inside the recess 110 </ b> A of the housing 110. A display panel 160 and a touch panel 150 are disposed on the substrate 170. The display panel 160 and the touch panel 150 are fixed to the substrate 170 and the housing 110 by a holder or the like (not shown).

  In addition to the drive control device described later, various circuits necessary for driving the electronic device 100 are mounted on the substrate 170.

  In the electronic device 100 configured as described above, when a user's finger contacts the top panel 120, the drive control unit mounted on the substrate 170 drives the vibration element 140, and the top panel 120 is driven at the frequency of the ultrasonic band. Vibrate. The frequency of this ultrasonic band is a resonance frequency of a resonance system including the top panel 120 and the vibration element 140 and causes the top panel 120 to generate a standing wave.

  The electronic device 100 provides a tactile sensation to the user through the top panel 120 by generating a standing wave in the ultrasonic band.

  Electronic device 100 accepts an input to the GUI operation unit when the GUI operation unit is pressed and the degree of pressing (hereinafter referred to as pressing degree) is equal to or greater than the first threshold. The electronic device 100 determines that the pressing operation is finished when the pressing degree is equal to or lower than the second threshold value which is lower than the first threshold value. Such processing will be described later.

  Note that pressing refers to pressing the top panel 120 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) with the fingertip from a state where the user's fingertip touches the top panel 120 to perform an operation input. The electronic device 100 determines that the user's fingertip is being pressed when the force pressing the top panel in the thickness direction is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude.

  Next, standing waves generated in the top panel 120 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a wave front formed in parallel to the short side of the top panel 120 among standing waves generated in the top panel 120 due to the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band, and FIG. 4A is a side view. (B) is a perspective view. 4A and 4B, XYZ coordinates similar to those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are defined. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the amplitude of the standing wave is exaggerated for ease of understanding. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the vibration element 140 is omitted.

  When the Young's modulus E, density ρ, Poisson's ratio δ, long side dimension l, thickness t of the top panel 120 and the standing wave period k existing in the long side direction are used, the natural frequency of the top panel 120 is obtained. (Resonance frequency) f is expressed by the following equations (1) and (2). Since the standing wave has the same waveform in units of ½ period, the number of periods k takes values in increments of 0.5, which are 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.

Note that the coefficient α in Expression (2) collectively represents coefficients other than k ² in Expression (1).

  The standing waves shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are waveforms when the number of periods k is 10, as an example. For example, when the Gorilla (registered trademark) glass having a long side length l of 140 mm, a short side length of 80 mm, and a thickness t of 0.7 mm is used as the top panel 120, the period number k is 10. In this case, the natural frequency f is 33.5 [kHz]. In this case, a drive signal having a frequency of 33.5 [kHz] may be used.

  When the number of periods k is 11, the resonance frequency is 38.6 [kHz]. In this case, a drive signal having a frequency of 38.6 [kHz] may be used.

  The amplitude of the top panel 120 is, for example, about several μm. Since the deformation amount of the top panel 120 and the vibration element 140 is small, the amplitude (voltage) of the drive signal, the amplitude of the top panel 120, and the vibration element 140 flow. It is proportional to the amount of current.

  When the top panel 120 is driven by the vibration element 140 at a resonance frequency, the amplitude of the top panel 120 changes according to the amplitude (voltage) of the drive signal that drives the vibration element 140, and the amount of current flowing through the vibration element 140 is It changes according to the amplitude of the top panel 120.

  The top panel 120 is a flat plate member. When the vibration element 140 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is driven to generate the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band, the top panel 120 is changed to (A) and (B) in FIG. By bending as shown, a standing wave is generated on the surface.

  Note that, here, a description will be given of a mode in which one vibration element 140 is bonded along the short side extending in the X-axis direction on the Y-axis positive direction side on the surface of the top panel 120 on the Z-axis negative direction side. Two vibration elements 140 may be used. When two vibration elements 140 are used, the other vibration element 140 is bonded to the surface of the top panel 120 on the Z-axis negative direction side along the short side extending in the X-axis direction on the Y-axis negative direction side. That's fine. In this case, the two vibration elements 140 may be arranged so as to be axially symmetric with respect to a center line parallel to the two short sides of the top panel 120 as a symmetry axis.

  In addition, when the two vibration elements 140 are driven, they may be driven with the same phase when the number of periods k is an integer, and with opposite phases when the number of periods k is a decimal (a number including an integer part and a decimal part). It can be driven by.

  Next, the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band generated in the top panel 120 of the electronic device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the dynamic friction force applied to the fingertip that performs the operation input changes due to the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band generated in the top panel 120 of the electronic device 100. 5A and 5B, the user performs an operation input to move the finger along the arrow from the back side of the top panel 120 to the near side while touching the top panel 120 with the fingertip. The vibration is turned on / off by turning on / off the vibration element 140 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  5A and 5B, in the depth direction of the top panel 120, the range in which the finger touches while the vibration is off is shown in gray, and the range in which the finger touches while the vibration is on is shown in white. .

  The natural vibration of the ultrasonic band occurs in the entire top panel 120 as shown in FIG. 4, but in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the user's finger is on the front side from the back side of the top panel 120. The operation pattern which switches on / off of a vibration during moving to is shown.

  For this reason, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the depth direction of the top panel 120, the range in which the finger touches while the vibration is off is shown in gray, and the range in which the finger touches while the vibration is on is white. Show.

  In the operation pattern shown in FIG. 5A, the vibration is turned off when the user's finger is on the back side of the top panel 120, and the vibration is turned on in the middle of moving the finger to the near side.

  On the other hand, in the operation pattern shown in FIG. 5B, the vibration is turned on when the user's finger is on the back side of the top panel 120, and the vibration is turned off in the middle of moving the finger to the near side. Yes.

  Here, when the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is generated in the top panel 120, an air layer due to the squeeze effect is interposed between the surface of the top panel 120 and the finger, and the surface of the top panel 120 is traced with the finger. The coefficient of dynamic friction decreases.

  Accordingly, in FIG. 5A, the dynamic frictional force applied to the fingertip is large in the range indicated in gray on the back side of the top panel 120, and the dynamic frictional force applied to the fingertip is small in the range indicated in white on the near side of the top panel 120. Become.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5A, the user who performs an operation input to the top panel 120 senses a decrease in the dynamic friction force applied to the fingertip and perceives the ease of slipping of the fingertip when the vibration is turned on. It will be. At this time, the user feels that a concave portion exists on the surface of the top panel 120 when the dynamic friction force decreases due to the surface of the top panel 120 becoming smoother.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 5B, the dynamic friction force applied to the fingertip is small in the range shown white on the front side of the top panel 120, and the dynamic friction force applied to the fingertip is large in the range shown in gray on the front side of the top panel 120. Become.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5B, the user who performs an operation input to the top panel 120 senses an increase in the dynamic friction force applied to the fingertip when the vibration is turned off, You will perceive the feeling of being caught. And when a dynamic friction force becomes high because it becomes difficult to slip a fingertip, it will feel like a convex part exists in the surface of the top panel 120. FIG.

