WO2017017835A1

WO2017017835A1 - Mouse device

Info

Publication number: WO2017017835A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/071621
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宣俊熊谷; 洋平杉浦
Original assignee: 富士通株式会社
Priority date: 2015-07-30
Filing date: 2015-07-30
Publication date: 2017-02-02

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a mouse device which is capable of providing a desirable tactile sensation. Provided is a mouse device, comprising: a plate, further comprising a contact face which makes contact with a surface of an object; a casing which retains the plate and exposes the contact face, and which a user touches with a hand; an oscillation element which causes the contact face to emit oscillations; a pressure detection unit which detects a pressure by which the plate is pressed by a reaction from the object; and a drive control unit which drives the oscillation element with a drive signal which causes the contact face to emit ultrasonic characteristic oscillations, and which sets the amplitude of the drive signal according to the pressure which is detected by the pressure detection unit. The amplitude is increased according to an increase in the pressure.

Description

Mouse device

The present invention relates to a mouse device.

Conventionally, there is a tactile feedback type mouse device in which an actuator is arranged at the bottom of a casing to generate vibration in the casing. The actuator is disposed on the wall portion at the bottom of the casing inside the casing. The actuator is a linear electromagnetic actuator and has a fixed portion fixed to the housing, a movable portion, and an inertia weight attached to the upper end of the movable portion. The actuator vibrates in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the bottom of the housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

U.S. Patent No. 6,211,861

By the way, since the conventional mouse device vibrates the whole case with the linear electromagnetic actuator as described above, the tactile sensation is not good.

Therefore, an object is to provide a mouse device that can provide a good tactile sensation.

A mouse device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plate having a contact surface that is in contact with the surface of an object, a housing that exposes the contact surface to hold the plate, and is touched by a user's hand, and the contact surface A vibration element that generates vibrations, a pressure detection unit that detects a pressing force that the plate is pressed by a reaction from the object, and a vibration signal that generates a natural vibration of an ultrasonic band on the contact surface. A drive control unit that sets an amplitude of the drive signal in accordance with the pressing force detected by the press detection unit, and the amplitude is used to increase the pressing force. Increased accordingly.

A mouse device that can provide a good tactile sensation can be provided.

It is a side view showing a mouse device of an embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the mouse device shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the mouse device shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the wave front formed in parallel with the short side of a plate among the standing waves which arise in a plate by the natural vibration of an ultrasonic band. 1 is a perspective view of a computer system including a mouse device according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the principal part in the main-body part of a computer system. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the main-body part of PC of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the mouse device of embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 1st operation example of the mouse device of an embodiment. 10 shows a vibration pattern of a vibration element corresponding to the first operation example shown in FIG. 9. It is a figure which shows the data stored in memory. It is a flowchart which shows the process which an amplitude data output part performs. It is a figure explaining the 2nd operation example of the mouse device of an embodiment. The vibration pattern of the vibration element corresponding to the 2nd operation example shown in FIG. 13 is shown. It is a figure which shows the data stored in memory. It is a flowchart which shows the process which an amplitude data output part performs. It is a figure explaining the 3rd operation example of the mouse device of an embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 3rd operation example of the mouse device of an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a vibration pattern of a vibration element corresponding to the third operation example illustrated in FIG. 17. It is a figure which shows the data stored in memory. It is a flowchart which shows the process which an amplitude data output part performs. It is a figure explaining the 4th example of operation of mouse device 100 of an embodiment. The vibration pattern of the vibration element 140 corresponding to the 4th operation example shown in FIG. 22 is shown. This data represents the relationship between the pressing force and the amplification factor. It is a flowchart showing the process which the control part of a mouse | mouth apparatus performs. It is a figure which shows the data stored in the memory of the 1st modification of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the main-body part of the computer system of the 2nd modification of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mouse device of the 3rd modification of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the mouse device of the 3rd modification of embodiment. It is a figure which shows an electric current detection part. 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. An example of the data of the table format used when a pressing force calculation part calculates pressing force using ratio Ip / Vp is shown. It is a flowchart showing the process which the control part of the mouse device of the 3rd modification of embodiment performs.

Hereinafter, an embodiment to which the mouse device of the present invention is applied will be described.

<Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a mouse device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mouse device 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the mouse device shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, description will be made using the XYZ coordinate system which is the orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIGS. FIG. 2 is a cross section parallel to the YZ plane passing through the center of the width in the X-axis direction of the mouse device 100 in FIG.

The mouse device 100 includes a housing 110, a wheel 111, a left button 112, a cable 114, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 115, a sensor 116, a plate 120, a double-sided tape 130, and a vibration element 140.

The mouse device 100 further includes a contact sensor 150, a support plate 160, a pressure sensor 170, a substrate 180, and a control device 200.

The mouse device 100 is a pointing device that is connected to an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) and operates the position of a pointer displayed on a PC monitor. The mouse device 100 is an example of an input device.

The mouse device 100 is disposed on the surface 1A of the object 1 such as a desk or a table. The surface 1A is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane in the XYZ coordinate system shown in FIGS. The user operates the position of the pointer by moving the mouse device 100 with respect to the surface 1A. Note that the surface 1A may not be flat, and may not be a horizontal plane.

The housing 110 is a mouse-type housing, and has an opening 110A in which the plate 120 is disposed on the surface (see FIG. 3) on the Z-axis negative direction side. The housing 110 holds a plate 120 disposed in the opening 110A, and the plate 120 is exposed on the surface of the housing 110 on the Z axis negative direction side.

A wheel 111 is provided on the surface of the casing 110 on the positive side in the Z axis, and a left button 112 is provided on a side surface on the positive side in the X axis. Further, a contact sensor 150 is provided on the back side (inside the casing 110) of the side surface of the casing 110 on the X axis positive direction side. Further, an LED 115 and a sensor 116 are provided on the Y axis positive direction side of the plate 120 on the surface of the housing 110 on the Z axis negative direction side.

Also, inside the housing 110, a support plate 160, a pressure sensor 170, a substrate 180, and a control device 200 are provided on the positive side of the plate 120 in the Z-axis positive direction. The housing 110 has an engaging portion 110B inside, and the substrate 180 is fixed in a state of being engaged with the inside of the housing 110 by the engaging portion 110B.

The drive control unit included in the control device 200 drives the vibration element 140 with a drive signal that causes the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band. The drive control of the vibration element 140 by the drive control unit of the control device 200 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

The casing 110 has a shape that fits in the palm of the user except on the side where the opening 110A is formed.

When the mouse device 100 is connected to a PC, the wheel 111 is an operation unit used when scrolling up and down an image displayed on a PC monitor, for example.

The left button 112 is a button that is pressed when performing selection or determination, for example. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mouse device 100 may have a right button provided on the side surface on the X axis negative direction side. The right button is, for example, a button that is pressed when displaying a menu on the monitor.

The cable 114 is a cable for connecting the mouse device 100 to a PC, and has, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector at the tip.

The LED 115 and the sensor 116 are an example of a movement detection unit that detects a movement direction and a movement amount of the mouse device 100. The sensor 116 is, for example, an image sensor, and detects the moving direction and moving amount of the mouse device 100 by reading a pattern on the surface of an object irradiated with laser light from the LED 115.

The plate 120 is bonded to the housing 110 with a double-sided tape 130 so as to be exposed to the surface on the Z-axis negative direction side from an opening 110A provided on the surface on the Z-axis negative direction side of the housing 110. Since the plate 120 is located on the bottom surface of the mouse device 100, it can be handled as a bottom plate or a bottom panel.

The plate 120 is a thin flat plate member that is rectangular in plan view, and is made of metal, resin, ceramic, or the like. A surface 120 A (surface on the negative Z-axis direction side) 120 A of the plate 120 is a surface that contacts the surface 1 A of the object 1.

In the plate 120, the vibration element 140 is bonded to the surface on the Z axis positive direction side, and four sides in the XY plan view are bonded to the casing 110 by the double-sided tape 130. The double-sided tape 130 only needs to be able to bond the four sides of the plate 120 to the housing 110, and does not need to be rectangular in a plan view.

In addition, another panel or a protective film may be provided on the surface 120A of the plate 120. In such a case, the surface 120A of the plate 120 comes into contact with the surface 1A of the object 1 via another panel or a protective film.

The plate 120 vibrates when the vibration element 140 is driven in a state where the vibration element 140 is bonded to the surface on the positive side of the Z axis. In the embodiment, the plate 120 is vibrated at the natural vibration frequency of the plate 120 to generate a standing wave in the plate 120. However, since the vibration element 140 is bonded to the plate 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 along the short side extending in the X-axis direction on the Y-axis negative direction side of the surface of the plate 120 on the Z-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. A piezoelectric element is an element that vibrates in a three-dimensional direction.

The vibration element 140 is driven by a drive signal output from the drive control unit of the control device 200. 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 mouse device 100 of the embodiment, the frequency at which the vibration element 140 vibrates is equal to the vibration frequency of the plate 120, so that the vibration element 140 is driven by a drive signal so as to vibrate at the natural frequency of the plate 120. .

The contact sensor 150 is provided on the back side (inside the casing 110) of the side surface of the casing 110 on the X axis positive direction side, and is a sensor that detects the contact of the user's right thumb. As the contact sensor 150, for example, a capacitance-type proximity sensor that detects a change in capacitance accompanying the approach of a human body can be used. The contact sensor 150 is an example of a contact detection unit.

The support plate 160 is a flat member having four projecting portions 161. As shown in FIG. 3, two of the four protrusions 161 are disposed along the long side extending in the Y-axis direction at the end of the plate 120 on the X-axis positive direction side. The remaining two of the four protrusions 161 are disposed along the long side extending in the Y-axis direction at the end of the plate 120 on the X-axis negative direction side.

Such a support plate 160 is made of metal or an insulator such as resin. The four projecting portions 161 may be formed integrally with the flat plate-like portion of the support plate 160, or may be attached to the flat plate-like portion. The ends of the four protrusions 161 on the negative side in the Z-axis direction are fixed to the surface of the plate 120 on the positive side in the Z-axis direction by, for example, bonding or screwing.

