KR20200143319A - Active button actuator, active button actuator feedback system comprising thereof and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a button-type actuator includes: a case; a button unit which is pressed by a user and at least partially moves with respect to the case; a vibrator connected to the button unit and having a magnetic body; and a coil which forms a magnetic field in the vibrator. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide various haptic feedbacks according to an input.

Description

Button type actuator, button type actuator feedback system including the same, and control method thereof {ACTIVE BUTTON ACTUATOR, ACTIVE BUTTON ACTUATOR FEEDBACK SYSTEM COMPRISING THEREOF AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF}

The following description relates to a button-type actuator, a button-type actuator feedback system including the same, and a control method thereof.

In the case of a general linear resonant actuator (LRA), the vibration generated from the vibrator is applied to the spring, which is an elastic body connected to the vibrator, and the spring is connected to the outer case. It is formed in a structure that can be used.

A general linear resonance actuator only functions as an output device for transmitting the generated vibration force to a user, and there is a limitation in that it cannot perform the function as an input device.

The above-described background technology is possessed or acquired by the inventor in the process of deriving the present invention, and is not necessarily a known technology disclosed to the general public prior to filing the present invention.

An object of an embodiment is to provide a button-type actuator, a button-type actuator feedback system including the same, and a control method thereof.

A button-type actuator according to an embodiment includes a case; A button portion pressed by a user and moving at least a portion of the case; A vibrator connected to the button and having a magnetic material; And a coil forming a magnetic field in the vibrator.

The button portion may be formed in an elastic plate shape and installed to cover at least a portion of an upper surface of the case.

The button-type actuator according to an embodiment may further include an elastic support part installed between the case and the vibrator to support the elastic motion of the vibrator.

The vibrator may be formed of a flexible material that can be bent by being attached to a lower surface of the button portion, and the magnetic material may be magnetic particles evenly contained in at least a portion of the vibrator.

A button-type actuator feedback system according to an embodiment includes the aforementioned button-type actuator; And a controller configured to move the vibrator by applying a current to the coil based on the magnitude or direction of the induced electromotive force formed as the button portion is pressed or depressurized by the user.

The control unit may move the vibrator when the magnitude of the induced electromotive force generated when the button portion is pressed is greater than or equal to a set voltage level.

The control unit may move the vibrator when the button unit starts to be depressurized while the button unit is pressed and the direction of the induced electromotive force changes.

The control unit may include an input sensing unit configured to detect an induced electromotive force generated in the coil when the button unit is pressed or depressurized; And a signal controller that determines a time point at which the vibrator is to be moved based on information on the induced electromotive force sensed by the input sensing unit.

The signal controller may move the vibrator at a time when the voltage value of the induced electromotive force changes from a positive value to a negative value or a time when a voltage value of the induced electromotive force changes from a negative value to a positive value.

To provide a button-type actuator including a case, a button part pressed by a user and moving at least part of the case, a vibrator connected to the button part and having a magnetic material, and a coil forming a magnetic field in the vibrator A method of controlling a button-type actuator system according to an embodiment includes: an input sensing step of sensing an induced electromotive force formed in the coil when the button portion is pressed; And an actuator driving step of moving the vibrator based on the sensed induced electromotive force.

The method of controlling a button-type actuator system according to an embodiment may further include an input checking step of determining whether to generate an input signal for moving the vibrator based on the magnitude or direction of the induced electromotive force.

The input checking step may generate an input feedback signal when the voltage level of the induced electromotive force sensed in the input sensing step is greater than or equal to a set voltage level.

The actuator driving step may be performed when the direction of the induced electromotive force is changed.

The method of controlling a button-type actuator system according to an embodiment may further include generating a movement pattern of generating movement pattern information of the vibrator based on a timing, magnitude, or duration of the formation of the induced electromotive force.

The exercise pattern generation step may include an exercise pattern setting step of setting a type of exercise pattern based on a magnitude or duration of an induced electromotive force formed when the button is pressed.

The generating of the movement pattern may include: setting an exercise time of determining a movement time of the vibrator based on a duration or a voltage level of the induced electromotive force formed when the button unit is pressed; And an exercise intensity setting step of determining an exercise intensity of the vibrator based on a voltage level of induced electromotive force generated when the button part is pressed.

In the input checking step, a different input signal may be applied to the coil for each step of the voltage level of the induced electromotive force measured in the input sensing step.

In the input verification step, when the magnitude of the voltage of the induced electromotive force is greater than the first set voltage level and less than the second set voltage level, it is determined that the button unit has been contacted by the user, and a contact feedback signal is applied to the button-type actuator. When it is determined that the voltage of the induced electromotive force is equal to or greater than the first set voltage level and the second set voltage level, it is determined that the button unit is pressed by the user and an input feedback signal is applied to the button-type actuator. can do.

In the input verification step, (i) when it is determined that the button is pressed within a set input time from the point when the button is touched, the contact feedback signal is not output, and (ii) it is set from the time when the button is touched. When it is determined that the button unit is not pressed within the input time, the contact feedback signal may be output.

The contact feedback signal or the input feedback signal may form an audible sound by moving the vibrator with respect to the case.