  From the above, in the case of (A) and (B) in FIG. 5, the user can feel unevenness with the fingertip. Human perception of unevenness in this way is, for example, “Printed Transfer Method for Sticky Design and Sticky-band Illusion” (Proceedings of the 11th SICE System Integration Division Annual Conference (SI2010, Sendai) ___ 174 -177, 2010-12). It is also described in "Fishbone Tactile Illusion" (The 10th Annual Conference of the Virtual Reality Society of Japan (September 2005)).

  Here, the change in the dynamic friction force when switching on / off the vibration has been described, but this is the same when the amplitude (intensity) of the vibration element 140 is changed.

  Next, the configuration of the electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The electronic device 100 includes a vibration element 140, an amplifier 141, a touch panel 150, a driver IC (Integrated Circuit) 151, a display panel 160, a driver IC 161, a current detection unit 180, a control unit 200, a sine wave generator 310, and an amplitude modulator 320. including.

  The control unit 200 includes an application processor 220, a communication processor 230, a drive control unit 240, and a memory 250. The control unit 200 is realized by an IC chip, for example.

  Here, a mode in which the application processor 220, the communication processor 230, the drive control unit 240, and the memory 250 are realized by one control unit 200 will be described. However, the drive control unit 240 is provided outside the control unit 200. It may be provided as an IC chip or a processor. In this case, among the data stored in the memory 250, data necessary for drive control of the drive control unit 240 may be stored in a memory different from the memory 250.

  In FIG. 6, the casing 110, the top panel 120, the double-sided tape 130, and the substrate 170 (see FIG. 2) are omitted. Here, the amplifier 141, driver IC 151, driver IC 161, current detection unit 180, application processor 220, drive control unit 240, memory 250, sine wave generator 310, and amplitude modulator 320 will be described.

  The amplifier 141 is disposed between the current detection unit 180 and the vibration element 140, and amplifies the drive signal output from the amplitude modulator 320 to drive the vibration element 140.

  The driver IC 151 is connected to the touch panel 150, detects position data indicating a position where an operation input to the touch panel 150 has been performed, and outputs the position data to the control unit 200. As a result, the position data is input to the application processor 220 and the drive control unit 240.

  The driver IC 161 is connected to the display panel 160, inputs drawing data output from the application processor 220 to the display panel 160, and causes the display panel 160 to display an image based on the drawing data. As a result, a GUI operation unit or an image based on the drawing data is displayed on the display panel 160.

  The current detector 180 is provided between the amplitude modulator 320 and the amplifier 141 and detects the current value of the drive signal output from the amplitude modulator 320 to the amplifier 141. The current detection unit 180 outputs current data representing the detected current value to the application processor 220.

  The current detection unit 180 detects, for example, the voltage across the resistor using a resistor inserted in series with the wiring connecting the amplitude modulator 320 and the amplifier 141, and the voltage across the resistor is used as the resistance value of the resistor. Any sensor may be used as long as the current value is obtained by dividing by.

  Application processor 220 includes a main control unit 220A. The main control unit 220A performs processing for executing various applications of the electronic device 100.

  In addition, the application processor 220 detects a pressing of the top panel 120 and includes components relating to a process of receiving an operation input by pressing, as a phase correction unit 221, an amplitude ratio calculation unit 222, a pressing force calculation unit 223, a press determination unit 224, And an input processing unit 225. In addition to these components, the application processor 220 includes a processing unit that executes various applications, but is omitted here.

  The phase correction unit 221 detects the voltage waveform of the drive signal output from the amplitude modulator 320. In the electronic device 100, when detecting the pressing of the top panel 120, the ratio of the voltage and current of the drive signal is used. A phase correction unit 221 is provided to match the phase of the voltage and current when determining the ratio of the voltage and current of the drive signal.

  Therefore, the phase correction unit 221 detects the voltage of the drive signal, corrects the phase of the voltage, and matches the phase of the current of the drive signal. The drive signal input from the amplitude modulator 320 to the phase correction unit 221 is a very small amount of current in the drive signal output from the amplitude modulator 320, and the drive signal input from the amplitude modulator 320 to the amplifier 141. Does not affect the signal.

  The phase correction unit 221 includes, for example, an A / D (Analog to Digital) converter that digitally converts the voltage of the drive signal, and a buffer that shifts the phase of the voltage of the digitally converted drive signal. Correct. The phase correction unit 221 corrects the phase of the voltage waveform of the drive signal and outputs the voltage waveform of the drive signal with the phase corrected.

  The reason why the phase correction unit 221 corrects the phase of the voltage of the drive signal is that the vibration element 140 is a capacitive element, and thus there may be a phase difference between the voltage and current of the drive signal.

  The phase of the voltage of the drive signal corrected by the phase correction unit 221 may be obtained in advance through experiments and / or simulations. Note that the application processor 220 may not include the phase correction unit 221 when the phase difference between the voltage and current of the drive signal does not occur. Here, a mode in which the phase correction unit 221 corrects the phase of the voltage of the drive signal will be described. However, the phase correction unit 221 is provided between the current detection unit 180 and the amplitude ratio calculation unit 222, and the phase correction unit 221 may correct the phase of the current of the drive signal to match the phase of the voltage of the drive signal.

  The amplitude ratio calculation unit 222 includes an A / D converter that digitally converts current data input from the current detection unit 180. The current data input from the current detection unit 180 is an analog value.

  The amplitude ratio calculation unit 222 calculates the ratio between the current represented by the digitally converted current data and the voltage of the drive signal whose phase is corrected by the phase correction unit 221, and outputs the ratio to the pressing force calculation unit 223.

  The amplitude ratio calculation unit 222 calculates the ratio between the current waveform of the current represented by the digitally converted current data and the voltage waveform of the voltage of the drive signal whose phase is corrected. More specifically, the amplitude ratio calculator 222 divides the current waveform of the current represented by the digitally converted current data by the voltage waveform of the voltage of the drive signal whose phase has been corrected, so that the current and voltage Calculate the ratio. The ratio calculated by the amplitude ratio calculator 222 is an example of a first ratio.

  The pressing force calculation unit 223 calculates the pressing force applied to the top panel 120 using the ratio calculated by the amplitude ratio calculation unit 222. The pressing force calculation unit 223 subtracts the ratio calculated by the amplitude ratio calculation unit 222 from the ratio between the current and voltage of the drive signal when the top panel 120 is not pressed, and obtains a predetermined value to the value obtained by subtraction. The pressing force is calculated by multiplying the coefficient.

  The pressing force calculated by the pressing force calculation unit 223 is an example of the pressing degree. The ratio between the current and voltage of the drive signal when the top panel 120 is not pressed is an example of the second ratio. A specific method for calculating the pressing force and the predetermined coefficient will be described later.

  When the pressing force calculated by the pressing force calculation unit 223 exceeds the first threshold value, the pressing determination unit 224 determines that the top panel 120 is pressed (pressing has started), and sets the pressing determination flag to ON. .