Here, as an example, a description will be given of a form in which the ends of the four projecting portions 161 on the Z-axis negative direction side are fixed to the surface of the plate 120 on the Z-axis positive direction side. However, if the positional relationship between the support plate 160 and the plate 120 is fixed in a state where the protrusion 161 of the support plate 160 is pressed against the plate 120, the end of the four protrusions 161 on the negative side of the Z axis The part may not be fixed to the plate 120.

The position of the protruding portion 161 in the Y-axis direction is matched with the position of the node of the natural vibration (standing wave) generated in the plate 120. A natural vibration (standing wave) is generated on the plate 120 so that the antinodes and nodes are aligned in the Y-axis direction. In order to minimize the influence on the standing wave generated in the plate 120 and increase the amplitude of the standing wave, the position of the protrusion 161 in the Y-axis direction is made to coincide with the position of the node. When it is not necessary to consider the influence on the standing wave, the position of the protruding portion 161 in the Y-axis direction may be different from the position of the node.

The pressing sensor 170 contacts the surface of the support plate 160 on the positive side of the Z axis. The support plate 160 is provided to avoid the vibration element 140 on the Z-axis positive direction side of the plate 120 and to transmit the stress that the plate 120 receives in the Z-axis positive direction to the pressure sensor 170. For this reason, the height of the protrusion 161 in the Z-axis direction is higher than the height (thickness) of the vibration element 140 in the Z-axis direction.

The press sensor 170 is attached to the surface of the substrate 180 on the Z axis negative direction side. The pressure sensor 170 is provided to detect a change in force with which the user presses the mouse device 100 against the surface 1 A of the object 1.

The pressing sensor 170 may be a sensor that is directly or indirectly connected to the plate 120 and outputs a voltage or current corresponding to the pressing force that the plate 120 receives from the object 1. As the pressure sensor 170, for example, a strain gauge type pressure sensor or a pressure sensor using a piezoelectric element such as a piezoelectric element may be used.

Since the substrate 180 to which the pressure sensor 170 is attached is fixed to the housing 110 by the engaging portion 110B, when the user presses the mouse device 100 against the surface 1A of the object 1 in the negative Z-axis direction, the plate 120 Presses the support plate 160 in the positive Z-axis direction, and the press sensor 170 is pressed between the support plate 160 and the substrate 180.

The pressure sensor 170 detects the pressing force that the plate 120 is pressed by the reaction from the surface 1A of the object 1 when the user presses the mouse device 100 against the surface 1A of the object 1 in the negative Z-axis direction. To do. The press sensor 170 is an example of a press detection unit.

The substrate 180 is fixed to the housing 110 in a state of being engaged with an engaging portion 110B inside the housing 110. The board | substrate 180 should just be fixed to the engaging part 110B by the double-sided tape, the adhesive agent, screwing, etc., for example.

A pressure sensor 170 is fixed to the surface of the substrate 180 on the negative side of the Z axis. The substrate 180 is fixed to the housing 110 so that the plate 120 and the support plate 160 do not move due to a reaction force received from the object 1 when the user presses the mouse device 100 against the surface 1A of the object 1 in the negative Z-axis direction. Has been.

The control device 200 is mounted on the surface of the substrate 180 on the Z axis positive direction side. The substrate 180 is, for example, an FR-4 (Flame Retardant type 4) standard wiring substrate.

In the mouse device 100 configured as described above, when the pointer touches a predetermined symbol displayed on the monitor, a predetermined GUI operation unit, or the like, the drive control unit of the control device 200 drives the vibration element 140 to move the plate 120. Vibrate at ultrasonic frequency. The frequency of this ultrasonic band is a resonance frequency of a resonance system including the plate 120 and the vibration element 140 and causes the plate 120 to generate a standing wave.

The mouse device 100 provides a tactile sensation to the user through the housing 110 by generating a standing wave in the ultrasonic band.

In addition, when the vibration element 140 is driven in this way, if the user changes the force with which the mouse device 100 is pressed against the surface 1A of the object 1 in the negative direction of the Z-axis, the mouse device 100 is moved by the user's hand. The amplitude of the drive signal that drives the vibration element 140 is changed so that the tactile sensation provided to the sound is constant.

More specifically, when the user increases the force with which the mouse device 100 is pressed against the object 1, the mouse device 100 drives the vibration element 140 so that the tactile sensation provided to the user's hand is constant. The amplitude of the drive signal to be increased is increased. In addition, when the user presses the mouse device 100 against the object 1, the mouse device 100 generates a drive signal for driving the vibration element 140 so that the tactile sensation provided to the user's hand is constant. Decrease the amplitude. Note that the control of the amplitude of the drive signal with respect to such a pressing force will be described later with reference to FIGS.

In addition, here, a description will be given of a mode in which the pressing force applied to the plate 120 from the object 1 is detected by the pressing sensor 170 using the support plate 160 and the substrate 180. However, the pressing force applied to the plate 120 is detected by the pressing sensor 170. As long as it can do, the structure which supports the plate 120 and the press sensor 170 may be what kind of structure.

Next, the standing wave generated in the plate 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 plate 120 among standing waves generated in the plate 120 by the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band, and FIG. B) is a perspective view. 4A and 4B, XYZ coordinates similar to those in FIGS. 1 and 2 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.

Using the Young's modulus E, density ρ, Poisson's ratio δ, long side dimension l, thickness t of the plate 120 and the standing wave period k existing in the long side direction, the natural frequency (resonance) of the plate 120 is obtained. The 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).

4A and 4B are waveforms when the number of periods k is 5, as an example. For example, in the case where an aluminum plate member having a long side length l of 70 mm, a short side length of 40 mm, and a thickness t of 0.7 mm is used as the plate 120, the cycle number k is 5. In addition, the natural frequency f is 33.5 [kHz]. In this case, a drive signal having a frequency of 33.5 [kHz] may be used.

Although the plate 120 is a flat plate-like member, when the vibration element 140 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is driven to generate the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band, the plate 120 is shown in FIGS. In this way, a standing wave is generated on the surface.

Here, a description will be given of a form in which one vibration element 140 is bonded along the short side extending in the X-axis direction on the Y-axis negative direction side on the surface of the plate 120 on the Z-axis positive direction side. Two vibration elements 140 may be used. When two vibration elements 140 are used, another vibration element 140 is bonded to the surface on the Z-axis positive direction side of the plate 120 along the short side extending in the X-axis direction on the Y-axis positive direction side. Good. 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 plate 120.

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.

Further, the position of the protrusion 161 of the support plate 160 in the Y-axis direction may be matched with the position of the natural vibration (standing wave) node generated on the plate 120 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a computer system including the mouse device 100 of the embodiment. A computer system 10 shown in FIG. 5 includes a main body 11, a display panel 12, a keyboard 13, a mouse device 100, and a modem 15. Here, the main body 11, the display panel 12, and the keyboard 13 are handled as a PC.

The main unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a disk drive, and the like. The display panel 12 displays various images and the like according to instructions from the main body unit 11. The display panel 12 may be a liquid crystal monitor, for example. The keyboard 13 is an input unit for inputting various information to the computer system 10. The mouse device 100 is an input unit that designates an arbitrary position such as a pointer displayed on the display panel 12. The modem 15 accesses an external database or the like and downloads a program or the like stored in another computer system.

An application program for using the mouse device 100 is stored in a portable recording medium such as the disk 17 or downloaded from the recording medium 16 of another computer system using a communication device such as the modem 15, and the computer system 10. To be compiled.

The application program for using the mouse device 100 may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as the disk 17. The computer-readable recording medium is limited to a portable recording medium such as a disk 17, an IC card memory, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. It is not something. The computer-readable recording medium includes various recording media accessible by a computer system connected via a communication device such as a modem 15 or a LAN.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part in the main body 11 of the computer system 10. The main body 11 includes a CPU 21 connected by a bus 20, a memory unit 22 including a RAM or a ROM, a disk drive 23 for the disk 17, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 24. In the embodiment, the display panel 12, the keyboard 13, and the mouse device 100 are connected to the CPU 21 via the bus 20, but these may be directly connected to the CPU 21. The display panel 12 may be connected to the CPU 21 via a known graphic interface (not shown) that processes input / output image data.

Note that the computer system 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and various well-known elements may be added or alternatively used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the main body 11 of the PC according to the embodiment.

The main body unit 11 includes a control unit 510, an application processor 520, a communication unit 530, an amplitude data output unit 540, and a memory 550. Further, a display panel 12 and a driver IC 12B are connected to the main body 11. The control unit 510, the application processor 520, and the amplitude data output unit 540 represent functional blocks realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) chip included in the main body unit 11.

In FIG. 7, the display panel 12, the mouse device 100, and the modem 15 (see FIG. 5) are omitted. Here, the driver IC 12B, the control unit 510, the application processor 520, the communication unit 530, the amplitude data output unit 540, and the memory 550 will be described.

The driver IC 12B is connected to the display panel 12, inputs the drawing data output from the application processor 520 to the display panel 12, and causes the display panel 12 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 12.

The control unit 510 is a control unit that controls all processes executed by the main body unit 11. Here, in particular, a method of obtaining the position of the pointer displayed on the display panel 12 among the functions of the control unit 510 will be described.

The control unit 510 obtains the position of the pointer displayed on the display panel 12 based on the data representing the movement amount and movement direction of the mouse device 100 input from the mouse device 100 via the communication unit 530. Control unit 510 is an example of a pointer control unit.

Here, the position of the symbol in the text displayed on the display panel 12 is specified by, for example, an OS (Operating System) installed in the PC. Here, the symbol is a generic name including characters, numbers, pictograms, emoticons, and other symbols. The characters are characters used for writing hiragana, katakana, kanji, alphabets, and other languages.

In addition, among the symbols in the text displayed on the display panel 12, the position of the symbol for which the hyperlink is set is specified by the OS installed in the PC. A symbol for which a hyperlink is set is an example of a predetermined symbol.

Also, the OS determines whether the pointer is touching a symbol for which a hyperlink is set. When the pointer touches a symbol for which a hyperlink is set, the OS outputs a signal indicating that the pointer is touched.

It is assumed that such an OS is installed in the main body unit 11 and executed by the control unit 510.

Application processor 520 performs processing for executing various applications of main unit 11.