According to the button-type actuator feedback system having input/output and a control method thereof according to an embodiment, the role of an input device may be added to an actuator serving as an output device that only generates vibration, and these may be integrated into one actuator device.

According to the button-type actuator feedback system having input/output of an embodiment and the control method thereof, it is possible to provide various haptic feedback according to the input and is designed to be directly felt rather than the touch felt by indirect vibration force transmission. Can deliver haptic feedback.

1 is a block diagram of a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment.
2 is a cross-sectional view of a button-type actuator according to an embodiment.
3 is a diagram illustrating a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment.
4 is a diagram illustrating a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment.
5 is a cross-sectional view of a button-type actuator according to an embodiment.
6 is a cross-sectional view of a button-type actuator according to an embodiment.
7 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment.
8 is a flowchart of an input verification step according to an exemplary embodiment.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a step of applying a contact signal according to an exemplary embodiment.
10 is a flowchart of an exercise pattern generation step according to an exemplary embodiment.
11 is a diagram illustrating a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment.
12 is a diagram illustrating a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment.
13 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment.
14 is a flowchart illustrating a step of applying a contact feedback signal according to an exemplary embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to elements of each drawing, it should be noted that the same elements are assigned the same numerals as possible even if they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiment, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the component from other components, and the nature, order, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but another component between each component It should be understood that may be “connected”, “coupled” or “connected”.

Components included in one embodiment and components including common functions will be described using the same name in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, descriptions in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions in the overlapping range will be omitted.

1 is a block diagram of a button-type actuator feedback system according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a button-type actuator according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a button-type actuator feedback system according to an embodiment.

1 to 3, in the button-type actuator feedback system 1 according to an embodiment, a button-type actuator 11 serving as an output device capable of providing haptic feedback to a user detects pressure from a user. It is a system configured to simultaneously perform the role as an input device.

For example, the button-type actuator feedback system 1 may include a button-type actuator 11 and a control unit 12.

The button-type actuator 11 may be a linear resonant actuator (LRA) that transmits motion using a resonant frequency.

For example, the button-type actuator 11 may include a case 111, a button part 112, a coil 116, and a vibrator 114.

The case 111 may form the outer shape of the button-type actuator 11 and may have a shape in which at least a part of the upper surface is open.

At least a portion of the button unit 112 may be installed on the upper surface of the case 111 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. For example, when the button unit 112 is pressed by a user, at least a portion of the button unit 112 may be moved downward toward the inner space of the case 111.

The button unit 112 may transmit a haptic feedback effect formed by the button-type actuator 11 to a user. In addition, the button unit 112 may function as a contact end for transmitting an input signal formed by pressing from a user to the control unit 12.

For example, the button part 112 may be formed of a flexible plate-like member installed to cover at least a part of the upper surface of the case 111. For example, when the button unit 112 is pressed from the upper side by the user, at least a part of the button unit 112 may be elastically deformed to be curved downward, and when the pressure is released, it will be returned to the initial position. I can.

The vibrator 114 may be accommodated in the inner space of the case 111 and may be connected to the lower side of the button unit 112. For example, the vibrator 114 may include a magnetic body 1141.

The magnetic body 1141 may be installed on the vibrator 114. For example, the magnetic body 1141 may be a permanent magnet installed under the vibrator 114 as shown in FIG. 2. However, the magnetic body 1141 is at least one of steel, powder, alloy, alloy powder, composites, and nano structures containing magnetic elements. It may contain one or more substances.

As another example, it should be noted that the magnetic body 1141 may be formed inside the vibrator 114 or may be integrally formed with the vibrator 114.

The coil 116 is installed under the inner space of the case 111 and receives current from the controller 12 to form a magnetic field.

For example, the coil 116 may include a circular or polygonal planar coil or a solenoid coil. As another example, the coil 116 may be a circuit formed on a flexible printed circuit board.

According to the above structure, by controlling the frequency characteristics such as the magnitude, direction, or period of the voltage applied to the coil 116 from the control unit 12, the magnetic field formed in the coil 116 is a vibrator including the magnetic body 1141 (114) can be moved up and down quickly.

As a result, when a part of the user's body is in contact with the button unit 112, the user moves the haptic feedback effect formed by the movement of the vibrator 114 relative to the case 111 It can be delivered through.

On the other hand, when the button unit 112 is pressed downward by the user and the vibrator 114 moves with respect to the coil 116, an induced electromotive force may be generated along the wire connected to the coil 116 due to electromagnetic induction. .

The control unit 12 may generate haptic feedback transmitted from the vibrator 114 to the button unit 112 by applying a current to the coil 116 of the button actuator 11.

In addition, the control unit 12 may sense an induced electromotive force generated when the button unit 112 is pressed, and recognize this as an input signal for driving the button-type actuator 11.

For example, the controller 12 may transmit various types of haptic feedback to the user by adjusting the frequency characteristics such as the magnitude, direction, or period of the current applied to the coil 116.

For example, the control unit 12 may include an input detection unit 121, a signal control unit 122 and a haptic driving unit 123.

The input sensing unit 121 may detect an induced electromotive force formed when the button unit 112 is pressed. For example, the input sensing unit 121 may be connected from at least one side of a circuit connected between the coil 116 and the control unit 12 to receive the induced electromotive force formed in the coil 116.