  The determination by the pressing determination unit 224 that the top panel 120 has been pressed means that the input content by pressing has been determined. The pressure determination flag is a flag indicating whether or not pressure is being performed. Setting the pressure determination flag to ON means that the value of the pressure determination flag is set to “1”.

  In addition, when the pressing force calculated by the pressing force calculation unit 223 is equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value, the pressing determination unit 224 determines that the pressing is finished. In this case, the press determination unit 224 sets the press determination flag to off. Setting the pressure determination flag to OFF means that the value of the pressure determination flag is set to “0”. The press determination unit 224 outputs a press determination flag to the input processing unit 225.

  That is, the pressing determination unit 224 determines whether the top panel 120 is pressed based on the pressing force calculated by the pressing force calculation unit 223.

  Note that data representing the first threshold value and the second threshold value may be stored in the memory 250.

  When the pressing determination unit 224 determines that the top panel 120 has been pressed, the input processing unit 225 determines the input content made by pressing the top panel 120 and outputs data representing the determination result to the main control unit 220A. As a result, the main control unit 220A performs processing according to the input content performed by pressing.

  For example, when the GUI operation unit is a GUI button for making a call and the GUI button for making a call is pressed, the input processing unit 225 determines that the input content by the press is an operation for making a call, A signal indicating that the operation of applying is performed is transmitted to the main controller 220A. As a result, the main control unit 220A performs a process for making a call.

  The communication processor 230 executes processing necessary for the electronic device 100 to perform communication such as 3G (Generation), 4G (Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and WiFi.

  The drive control unit 240 outputs the amplitude data to the amplitude modulator 320. The amplitude data is data representing an amplitude value for adjusting the intensity of the drive signal used for driving the vibration element 140, and represents the amplitude (voltage) of the drive signal.

  The amplitude value is set according to the position data and the elapsed time from the start of vibration. Here, as an example, a description will be given of a mode in which the amplitude value is set according to the position data and the elapsed time from the start of vibration, but the amplitude value is changed according to the movement of the user's fingertip. Also good.

  In addition, the electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment uses the top panel 120 when the user's fingertip touches the top panel 120 and when the user's fingertip moves along the surface of the top panel 120. Vibrate.

  If the top panel 120 is vibrated when the user's fingertip moves along the surface of the top panel 120, the dynamic friction force applied to the fingertip changes.

  In addition, electronic device 100 outputs amplitude data to amplitude modulator 320 when the position of the fingertip where the operation input is performed is within a predetermined region where vibration is to be generated.

  Whether or not the position of the fingertip that performs the operation input is within a predetermined region where the vibration is to be generated is based on whether or not the position of the fingertip that performs the operation input is within the predetermined region where the vibration is to be generated. Determined.

  Here, the position on the display panel 160 such as a GUI operation unit to be displayed on the display panel 160, a region for displaying an image, or a region representing the entire page is specified by region data representing the region. In all applications, the area data exists for all GUI operation units displayed on the display panel 160, areas for displaying images, or areas representing the entire page.

  For this reason, when determining whether or not the position of the fingertip for performing the operation input is within a predetermined region where vibration is to be generated, the type of application in which the electronic device 100 is activated is related. This is because the display on the display panel 160 differs depending on the type of application.

  This is because the type of operation input for moving the fingertip touching the surface of the top panel 120 differs depending on the type of application. As a type of operation input for moving the fingertip touching the surface of the top panel 120, for example, when operating the GUI operation unit, there is a so-called flick operation. The flick operation is an operation of moving a fingertip along a surface of the top panel 120 for a relatively short distance so as to be repelled (snapped).

  Further, when turning a page, for example, a swipe operation is performed. The swipe operation is an operation of moving a fingertip along a relatively long distance so as to sweep along the surface of the top panel 120. The swipe operation is performed, for example, when turning a photo in addition to turning the page. Further, when sliding the slider (see the slider 102B in FIG. 1) by the GUI operation unit, a drag operation for dragging the slider is performed.

  The operation input for moving the fingertip that touches the surface of the top panel 120, such as a flick operation, a swipe operation, and a drag operation, which are given here as examples, is selectively used depending on the type of display by the application. For this reason, when determining whether or not the position of the fingertip for performing the operation input is within a predetermined region where vibration is to be generated, the type of application in which the electronic device 100 is activated is related.

  The drive control unit 240 determines whether or not the position represented by the position data input from the driver IC 151 is within a predetermined area where vibration is to be generated, using the area data.

  Data that associates data representing the type of application, area data representing a GUI operation unit or the like on which an operation input is performed, and pattern data representing a vibration pattern is stored in the memory 250.

  The drive control unit 240 reads amplitude data representing an amplitude value corresponding to the position data from the memory 250 when the position of the fingertip that performs the operation input is within a predetermined region where vibration is to be generated, and the amplitude modulator To 320.

  The memory 250 stores data representing the relationship between the amplitude data representing the amplitude value and the region data representing the region causing the vibration. In addition, the memory 250 stores data in which data representing the type of application, area data representing a GUI operation unit or the like where an operation input is performed, and pattern data representing a vibration pattern are associated with each other.

  In addition, the memory 250 stores data and programs necessary for the application processor 220 to execute an application, data and programs necessary for the communication processor 230 for communication processing, and the like.

  The sine wave generator 310 generates a sine wave necessary for generating a drive signal for vibrating the top panel 120 at a natural frequency. For example, when the top panel 120 is vibrated at a natural frequency f of 38.6 [kHz], the frequency of the sine wave is 38.6 [kHz].

  The sine wave signal generated by the sine wave generator 310 is an AC reference signal that is a source of the drive signal that generates the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band, and has a constant frequency and a constant phase. The sine wave generator 310 inputs an ultrasonic band sine wave signal to the amplitude modulator 320.

  In addition, although the form using the sine wave generator 310 which generates a sine wave signal is demonstrated here, it may not be a sine wave signal. For example, a signal having a waveform in which the rising and falling waveforms of the clock are blunted may be used. For this reason, a signal generator that generates an ultrasonic wave AC signal may be used instead of the sine wave generator 310.

  The amplitude modulator 320 generates a drive signal by modulating the amplitude of the sine wave signal input from the sine wave generator 310 using the amplitude data input from the drive control unit 240. The amplitude modulator 320 modulates only the amplitude of the sine wave signal in the ultrasonic band input from the sine wave generator 310, and generates the drive signal without modulating the frequency and phase.

  Therefore, the drive signal output from the amplitude modulator 320 is an ultrasonic band sine wave signal obtained by modulating only the amplitude of the ultrasonic band sine wave signal input from the sine wave generator 310. Note that when the amplitude data is zero, the amplitude of the drive signal is zero. This is equivalent to the amplitude modulator 320 not outputting a drive signal.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the current detection unit 180.

  The current detection unit 180 includes a resistor 181 and a current detection IC (Integrated Circuit) 182. The resistor 181 is inserted in series with the wiring connecting the amplitude modulator 320 and the amplifier 141. The current detection IC 182 has a differential amplifier and (Analog to Digital Converter), detects the voltage across the resistor 181, and divides the voltage across the resistor 181 to obtain the current value. Data representing the obtained current value is transmitted to the application processor 220.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the presence or absence of pressing and the voltage and current of the drive signal.