The communication unit 530 is an interface connected to the cable 114 when the main body unit 11 and the mouse device 100 are connected by the cable 114. When the main body unit 11 and the mouse device 100 are connected by wireless communication, the communication unit 530 is a communication unit for near field communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example.

The amplitude data output unit 540 generates amplitude data representing the amplitude value of the drive signal used for driving the vibration element 140. The amplitude value is set according to the degree of temporal change in the position of the pointer operated by the mouse device 100. The amplitude data output from the amplitude data output unit 540 is data that becomes a drive signal for driving the vibration element 140 of the mouse device 100. The amplitude data output unit 540 is an example of a drive signal output unit.

Further, the drive control device 300 according to the embodiment vibrates the plate 120 in order to change the dynamic friction force applied to the plate 120 when the mouse device 100 moves along the surface 1A of the object 1. Since the dynamic friction force is generated when the plate 120 is moving, the amplitude data output unit 540 is used to vibrate the vibration element 140 when the moving speed of the mouse device 100 exceeds a predetermined threshold speed. Outputs amplitude data.

Therefore, the amplitude value represented by the amplitude data output from the amplitude data output unit 540 is zero when the moving speed is less than the predetermined threshold speed, and is predetermined according to the moving speed when the moving speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold speed. Is set to the amplitude value.

Also, the amplitude data output unit 540 outputs amplitude data when the control unit 510 touches a predetermined symbol that should generate vibration or is within a predetermined area.

When the control unit 510 outputs a signal indicating that the pointer is touching the symbol for which the hyperlink is set, the amplitude data output unit 540 outputs the amplitude data of the vibration pattern assigned to the hyperlink. Output.

Also, the amplitude data output unit 540 outputs amplitude data of the vibration pattern assigned to the GUI operation unit or the like when the pointer is inside the display area such as the GUI operation unit or the like.

Here, the position on the display panel 12 such as a GUI operation unit to be displayed on the display panel 12 and an area for displaying other images is specified by area data representing the area. The area data exists for areas representing all GUI operation units and the like displayed on the display panel 12 in all applications.

The amplitude data output unit 540 determines whether or not the position of the pointer input from the control unit 510 is within a predetermined region where vibration is to be generated, using the region 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 550.

The amplitude data output unit 540 outputs the amplitude data generated as described above to the mouse device 100 via the communication unit 530. As a result, in the mouse device 100, the vibration element 140 is driven by a drive signal based on the amplitude data.

Further, the memory 550 stores data and programs necessary for the application processor 520 to execute the application, data and programs necessary for the communication processing by the communication unit 530, and the like.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the mouse device 100 according to the embodiment.

The mouse device 100 includes a vibration element 140, an amplifier 141, a contact sensor 150, a press sensor 170, and a control device 200. The control device 200 includes a main control unit 210, a movement detection unit 220, a communication unit 230, a drive control unit 240, a memory 250, a switch 260, a sine wave generator 310, and an amplitude modulator 320. In FIG. 8, the other components of the mouse device 100 are omitted.

The main control unit 210, the movement detection unit 220, and the drive control unit 240 are realized by, for example, an IC chip. The main control unit 210, the movement detection unit 220, and the drive control unit 240 may be configured with one IC chip, or may be configured with different IC chips. The main control unit 210 and the drive control unit 240 are examples of the control unit of the control device 200.

The amplifier 141 is disposed between the amplitude modulator 320 and the vibration element 140 and drives the vibration element 140 by amplifying the drive signal output from the amplitude modulator 320.

The main control unit 210 transmits data representing the movement direction and movement amount of the mouse device 100 detected by the movement detection unit 220 to the main body unit 11 via the communication unit 230. Further, the main control unit 210 transmits data representing the operation amount of the wheel 111 to the main body unit 11 via the communication unit 230.

The main control unit 210 includes a contact determination unit 211 and a calculation unit 212. The contact determination unit 211 determines whether the user has touched the mouse device 100 based on the voltage value output from the contact sensor 150.

The calculation unit 212 obtains a pressing force based on a signal representing the pressing force output from the pressing sensor 170, and determines an amplification factor for amplifying the amplitude value of the drive signal. The calculation unit 212 amplifies the amplitude data transmitted from the computer system 10 with the amplification factor, and outputs the amplified amplitude data to the drive control unit 240. The calculation unit 212 is an example of an amplification unit.

The main control unit 210 controls the lighting of the LED 115. In addition, the main control unit 210 switches on / off the power source in response to an operation for switching on / off of the mouse device 100 input to the switch 260.

The movement detection unit 220 detects the movement direction and movement amount of the mouse device 100 based on the data input from the sensor 116. When an image sensor is used as the sensor 116, the movement detection unit 220 analyzes the image input from the sensor 116 and detects the movement direction and movement amount of the mouse device 100. The communication unit 230 includes the main body unit 11 and the mouse. When the apparatus 100 is connected with the cable 114, the interface is connected to the cable 114. Further, when the main body unit 11 and the mouse device 100 are connected by wireless communication, the communication unit 230 is a communication unit for short-range communication such as Bluetooth, for example.

The communication unit 230 transmits data representing the operation amount of the wheel 111 output from the main control unit 210 to the main body unit 11. The communication unit 230 transmits data representing the movement direction and the movement amount detected by the movement detection unit 220 to the main body unit 11. The communication unit 230 transmits the drive signal transmitted from the main body unit 11 to the drive control unit 240.

The drive control unit 240 drives the vibration element 140 using the drive signal transmitted from the main body unit 11. The drive signal is data in which amplitude data for modulating the amplitude of the sine wave signal of the ultrasonic band input from the sine wave generator 310 is arranged in time series. The amplitude data is data in which data representing the amplitude of the modulated drive signal is arranged in time series.

The memory 250 stores amplification factor data representing the amplification factor used when amplifying the amplitude value of the drive signal. The amplification factor data is read from the memory 250 when the main control unit 210 determines the amplification factor. The main control unit 210 determines the pressing force based on the output signal of the pressing sensor 170, and determines the amplification factor according to the pressing force.

The switch 260 is a switch for performing an operation of switching the mouse device 100 on / off. When the switch 260 is operated, the main control unit 210 switches the power on / off in accordance with an operation for switching on / off of the mouse device 100 input to the switch 260.

The sine wave generator 310 generates a sine wave necessary for generating a drive signal for vibrating the plate 120 at the natural frequency. For example, when the plate 120 is vibrated at a natural frequency f of 33.5 [kHz], the frequency of the sine wave is 33.5 [kHz]. The sine wave generator 310 inputs an ultrasonic band sine wave signal to the amplitude modulator 320.

The amplitude modulator 320 modulates 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 to generate a drive signal. 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 by 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.

The plate 120 drives the vibration element 140 by changing the amplitude of the drive signal in a single natural vibration mode in which the frequency of the drive signal is fixed. That is, in the mouse device 100, the plate 120 drives the vibration element 140 by changing the amplitude of the drive signal in a single natural vibration mode without changing the natural vibration mode.

Next, referring to FIGS. 9 to 21, when the pointer displayed on the display panel 12 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) is operated by the mouse device 100, the position of the pointer and the degree of temporal change of the position are determined. Accordingly, an operation example in which the vibration element 140 is driven in accordance with the amplitude data output from the main body 11 (see FIG. 5) will be described.

Here, it is assumed that the force with which the user presses the mouse device 100 is constant, and the drive signal is not amplified according to the output of the press sensor 170.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first operation example of the mouse device 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a vibration pattern of the vibration element 140 corresponding to the first operation example shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows text displayed on the display panel 12. A hyperlink is set in a part of the text. The text shown in FIG. 9 is quoted from the English version of Wikipedia (Olympic Games (May 26, 2015, 2:10 UTC) Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki / Olympic_Games).

In FIG. 9, a word for which no hyperlink is set is shown in black, and a word for which a hyperlink is set is shown in gray. The pointer 12A moves in the image displayed on the display panel 12 when the user moves the mouse device 100 on the surface 1A of the object 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

For example, assume that the pointer 12A touches “Ancient” of the word “Ancient Olympic Games” for which a hyperlink is set. More specifically, as indicated by an upward arrow, the pointer 12A approaches from the lower side of “Ancient” and starts to touch at time t11.

When the pointer 12A is operated in this way, the vibration pattern of the drive signal for driving the vibration element 140 changes from zero to A1 at time t11 as shown in FIG. 10, and a very short time has elapsed. This is a vibration pattern in which the amplitude becomes zero at time t12.

Note that the vibration pattern shown in FIG. 10 is represented by, for example, data in which data representing amplitudes are arranged in time series. That is, the vibration pattern shown in FIG. 10 is given by an envelope of a plurality of amplitude data representing amplitudes arranged in time series.

When the vibration element 140 is driven with the vibration pattern as shown in FIG. 10, the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is generated on the plate 120 at the time t11, and the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is not generated at the time t12.

When natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is generated in the plate 120, an air layer is interposed between the plate 120 and the surface 1A of the object 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) due to the squeeze effect, and the dynamic friction coefficient of the plate 120 with respect to the surface 1A. Decreases.

Further, when switching from the state in which the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is generated in the plate 120 to the state in which the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is not generated, the air layer disappears, and thus the dynamic friction coefficient of the plate 120 with respect to the surface 1A increases. .

Accordingly, the user who operates the mouse device 100 has a feeling that the mouse device 100 becomes slippery with respect to the surface 1A due to the decrease in the dynamic friction force at time t11, and the mouse device 100 is moved to the surface at time t12 due to the increase in the dynamic friction force. Get a feel that is less slippery than 1A.

For this reason, when the pointer 12A comes into contact with a word for which a hyperlink is set at time t11, the mouse device 100 becomes slippery with respect to the surface 1A, and vibration does not occur at time t12 immediately after time t11. Then, the increase in the dynamic friction force makes it difficult for the mouse device 100 to slide with respect to the surface 1A.

Therefore, when the pointer 12A comes into contact with a word for which a hyperlink is set, the mouse device 100 easily slides on the surface 1A for a moment, and immediately thereafter (time t12), the mouse device 100 slips on the surface 1A. By becoming difficult, the user's hand is provided with a tactile sensation as if the mouse device 100 hit the projection. Thereby, the user can perceive with tactile sensation that the pointer 12A has reached the word for which the hyperlink is set.

