Operation device, steering wheel, electronic equipment, and method for controlling operation panel

Abstract

An operation device according to the present invention comprises: an operation panel including a tactile panel that has a first main surface and a second main surface on the reverse side of the first main surface, a touch panel that has a third main surface and a forth main surface, which is on the reverse side of the third main surface and faces the first main surface, and that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a touched location on the tactile panel, and a piezoelectric actuator that is disposed on the first main surface and generates vibrations; and a control device to which the detection signal output from the touch panel is input and which outputs a drive signal corresponding to the touched location on the tactile panel to the piezoelectric actuator while the detection signal is input.

Description

Control device, steering wheel, electronic device, and control method for operation panel

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operating device, a steering wheel, an electronic device, and a control method for an operation panel.

[0002] Some electronic devices, such as smartphones and car navigation systems, are equipped with a force feedback function that vibrates when the touch panel is operated, thereby notifying the user that the input has been accepted.In recent years, haptic technologies have been investigated and developed that not only vibrate for notification purposes, but also allow users to express the feel of displayed objects and grasp the operating position by providing various variations in vibration.

[0003] This type of tactile technology can be realized by vibrating a piezoelectric actuator attached to a tactile panel at an ultrasonic frequency. The ultrasonic vibrations create standing waves in the tactile panel, allowing users to sense tactile sensations when they touch the panel with their fingers or other objects. By changing the signal pattern supplied to the piezoelectric actuator, a wide variety of tactile sensations can be expressed.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-65511

[0005] Even with conventional touch panel electronic devices that have a force feedback function, users must operate them while looking at the screen displayed on the device, which means that when operating a car navigation system while driving or a smartphone while walking, users have to look away from the direction of travel.

[0006] Patent document 1 describes a technology for making it easier to recognize the position of an operating element on the surface of a steering wheel, but if the number of types of inputs through the operating element increases, there is a risk that the position of the operating element may become impossible to recognize.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide an operation device, a steering wheel, an electronic device, and a method for controlling an operation panel that make it easy to recognize the position of contact when touching the operation panel.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an operating device includes an operating panel having a tactile panel having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite the first main surface, a third main surface and a fourth main surface opposite the third main surface and facing the first main surface, the touch panel outputting a detection signal corresponding to a touched position on the tactile panel, and a piezoelectric actuator disposed on the first main surface and generating vibrations; and a control device that receives the detection signal output from the touch panel and outputs a drive signal to the piezoelectric actuator corresponding to the touched position on the tactile panel while the detection signal is being input.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily recognize the position of contact when touching an operation panel.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an operation device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an operation panel included in the operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view showing an operation panel included in the operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing an operation panel included in the operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation panel included in the operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a piezoelectric actuator included in the operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the basic operation of the operation panel. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the operation panel by a control device. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a plurality of areas set on a touch panel by a control device. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a steering wheel according to a second embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations may be designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

[0012] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment will be described. The first embodiment relates to an operating device.

[0013] [Configuration of Operation Device] The configuration of the operation device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an operation panel included in the operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view showing an operation panel included in the operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing an operation panel included in the operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation panel included in the operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0014] 1, the operating device 1 according to the first embodiment includes an operation panel 100 and a control device 200. The control device 200 controls the operation panel 100 and also controls an external output device 300 connected to the control device 200. Examples of the external output device 300 include a display device, an audio device, and a communication device.

[0015] The control device 200 is a computer and includes a bus 201, an arithmetic processing device 202, a first input / output unit 203, a second input / output unit 204, a storage device 205, and a memory device 206. The arithmetic processing device 202, the first input / output unit 203, the second input / output unit 204, the storage device 205, and the memory device 206 are connected to the bus 201. The arithmetic processing device 202, the first input / output unit 203, the second input / output unit 204, the storage device 205, and the memory device 206 are connected to each other via the bus 201.

[0016] The operation panel 100 is connected to the first input / output unit 203 , and the external output device 300 is connected to the second input / output unit 204 .

[0017] The storage device 205 stores a control program for controlling the operation panel 100 and the external output device 300. The memory device 206 reads out and stores the control program from the storage device 205 when the control device 200 is started. The arithmetic processing device 202 then performs various processes, as will be described later, in accordance with the control program stored in the memory device 206.