  The electronic device 100 shown in cross section in (A1) and (B1) of FIG. 8 includes a current detection unit 180 that detects a current of a drive signal, a drive control unit 240, a sine wave generator 310, and an amplitude modulator 320. A summary of the AC sources. FIG. 8A1 shows a case where no pressure is applied, and the user's fingertip is separated from the top panel 120. (B1) of FIG. 8 is a case where there is a press, and the user's fingertip presses the top panel 120 in the negative Z-axis direction. In addition, the waveform shown on the top panel 120 of the electronic device 100 shown in cross section schematically shows the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band.

  In the case of no pressing, as shown in FIG. 8A1, the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band having the amplitude as the design value is generated on the top panel 120 of the electronic device 100. The voltage Vp1 and current Ip1 of the drive signal at this time are as shown in (A2) and (A3) of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the pressure is applied, as shown in FIG. 8B1, the amplitude of the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band generated on the top panel 120 of the electronic device 100 is smaller than that without the pressure. . This is because it is pressed by the user's finger.

  The voltage Vp2 of the drive signal at this time is equal to the voltage Vp1 in the case of no pressing as shown in (B2) of FIG. 8, but the current Ip2 of the drive signal is as shown in (B3) of FIG. The current is smaller than the current Ip1 when no pressure is applied, and the amplitude becomes smaller.

  The current flowing through the vibration element 140 is substantially proportional to the vibration amplitude of the vibration element 140, and the amplitude of the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is reduced by pressing the top panel 120. This is because it means that becomes smaller.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the pressing force and the ratio of the current and voltage of the drive signal. In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents the frequency (Hz) of the drive signal, and the vertical axis represents the ratio Ip / Vp between the current Ip and the voltage Vp of the drive signal. The characteristics shown in FIG. 9 are obtained through experiments.

  When the pressing force is 0 g (zero gram), the ratio Ip / Vp becomes the maximum value (about 0.15) at the resonance frequency of 38.6 kHz (f1). When the pressing force is 100 g, the ratio Ip / Vp drops to about 0.09 at 38.6 kHz, and when the pressing force is 200 g, the ratio Ip / Vp is about 0 at 38.6 kHz. To 0.085. This is because the current value is reduced by pressing.

  In addition, since a slight change occurs in the vibration mode of the top panel 120 due to the pressing, when the pressing force is 100 g and 200 g, the resonance frequency at which the maximum value of the ratio Ip / Vp is obtained is slightly shifted to the high frequency side.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram summarizing the experimental results shown in FIG. 9 in relation to the pressing force and the ratio Ip / Vp. The ratio Ip / Vp shown in FIG. 10 is a value at 38.6 kHz (f1), which is the designed resonance frequency of the top panel 120.

  As shown in FIG. 10, it can be seen that the ratio Ip / Vp decreases as the pressing force increases.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating how the electronic device 100 is operated. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the pressing force, the amplitude of the drive signal, and the ratio Ip / Vp when operated as shown in FIG. FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which the top panel 120, the touch panel 150, and the display panel 160 of the electronic device 100 are viewed from the top panel 120 side. Here, as an example, a case where the vibration element 140 is vibrated using a constant drive signal with an amplitude of A1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the state where the icon 191A as the GUI operation unit is displayed on the display panel 160, the user starts the swipe operation from the position P1 of the top panel 120, and at the position P2, the user moves to the left end of the icon 191A. Assume that the icon 191A is pressed at the center (position P3) of the icon 191A, and the fingertip is released from the top panel 120 at the position P3 after being pressed. The vibration element 140 (see FIG. 6) is driven when an operation input is performed within the display area of the icon 191A.

  In such a case, pressing is detected as shown in FIG. When the user touches the position P1 of the top panel 120 at time t11, since the position P1 is outside the display area of the icon 191A, the vibration element 140 is not driven, and the amplitude of the drive signal is zero.

  When the fingertip of the user performing the swipe operation reaches the position P2 of the top panel 120 at time t12, the position P2 is within the display area of the icon 191A, so that the vibration element 140 is driven, and the amplitude of the drive signal is It becomes A1.

  When performing the swipe operation, the fingertip is lightly touching the surface of the top panel 120, so the pressing force is P1. P1 is a very small pressing force. Further, since the voltage and current are supplied to the vibration element 140 by driving the vibration element 140, the ratio Ip / Vp becomes R1 at time t12.

  At time t13, the fingertip of the user who is performing the swipe operation reaches the position P3 of the top panel 120, and the user starts pressing without moving the fingertip.

  Even if the position of the operation input (the position of the fingertip) is stopped, the drive signal amplitude is held at A1 because it is within the display area of the icon 191A.

  Further, since the pressing force increases and the current supplied to the vibration element 140 decreases, the ratio Ip / Vp starts to decrease from R1 at time t13.

  At time t14, the pressing force reaches the first threshold value. The first threshold is a threshold used when the pressing determination unit 224 determines the start of pressing. At time t14, even if the position of the operation input (the position of the fingertip) is stopped, the drive signal amplitude is maintained at A1 because it is within the display area of the icon 191A.

  At time t14, the ratio Ip / Vp reaches the third threshold value. The third threshold represents a ratio Ip / Vp corresponding to the first threshold.

  Immediately after time t14, the pressing force takes the maximum value, and the user starts to gradually decrease the pressing force.

  At time t15, the pressing force decreases to the second threshold value. The second threshold value is a threshold value used when the pressing determination unit 224 determines the end of pressing. At time t15, even if the position of the operation input (the position of the fingertip) is stopped, the drive signal amplitude is held at A1 because it is within the display area of the icon 191A.

  At time t15, the ratio Ip / Vp reaches the fourth threshold value. The fourth threshold represents the ratio Ip / Vp corresponding to the second threshold. Since the pressing force and the ratio Ip / Vp are inversely proportional, the fourth threshold value is higher than the third threshold value.

  When the user's fingertip moves away from the top panel 120 at the position P3 at time t16, the pressing force becomes zero. Further, when the fingertip is separated from the top panel 120, the vibration element 140 is stopped, and the amplitude of the drive signal becomes zero.

  Although the above operation is only an example, the electronic device 100 detects the press in this way. Although the operation of the electronic device 100 when operating the icon 191A has been described here, the electronic device 100 performs the same operation when operating the icons 191B to 191G.

  Next, data in the memory 250 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  13 to 15 are diagrams showing data stored in the memory 250.

  The data shown in FIG. 13 includes data representing the type of application, area data representing the coordinate value of the area in which the GUI operation unit or the like where the operation input is performed, and the vibrations. This is data associated with pattern data representing a pattern.

  In other words, the data shown in FIG. 13 is a pattern representing the type of region (hereinafter referred to as a target region) in which the vibration element 140 is vibrated, region data (X coordinate range, Y coordinate range), and a vibration pattern. Data associated with data.