For example, the input sensing unit 121 may measure a magnitude and a direction of a voltage generated by an induced electromotive force formed according to an intensity and time at which the button unit 112 is pressed.

The signal control unit 122 may determine whether to drive the button-type actuator 11 based on the magnitude or direction of the induced electromotive force applied to the input sensing unit 121. For example, the signal controller 122 may measure the degree to which the button unit 112 is pressed by the user based on the magnitude of the voltage of the induced electromotive force.

For example, when the voltage of the induced electromotive force generated when the button unit 112 is pressed is greater than or equal to the “first set voltage”, the signal control unit 122 is The signal" may be transmitted to the haptic driver 123.

For example, the signal controller 122 may generate different input signals for each step of the magnitude of the voltage of the induced electromotive force. Accordingly, the button-type actuator 11 may form a different haptic feedback effect for each step of a size in which the user presses the button unit 112.

For example, when the signal control unit 122 determines that the voltage of the induced electromotive force is greater than the first set voltage level but less than the “second set voltage level”, it is determined that the button unit 112 is in light contact. Thus, a "contact signal" may be transmitted to the haptic driver 123.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the voltage of the induced electromotive force is equal to or greater than the first set voltage level and the second set voltage level, the signal control unit 122 determines that the button unit 112 is pressed and the haptic driving unit 123 Can pass the input signal to.

In other words, the signal controller 122 may transmit any one of a plurality of signals distinguished from each other such as "contact signal" and "input signal" to the haptic driver 123 according to the magnitude of the voltage of the induced electromotive force. have.

* For example, when it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the induced electromotive force is smaller than the first set voltage, the signal controller 122 maintains the haptic driver 123 in a sleep mode to reduce power loss. You can also reduce it.

For example, the signal control unit 122 includes an amplifier for amplifying the voltage of the induced electromotive force applied from the input detection unit 121 and/or a noise filter for attenuating the noise component of the signal. can do.

The haptic driver 123 may apply a current to the coil 116 to drive the button-type actuator 11.

For example, when the haptic driver 123 receives a contact signal, it may apply a contact feedback signal to the coil 116, and when an input signal is applied, it may apply an input feedback signal to the coil 116. have.

Here, the "contact feedback signal" and the "input feedback signal" may be signals of voltage waveforms applied by the haptic driver 123 to the coil 116. For example, the contact feedback signal and the input feedback signal can provide a haptic feedback effect by moving the vibrator with respect to the case. The contact feedback signal and the input feedback signal may form an audible sound by vibrating the vibrator at a high frequency with respect to the case. The contact feedback signal and the input feedback signal may form different haptic feedback effects from each other. On the other hand, in contrast, it is noted that the "contact feedback signal" and the "input feedback signal" may be identical to each other.

As another example, the contact feedback signal or the input feedback signal may cause a user to recognize an audible sound by driving a sound output device (not shown) such as a separately provided buzzer.

The haptic driver 123 may form various haptic feedback effects by adjusting the frequency characteristic of the voltage waveform applied to the coil 116 based on the magnitude and/or duration of the induced electromotive force transmitted from the signal controller 122. .

Specifically, movement pattern characteristics such as the type of movement pattern of the vibrator 114, exercise time, and exercise intensity may be set, and an input feedback signal or a contact feedback signal corresponding thereto may be applied to the button-type actuator 11.

For example, the haptic driving unit 123 may set the type of the movement pattern based on the magnitude and/or duration of the induced electromotive force generated when the button unit 112 is pressed. For example, the haptic driving unit 123 may determine the movement duration of the movement pattern based on the duration of the induced electromotive force formed when the button unit 112 is pressed. For example, the haptic driving unit 123 may determine the exercise intensity of the exercise pattern based on the magnitude of the induced electromotive force formed when the button unit 112 is pressed.

According to the button-type actuator feedback system 1 according to an embodiment, the pressure applied to the button part 112 of the button-type actuator 11 from the user is an input signal of the haptic driving part 123 that controls the driving of the button-type actuator 11 Can function as In addition, the intensity of movement of the button-type actuator 11 may be actively adjusted according to the intensity of the pressure applied to the button unit 112.

According to the button-type actuator feedback system 1 according to an embodiment, characteristics such as the size, type, duration and/or time of occurrence of the haptic feedback are determined by the intensity, time, or time at which the user presses the button unit 112. It may be set in various ways according to, and the response characteristic of such haptic feedback may be freely set according to the purpose in which the button-type actuator 11 is used.

4 is a diagram illustrating a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, a button-type actuator feedback system 2 according to an embodiment includes an input detection part 221 different from the input detection part 121 of the button-type actuator feedback system 1 of the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 3. ) Can be included.

For example, the button actuator feedback system 2 may include a button actuator 21 and a control unit 22.

The button-type actuator 21 may be an actuator capable of simultaneously performing input and output, such as the button-type actuator 11 provided with the button unit 112 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

The controller 22 may generate haptic feedback by applying a current to the coil of the button-type actuator 21.

For example, the control unit 22 may include an input detection unit 221, a signal control unit 222, and a haptic driving unit 223.