[0018] 2 to 5, the operating device 1 according to the first embodiment includes an operating panel 100 and a control device 200. The operating panel 100 includes a display panel 101, a touch panel 102, a tactile panel 103, and a piezoelectric actuator 104. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the operating panel 100 is flat and rectangular when viewed in the thickness direction. In the drawings of the present disclosure, for convenience, the longitudinal direction of the operating panel 100 is defined as the X direction, the lateral direction as the Y direction, and the thickness direction as the Z direction.

[0019] The display panel 101 is a panel that displays images and is a display panel that uses liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) or the like. The configuration of the display panel 101 is not particularly limited, and it can be a display having a general configuration. One end of a first signal line 131 is connected to the display panel 101. The other end of the first signal line 131 is connected to the control device 200. A control signal from the control device 200 is input to the display panel 101 via the first signal line 131.

[0020] The touch panel 102 is disposed on the display panel 101 and detects operations on the operation panel 100 by a user's finger or the like. The touch panel 102 is configured to detect, for example, touches and taps on the tactile panel 103. The touch panel 102 includes an array of touch sensors, preferably capacitive touch sensors. The touch panel 102 may be formed by laminating a touch panel body and a protective cover glass, or may be formed by integrating the touch panel body and the protective cover glass. As shown in FIG. 5 , the touch panel 102 has a third main surface 102c facing the display panel 101 and a fourth main surface 102b opposite the third main surface 102c. One end of a second signal line 132 is connected to the touch panel 102. The other end of the second signal line 132 is connected to the control device 200. A detection signal indicating the detection result by the touch panel 102 is input to the control device 200 via the second signal line 132. The detection signal indicates at least the touched position on the tactile panel 103.

[0021] The tactile panel 103 is disposed on the touch panel 102 and provides a tactile sensation to the user. As shown in FIG. 2 , the tactile panel 103 has a longer side than other components, such as the touch panel 102, and has a portion 103a that protrudes from the other components. A piezoelectric actuator 104 is bonded to this portion 103a, and vibrations are generated by the piezoelectric actuator 104. The tactile panel 103 is made of a light-transmitting material such as glass or resin. As shown in FIG. 5 , the tactile panel 103 has a first main surface 103c that faces the fourth main surface 102b of the touch panel 102, and a second main surface 103b opposite the first main surface 103c. Note that the first main surface 103c and the fourth main surface 102b may be in contact with each other as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 , but a gap may be provided between the first main surface 103c and the fourth main surface 102b to prevent attenuation of vibrations of the tactile panel 103. This gap is set to a size that allows the touch panel 102 to detect touches and taps on the tactile panel 103 .

[0022] The piezoelectric actuator 104 is bonded to the tactile panel 103 and generates vibrations. As shown in Fig. 2, the piezoelectric actuator 104 is bonded to the first main surface 103c of the tactile panel 103 at a portion 103a. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the piezoelectric actuator 104. As shown in Fig. 6, the piezoelectric actuator 104 includes a piezoelectric body 121, a first electrode 122, and a second electrode 123. The piezoelectric body 121 is made of a piezoelectric material such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate).

[0023] The first electrode 122 includes a first internal electrode 124 and a first external electrode 125. The first internal electrode 124 is made of a conductive material and is provided in multiple layers within the piezoelectric body 121. The first external electrode 125 is made of a conductive material and is connected to the first internal electrode 124. The second electrode 123 includes a second internal electrode 126 and a second external electrode 127. The second internal electrode 126 is made of a conductive material and is provided in multiple layers within the piezoelectric body 121. The second external electrode 127 is made of a conductive material and is connected to the second internal electrode 126.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 6, the first internal electrodes 124 and the second internal electrodes 126 are alternately arranged and face each other via the piezoelectric body 121. The number of layers of the first internal electrodes 124 and the second internal electrodes 126 is not limited to three. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a first wiring 128 is connected to the first electrode 122, and a second wiring 129 is connected to the second electrode 123. The first wiring 128 and the second wiring 129 are connected to the control device 200, and transmit a drive signal output from the control device 200 to the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 123.

[0025] When a voltage is applied between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 123 by this drive signal, the piezoelectric body 121 deforms due to the inverse piezoelectric effect, generating vibration. Here, in the operation panel 100, the control device 200 supplies an ultrasonic drive signal to the piezoelectric actuator 104, thereby causing the piezoelectric actuator 104 to vibrate in the ultrasonic band. The frequency of the ultrasonic band is, for example, 20 kHz or higher. The frequency of the ultrasonic band may be 20 kHz or higher and 60 kHz or lower. Note that the piezoelectric actuator 104 may have a layered structure in which the first electrodes 122 and the second electrodes 123 are alternately layered with the piezoelectric body 121 interposed therebetween, as shown in FIG. 6 , or may have another structure.