  In FIG. 13, an application ID (Identification) is shown as data representing the type of application. Further, the target area 1 to the target area 7 are shown as types of the target area. In addition, as the area data of the target area, an X coordinate range and a Y coordinate range of an area in which a GUI operation unit or the like where an operation input is performed are displayed. P1 to P4 are shown as pattern data representing the vibration pattern.

  The data shown in FIG. 14 includes elapsed time (ms (milliseconds)) since the start of vibration and amplitude data. FIG. 12 illustrates the case where the vibration element 140 is vibrated using a constant drive signal with an amplitude of A1, but FIG. 14 illustrates an amplitude whose amplitude changes according to the elapsed time from the start of vibration. Data is shown.

  Here, as an example, the elapsed time is from 0 ms to 120 ms every 10 ms. The amplitude data represents the amplitude (voltage) of the drive signal, and data is prepared for each of the vibration patterns P1 to P4.

  The drive control unit 240 reads the amplitude data shown in FIG. 14 from the memory 250 and outputs the amplitude data to the amplitude modulator 320, so that the amplitude of the sine wave signal of the ultrasonic band output from the sine wave generator 310 with the passage of time. Is modulated by the amplitude modulator 320.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of table format data used when the pressing force calculation unit 223 calculates the pressing force using the ratio Ip / Vp. The ratio difference (Ip0 / Vp0−Ip / Vp) obtained by subtracting the ratio Ip / Vp when the pressing force is applied from the ratio Ip0 / Vp0 when the pressing force is 0 g (zero gram), the pressing conversion coefficient PF, Is the data associated with.

  The ratio difference (Ip0 / Vp0−Ip / Vp) obtained by subtracting the ratio Ip / Vp when the pressing force is applied from the ratio Ip0 / Vp0 when the pressing force is 0 g (zero gram) is used as follows. For reasons like this. That is, if a difference in which the ratio Ip / Vp is changed by applying the pressing force is obtained on the basis of the ratio Ip0 / Vp0 when the pressing force is 0 g, the ratio Ip / Vp corresponding to the pressing force applied to the top panel 120 is obtained. This is because the amount of change can be obtained.

When the pressing conversion coefficient PF is used, the pressing force Fm can be obtained by the following equation (3).
Fm = PF × (Ip0 / Vp0−Ip / Vp) (3)
That is, the pressing conversion coefficient PF is a coefficient for obtaining the pressing force Fm from the difference in the ratio (Ip0 / Vp0−Ip / Vp).

  The pressing conversion coefficient PF shown in FIG. 15 is a value when the top panel 120 is linearly deformed with respect to the pressing force. For this reason, even if the ratio difference (Ip0 / Vp0−Ip / Vp) increases, the pressing conversion coefficient PF is set to a constant value (25). The value of the pressing conversion coefficient PF may be set to an optimal value according to the size of the top panel 120 and / or the Young's modulus.

  Data indicating the ratio Ip0 / Vp0 when the pressing force is 0 g (zero gram) may be stored in the memory 250.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the application processor 220.

  When the application processor 220 detects the position data, it starts processing (start). That is, when position data is input from the driver IC 151 to the main controller 220A, the process is started.

  The application processor 220 determines whether or not the coordinates represented by the position data are within the target area (step S1). More specifically, main controller 220A determines whether or not the coordinates represented by the position data are included in the area data of the target area shown in FIG.

  If the application processor 220 determines that the vibration element 140 is in the target region (S1: YES), the application processor 220 reads out amplitude data corresponding to the vibration pattern associated with the target region from the data shown in FIG. (Step S2). The main control unit 220A may execute the process of step S2.

  The application processor 220 acquires the current value and voltage value of the drive signal (step S3). Here, the current value and the voltage value may be acquired over a period of one cycle of the drive signal, for example. Since the frequency of the drive signal is equal to the frequency of the sine wave signal, the current value and the voltage value may be acquired over a period of one cycle of the sine wave signal.

  In step S3, current waveform data representing a current value and voltage waveform data representing a voltage value are acquired. The current waveform data and the voltage waveform data are represented by a sine wave formula. In the process of step S3, the current value acquisition may be executed by the amplitude ratio calculation unit 222, and the voltage value acquisition may be executed by the phase correction unit 221.

  Note that the period for acquiring the current value and the voltage value is not limited to one period of the drive signal, and may be longer or shorter than the period of one period of the drive signal.

  The application processor 220 corrects the phase of the voltage waveform data acquired in step S3 (step S4). The process of step S4 may be executed by the phase correction unit 221. By the processing in step S4, the phase of the current waveform data and the phase of the voltage waveform data are matched. The voltage waveform data with the phase corrected is input to the amplitude ratio calculation unit 222.

  The application processor 220 calculates the ratio Ip / Vp by dividing the current waveform data by the voltage waveform data (step S5). The processing in step S5 may be executed by the amplitude ratio calculation unit 222 dividing the equation representing the current waveform data by the equation representing the voltage waveform data.

  The application processor 220 uses the ratio Ip / Vp calculated in step S5 and the ratio Ip0 / Vp0 when the pressing force is 0 g (zero gram) to subtract the ratio Ip / Vp from the ratio Ip0 / Vp0. The difference (Ip0 / Vp0−Ip / Vp) is obtained, and the pressing force Fm is calculated (step S6).

  The process of step S5 may be executed by the pressing force calculation unit 223 calculating according to the equation (3) using data including the pressing conversion coefficient PF (see FIG. 15).

  The application processor 220 determines whether or not the pressing force Fm calculated in step S6 is greater than or equal to the first threshold (see FIG. 12) (step S7). The process of step S7 may be executed by the pressing determination unit 224 reading out the first threshold stored in the memory 250 and comparing it with the pressing force Fm.

  If the application processor 220 determines that the pressing force Fm is greater than or equal to the first threshold (see FIG. 12) (S7: YES), the application processor 220 sets the pressing determination flag to on (step S8). The process of step S8 may be performed by the press determination unit 224.

  The application processor 220 notifies the main control unit 220A that the pressure determination flag has been set to ON (step S9). The process of step S9 may be executed by the press determination unit 224. Notifying the main control unit 220A that the pressure determination flag has been set to ON is synonymous with notifying the host application that the pressure determination unit 224 has set the pressure determination flag to OFF.

  The application processor 220 determines whether an operation input has been performed (step S10). This is because if no operation input is performed, there is no need to detect pressing. The process of step S10 may be executed when the main control unit 220A determines the presence / absence of position data.

  If the application processor 220 determines that an operation input has been made (S10: YES), the flow returns to step S1. This is because the pressure is continuously detected.

  On the other hand, when the application processor 220 determines that no operation input has been performed (S10: NO), the series of processing ends (end). This is because if no operation input is performed, there is no need to detect pressing.

  If the application processor 220 determines in step S7 that the pressing force Fm is not equal to or greater than the first threshold value (see FIG. 12) (S7: NO), the application processor 220 determines whether the pressing determination flag is set to on (step S11). . The process of step S11 may be executed by the press determination unit 224.