The input sensing unit 221 may be connected to circuits connected to both ends of the coil of the button-type actuator 21 to detect induced electromotive force formed when the button-type actuator 21 is pressed. For example, the input detection unit 221 may detect a voltage applied to the resistance element R1 connected between both ends of the coil. In this way, the input sensing unit 221 may generate an input signal or a contact signal based on a relative potential difference between both ends of the resistance element R1 or a change amount thereof.

For example, when the button portion of the button actuator 21 is pressed by a user and the vibrator moves downward with respect to the coil, the induced electromotive force formed in one direction in the circuit between the coil and the controller 22 may be measured.

For example, the input sensing unit 221 may include a first measuring unit 2211 and a second measuring unit 2212 connected by wires branched from wires connected to both ends of the coil of the button-type actuator 21. . Each of the first measurement unit 2211 and the second measurement unit 2212 has one end connected to the ground (not shown) and the other end connected to both ends of the resistance element R1, respectively, Absolute voltage measured at both ends can be detected.

For example, when the user presses the button, any one of the first measurement unit 2211 and the second measurement unit 2212 may measure an induced electromotive force formed in one direction as the button unit is pressed downward. You can measure the magnitude of the voltage.

Thereafter, when the state in which the button unit is pressed is released and the vibrator moves upward with respect to the coil, the other measuring unit may measure the magnitude of the voltage of the induced electromotive force formed in the opposite direction to the one direction.

The signal control unit 222 may determine the direction of the induced electromotive force formed in the button-type actuator 21 through comparison of the magnitude of the voltage measured by the input sensing unit 221, and through this, the button-type actuator 21 You can decide whether to drive or not.

For example, the signal controller 222 may transmit an input signal for driving the button-type actuator 21 to the haptic driver 223 based on the difference in the magnitude of the voltage of the induced electromotive force measured by the input sensing unit 221. have.

For example, the signal controller 222 may transmit an input signal to the haptic driver 223 when a difference in voltage of the induced electromotive force measured by the input detector 221 reaches a preset value.

For example, the signal control unit 222 haptic the input signal at a time when the value of the induced electromotive force measured by the input sensing unit 221 changes from a positive value to a negative value or from a negative value to a positive value. It can be transmitted to the driving unit 223.

According to the above structure, the control unit 22 can transmit a haptic feedback effect at a time when the user presses the button portion of the button actuator 21 and releases the pressurization.

Considering that the haptic feedback may not be effectively sensed in a situation where the user is pressing the button actuator 21, the haptic feedback is provided at the time when the user's force applied to the button is released, It is possible to enable the user to effectively sense haptic feedback.

The haptic driver 223 sets the motion characteristics of the button-type actuator 21 according to an input signal applied from the signal controller 222, and applies an input feedback signal corresponding thereto to the button-type actuator 21, thereby providing a haptic feedback effect. Can be formed.

5 is a cross-sectional view of a button-type actuator according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, a structure of a button-type actuator 31 including a configuration different from that of the button-type actuator 21 shown in FIG. 2 can be confirmed.

For example, the button-type actuator 31 may include a case 311, a button part 312, a vibrator 314, an elastic support part 313, and a coil 316.

The case 311 may form the outer shape of the button-type actuator 31 and may have a shape in which at least a part of the upper surface is open.

For example, the button portion 312 may be formed of a rigid material unlike the button portion 312 illustrated in FIG. 2 and may be installed to be movable in the vertical direction from the upper surface of the case 311. For example, the button part 312 may be connected to the vibrator 314 downward.

For example, the button unit 312 and the vibrator 314 may be connected to a separate elastic structure such as an elastic body and a spring. For example, the button portion 312 and the vibrator 314 may be integrally formed.

For example, the button part 312 may be pressed by a user while being engaged with a groove formed on the upper surface of the case 311 and moved downward toward the inner space of the case 311.

For example, a separate elastic body may be connected between the button part 312 and the case 311, so that the movement of the button part 312 with respect to the case 311 in the vertical direction may be supported.

The elastic support 313 may be an elastic body connected between the inner space of the case 311 and the vibrator 314. The elastic support 313 may support the elastic movement of the button 312 and the vibrator 314 in the vertical direction. Meanwhile, in FIG. 5, the elastic support 313 is shown to support the vibrator 314 and the case 311 in the vertical direction, but unlike this, the side surface of the vibrator 314 and the inner wall of the case 311 are connected. It is also possible to do. The elastic support 313 is sufficient as long as it is configured to provide an elastic restoring force so that the vibrator 314 returns to a specific position with respect to the case 311.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a button-type actuator according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, a structure of the button-type actuator 41 including a configuration different from the button-type actuators 11 and 31 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 can be confirmed.

The button-type actuator 41 according to an embodiment may include a case 411, a button part 412, a vibrator 414, and a coil 416.

The case 411 can form the outer shape of the button actuator 41. For example, the case 411 may be formed of a flexible material.

The button part 412 forms an upper surface of the case 411 and may be connected to the vibrator 414 to the lower side. For example, the button portion 412 may be formed of a flexible material, and thus may be curved downward with respect to the case 411 when pressed by a user. For example, the button part 412 may be integrally formed with the case 411.

The vibrator 414 may be connected to the lower side of the button unit 412 and may move by a magnetic field formed in the coil 416 installed at the lower side of the case 411. For example, the vibrator 414 may be formed of a flexible material that can flexibly bend as the button portion 412 is bent.