In the drive control of the vibration element 140 as described above, the amplitude data output unit 540 of the main body 11 (see FIG. 5) of the computer system 10 transmits the amplitude data stored in the memory 550 to the mouse device 100. Then, the drive control unit 240 of the mouse device 100 outputs the amplitude data to the amplitude modulator 320, and the amplitude modulator 320 amplitude-modulates the ultrasonic band sine wave signal output from the sine wave generator 310 with the amplitude data. Thus, a drive signal is generated, and the vibration element 140 is driven by the drive signal.

Note that time t12 represents the timing at which the driving of the vibrating element 140 is turned off after the vibrating element 140 is driven at time t11. That is, the vibration element 140 is turned on during a period from time t11 to time t12. Thus, the period during which the vibration element 140 is turned on may be set as appropriate according to the application. For this reason, the timing of the time t12 with respect to the time t11 is determined by the period during which the vibration element 140 is turned on.

Next, the control process of the amplitude data and the amplitude data output unit 540 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing data stored in the memory 550.

The data stored in the memory 550 is data in which data representing the type of application is associated with pattern data representing a vibration pattern.

· Shows application ID (Identification) as data indicating the type of application. P1 to P5 are shown as pattern data representing the vibration pattern. The pattern data representing the vibration pattern includes data representing the amplitude, and represents, for example, the vibration pattern shown in FIG.

Note that the application represented by the application ID includes any application that can be used on a smartphone terminal or a tablet computer.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the amplitude data output unit 540. The process shown in FIG. 12 can be executed by installing an application program for using the mouse device 100 in the computer system 10 main body 11 (see FIG. 7).

The OS (Operating System) of the main body 11 executes control for driving the main body 11 at every predetermined control cycle. For this reason, the amplitude data output unit 540 performs calculation every predetermined control period.

Also, the OS of the main body 11 determines whether or not the pointer 12A touches a word for which a hyperlink is set. When the pointer 12A touches a word for which a hyperlink is set, the OS outputs a signal (hyperlink contact signal) indicating that the pointer is touched. Such processing is executed by the control unit 510 of the main body unit 11. Control unit 510 inputs a hyperlink contact signal to amplitude data output unit 540.

The amplitude data output unit 540 starts the process when the main unit 11 is turned on.

The amplitude data output unit 540 determines whether a hyperlink contact signal is input (step S1).

When the amplitude data output unit 540 determines that the hyperlink contact signal is input in step S1 (S1: YES), the amplitude data output unit 540 reads the amplitude data from the memory 550 and sets the amplitude value (step S2A).

The amplitude data output unit 540 outputs the amplitude data in which the amplitude value is set in step S2A (step S3). As a result, amplitude data is transmitted from the amplitude data output unit 540 to the mouse device 100, and the amplitude modulator 320 modulates the amplitude of the sine wave output from the sine wave generator 310 to generate a drive signal, and the vibration element 140 is driven.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that no hyperlink contact signal is input (S1: NO), the amplitude data output unit 540 sets the amplitude value to zero (step S2B).

As a result, the amplitude data output unit 540 outputs amplitude data having an amplitude value of zero, and the amplitude modulator 320 generates a drive signal in which the amplitude of the sine wave output from the sine wave generator 310 is modulated to zero. . For this reason, in this case, the vibration element 140 is not driven.

From the above, when the pointer 12A touches a word for which a hyperlink is set, the user's hand is provided with a tactile sensation as if the mouse device 100 hit the projection. Thereby, the user can perceive with tactile sensation that the pointer 12A has reached the word for which the hyperlink is set.

Here, an example of the operation of driving the vibration element 140 when the pointer 12A reaches the word for which the hyperlink is set has been described. However, the pointer 12A can be set to any word other than the word for which the hyperlink is set. The vibration element 140 may be driven when the angle reaches.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second operation example of the mouse device 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a vibration pattern of the vibration element 140 corresponding to the second operation example shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 shows icons displayed on the display panel 12.

For example, the case where the pointer 12A passes through the icon 12C will be described. More specifically, as indicated by a right-pointing arrow, it is assumed that the pointer 12A starts approaching and touching from the left side of the icon 12C at time t21 and finishes touching the icon 12C at time t22.

When the pointer 12A is thus operated, the vibration pattern of the drive signal for driving the vibration element 140 changes from zero to B1 at time t21 and zero at time t22, as shown in FIG. The vibration pattern becomes

When the vibration element 140 is driven in this way, the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is generated on the plate 120 at the time t21, and the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is not generated at the time t22.

For this reason, when the pointer 12A enters the display area of the icon 12C at time t21, the mouse device 100 becomes slippery with respect to the surface 1A, and when the pointer 12A goes out of the display area of the icon 12C at time t22. As the dynamic friction force increases, the mouse device 100 is less likely to slip with respect to the surface 1A.

Therefore, when the pointer 12A enters the display area of the icon 12C, the mouse device 100 becomes slippery with respect to the surface 1A, and a tactile sensation that makes the mouse device 100 slippery is provided to the user's hand. . Thereby, the user can perceive with tactile sensation that the pointer 12A has entered the display area of the icon 12C.

Further, even when the pointer 12A is within the display area of the icon 12C, the mouse device 100 is easily slipped with respect to the surface 1A, and a tactile sensation that makes the mouse device 100 slippery is provided to the user's hand. . Thereby, the user can perceive by touch that the pointer 12A is in the display area of the icon 12C.

Further, when the pointer 12A goes out of the display area of the icon 12C, the mouse device 100 is difficult to slide with respect to the surface 1A, so that the mouse device 100 hits the protrusion on the user's hand. A tactile sensation is provided. As a result, the user can perceive the tactile sensation that the pointer 12A has moved away from the display area of the icon 12C.

In the drive control of the vibration element 140 as described above, the amplitude data output unit 540 of the main body 11 (see FIG. 5) of the computer system 10 transmits the amplitude data stored in the memory 550 to the mouse device 100. Then, the drive control unit 240 of the mouse device 100 inputs the amplitude data to the amplitude modulator 320, and the amplitude modulator 320 generates a drive signal by amplitude-modulating the sine wave signal of the ultrasonic band with the amplitude data. The vibration element 140 is driven by this drive signal. As described above, drive control of the vibration element 140 is realized.

Next, the control processing of the amplitude data and the amplitude data output unit 540 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing data stored in the memory 550.

The data stored in the memory 550 is data in which data representing the type of application, area data representing the display area of the icon 12C, and pattern data representing the vibration pattern are associated with each other. In all applications, the area data exists for all GUI operation units displayed on the display panel 12, an area for displaying an image, or an area representing the entire page.

· Shows the application ID as data indicating the type of application. As the area data, equations f1 to f5 representing the coordinate values of the area in which the GUI operation unit or the like where the operation input is performed are displayed are shown. Further, Q1 to Q5 are shown as pattern data representing the vibration pattern. The pattern data representing the vibration pattern includes data representing the amplitude, and represents, for example, the vibration pattern shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the amplitude data output unit 540.

Further, the OS of the main body 11 determines whether the pointer 12A is touching the display area of the icon 12C. When the pointer 12A touches the display area of the icon 12C, the OS outputs a signal indicating that the pointer 12A is touching (icon contact signal). Such processing is executed by the control unit 510 of the main body unit 11. Control unit 510 inputs an icon contact signal to amplitude data output unit 540.

The amplitude data output unit 540 acquires position data indicating the current position of the pointer 12A and area data associated with the current application type (step S21).

The amplitude data output unit 540 determines whether or not the current position of the pointer 12A is within the region represented by any region data (step S22).

If the amplitude data output unit 540 determines in step S22 that the current position of the pointer 12A is within the region represented by any of the region data (S22: YES), the amplitude data output unit 540 reads the amplitude data from the memory 550 and determines the amplitude. A value is set (step S23A).

Here, for example, if the current position of the pointer 12A is within the display area of the icon 12C, the amplitude data included in the vibration pattern associated with the area data of the icon 12C is read and the amplitude value is set. .

The amplitude data output unit 540 outputs the amplitude data set with the amplitude value in step S23A (step S24). As a result, the amplitude data is transmitted from the amplitude data output unit 540 to the mouse device 100, and the amplitude modulator 320 modulates the amplitude of the sine wave output from the sine wave generator 310 to generate a drive signal. Thus, the vibration element 140 is driven.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the current position of the pointer 12A is not within the region represented by any of the region data (S22: NO), the amplitude data output unit 540 sets the amplitude value to zero. (Step S23B).

As a result, the amplitude data output unit 540 outputs amplitude data whose amplitude value is zero in step S24, and the amplitude modulator 320 is a drive signal obtained by modulating the amplitude of the sine wave output from the sine wave generator 310 to zero. Is generated. In this case, the vibration element 140 is not driven.

As described above, when the pointer 12A enters the display area of the icon 12C, a tactile sensation that makes the mouse device 100 slip easily is provided to the user's hand, and the user moves the pointer 12A into the display area of the icon 12C. You can perceive that you have entered.

Further, even when the pointer 12A is within the display area of the icon 12C, a tactile sensation that makes the mouse device 100 slippery is provided, so that the user perceives that the pointer 12A is in the display area of the icon 12C. it can.

Further, when the pointer 12A goes out of the display area of the icon 12C, the user's hand is provided with a tactile sensation as if the mouse device 100 hit the projection, so that the user can move the pointer 12A to the icon 12C. It can be perceived by touch that the user has left the display area.

In the second operation example, the mode in which the vibration element 140 is switched on / off when the pointer 12A enters or exits the icon display area has been described. The vibration element 140 may be driven according to the positional relationship with the pointer 12A.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating a third operation example of the mouse device 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a vibration pattern of the vibration element 140 corresponding to the third operation example shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 illustrates a case where the image on the display panel 12 is scrolled.

The image on the display panel 12 can be scrolled by moving the scroll bar 12D shown in FIG. 17 up and down. Here, while holding down the Ctrl key of the keyboard 13 (see FIG. 5), the mouse is drawn like a circle. A case where the image on the display panel 12 is scrolled by operating the device 100 will be described.

When the mouse device 100 is operated to draw a circle as shown in FIG. 18 while pressing the Ctrl key, the image on the display panel 12 can be scrolled.