  If the application processor 220 determines that the pressing determination flag is set to ON (S11: YES), the application processor 220 determines whether the pressing force is equal to or less than the second threshold (see FIG. 12) (step S12). This is to determine whether or not the pressing is finished. The process of step S12 may be performed by the press determination unit 224.

  If the application processor 220 determines that the pressing force is equal to or less than the second threshold (S12: YES), the application processor 220 determines that the pressing has ended, and sets the pressing determination flag to OFF (step S13). This is because the pressing is finished.

  The application processor 220 notifies the main control unit 220A that the pressure determination flag has been set to OFF (step S14). The press determination unit 224 may execute the process of step S14. Notifying the main control unit 220A that the pressure determination flag is set to off is synonymous with notifying the host application that the pressure determination unit 224 has set the pressure determination flag to off.

  In addition, the application processor 220 advances a flow to step S10, after finishing the process of step S14.

  If the application processor 220 determines that the pressure determination flag is not set to ON (S11: NO), the application processor 220 advances the flow to step S10. This is to confirm the presence or absence of an operation input since no pressing is performed.

  If the application processor 220 determines in step S12 that the pressing force is not equal to or less than the second threshold (S12: NO), the application processor 220 advances the flow to step S10. This is to confirm the presence or absence of operation input.

  If the application processor 220 determines that the coordinates represented by the position data are not within the target area (S1: NO), the application processor 220 turns off the vibration element 140 (step S15). This is because the vibration element 140 is not vibrated when the position of the operation input is not within the target region.

  The application processor 220 determines whether or not the pressure determination flag is on (step S16). This is because when the coordinates represented by the position data are not within the target area and the pressure determination flag is on, it is necessary to set the pressure determination flag to off.

  If the application processor 220 determines that the pressure determination flag is on (S16: YES), the application processor 220 turns off the pressure determination flag (step S17). If the position of the operation input is not within the target area, it is not a position where input by pressing is possible, and therefore the pressing determination flag is turned off.

  The application processor 220 notifies the main control unit 220A that the pressure determination flag has been set to OFF (step S18). The process of step S18 may be executed by the press determination unit 224. Notifying the main control unit 220A that the pressure determination flag is set to off is synonymous with notifying the host application that the pressure determination unit 224 has set the pressure determination flag to off.

  If the application processor 220 determines that the pressure determination flag is not on (S16: NO), the application processor 220 advances the flow to step S10. This is to confirm the presence or absence of an operation input because no pressing is performed.

  Thus, a series of processing ends.

  According to the electronic device 100 of the first embodiment, it is possible to detect whether the user is pressing the top panel 120 when the vibration element 140 is driven. The reason why such pressing is detected is that the ratio Ip / Vp between the current Ip supplied to the vibration element 140 and the voltage Vp is monitored to detect a change in the current Ip due to pressing.

  When the user presses the top panel 120 while the vibration element 140 is driven, the amount of current supplied to the vibration element 140 decreases even if the amplitude (voltage) of the drive signal is constant. Further, when the amplitude (voltage) of the drive signal is increased or decreased in such a state, the amount of current supplied to the vibration element 140 is also increased or decreased. However, compared to the case where the top panel 120 is not pressed, The amount of current supplied to the vibration element 140 is decreasing.

  In the first embodiment, in order to detect such a change in the amount of current due to the pressing, the voltage Vp ratio Ip / Vp is monitored to detect a change in the current Ip due to the pressing.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide the electronic device 100 with good usability and the press detection program.

  Moreover, although the above demonstrated the form which performs a pressure determination by comparing the pressing force calculated based on the ratio difference (Ip0 / Vp0-Ip / Vp) with the 1st threshold value or the 2nd threshold value, It may be determined whether or not pressing is performed by comparing the ratio Ip / Vp of the voltage Vp with a predetermined threshold. In this case, the pressing force cannot be obtained, but it can be determined whether or not the pressing is performed.

  In the above description, the form using the pressure conversion coefficient PF (see FIG. 15) when the top panel 120 is linearly deformed with respect to the pressing force has been described. However, when the top panel 120 is nonlinearly deformed. What is necessary is just to set the press conversion coefficient PF as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating data in which a ratio difference (Ip0 / Vp0−Ip / Vp) and a pressure conversion coefficient PF are associated with each other according to the first modification of the first embodiment.

  The pressing conversion coefficient PF shown in FIG. 17 is a value when the top panel 120 deforms nonlinearly with respect to the pressing force. Here, the case of non-linear deformation refers to a case where the top panel 120 becomes difficult to deform in accordance with an increase in pressing force.

  When the top panel 120 becomes difficult to deform as the pressing force increases, the pressing conversion coefficient PF may be increased as the ratio difference (Ip0 / Vp0−Ip / Vp) increases. FIG. 17 shows the pressure conversion coefficient PF that increases stepwise from 15 to 82. FIG.

  The value of the pressing conversion coefficient PF may be set to an optimal value according to the size of the top panel 120 and / or the Young's modulus.

  In the above description, as an example, the electronic device 100 has been described as a smartphone terminal or a tablet computer using a touch panel as an input operation unit. In addition, the electronic device 100 has been described as being, for example, a portable information terminal or a device that is installed and used in a specific place such as an ATM.

  Here, a vehicle-mounted type will be described as a second modification of the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

  FIG. 18 is a view showing the periphery of the driver's seat 11 in the vehicle 10. A driver's seat 11, a dashboard 12, a steering wheel 13, a center console 14, a door lining 15 and the like are disposed in the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is, for example, a hybrid vehicle (HV (Hybrid Vehicle)), an electric vehicle (EV (Electric Vehicle)), a gasoline engine vehicle, a diesel engine vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle (FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle)), or a hydrogen vehicle. Etc.

  Using electronic device 100 of the first embodiment as an input device, for example, central portion 12A of dashboard 12, spoke portion 13A of steering wheel 13, periphery 14A of shift lever 16 of center console 14, and recess of door lining 15 15A or the like.

  Although not shown in FIG. 18, electronic device 100 according to the embodiment may be provided as an input device outside vehicle 10. For example, it may be provided around a door handle and used as an operation part of an electronic lock.

  FIG. 19 is a plan view showing an electronic device 100A according to a second modification of the first embodiment.

  The electronic device 100A is used as an air conditioning controller as an example. The electronic device 100A is disposed, for example, in the central portion 12A of the dashboard 12 in the room of the vehicle 10 shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19, the electronic device 100A includes a housing 111, a vibration element 140A, a touch panel 150A, and a display panel 160A. The electronic device 100A is the same as the electronic device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6, but the components other than those described above are omitted here.

  The display panel 160A displays an operation unit 162A1, 162A2, 162A3, 162A4, 162A5, 162A6, 162A7, 162A8 and an image of the display unit 122A as an air conditioning controller.

  The operation units 162A1 and 162A2 (FAN) are operation units that adjust (increase or decrease) the air volume. The operation unit 162A3 (A / A) is an operation unit that selects ON / OFF of the air conditioner. The operation unit 162A4 is an operation unit that selects the inside air circulation mode. The operation unit 162A5 (mode) is an operation unit that performs air-conditioning mode selection. The operation unit 162A6 is an operation unit that selects on / off of the defroster. The operation units 162A7 and 162A8 (TEMP) are operation units that adjust (increase or decrease) the set temperature of the air conditioning.