For example, the vibrator 414 may be formed of a magneto rheological elastomer (MRE) including magnetic particles 4141 that can be magnetized by an external magnetic field.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation pattern generation step according to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a contact signal application step according to an exemplary embodiment. And FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exercise pattern generation step according to an exemplary embodiment.

7 to 10, a method of controlling a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment will be described.

For convenience of explanation, a method of controlling a button-type actuator feedback system according to an embodiment will be exemplarily described through the button-type actuator feedback system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, but a button-type actuator and a button-type actuator used in the control method. It should be noted that the configuration of the feedback system is not limited to this.

For example, the control method of the button-type actuator feedback system may include an input sensing step 61, an input confirmation step 62, a motion pattern generation step 63, and an actuator driving step 64.

The input sensing step 61 may be a step of sensing an induced electromotive force generated when the button unit 112 of the button actuator 11 is pressed by a user through the control unit 12.

For example, in the input sensing step 61, the input sensing unit 121 receives the induced electromotive force formed according to the relative movement of the vibrator 114 and the coil 116 when the button unit 112 is pressed. I can. For example, the input detection unit 121 may transmit a voltage magnitude or a voltage waveform signal of the generated induced electromotive force to the signal controller 122.

As another example, the input sensing step 61 drives the button-type actuator 11 by using the induced electromotive force formed from the button-type actuator 11 without going through the input confirmation step 62 and the movement pattern generation step 63 to be described later. It can also be used as output power. In this case, the control unit 12 may include an amplifier for amplifying the voltage of the induced electromotive force and/or a noise filter for attenuating the noise component of the induced electromotive force.

The input verification step 62 may be a step in which the controller 12 determines whether to drive the button-type actuator 11 based on the magnitude or direction of the induced electromotive force input in the input sensing step 61.

For example, in the input confirmation step 62, the signal controller 122, when the voltage level of the induced electromotive force detected in the input detection step 61 is greater than or equal to the second set voltage level, to drive the button-type actuator 11 The input signal may be transmitted to the haptic driver 123.

For example, the signal control unit 122 generates an input signal at a point in time when the button unit 112 is pressed and then depressurized in the input sensing step 61, that is, when the direction of the induced electromotive force changes It can be transmitted to the driving unit 123.

For example, the signal control unit 122 includes the magnitude of the voltage of the induced electromotive force formed in one direction when the button unit 112 is pressed and the voltage of the induced electromotive force formed in the opposite direction when the button unit 112 is depressurized. By measuring and comparing the magnitude of each, it is possible to determine when and whether to generate an input signal.

For example, the input verification step 62 may include a first set voltage comparison step 621, a second set voltage comparison step 622, a contact signal applying step 624, and an input signal applying step 623. have.

The first set voltage comparison step 621 may be a step of determining whether a voltage level of the induced electromotive force sensed by the signal controller 122 is equal to or greater than the first set voltage.

For example, in the first set voltage comparison step 621, when the magnitude of the induced electromotive force detected by the signal control unit 122 is less than the first set voltage, the signal control unit 122 sends an intention to the button unit 112 from the user. Since it is determined that the contact and/or pressurization has not occurred, a contact signal and an input signal for driving the button-type actuator 11 may not be generated. For example, when the magnitude of the induced electromotive force is less than the first set voltage, power loss may be reduced by maintaining the haptic driver 123 in a dormant state.

On the other hand, when the magnitude of the induced electromotive force sensed by the signal controller 122 is greater than or equal to the first set voltage, the signal controller 122 determines that a user has contacted the button unit 112 and drives the button-type actuator 11. It is possible to generate a contact signal or an input signal for.

The second set voltage comparison step 622 may be a step of determining whether a voltage level of the induced electromotive force sensed by the signal controller 122 is equal to or greater than the second set voltage.

For example, in the second set voltage comparison step 622, when the magnitude of the induced electromotive force detected by the signal control unit 122 is less than the second set voltage, the signal control unit 122 presses the button unit 112 from the user. It can be determined that no input has occurred. In other words, the signal control unit 122 may perform the contact signal applying step 624 by determining that the button unit 112 has been lightly touched without being pressed by the user.

On the other hand, when the magnitude of the induced electromotive force sensed by the signal controller 122 is greater than or equal to the second set voltage, the signal controller 122 determines that the button unit 112 is pressed by the user and performs the input signal applying step 623. can do.

The input signal applying step 623 may be a step in which the signal controller 122 generates an input signal and transmits it to the haptic driver 123 when the button unit 112 is pressed by a user.

In the step of applying a contact signal 624, a contact signal may be generated and applied to the haptic driver 123 at a point in time when the button unit 112 is lightly contacted by the user. Here, the contact signal may form a contact feedback signal different from the input feedback signal formed by the input signal.

For example, the contact feedback signal vibrates the button unit 112 and the vibrator 114 with a high frequency with respect to the case 111, thereby forming an audible sound.

As another example, the contact feedback signal may cause a user to recognize an audible sound by driving a sound output device (not shown) such as a separately provided buzzer.

According to the contact signal applying step 624, when the button unit 112 is lightly touched by the user, a unique haptic feedback effect is generated according to the contact situation, thereby allowing the user to press the button unit ( 112) is not pressurized and can be made to recognize a lightly contacted situation.