For example, when the mouse device 100 is operated so that the pointer 12A draws a circle clockwise as shown in FIG. 18 while pressing the Ctrl key, the image on the display panel 12 can be scrolled upward.

Suppose that the pointer 12A starts to move in a clockwise circle at time t31 while the Ctrl key is pressed, and stops at time t32.

When the pointer 12A is operated in this way, the vibration pattern of the drive signal for driving the vibration element 140 is as shown in FIG. At time t31, the amplitude changes from zero to C1, and immediately after that, the amplitude becomes zero. Then, every time a predetermined operation amount is reached, the vibration element 140 is driven with the amplitude C2 (<C1).

When the vibration element 140 is driven in this way, the plate 120 is subjected to a natural vibration of the ultrasonic band at the time t31 when the scroll operation is started, and reaches a predetermined operation amount until the scroll operation is finished at the time t32. Each time it reaches, the vibration element 140 is driven with the amplitude C2 (<C1).

When the vibration element 140 is driven with the amplitude C1 at the time t31 when the scroll operation is started and the vibration element 140 is turned off immediately after that, the mouse device 100 becomes slippery from the slippery state with respect to the surface 1A. Thus, the user's hand is provided with a tactile sensation as if the mouse device 100 hit the projection. As a result, the user can perceive that the scrolling has started by tactile sensation.

If the scroll operation is continued, the vibration element 140 is driven with the amplitude C2 every time the operation amount reaches a predetermined amount. Since the amplitude C2 is smaller than the amplitude C1, every time the operation amount reaches a predetermined amount, the user's hand is provided with a tactile sensation as if the mouse device 100 hit a small protrusion. Thereby, the user can perceive with tactile sensation that the operation amount of the scroll operation has reached a predetermined amount.

Although FIG. 18 illustrates the case where the image on the display panel 12 can be scrolled upward by moving the pointer 12A clockwise, the pointer 12A draws a circle counterclockwise while pressing the Ctrl key. When the mouse device 100 is operated as described above, the image on the display panel 12 can be scrolled downward.

In the drive control of the vibration element 140 as described above, the amplitude data output unit 540 of the main body 11 (see FIG. 5) of the computer system 10 transmits the amplitude data stored in the memory 550 to the mouse device 100. Then, the drive control unit 240 of the mouse device 100 outputs the amplitude data to the amplitude modulator 320, and the amplitude modulator 320 generates a drive signal using the amplitude data, whereby the drive control of the vibration element 140 is realized. .

Next, the control processing of the amplitude data and the amplitude data output unit 540 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing data stored in the memory 550.

The data stored in the memory 550 is data in which data representing the type of application, operation amount data representing a predetermined operation amount, and pattern data representing a vibration pattern are associated with each other. The operation amount data is data representing a predetermined operation amount that generates a vibration having an amplitude C2 shown in FIG.

· Shows the application ID as data indicating the type of application. As the operation amount data, equations S1 to S5 representing a predetermined operation amount for generating the vibration with the amplitude C2 are shown. In addition, R1 to R5 are shown as pattern data representing the vibration pattern. The pattern data representing the vibration pattern includes data representing the amplitude, and represents, for example, the vibration pattern having the amplitudes C1 and C2 illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the amplitude data output unit 540.

The amplitude data output unit 540 determines whether or not the Ctrl key is pressed (step S31). This is because if the mouse device 100 is operated so that the pointer 12A draws a circle while the Ctrl key is pressed, the image on the display panel 12 can be scrolled upward or downward. Note that the process of step S31 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the Ctrl key is pressed.

When the amplitude data output unit 540 determines that the Ctrl key is pressed (S31: YES), the amplitude data output unit 540 determines whether scrolling has started (step S32). Whether or not scrolling has started can be determined based on whether or not the position of the pointer 12A has moved. Note that the process of step S32 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that scrolling has started.

The amplitude data output unit 540 sets the amplitude value at the start of scrolling (step S33). For example, the amplitude C1 shown in FIG. 19 is set.

The amplitude data output unit 540 outputs the amplitude data set with the amplitude value in step S33 (step S34). As a result, amplitude data is transmitted from the amplitude data output unit 540 to the mouse device 100, and the amplitude modulator 320 modulates the amplitude of the sine wave output from the sine wave generator 310 to generate a drive signal, and the vibration element 140 is driven. For example, the vibration element 140 is driven with the amplitude C1 shown in FIG.

The amplitude data output unit 540 determines whether or not the operation amount of the scroll operation has reached a predetermined operation amount (step S35). The predetermined operation amount is determined in advance by operation amount data shown in FIG.

When it is determined that the predetermined operation amount has been reached (S35: YES), the amplitude data output unit 540 reads the amplitude data from the memory 550 and sets the amplitude value (step S36A).

Here, for example, if the operation amount of the pointer 12A has reached a predetermined operation amount after the scroll operation is started, the amplitude data included in the vibration pattern associated with the application ID is read and the amplitude value is Is set.

The amplitude data output unit 540 outputs the amplitude data for which the amplitude value is set in step S36A (step S37). As a result, amplitude data is transmitted from the amplitude data output unit 540 to the mouse device 100, and the amplitude modulator 320 modulates the amplitude of the sine wave output from the sine wave generator 310 to generate a drive signal, and the vibration element 140 is driven.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that the predetermined operation amount has not been reached (S35: NO), the amplitude data output unit 540 sets the amplitude value to zero (step S36B).

When the process of step S36A or S36B is completed, the amplitude data output unit 540 determines whether or not the scroll operation is completed (step S38). The scrolling operation ends when the position of the pointer 12A has not moved.

If the amplitude data output unit 540 determines that the scroll operation has not ended (S38: NO), the flow returns to step S35.

On the other hand, if the amplitude data output unit 540 determines that the scroll operation has ended (S38: YES), the series of flows ends (end).

As described above, when the scroll operation is started, the vibration element 140 is driven with a large amplitude, and immediately after that, the vibration element 140 is turned off, so that the mouse device 100 becomes slippery from the slippery state with respect to the surface 1A. Thus, a tactile sensation as if the mouse device 100 hit a relatively large protrusion is provided to the user's hand. As a result, the user can perceive that the scrolling has started by tactile sensation.

Further, if the scroll operation is continued, the vibration element 140 is driven with a small amplitude every time the operation amount reaches the predetermined amount. Therefore, every time the operation amount reaches the predetermined amount, the user's hand holds the mouse device. A tactile sensation such that 100 hits a relatively small protrusion is provided. Thereby, the user can perceive with tactile sensation that the operation amount of the scroll operation has reached a predetermined amount.

The amplitude C1 and the amplitude C2 are not limited to the case where the amplitude C1 is larger than the amplitude C2, as described above, and the amplitude C1 and the amplitude C2 may be equal, or the amplitude C2 may be larger than the amplitude C1. .

In the third operation example of the embodiment, when the scroll operation is performed by operating the mouse device 100 so as to draw a circle with the Ctrl key pressed, the scroll operation is started and a predetermined operation is performed. The mode in which the vibration element 140 is driven when the amount is reached has been described. However, when the scroll bar 12D shown in FIG. 17 is moved by the pointer 12A, the vibration element 140 may be driven to provide a tactile sensation every time the amount of movement of the scroll bar 12D reaches a predetermined amount.

In the third operation example, the mode in which the vibration element 140 is switched on / off when the mouse device 100 is used to perform a scroll operation has been described. However, the vibration element 140 is switched on / off during an operation other than the scroll operation. You may do it.

Next, control processing performed by the mouse device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25. In the mouse device 100, when the main body 11 (see FIG. 5) outputs amplitude data in accordance with the position of the pointer 12A and the temporal change degree of the position, the mouse device 100 is pressed against the object 1 by the user. Based on the output signal of the pressure sensor 170, the amplitude data is amplified and the vibration element 140 is driven as described below.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a fourth operation example of the mouse device 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 23 shows a vibration pattern of the vibration element 140 corresponding to the fourth operation example shown in FIG. The vibration pattern of the vibration element 140 is a pattern represented by arranging the amplitude data of the drive signal for driving the vibration element 140 in time series.

The fourth operation example shown in FIG. 22 is an operation example when the pointer 12A passes the icon 12C as in the second operation example shown in FIG. It is an operation example in the case where the amplitude data is amplified based on the output signal of the pressure sensor 170 when pressed.

As shown in FIG. 22, at time t41, the pointer 12A starts to approach from the left side of the icon 12C and touches the mouse device 100 at time t42, and at time t43, the user presses the mouse device 100. It is assumed that the pressing force is further weakened and the user has finished touching the icon 12C at time t44.

Note that the force with which the user presses the mouse device 100 from time t41 to time t42 is constant, and the force with which the user presses the mouse device 100 from time t42 to time t43 is constant, from time t43 to time t44. The force with which the user presses the mouse device 100 is constant.

As an example, the force with which the mouse device 100 is pressed from time t42 to time t43 is 2/3 of the force with which the mouse device 100 is pressed from time t41 to time t42, and from time t43 to time t44. The force with which the mouse device 100 is pressed is 1/3 of the force with which the mouse device 100 is pressed from time t41 to time t42.

In this way, when the pointer 12A is operated by the mouse device 100, the vibration pattern of the drive signal for driving the vibration element 140 is as shown in FIG. The vibration pattern changes from zero to B3 at time t41, decreases from B3 to B2 at time t42, decreases from B2 to B1 at time t43, and becomes zero at time t44.

When the vibration element 140 is driven in this way, the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is generated on the plate 120 at the time t41, and the amplitude of the natural vibration is gradually reduced at the times t42 and t43. The natural vibration of the sonic band is not generated.

When the force with which the user presses the mouse device 100 decreases, if the amplitude of the drive signal is constant, the dynamic friction force decreases when the pressing force decreases, so the user presses the mouse device 100. The tactile sensation perceived by the hand is lightened.

On the contrary, when the force with which the user presses the mouse device 100 increases, if the amplitude of the drive signal is constant, the dynamic friction force increases when the pressing force increases. The tactile sensation perceived by the hand pressing the mouse device 100 becomes heavy.

That is, when the force with which the user presses the mouse device 100 changes, if the amplitude of the drive signal is constant, the dynamic frictional force changes when the pressing force changes. The tactile sensation perceived by the pressing hand changes.