  Such operation units 162A1, 162A2, 162A3, 162A4, 162A5, 162A6, 162A7, and 162A8 are displayed as GUI operation units.

  In addition, the set temperature, the air volume, and the wind direction are displayed on the display unit 122A.

  When the operation unit 162A1, 162A2, 162A3, 162A4, 162A5, 162A6, 162A7, 162A8 is pressed, the air volume is adjusted, the air conditioner is turned on / off, the inside air circulation mode is selected, the air conditioning mode is selected, the defroster is turned on / off, The set temperature can be adjusted.

  Here, the electronic device 100A used as the air conditioning controller has been described, but the electronic device 100A displays a navigation screen, an audio controller screen, and the like so that navigation or audio operations can be performed. Good.

  Alternatively, the display unit 122A may be realized by a liquid crystal panel, and the operation units 162A1, 162A2, 162A3, 162A4, 162A5, 162A6, 162A7, and 162A8 may be printed on the back surface of the top panel 120, and the display panel 160 may be omitted.

  In such a case, the electronic device 100A does not include the display panel 160. The operation units 162A1, 162A2, 162A3, 162A4, 162A5, 162A6, 162A7, and 162A8 may be associated with the coordinates of the touch panel 150 and the respective operations may be determined.

  As described above, the electronic device 100 </ b> A that does not include the display panel 160 may be provided in each part of the vehicle 10.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an electronic apparatus 100B according to a third modification. The electronic device 100B is a notebook PC (Personal Computer).

  The PC 100B includes a display panel 160B1 and a touch pad 160B2.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of the touch pad 160B2 of the electronic device 100B according to the third modification. The cross section shown in FIG. 21 is a cross section corresponding to the AA arrow cross section shown in FIG. In FIG. 21, an XYZ coordinate system which is an orthogonal coordinate system is defined as in FIG.

  The touch pad 160B2 has a configuration in which the display panel 160 is removed from the electronic device 100 illustrated in FIG.

  In the electronic device 100B as a PC as shown in FIG. 20, the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band can be generated in the top panel 120 by switching the vibration element 140 on / off in response to an operation input to the touch pad 160B2. For example, similarly to the electronic device 100 illustrated in FIG. 3, an operational feeling can be provided to the user's fingertip through a tactile sensation according to the amount of operation input to the touch pad 160B2.

  In addition, if the vibration element 140 is provided on the back surface of the display panel 160B1, the user can operate the fingertip of the user through the tactile sensation according to the amount of operation input to the display panel 160B1 as in the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. A feeling can be provided. In this case, the electronic device 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be provided instead of the display panel 160B1.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device 100C according to the second embodiment.

  The electronic device 100C of the second embodiment differs from the electronic device 100 of the first embodiment in how to obtain the ratio difference (Ip0 / Vp0−Ip / Vp). Hereinafter, the difference will be mainly described.

  The electronic device 100C includes a vibration element 140, an amplifier 141, a touch panel 150, a driver IC (Integrated Circuit) 151, a display panel 160, a driver IC 161, a current detection unit 180, a control unit 200C, a sine wave generator 310, and an amplitude modulator 320. including.

  The electronic device 100C is the same as the electronic device 100 of the first embodiment except that the configuration of the application processor 220C of the control unit 200C is different. For this reason, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component similar to the electronic device 100 of Embodiment 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The control unit 200C includes an application processor 220C, a communication processor 230, a drive control unit 240, and a memory 250. The control unit 200C is realized by an IC chip, for example.

  The application processor 220C includes a main control unit 220A. The main control unit 220A performs processing for executing various applications of the electronic device 100C.

  In addition, the application processor 220 </ b> C detects the pressing of the top panel 120, and includes components related to processing for receiving an operation input by pressing, such as an amplitude ratio calculation unit 222, a pressing force calculation unit 223, a pressure determination unit 224, an input processing unit 225, And a current amplitude calculator 226.

  The application processor 220C includes a current amplitude calculation unit 226 instead of the phase correction unit 221 of the first embodiment. In addition, current amplitude data is input from the current amplitude calculation unit 226 and amplitude data is input from the drive control unit 240 to the amplitude ratio calculation unit 222 of the application processor 220C. The amplitude data is digital data.

  In addition to these components, the application processor 220C includes a processing unit that executes various applications, but is omitted here.

  The current amplitude calculator 226 detects the current of the drive signal detected by the current detector 180 and obtains the current amplitude. The amplitude of the current is the amplitude (maximum value) of the alternating current in the ultrasonic band detected by the current detection unit 180.

  The current amplitude calculation unit 226 can be realized, for example, by detecting the current amplitude using a peak hold circuit. In addition, the current amplitude calculation unit 226 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be realized by, for example, a calculation unit that performs calculation processing such as integration to obtain the current amplitude.

  The current amplitude calculation unit 226 outputs current amplitude data representing the current amplitude to the amplitude ratio calculation unit 222. The amplitude of the current is a digital value.

  The amplitude ratio calculation unit 222 receives the current amplitude data calculated by the current amplitude calculation unit 226 and the amplitude data output from the drive control unit 240.

  The amplitude ratio calculation unit 222 calculates a ratio Ip / Vp between the current amplitude Ip represented by the current amplitude data and the amplitude (voltage) Vp represented by the amplitude data, and outputs the ratio Ip / Vp to the pressing force calculation unit 223.

  The processing contents of the pressing force calculation unit 223, the pressing determination unit 224, and the input processing unit 225 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the application processor 220C. The flowchart shown in FIG. 23 is obtained by replacing steps S3, S4, and S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 with steps S23, S24, and S25, respectively. Accordingly, steps S1, S2, and S6 to S18 are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. For this reason, below, it demonstrates focusing on a difference.

  When the process of step S2 ends, the application processor 220C acquires the current value of the drive signal (step S23). Here, the current value may be acquired over a time necessary for the current amplitude calculation unit 226 to calculate the current amplitude data. The time required to calculate the current amplitude data may be shorter than the period of one cycle of the drive signal, for example.

  In step S23, the current value of the drive signal is acquired. The current amplitude calculation unit 226 may execute the process of step S23.

  The application processor 220C calculates current amplitude data from the current value of the drive signal acquired in step S23 (step S24). The current amplitude calculation unit 226 may execute the process of step S24. The current amplitude data is input to the amplitude ratio calculation unit 222.

  The application processor 220C calculates the ratio Ip / Vp by dividing the current amplitude Ip represented by the current amplitude data by the amplitude (voltage) Vp represented by the amplitude data (step S25).

  When the process of step S25 ends, the application processor 220C advances the flow to step S6. Step S6 and subsequent steps are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  According to electronic device 100C of the second embodiment, when driving vibration element 140, it is possible to detect whether the user is pressing top panel 120 or not. This pressure detection is made possible by monitoring the ratio Ip / Vp between the current Ip supplied to the vibration element 140 and the amplitude (voltage) Vp represented by the amplitude data, and detecting a change in the current Ip due to the pressure. Because it is.