Through this, the user receives a haptic feedback effect according to the contact of the button-type actuator 11, so that the user can easily search even if the position of the button part 112 of the button-type actuator 11 is not directly viewed.

For example, the contact signal application step 624 may include a subsequent input verification step 6241 and a contact signal output step 6242.

In the subsequent input confirmation step 6241, the signal control unit 122 determines whether the button unit 112 is pressed within a "set input time" from the time when it is determined that the button unit 112 has been touched, and sends a contact signal to the haptic driving unit. It may be a step of determining whether to perform the step 6242 of outputting a contact signal output to 123.

For example, if the signal control unit 122 determines that the button unit 112 is pressed within a set input time from the time when it is determined that the button unit 112 has been touched, the contact signal output step 6242 may not be performed. . For example, whether the button unit 112 is pressed is determined based on whether the magnitude of the induced electromotive force detected by the signal controller 122 is equal to or greater than the second set voltage, similar to the second set voltage comparison step 622. I can judge.

Conversely, when the signal control unit 122 determines that the button unit 112 has not been pressed within a set input time from the time when it is determined that the button unit 112 is in contact, the contact signal output step 6242 may be performed.

According to the above structure, when the user contacts the button unit 112 and immediately presses the button unit 112 in a state that recognizes the position of the button unit 112, that is, within a set input time, the contact feedback signal and Each haptic feedback effect according to the input feedback signal is superimposed on each other to prevent a situation that causes confusion to the user.

In other words, the control unit 12 omits the haptic feedback effect according to the contact and haptic feedback according to the input by detecting a situation in which the user presses the button unit 112 at once while accurately recognizing the position of the button-type actuator 11 It can only produce effects.

The exercise pattern generation step 63 is a step of setting exercise pattern characteristics such as the type of exercise pattern, exercise time, and exercise intensity of the button-type actuator 11 based on the formation time, magnitude and/or duration of the induced electromotive force. I can. For example, the motion pattern generation step 63 may be performed at a time point when an input signal or a contact signal is applied to the haptic driver 123.

For example, the exercise pattern generation step 63 may include an exercise pattern type setting step 631, an exercise time setting step 632, and an exercise intensity setting step 633.

The movement pattern type setting step 631 may be a step of setting the type of movement pattern of the vibrator 114 of the button actuator 11 and the button unit 112.

For example, the haptic driving unit 123 determines the frequency characteristics such as the shape, amplitude, period and/or phase of the voltage waveform applied to the coil 116 based on the characteristics of the induced electromotive force formed from the button-type actuator 11. By adjusting, it is possible to set various types of movement patterns.

For example, the haptic driver 123 may set a different motion pattern according to the type of an input signal or a contact signal applied from the signal controller 122.

The exercise time setting step 632 may be a step of setting the exercise time of the vibrator 114 based on the duration of the induced electromotive force or the magnitude of the voltage formed when the button unit 112 is pressed.

For example, the haptic driver 123 may differently set the exercise time of the exercise pattern according to the type of an input signal or a contact signal applied from the signal controller 122.

The exercise intensity setting step 633 may be a step in which the haptic driver 123 sets the exercise intensity of the vibrator 114 based on a voltage level of induced electromotive force generated when the button unit 112 is pressed.

For example, the haptic driver 123 may differently set the motion size of the motion pattern according to the type of an input signal or a contact signal applied from the signal controller 122.

The actuator driving step 64 may be a step of moving the vibrator 114 based on the induced electromotive force formed when the button unit 112 is pressed.

For example, in the actuator driving step 64, the haptic driver 123 applies a voltage waveform signal corresponding to the set type of exercise pattern, exercise time, and/or exercise size to the coil 116, so that the button unit 112 ), a haptic feedback effect can be delivered to the user.

For example, in the actuator driving step 64, when the haptic driver 123 receives a contact signal from the signal controller 122, the haptic driver 123 may apply a preset contact feedback signal to the coil 116. On the other hand, when an input signal is applied from the signal controller 122, a preset input feedback signal may be applied to the coil 116.

11 is a diagram illustrating a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, a button-type actuator feedback system 7 according to an embodiment may include a button-type actuator 71, a touch panel 73, and a control unit 72.

The button actuator 71 may include a case 711, a button portion 712, a coil 716 and a vibrator 714. Hereinafter, the button-type actuator 71 will be described based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, but unless otherwise stated, the following description may be applied to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 or 6. .

For example, the button portion 712 may be installed to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the case 711, and at least a portion may be formed of a flexible member that can be bent in the vertical direction with respect to the case 711.

The vibrator 714 may be connected to the lower side of the button portion 712 and may be moved up and down with respect to the coil 716.

The touch panel 73 may be formed to cover at least a part of an upper surface of the button unit 712. For example, when the touch panel 73 is in contact with the user, it may form an electrical signal and transmit it to the controller 72.

For example, the touch panel 73 may be a capacitive touch panel or a pressure-sensitive touch panel using capacitance of a human body. For example, it should be noted that the touch panel 73 may be integrally formed with the button portion 712.