If the tactile sensation that the user perceives with the hand that presses the mouse device 100 changes when the force that presses the mouse device 100 changes in this way, the tactile sensation that the user perceives with the hand may not be good.

Therefore, the mouse device 100 according to the embodiment detects the pressing force applied to the mouse device 100 based on the output signal of the pressing sensor 170, and the tactile sensation perceived by the user with a hand is constant even when the pressing force changes. Thus, the amplitude value of the drive signal is amplified.

That is, if the pressing force applied to the mouse device 100 is increased, the amplification factor is increased so that the tactile sensation perceived by the user is constant, and the amplitude value of the drive signal is increased. On the contrary, if the pressing force applied to the mouse device 100 is reduced, the amplification factor is reduced so that the tactile sensation perceived by the user is constant, and the amplitude value of the drive signal is reduced.

Thus, the amplitude data output from the main body 11 (see FIG. 5) is amplified using the amplification factor according to the pressing force applied to the mouse device 100. The amplitude data output from the main body 11 is set by the main body 11 in accordance with the position of the pointer 12A and the temporal change in position.

In FIGS. 22 and 23, the operation example in the case where the pressing force decreases stepwise has been described. On the contrary, when the pressing force increases stepwise, the tactile sensation that the user perceives with his / her hand. Since the amplification factor increases stepwise so that becomes constant, the amplitude data output from the main body 11 is amplified so as to increase stepwise.

Also, the amplification factor used when the mouse device 100 amplifies the drive signal may be a value of 1 or more or a value smaller than 1. When the amplification factor is 1 or more, the amplitude of the drive signal after amplification is equal to or greater than the amplitude of the drive signal before amplification. On the other hand, when the amplification factor is smaller than 1, the amplitude of the drive signal after amplification is smaller than the amplitude of the drive signal before amplification.

When the mouse apparatus 100 amplifies the drive signal, the amplitude of the drive signal used for driving the vibration element 140 may be changed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 shows data representing the relationship between the pressing force and the amplification factor. Such data is stored in the memory 250 of the control device 200 of the mouse device 100.

In the data shown in FIG. 24, the pressing force data P1, P2, and P3 representing the pressing force are associated with the amplification factor data AR1, AR2, and AR3 representing the amplification factor, respectively. Here, the pressing force data P1, P2, and P3 represent three levels of pressing force values obtained by classifying the pressing force detected by the pressing sensor 170 into three ranges, and P1 <P2 <P3. It is.

Further, the amplification factor values represented by the amplification factor data AR1, AR2, and AR3 satisfy AR1 <AR2 <AR3, and when the pressing force changes stepwise as P1, P2, and P3, the user manually The value is set so that the perceived tactile sensation is constant.

In the amplification factor data AR1, AR2, AR3, the amplification factor is set so that a constant tactile sensation can be provided to the user's hand even if the pressing force changes to any one of P1, P2, and P3. More specifically, when the pressing force is P1, the vibration element 140 is driven with a drive signal obtained by amplifying the amplitude data with the amplification factor data AR1, and when the pressing force is P2, the amplitude data with the amplification factor data AR2. When the vibration element 140 is driven by the drive signal amplified by the driving signal, and when the pressing force is P3, the vibration element 140 is driven by the drive signal obtained by amplifying the amplitude data by the amplification factor data AR3. The amplification factor is set so that a constant tactile sensation can be provided to the hand.

Here, even if the pressing force changes, the tactile sensation perceived by the user's hand is constant. Even if the pressing force changes, the vibration element is driven by the drive signal whose amplitude data is amplified by the amplification factor. By driving 140, the amplitude of the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band of the vibration element 140 is made constant. Making the amplitude of the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band of the vibration element 140 constant with respect to the change in the pressing force is realized by making the current value flowing through the vibration element 140 constant with respect to the change in the pressing force. The

Note that the amplification factor that makes the tactile sensation perceived by the user's hand constant even when the pressing force changes can be set by performing an experiment in which the vibrating element 140 is vibrated while applying the pressing force to the mouse device 100, for example. Good. Moreover, you may obtain | require an amplification factor by simulation etc. instead of experiment.

Further, the pressing force data P1, P2, and P3 are values obtained by classifying the pressing forces detected by the pressing sensor 170 into three ranges and digitizing them. For this reason, strictly speaking, the minimum pressing force classified into the range of the pressing force data P1 and the maximum pressing force classified into the range of the pressing force data P1 provide a tactile sensation provided to the user's hand. There may be differences. The same applies to the pressing force data P2 and P3.

Therefore, providing a constant tactile sensation to the user's hand by classifying the pressing force into a plurality of ranges and setting an amplification factor for each range is a certain tactile sensation provided to the user's hand. It is to be within the range.

Next, processing executed by the main control unit 210 of the mouse device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the main control unit 210 of the mouse device 100.

The main control unit 210 starts processing when the power of the mouse device 100 is turned on (start).

The main control unit 210 determines whether or not the user's hand has touched the mouse device 100 (step S41). More specifically, the contact determination unit 211 determines whether the thumb of the right hand of the user has touched the mouse device 100 based on the voltage value output from the contact sensor 150. The process of step S41 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the user's hand has touched the mouse device 100 (S41: YES).

If the main control unit 210 determines that the user's hand has touched the mouse device 100 (S41: YES), the main control unit 210 detects the pressing force applied to the mouse device 100 (step S42). More specifically, the calculation unit 212 calculates the pressing force based on a signal representing the pressing force output from the pressing sensor 170.

Next, the main control unit 210 obtains an amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force obtained in step S42 (step S43). More specifically, the calculation unit 212 obtains the amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force obtained in step S42 from the data shown in FIG.

Next, the main control unit 210 determines whether amplitude data is input from the computer system 10 (step S44). For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 21, when the pointer 12 A operated by the mouse device 100 is inside a predetermined area or the like that drives the vibration element 140, the computer system 10 starts the mouse device. This is because amplitude data is input to 100.

If the main control unit 210 determines that the amplitude data is input (S44: YES), the main control unit 210 amplifies the amplitude data with the amplification factor, and outputs the amplified amplitude data to the drive control unit 240 (step S45). More specifically, the calculation unit 212 amplifies the amplitude data input from the computer system 10 using the amplification factor obtained in step S43. As a result, the amplified amplitude data is output from the drive control unit 240, and the vibration element 140 is driven.

The main control part 210 returns a flow to step S42, after finishing the process of step S45.

On the other hand, if the main control unit 210 determines that the amplitude data is not input (S44: NO), the flow proceeds to step S46. In this case, the vibration element 140 is not driven. In Step S44 after the vibration element 140 is driven in Step S45 and the flow is returned to Step S42, if it is determined that no amplitude data is input (S44: NO), the computer system 10 Since the amplitude data is not input, the vibration element 140 is not driven.

The main control unit 210 determines whether or not the user's hand has touched the mouse device 100 (step S46). This is to determine whether or not to continue the process.

If the main control unit 210 determines that the user's hand has touched the mouse device 100 (S46: YES), the main control unit 210 returns the flow to step S42. This is because the pressing force is detected again to obtain the amplification factor.

On the other hand, when determining that the user's hand is not in contact with the mouse device 100 (S46: NO), the main control unit 210 ends the flow (end). This is because the mouse device 100 is not operated.

As described above, the main control unit 210 calculates the pressing force from the output signal of the pressing sensor 170 by executing the above-described control process, calculates the amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force, and is input from the computer system 10. Amplify the amplitude data. Then, the amplitude data amplified by the main control unit 210 is output from the drive control unit 240, and the vibration element 140 is driven.

In the mouse device 100 according to the embodiment, when the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band is generated in the plate 120, an air layer is interposed between the plate 120 and the surface 1A of the object 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) due to the squeeze effect. The dynamic friction coefficient of the plate 120 with respect to the surface 1A decreases.

For this reason, for example, in the operation example shown in FIG. 22, when the pointer 12A enters the display area of the icon 12C at the time t41, the mouse device 100 becomes slippery with respect to the surface 1A. Further, when the force that presses the mouse device 100 is weakened at time t42, the amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force is set based on the data representing the relationship between the pressing force and the amplification factor shown in FIG. The amplitude of the vibration is kept constant, and the ease of sliding with respect to the surface 1A of the mouse device 100 is kept constant. This is because, even when the pressing force is reduced, the amplification factor is lowered to provide a constant tactile sensation to the user's hand, so that the vibration amplitude of the vibration element 140 is kept constant.

Further, when the force that presses the mouse device 100 further weakens at time t43, the amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force is set based on the data representing the relationship between the pressing force and the amplification factor shown in FIG. The amplitude of the vibration of the mouse device 100 is kept constant, and the ease of sliding with respect to the surface 1A of the mouse device 100 is kept constant. This is because, even when the pressing force is reduced, the amplification factor is lowered to provide a constant tactile sensation to the user's hand, so that the vibration amplitude of the vibration element 140 is kept constant.

At time t44, when the pointer 12A moves out of the display area of the icon 12C, the mouse device 100 is less likely to slip with respect to the surface 1A due to an increase in dynamic friction force.

Further, even if the force for pressing the mouse device 100 changes when the pointer 12A is within the display area of the icon 12C, it corresponds to the pressing force based on the data representing the relationship between the pressing force and the amplification factor shown in FIG. Since the amplification factor is set, the slipperiness with respect to the surface 1A of the mouse device 100 is kept constant.

Therefore, the mouse device 100 is kept slippery with respect to the surface 1A, and even if the force for pressing the mouse device 100 changes, the user's hand has a tactile sensation that makes the mouse device 100 slippery. And a certain tactile sensation is provided. Thereby, the user can perceive that the pointer 12A is in the display area of the icon 12C with a tactile sensation, and a good tactile sensation is provided to the user's hand even if the pressing force changes.

Further, when the pointer 12A goes out of the display area of the icon 12C, the mouse device 100 is difficult to slide with respect to the surface 1A, so that the mouse device 100 hits the protrusion on the user's hand. A tactile sensation is provided. As a result, the user can perceive the tactile sensation that the pointer 12A has moved away from the display area of the icon 12C. The tactile sensation is provided to the user in the same manner as in the operation example shown in FIG.