[0026] [Basic Operation of Operation Panel] The basic operation of operation panel 100 will now be described. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the basic operation of operation panel 100. As shown in Fig. 7, when a user vibrates piezoelectric actuator 104 (see Fig. 2) in the ultrasonic band while keeping finger F in contact with second main surface 103b of tactile panel 103, the vibration is transmitted to tactile panel 103, causing tactile panel 103 to vibrate. This allows finger F to sense touch.

[0027] Furthermore, contact of the finger F with the tactile panel 103 is detected by the touch panel 102 and input to the control device 200 via the second signal line 132. Furthermore, the control device 200 controls the display panel 101 via the first signal line 131, and the image displayed on the display panel 101 can be viewed via the touch panel 102 and the tactile panel 103.

[0028] [Control Program by Control Device] A description will be given of the control by the control device 200. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the operation panel 100 by the control device 200.

[0029] When the operating device 1 starts operating, the control device 200 first sets a plurality of areas on the touch panel 102 (step S1). For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , nine congruent areas 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, and 229 are set on the touch panel 102. The areas 221 to 229 are set so that three are arranged in the X direction and three are arranged in the Y direction. The area 222 is set on the +X side of the area 221, and the area 223 is set on the +X side of the area 222. The area 224 is set on the -Y side of the area 221, the area 225 is set on the -Y side of the area 222, and the area 226 is set on the -Y side of the area 223. The area 227 is set on the -Y side of the area 224, the area 228 is set on the -Y side of the area 225, and the area 229 is set on the -Y side of the area 226. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a plurality of areas set on the touch panel 102 by the control device 200. As shown in FIG.

[0030] Next, the control device 200 sets, for each of the regions 221 to 229, a vibration frequency for driving the piezoelectric actuator 104 (step S2). For example, nine different frequencies may be set for each of the regions 221 to 229. Alternatively, the regions 221 to 229 may be divided into a plurality of groups, and a different frequency may be set for each group.

[0031] Next, the control device 200 determines whether a detection signal is input from the touch panel 102 via the second signal line 132 (step S3). When a detection signal is input to the control device 200, the control device 200 determines whether the detection signal indicates a touch such as a swipe or a tap (step S4). The control device 200 determines that a touch has occurred when contact continues for a certain period of time or more, for example.

[0032] If the detection signal indicates a touch, the control device 200 controls the piezoelectric actuator 104 and the display panel 101 (step S5). Specifically, the control device 200 identifies the area of ​​the tactile panel 103 where the touch was detected from areas 221 to 229, and outputs a drive signal to the piezoelectric actuator 104 via the first wiring 128 and the second wiring 129 while the detection signal is being input so that vibration at the frequency set in step S2 is generated in that area. If a frequency of 0 Hz is set for that area, it is not necessary to output a drive signal. Furthermore, the control device 200 outputs a control signal corresponding to the area of ​​the tactile panel 103 where the touch was detected to the display panel 101 via the first signal line 131. The image displayed by the display panel 101 is visible through the touch panel 102 and the tactile panel 103.

[0033] If the detection signal indicates a tap, the control device 200 controls the display panel 101 and the external output device 300 (step S6). Specifically, the control device 200 outputs a control signal corresponding to the area of ​​the tactile panel 103 where the touch was detected to the display panel 101 via the first signal line 131, and also outputs a control signal for the external output device 300 to the external output device 300.

[0034] After the process of step S5 or S6, the control device 200 determines whether or not there is an instruction to end the control (step S7). If there is an instruction to end the control, the control device 200 ends the control. If there is no instruction to end the control, the control device 200 returns to step S3 and determines whether or not there is an input of a detection signal from the touch panel 102 via the second signal line 132.

[0035] [Effects of the Operation Device] In the operation device 1, when a user touches the tactile panel 103, the control device 200 drives the piezoelectric actuator 104 in accordance with the position of the touch. Therefore, when the user touches the operation panel 100, the user can recognize the position of the touch.

[0036] For example, with regard to input to the external output device 300, suppose that at a certain point in time, the area to be tapped is area 221, 223, 225, 227, or 229, and tapping areas 222, 224, 226, and 228 does not allow input to the external output device 300. In this case, an ultrasonic band frequency is set for areas 222, 224, 226, and 228, and a frequency of 0 Hz is set for areas 221, 223, 225, 227, and 229. If the instruction manual or the like informs the user that the area where there is ultrasonic band vibration is the area to be tapped, the user can recognize whether the finger F is in an area where input can be made or an area where input cannot be made.