The control unit 72 may apply a contact feedback signal to the button actuator 71 when sensing a contact of the touch panel 73 connected to the upper side of the button actuator 71. In addition, the controller 72 may apply an input feedback signal to the button actuator 71 when detecting the pressing of the button portion 712 of the button actuator 71.

For example, the controller 72 may include a touch sensing unit 724, an input sensing unit 721, a signal controller 722, and a haptic driving unit 723.

When the upper surface of the touch panel 73 is in contact with the user, the touch sensing unit 724 may determine whether the touch panel 73 is touched by measuring a change in current according to a change in capacitance.

The input sensing unit 721 is connected to a circuit connected to both ends of the coil of the button-type actuator 71 to detect an induced electromotive force that is formed when the button-type actuator 71 is pressed.

The signal controller 722 may determine whether to drive the button-type actuator 71 based on whether the touch panel 73 is in contact and the magnitude or direction of the induced electromotive force applied to the input sensing unit 721.

For example, the signal controller 722 may generate a contact signal at a point in time when the upper surface of the touch panel 73 is in contact with the user and apply it to the haptic driver 723. For example, the signal control unit 722 is a time when the magnitude or direction of the induced electromotive force formed by pressing the button unit 712 on the user corresponds to a set input condition, that is, the button unit 712 is pressed by the user. An input signal may be generated at a time when it is determined that it is determined to be, and applied to the haptic driver 723.

For example, the signal controller 722 may not generate an input signal when it is determined that the button unit 712 is pressed while the touch panel 73 is not in contact.

According to the above structure, by detecting a case where the button unit 712 is unintentionally pressed by an external object other than the user's skin, it is possible to prevent an unintended malfunction.

For example, the signal controller 722 may determine whether or not to generate a contact signal by determining whether the button unit 712 is pressed within a set input time from a point in time when the upper surface of the touch panel 73 is in contact with the user.

For example, when the signal control unit 722 determines that the button unit 712 is not input within a set input time from the time when it is determined that the button unit 712 has been touched, the contact signal may be applied to the haptic driving unit 723. have. Through this, the haptic driver 723 may transmit a haptic feedback effect according to the contact to the user by applying a contact feedback signal to the button-type actuator 71.

For example, the contact feedback signal may form an audible sound by moving the button unit 712 and the vibrator 714 with respect to the case 711 at high frequency. As another example, the contact feedback signal may cause a user to recognize an audible sound by driving a sound output device (not shown) such as a separately provided buzzer.

On the other hand, when the signal control unit 722 determines that the button unit 712 is pressed within a set input time from the time when it is determined that the touch panel 73 is in contact, a contact signal may not be formed, and the button unit 712 It is possible to form only an input signal according to the pressurization of and transmit it to the haptic driver 723. Accordingly, the haptic driver 723 may omit the haptic feedback effect according to the contact and apply only the haptic feedback effect according to the input of the button unit 712 to the button-type actuator 71.

The haptic driver 723 may set a different motion pattern according to each input signal or contact signal applied from the signal controller 722.

For example, the haptic driving unit 723 is based on the timing, magnitude and/or duration of the induced electromotive force formed from the button-type actuator 71, the type of movement pattern of the vibrator 714, the movement time and the intensity of movement, etc. The movement pattern characteristics of may be determined, and a contact feedback signal or a haptic feedback signal corresponding to the movement pattern may be applied to the coil 716.

The controller 92 may apply a contact feedback signal to the button actuator 71 when sensing a contact of the touch panel 73 connected to the upper side of the button actuator 71. On the other hand, the control unit 72 may apply an input feedback signal to the button actuator 71 when detecting the pressing of the button portion 712 of the button actuator 71.

12 is a diagram illustrating a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, a button-type actuator feedback system 9 according to an embodiment may include a button-type actuator 91, a touch panel 93, and a control unit 92.

The button-type actuator 91 may be an actuator device that includes a button unit and a vibrator that move in an upward direction with respect to the case, such as the button-type actuator illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11, and can simultaneously perform input and output.

The touch panel 93 may be formed to cover an upper surface of a button portion of the button actuator 91. A plurality of button-type actuators 91 may be installed to be spaced apart from each other on a lower surface of one touch panel 93.

When the control unit 92 detects a contact of a portion of the touch panel 93 connected to the upper side of any one button actuator 91 of the touch panel 93, the control unit 92 transmits a contact feedback signal to the button actuator 91. Can be approved.

In addition, the controller 92 may apply an input feedback signal to the button-type actuator 91 when it senses the pressurization of the button-type actuator 91.

For example, the controller 92 may generate different haptic feedback effects for each of the plurality of button actuators 91 by applying different contact feedback signals or input feedback signals to each of the plurality of button actuators 91.

For example, the control unit 92 may detect the contact of the touch panel 93 connected to the upper side of any one button-type actuator 91 of the touch panel 93 within the "set contact time". When it is determined that the touch panel 93 connected to the upper side of the button actuator 91 adjacent to the button actuator 91 is in contact, contact feedback to the button actuator 91 located at the touch panel 93 that touched first The signal may not be applied.