In the drive control of the vibration element 140 as described above, the amplitude data output unit 540 of the main body 11 (see FIG. 5) of the computer system 10 sends the amplitude data corresponding to the position of the pointer 12A and the degree of change from the memory 550. Read out and transmit to the mouse device 100.

Then, the main control unit 210 of the mouse device 100 detects the pressing force according to the output signal of the pressing sensor 170, and the main control unit 210 reads the amplification factor according to the pressing force from the memory 250. Then, the main control unit 210 amplifies the amplitude data transmitted from the computer system 10 and outputs the amplified amplitude data to the drive control unit 240.

Further, the drive controller 240 inputs the amplitude data to the amplitude modulator 320, and the amplitude modulator 320 generates a drive signal by amplitude-modulating the sine wave signal of the ultrasonic band with the amplitude data. The vibration element 140 is driven by this drive signal. As described above, drive control of the vibration element 140 is realized.

In addition, although the form which amplifies the amplitude data of a drive signal with the gain according to a pressing force was demonstrated to the 2nd operation example shown in FIG. 13 here, the 1st operation example shown in FIG. The third operation example shown in FIG. 17 can be similarly applied.

Further, in the above, as an example, the amplification pressure data AR1, AR2 are obtained by dividing the pressures detected by the pressure sensor 170 into three ranges and digitizing the three levels of pressure values P1, P2, P3, respectively. The form in which AR3 is associated has been described. However, the pressing force may be classified into two or more stages and may be classified into more stages than three stages.

Further, using the pressing force detected by the pressing sensor 170 as a parameter, an amplification factor is obtained using a mathematical formula that increases the amplification factor as the pressing force increases, and the amplitude data of the drive signal is amplified with the obtained amplification factor. May be.

As described above, since the mouse device 100 according to the embodiment generates the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band on the plate 120 according to the position of the pointer 12A and the degree of movement of the position, it is favorable for the user by using the squeeze effect. A tactile sensation can be provided.

Due to the squeeze effect, a very thin air layer is interposed between the plate 120 and the surface 1A of the object 1, so that the dynamic friction force is reduced when the mouse device 100 is moved relative to the surface 1A.

When the vibration element 140 is turned off from the state in which the dynamic friction force is reduced in this way, an air layer is not interposed between the plate 120 and the surface 1A of the object 1, so that the mouse device 100 is difficult to slip with respect to the surface 1A. Thus, it is possible to provide the user with a tactile sensation as if the mouse device 100 hit the convex portion.

Further, even if the force for pressing the mouse device 100 changes when the vibration element 140 is driven, the amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force is based on the data representing the relationship between the pressing force and the amplification factor shown in FIG. Since it is set, the ease of sliding with respect to the surface 1A of the mouse device 100 is kept constant.

For this reason, even if the force with which the mouse device 100 is pressed changes, the user's hand is provided with a tactile sensation that makes the mouse device 100 slippery and provides a certain tactile sensation. Therefore, even if the pressing force changes, a good tactile sensation is provided to the user's hand.

As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide the mouse device 100 that can provide a good tactile sensation.

In the above, amplitude data is generated on the main body 11 side using the data stored in the memory 550, the amplitude data is transmitted to the mouse device 100, and the mouse device 100 amplifies the amplitude data using the amplification factor. In the above description, the vibration element 140 is driven by the amplified drive signal.

However, the vibration element 140 may be driven based on the moving direction and the moving amount detected by the movement detecting unit 220 by the mouse device 100. In this case, the main body 11 does not have to be involved in the drive control of the vibration element 140. For example, the vibration element 140 may be driven in a predetermined pattern when the mouse device 100 moves in a specific movement direction, or the vibration element 140 may be driven in a predetermined pattern when the mouse device 100 moves by a specific movement amount. It may be driven by.

Further, in the above, the amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force applied to the mouse device 100 is obtained, the amplitude data input from the main body 11 to the mouse device 100 is amplified using the amplification factor, and the vibration element is obtained using the amplified drive signal. The mode of driving 140 has been described.

However, amplitude data corresponding to the pressing force applied to the mouse device 100 may be prepared in the memory 550 of the main body 11. More specifically, a plurality of types of vibration pattern data shown in FIGS. 11, 15, and 20 having different amplitude data according to the level of the pressing force are prepared, and the pressing force applied to the mouse device 100 is set to the main body. The vibration pattern of amplitude data corresponding to the pressing force may be output to the mouse device 100. In this case, the main control unit 210 of the mouse device 100 does not have to amplify the amplitude data input from the main body unit 11.

Here, a first modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first modified example, the same data as the table format data shown in FIGS. 11, 15, and 20 is stored in the memory 250 of the mouse device 100, and amplitude data is generated on the mouse device 100 side.

Here, FIG. 9 is used for explanation. In the first modification, an identifier is assigned to a word for which a hyperlink is set. As such an identifier, for example, an identifier assigned by the OS can be used.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating data stored in the memory 250 according to the first modification of the embodiment.

The data stored in the memory 250 is data in which data representing the type of application, link ID, and pattern data representing a vibration pattern are associated with each other. The link ID is an identifier assigned to a word for which a hyperlink is set. The link ID is output by the control unit 510 as an example of an identifier output unit.

The amplitude data output unit 540 of the main body unit 11 transmits the link ID of the hyperlink touched by the pointer 12A to the mouse device 100, and the drive control unit 240 refers to the data (FIG. 26) stored in the memory 250, and the application ID The vibration pattern corresponding to the link ID is read out. Then, the amplitude data included in the vibration pattern is output to the amplitude modulator 320. As a result, the vibration element 140 is driven by the drive signal output from the amplitude modulator 320.

In this way, table format data including vibration patterns may be stored in the memory 250 of the mouse device 100.

Since the driving method of the vibration element 140 is the same as in the first operation example described above, according to the first modification, it is possible to provide the mouse device 100 that can provide a good tactile sensation.

Also, a second modification of the embodiment described below may be used.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a main body 11A of a computer system 10A according to a second modification of the embodiment. The main body 11A has a configuration in which the amplitude data output unit 540 is removed from the main body 11 shown in FIG. The main body 11A is used in combination with the mouse device 100 of the first modification.

In the second modification, the main unit 11A transmits the hyperlink contact signal and the coordinates of the pointer 12A to the mouse device 100. Then, the mouse device 100 drives the vibration element 140 by executing the process shown in FIG. 12 based on the hyperlink contact signal. In addition, the mouse device 100 executes the process shown in FIG. 16 using the coordinates of the pointer 12A. Further, the mouse device 100 executes the process shown in FIG. 21 using the coordinates of the pointer 12A.

Since the driving method of the vibration element 140 is the same as that of the first modified example described above, according to the second modified example, it is possible to provide the mouse device 100 that can provide a good tactile sensation.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a mouse device 100A according to a third modification of the embodiment.

The mouse device 100A has a configuration in which the support plate 160 and the pressure sensor 170 are removed from the mouse device 100 shown in FIGS. The mouse device 100 A includes a current detection unit that detects a current flowing through the vibration element 140 instead of the press sensor 170.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mouse device 100A according to a third modification of the embodiment.

The mouse device 100A includes a vibration element 140, an amplifier 141, a contact sensor 150, a current detection unit 190, and a control device 200A. The control device 200A includes a main control unit 210A, a movement detection unit 220, a communication unit 230, a drive control unit 240, a memory 250, a switch 260, a sine wave generator 310, and an amplitude modulator 320. The main control unit 210A and the drive control unit 240 are examples of the control unit of the control device 200A.

The main control unit 210A includes a contact determination unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a phase correction unit 213, an amplitude ratio calculation unit 214, and a pressing force calculation unit 215. The main control unit 210A adds a phase correction unit 213, an amplitude ratio calculation unit 214, and a pressing force calculation unit 215 to the main control unit 210 shown in FIG. 31, and the calculation unit 212 is calculated by the pressing force calculation unit 215. The amplitude data is amplified using an amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force.

The current detection unit 190 detects the voltage across the resistor using, for example, a resistor inserted in series in the wiring connecting the amplitude modulator 320 and the amplifier 141, and uses the voltage across the resistor as the resistance value of the resistor. Any sensor may be used as long as the current value is obtained by dividing by.

The phase correction unit 213 detects the voltage waveform of the drive signal output from the amplitude modulator 320. In the mouse device 100A, when the pressing force applied to the plate 120 is obtained, the voltage / current ratio of the drive signal is used. A phase correction unit 213 is provided to match the phase of the voltage and current when determining the ratio of the voltage and current of the drive signal.

For this reason, the phase correction unit 213 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 213 is a very small amount of current among the drive signals 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 213 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 213 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 213 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 correction amount by which the phase correction unit 213 corrects the phase of the voltage of the drive signal may be obtained in advance through experiments and / or simulations. Note that when the phase difference between the voltage and current of the drive signal does not occur, the main control unit 210 may not include the phase correction unit 213. Here, a mode in which the phase correction unit 213 corrects the phase of the voltage of the drive signal will be described. However, the phase correction unit 213 is provided between the current detection unit 190 and the amplitude ratio calculation unit 214, and the phase correction unit 213 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 214 includes an A / D converter that digitally converts the current data input from the current detection unit 190. The current data input from the current detection unit 190 is an analog value.

The amplitude ratio calculation unit 214 calculates a 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 213, and outputs the ratio to the pressing force calculation unit 215.

The amplitude ratio calculation unit 214 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 has been corrected. More specifically, the amplitude ratio calculation unit 214 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, to thereby calculate the current and voltage. Calculate the ratio. The ratio calculated by the amplitude ratio calculation unit 214 is an example of a first ratio.

The pressing force calculation unit 215 calculates the pressing force applied to the plate 120 using the ratio calculated by the amplitude ratio calculation unit 214. The pressing force calculation unit 215 subtracts the ratio calculated by the amplitude ratio calculation unit 214 from the ratio between the current and voltage of the drive signal when the plate 120 is not pressed, and subtracts a predetermined coefficient from the value obtained by subtraction. To calculate the pressing force.

The pressing force calculated by the pressing force calculation unit 215 is an example of the pressing degree. The ratio between the current and voltage of the drive signal in a state where the plate 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.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating the current detection unit 190.