  When the user presses the top panel 120 while the vibration element 140 is driven, the amount of current supplied to the vibration element 140 decreases even if the amplitude (voltage) of the drive signal is constant. Further, when the amplitude (voltage) of the drive signal is increased or decreased in such a state, the amount of current supplied to the vibration element 140 is also increased or decreased. However, compared to the case where the top panel 120 is not pressed, The amount of current supplied to the vibration element 140 is decreasing.

  In the second embodiment, in order to detect such a change in the amount of current due to pressing, the ratio Ip / Vp of the amplitude (voltage) Vp represented by the amplitude data is monitored, and the change in the current Ip due to pressing is detected.

  Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a user-friendly electronic device 100C and a press detection program.

  In electronic device 100 </ b> C of the second embodiment, amplitude data (digital data) is input from drive control unit 240 to current amplitude calculation unit 226. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the voltage waveform (analog data) of the drive signal is digitally converted by the A / D converter of the phase correction unit 221.

  For this reason, electronic device 100C in the second embodiment can reduce the number of A / D converters by one as compared with electronic device 100 in the first embodiment.

The electronic device and the press detection program according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and is not limited to the claims. Various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the above.
Regarding the above embodiment, the following additional notes are disclosed.
(Appendix 1)
A top panel having an operation surface;
A position detection unit for detecting a position of an operation input performed on the operation surface;
A vibration element for generating vibration on the operation surface;
A drive control unit that drives the vibration element with a drive signal that generates a natural vibration of an ultrasonic band on the operation surface according to a position of an operation input to the operation surface;
A current detection unit that detects an amount of current supplied from the drive control unit to the vibration element;
When the position of the operation input is detected by the position detection unit, based on a first ratio between the amount of current detected by the current detection unit and the voltage value of the drive signal, An electronic device comprising: a pressure determination unit that determines whether or not the top panel is pressed.
(Appendix 2)
A GUI operation unit is displayed, and further includes a display unit disposed on a side opposite to the operation surface of the top panel,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the drive control unit drives the vibration element according to the position of the operation input on the operation surface when the position of the operation input is within a display area of the GUI operation unit. .
(Appendix 3)
The pressing determination unit is configured to input the top panel according to the operation input based on a difference between a second ratio that is a ratio of a reference value of the current amount and a reference value of the voltage value, and the first ratio. The electronic device according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein a degree to which the top panel is pressed is determined and it is determined that the top panel is pressed by the operation input when the degree is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.
(Appendix 4)
The electronic device according to supplementary note 3, wherein the pressing determination unit determines that the pressing by the operation input has ended when the degree is equal to or lower than the first threshold and is equal to or lower than a second threshold lower than the first threshold. .
(Appendix 5)
Whether the pressing determination unit is pressing the top panel by the operation input based on a change in the first ratio based on a decrease in the current amount due to the top panel being pressed by the operation input. The electronic device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, which determines whether or not.
(Appendix 6)
A phase correction unit that adjusts the phase of the current and the phase of the voltage by correcting the phase of the current detected by the current detection unit or the phase of the voltage of the drive signal;
The pressing determination unit is configured to press the top panel by the operation input based on the first ratio obtained by using a current amount of the current whose phase is corrected by the phase correction unit or a voltage value of the voltage. The electronic device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein it is determined whether or not the device is being used.
(Appendix 7)
A display unit, a top panel disposed on a display surface side of the display unit and having an operation surface, a position detection unit for detecting a position of an operation input performed on the operation surface, and generating vibration on the operation surface A drive control unit that drives the vibration element with a drive signal that generates a natural vibration of an ultrasonic band on the operation surface according to a position of an operation input to the operation surface; and A press detection program for determining whether or not the top panel of an electronic device including a current detection unit that detects an amount of current supplied to the vibration element is pressed,
The computer, when the position of the operation input is detected by the position detection unit, based on a first ratio between the amount of current detected by the current detection unit and the voltage value of the drive signal, A press detection program for determining whether or not the top panel is pressed by the operation input.

100, 100A, 100B, 100C Electronic device 110 Housing 120 Top panel 130 Double-sided tape 140 Vibration element 150 Touch panel 160 Display panel 170 Substrate 180 Current detection unit 200 Control unit 220 Application processor 221 Phase correction unit 222 Amplitude ratio calculation unit 223 Pressing force Calculation unit 224 Press determination unit 225 Input processing unit 230 Communication processor 240 Drive control unit 250 Memory 310 Sine wave generator 320 Amplitude modulator 200C Control unit 220C Application processor 226 Current amplitude calculation unit

Claims (7)

A top panel having an operation surface;
A position detection unit for detecting a position of an operation input performed on the operation surface;
A vibration element for generating vibration on the operation surface;
A drive control unit that drives the vibration element with a drive signal that generates a natural vibration of an ultrasonic band on the operation surface according to a position of an operation input to the operation surface;
A current detection unit that detects an amount of current supplied from the drive control unit to the vibration element;
When the position of the operation input is detected by the position detection unit, based on a first ratio between the amount of current detected by the current detection unit and the voltage value of the drive signal, An electronic device comprising: a pressure determination unit that determines whether or not the top panel is pressed. A GUI operation unit is displayed, and further includes a display unit disposed on a side opposite to the operation surface of the top panel,
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the drive control unit drives the vibration element according to the position of the operation input on the operation surface when the position of the operation input is within a display area of the GUI operation unit. machine.   The pressing determination unit is configured to input the top panel according to the operation input based on a difference between a second ratio that is a ratio of a reference value of the current amount and a reference value of the voltage value, and the first ratio. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the degree to which the top panel is pressed is determined, and the top panel is determined to be pressed by the operation input when the degree is equal to or greater than a first threshold.   The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the pressing determination unit determines that the pressing by the operation input is finished when the degree is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and is equal to or lower than a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value. machine.   Whether the pressing determination unit is pressing the top panel by the operation input based on a change in the first ratio based on a decrease in the current amount due to the top panel being pressed by the operation input. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is determined. A phase correction unit that adjusts the phase of the current and the phase of the voltage by correcting the phase of the current detected by the current detection unit or the phase of the voltage of the drive signal;
The pressing determination unit is configured to press the top panel by the operation input based on the first ratio obtained by using a current amount of the current whose phase is corrected by the phase correction unit or a voltage value of the voltage. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the device is being used. A top panel having an operation surface, a position detection unit that detects a position of an operation input performed on the operation surface, a vibration element that generates vibration on the operation surface, and a position of an operation input on the operation surface A drive control unit that drives the vibration element with a drive signal that generates a natural vibration of an ultrasonic band on the operation surface; and a current detection unit that detects an amount of current supplied from the drive control unit to the vibration element. A press detection program for a computer to determine whether or not the top panel of an electronic device is pressed,
The computer, when the position of the operation input is detected by the position detection unit, based on a first ratio between the amount of current detected by the current detection unit and the voltage value of the drive signal, A press detection program for determining whether or not the top panel is pressed by the operation input.

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