According to the above structure, in the case of quickly contacting or sweeping various parts of the touch panel 93 in order to search for the position of the button-type actuator 91 that the user wishes to input, it is quickly contacted and passed in the initial or intermediate process. By not applying a contact feedback signal to the button-type actuator 91 of the touch panel 93, the haptic feedback effect of the plurality of button-type actuators 91 according to the contact overlaps, thereby preventing a situation that causes confusion for the user. have.

13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a button-type actuator feedback system according to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a step of applying a contact feedback signal according to an exemplary embodiment.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a control method of generating a haptic feedback effect based on a user's input through the button-type actuator feedback systems 7 and 9 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 will be described. do.

For example, the control method of the button-type actuator feedback system may include a contact checking step 81, an input checking step 82, a contact feedback signal applying step 83, and an input feedback signal applying step 84.

The contact confirmation step 81 may be a step of determining whether the touch panel 93 attached to the upper surface of the button portion of the button actuator 91 is in contact with the user.

For example, when a plurality of button-type actuators 91 are provided with respect to the touch panel 93, the control unit 92 comprises a plurality of button-type actuators 91 based on the position of the touch panel 93 that is in contact with the user. Among them, it may be determined that the button-type actuator 91 located below the contacted touch panel 93 is in contact.

For example, in the contact confirmation step 81, when the controller 92 detects a user's contact from the touch panel 93, the input check step 82 may be performed.

As another example, in the contact confirmation step 81, when the controller 92 detects a user's contact from the touch panel 93, the contact feedback signal application step 83 regardless of whether the input verification step 82 is performed. Can be performed.

The input confirmation step 82 may be a step of determining whether the button-type actuator 91 is pressed and pressed by a user.

For example, the control unit 92 may determine that the button actuator 91 is pressed when the magnitude or direction of the induced electromotive force formed by pressing the button portion of the button actuator 91 corresponds to a set input condition. I can.

For example, in the input confirmation step 82, when the controller 92 determines that the button portion of the button actuator 91 is pressed by the user, the input feedback signal applying step 84 may be performed.

For example, in the input confirmation step 82, the portion of the touch panel 93 in which the contact is detected within a set input time from the point when the control unit 92 detects that the touch panel 93 has been touched in the contact check step 81 When it is determined that the button portion of the button-type actuator 91 connected to the lower side of the button is pressed, the input feedback signal applying step 84 may be performed without performing the contact feedback signal applying step 83.

Unlike the above, when it is determined that the button portion of the button-type actuator 91 is not pressed within the set input time, the control unit 92 may perform a contact feedback signal applying step 83.

The input feedback signal applying step 84 may be a step in which the controller 92 applies a contact feedback signal to the button-type actuator 91 in which the input is sensed. For example, in the step 84 of applying the input feedback signal, the control unit 92 may apply different input feedback signals to each of the plurality of button-type actuators 91.

The step of applying the contact feedback signal 83 may be a step in which the control unit 92 applies the contact feedback signal to the button-type actuator 91 located under the portion of the touch panel 93 where the contact is sensed. For example, in the step 83 of applying the contact feedback signal, the control unit 92 may apply different contact feedback signals to each of the plurality of button-type actuators 91.

For example, the step of applying the contact feedback signal 83 may include a step of confirming a subsequent contact 831 and an step of outputting a contact feedback signal 832.

In the subsequent contact confirmation step 831, the button-type actuator(s) within a set contact time from a point in time when a contact of a part of the touch panel 93 connected to the upper side of any one of the parts of the touch panel 93 is sensed. This may be a step of determining whether a portion of the touch panel 93 connected to the upper side of the other button-type actuator 91 adjacent to 91) is in contact.

For example, in the subsequent contact confirmation step 831, another button actuator 91 adjacent to the button actuator 91 within a set contact time from the time when the control unit 92 determines that any one button actuator 91 is in contact. If it is determined that is in contact, the contact feedback signal output step 832 for applying the contact feedback signal of the button-type actuator 91 that has previously contacted may not be performed.

On the contrary, when it is determined that the contact of the button-type actuator 91 adjacent to the button-type actuator 91 has not been detected within a set contact time from the time when the control unit 92 determines that one of the button-type actuators 91 is in contact , The contact feedback signal output step 832 may be performed.

The contact feedback signal output step 832 may be a step of outputting a contact feedback signal to the button-type actuator 91 in which the contact is sensed. The contact feedback signal may transmit a haptic feedback effect by moving the vibrator of the button-type actuator 91 in which the contact is sensed. The contact feedback signal vibrates the vibrator at a high frequency, thereby forming an audible sound. The contact feedback signal may cause a user to recognize an audible sound by driving a separately provided sound output device (not shown). Here, the "audible sound" may be understood as a concept including not only a simple notification sound, but also a guide message for guiding a function performed by the button-type actuator 91 in which the contact is sensed. For example, the contact feedback signal may be set differently for each of the plurality of button-type actuators 91 so as to identify what the button-type actuator 91 is touched.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described by the limited drawings, various modifications and variations are possible from the above description by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order from the described method, and/or components such as the described structure, device, etc. are combined or combined in a form different from the described method, or in other components or equivalents. Even if substituted or substituted by, appropriate results can be achieved.

Claims (1)

case;
A button portion pressed by a user and moving at least a portion of the case;
A vibrator connected to the button and having a magnetic material; And
A button-type actuator comprising a coil forming a magnetic field in the vibrator.

Images