The current detection unit 190 includes a resistor 191 and a current detection IC (Integrated Circuit) 192. The resistor 191 is inserted in series with the wiring connecting the amplitude modulator 320 and the amplifier 141. The current detection IC 192 has a differential amplifier and (Analog to Digital Converter), detects the voltage across the resistor 191, and divides the voltage across the resistor 191 to obtain the current value. Data representing the obtained current value is transmitted to the amplitude ratio calculation unit 214.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the relationship between the presence or absence of pressing and the voltage and current of the drive signal.

A mouse device 100A shown in cross section in (A1) and (B1) of FIG. 31 includes a current detection unit 190 that detects the current of the drive signal, a drive control unit 240, a sine wave generator 310, and an amplitude modulator 320. A summary of the AC sources. (A1) in FIG. 31 is a case where there is no pressing, and the user's hand is only touching the mouse device 100A and is not pressing the mouse device 100A. FIG. 31 (B1) shows a case where there is a press, and the user's hand presses the mouse device 100A in the negative Z-axis direction. The waveform shown on the plate 120 of the mouse device 100A shown in cross section schematically shows the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band.

When there is no pressing, as shown in (A1) of FIG. 31, the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band having the amplitude as the design value is generated on the plate 120 of the mouse device 100A. 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, the amplitude of the natural vibration of the ultrasonic band generated on the plate 120 of the mouse device 100A is smaller than that without the pressure, as shown in FIG. This is because it is pressed by the user's hand.

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. 31, 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. The amplitude of the vibration of the vibration element 140 decreases when the plate 120 is pressed and the natural vibration amplitude of the ultrasonic band decreases. This means that it becomes smaller.

FIG. 32 shows an example of table format data used when the pressing force calculation unit 215 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 plate 120 is obtained. This is because the 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 ratio difference (Ip0 / Vp0−Ip / Vp).

32 is a value when the plate 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 optimum value according to the dimension of the plate 120 and / or the value of Young's modulus.

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

The calculation unit 212 obtains the amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force calculated by the pressing force calculation unit 215 as described above from the data representing the relationship between the pressing force and the amplification factor shown in FIG. 24, and amplifies the amplitude data. do it.

Next, processing executed by the main control unit 210A of the mouse device 100A will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the main control unit 210A of the mouse device 100A.

The main control unit 210A starts processing when the power of the mouse device 100A is turned on (start).

The main control unit 210A determines whether or not the user's hand has contacted the mouse device 100A (step S51). More specifically, the contact determination unit 211 determines whether or not the thumb of the right hand of the user touches the mouse device 100A based on the voltage value output from the contact sensor 150. Note that the process of step S51 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the user's hand has contacted the mouse device 100A (S51: YES).

If the main control unit 210A determines that the user's hand has contacted the mouse device 100A (S51: YES), the main control unit 210A drives the vibration element 140 (step S52). This is because the pressing force is detected from the current flowing through the vibration element 140. Here, since the vibration element 140 is driven to detect the pressing force, for example, the amplitude data of the drive signal may be the minimum amplitude necessary for detecting the pressing force. The minimum amplitude data may be such that little touch is provided to the user's hand.

Such amplitude data may be stored in the memory 250 as a default value for detecting the pressing force, and the main control unit 210A may read it from the memory 250 in step S52.

The main control unit 210A detects the pressing force from the current flowing through the vibration element 140 (step S53). Specifically, first, the phase correction unit 213 corrects the phase of the voltage waveform of the drive signal, and outputs the voltage waveform of the drive signal with the phase corrected. Next, the amplitude ratio calculation unit 214 calculates a 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 213. Then, the pressing force calculation unit 215 calculates the pressing force applied to the plate 120 using the ratio calculated by the amplitude ratio calculation unit 214.

Note that the main control unit 210A sets the amplitude data to zero and sets the vibration element 140 after detecting the pressing force from the current flowing through the vibration element 140 in step S53 and before proceeding to the process of step S54. It may be in a non-driven state (off state).

Next, the main control unit 210A obtains an amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force obtained in step S53 (step S54). More specifically, the calculation unit 212 obtains the amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force obtained in step S53 from the data shown in FIG.

Next, the main control unit 210A determines whether amplitude data is input from the computer system 10 (step S55). For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 21, when the pointer 12 A operated by the mouse device 100 A is inside a predetermined area or the like that drives the vibration element 140, the computer system 10 starts the mouse device. This is because the amplitude data is input to 100A.

If the main control unit 210A determines that the amplitude data is input (S55: YES), the main control unit 210A amplifies the amplitude data with the amplification factor, and outputs the amplified amplitude data to the drive control unit 240 (step S56). More specifically, the calculation unit 212 amplifies the amplitude data input from the computer system 10 using the amplification factor obtained in step S54. As a result, the amplified amplitude data is output from the drive control unit 240, and the vibration element 140 is driven by the amplified amplitude data.

Main control part 210A will return a flow to Step S52, after finishing processing of Step S56.

On the other hand, if the main control unit 210A determines that amplitude data is not input (S55: NO), the flow proceeds to step S57. In this case, the vibration element 140 is not driven. In step S55 after the vibration element 140 is driven in step S56 and the flow is returned to step S52, if it is determined that no amplitude data is input (S55: NO), the computer system 10 Since the amplitude data is not input, the vibration element 140 is not driven.

The main control unit 210A determines whether or not the user's hand has contacted the mouse device 100A (step S57). This is to determine whether or not to continue the process.

If the main control unit 210A determines that the user's hand has touched the mouse device 100A (S57: YES), the flow returns to step S52. This is because the pressing force is detected again to obtain the amplification factor.

On the other hand, when determining that the user's hand is not in contact with the mouse device 100A (S57: NO), the main control unit 210A ends the flow (end). This is because the mouse device 100A is not operated.

As described above, the main control unit 210 A obtains the pressing force from the current value of the vibration element 140 by executing the above-described control processing, obtains the amplification factor corresponding to the pressing force, and is input from the computer system 10. Amplify the amplitude data. The amplitude data amplified by the main control unit 210A is output from the drive control unit 240, and the vibration element 140 is driven.

As described above, according to the mouse device 100A of the third modified example of the embodiment, the mouse device 100 that can provide a good tactile sensation is provided, similarly to the mouse device 100 of the embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 25). Can do.

Further, the mouse device 100A according to the third modified example of the embodiment does not include the pressing sensor 170, and can determine the pressing force applied to the plate 120 based on the current flowing through the vibration element 140. Compared to the mouse device 100 (see FIGS. 1 to 25), the number of parts can be reduced.

The mouse device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and does not depart from the scope of the claims. Various modifications and changes are possible.

100 Mouse device 110 Case 111 Wheel 112 Left button 114 Cable 115 LED
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 116 Sensor 120 Plate 130 Double-sided tape 140 Vibration element 150 Contact sensor 160 Support plate 170 Press sensor 180

Substrate

200,

200A Control device

210, 210A Main control part 211 Contact determination part 212 Calculation part 213 Phase correction part 214 Amplitude ratio calculation part 215 Press Pressure calculation unit 220 Movement detection unit 230 Communication unit 240 Drive control unit 250 Memory 310 Sine wave generator 320 Amplitude modulator 10 Computer system 11 Main body unit 12 Display panel 13 Keyboard 15 Modem 510 Control unit 520 Application processor 530 Communication unit 540 Amplitude data Output unit 550 memory

Claims

A plate having a contact surface in contact with the surface of the object;
A housing that exposes the contact surface to hold the plate and is touched by a user;
A vibration element for generating vibration on the contact surface;
A pressure detection unit that detects a pressing force with which the plate is pressed from the object;
A control unit that drives the vibration element with a drive signal that generates a natural vibration of an ultrasonic band on the contact surface, and sets an amplitude of the drive signal according to the pressing force detected by the press detection unit. Including a control unit and
The mouse device, wherein the amplitude is increased in response to an increase in the pressing force.
The control unit has an amplification unit that amplifies the amplitude of the drive signal in accordance with the pressing force,
The mouse device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit drives the vibration element with a drive signal whose amplitude is amplified by the amplification unit.
A storage unit that stores amplification factor data that associates the pressing force and an amplification factor by which the amplification unit amplifies the amplitude of the drive signal according to the pressing force;
The mouse device according to claim 2, wherein the amplification unit amplifies the amplitude of the drive signal with an amplification factor read out from the amplification factor data according to the pressing force.
A contact detection unit that is disposed on or inside the housing and detects whether a user's hand has touched the housing;
The mouse device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressing detection unit detects the pressing force when the contact detection unit detects that a user's hand has touched the housing. .
The said press detection part is a sensor which outputs the voltage or electric current according to the pressing force which the said plate receives from the said object directly or indirectly connected to the said plate. The mouse device described.
The pressure detection unit
A current detection unit that detects an amount of current supplied from the control unit to the vibration element;
A pressure determination unit that determines whether or not the plate is pressed from the object based on a first ratio between a current amount detected by the current detection unit and a voltage value of the drive signal. Item 5. The mouse device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.
The pressing determination unit is configured to determine a degree to which the plate is pressed based on a difference between a first ratio and a second ratio that is a ratio between a reference value of the current amount and a reference value of the voltage value. The mouse device according to claim 6, wherein the plate is determined to be pressed from the object when the degree is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.
The mouse device according to claim 7, wherein the pressing determination unit determines that the pressing is finished 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.
The pressing determination unit determines whether the plate is pressed based on a change in the first ratio based on a decrease in the amount of current accompanying the pressing of the plate from the object. Item 9. The mouse device according to any one of Items 6 to 8.
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 such that the plate is pressed from the object 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 mouse device according to claim 6, wherein it is determined whether or not the mouse device is present.
A movement detection unit disposed on the plate or the housing and detecting a movement direction and a movement amount of the plate and the housing with respect to the surface;
The mouse device includes: a display unit; a pointer control unit that obtains a position of a pointer displayed on the display unit based on the movement direction and the movement amount detected by the movement detection unit; a position of the pointer; Wired or wirelessly connected to an information processing apparatus including a drive signal output unit that outputs the drive signal of a vibration pattern in which the intensity of the natural vibration changes according to the degree of temporal change in position,
The mouse device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit drives the vibration element by the drive signal output from the drive signal output unit.