[0037] Furthermore, the user can be guided to a specific position on operation panel 100 by setting the frequency for each of areas 221 to 229. For example, an ultrasonic band frequency is set for areas 221 to 224 and 226 to 229, and a frequency of 0 Hz is set for area 225. With the frequencies set in this manner, when the user touches areas 221 to 224 and 226 to 229, the squeeze film effect causes the finger F to slide on second main surface 103b, and when the user touches area 225, the finger F feels like it is gripping the area rather than sliding. In this way, the user can be intuitively guided to area 225.

[0038] In this embodiment, nine regions 221 to 229 are set on the touch panel 102, but the number of regions set is not limited to nine, and may be eight or less, or ten or more, as long as there is more than one. Furthermore, the planar shapes of the regions do not need to be congruent with each other.

[0039] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment relates to a steering wheel equipped with an operating device having an operating panel and a control device. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a steering wheel according to the second embodiment. In the description of the second embodiment, down, left, and right refer to directions as seen from the driver operating the steering wheel when the steering wheel is in a state for driving the automobile straight ahead.

[0040] 10 , a steering wheel 400 according to the second embodiment has an annular ring portion 401, a boss portion 402, lower spoke portions 411, left spoke portions 412, and right spoke portions 413. The boss portion 402 is disposed in a space surrounded by the ring portion 401. The lower spoke portion 411 connects the boss portion 402 and the ring portion 401 below the boss portion 402, the left spoke portion 412 connects the boss portion 402 and the ring portion 401 on the left side of the boss portion 402, and the right spoke portion 413 connects the boss portion 402 and the ring portion 401 on the right side of the boss portion 402.

[0041] The steering wheel 400 further has operation panels 421, 422, and 423. The operation panel 421 is provided on the driver's seat side surface of the lower spoke portion 411, the operation panel 422 is provided on the driver's seat side surface of the left spoke portion 412, and the operation panel 423 is provided on the driver's seat side surface of the right spoke portion 413. The operation panels 421, 422, and 423 have the same configuration as the operation panel 100 in the first embodiment. The planar shapes of the operation panels 421, 422, and 423 are, for example, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, or irregular shapes. For example, the size of the tactile panel included in each of the operation panels 421, 422, and 423 is 2.0 inches to 14 inches diagonally and 0.3 mm to 10 mm thick.

[0042] The steering wheel 400 further includes a control device 425 that controls the operation panels 421, 422, and 423. The control device 425 has the same configuration as the control device 200 in the first embodiment.

[0043] The control device 425 is connected to, for example, a console display, a multi-display, or a head-up display as the external output device 300, and a car navigation system linked to these displays. By operating the operation panels 421, 422, and 423, it is possible to switch the screen of the console display, the multi-display, or the head-up display, and to input various information to the car navigation system. An electronic device is configured by combining the steering wheel 400 and the external output device 300.

[0044] When the operation panels 421, 422, and 423 are operated, ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the fingers of the driver seated in the driver's seat under the control of the control device 425. Therefore, the driver can switch between the screens of the console display, multi-display, or head-up display, and make various inputs to the car navigation system, without having to take his or her hands off the steering wheel 400 or take his or her eyes away from the direction of travel. This significantly improves the safety of driving a car.

[0045] It should be noted that the steering wheel 400 does not need to be equipped with all of the operation panels 421, 422, and 423, and may be equipped with only one or two of the operation panels 421, 422, and 423.

[0046] The operation device 1 may also be mounted on an electronic device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a remote controller. In this case, an imaging device, an audio device, a communication device, or the like of the electronic device can be connected to the control device 200 as the external output device 300. With an electronic device mounted with the operation device 1, an operation assistance function can be added by providing a tactile sensation to the fingers when operating the touch panel 102.

[0047] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0048] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-184953 filed with the Japan Patent Office on October 27, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0049] Aspects of the present disclosure are, for example, as follows.

[0050] <1> An operation device comprising: a touch panel having a tactile panel with a first main surface and a second main surface opposite the first main surface, a third main surface and a fourth main surface opposite the third main surface and facing the first main surface, the touch panel outputting a detection signal corresponding to a touched position on the tactile panel, and a piezoelectric actuator disposed on the first main surface and generating vibrations; and a control device that receives as input the detection signal output from the touch panel and outputs to the piezoelectric actuator a drive signal corresponding to the touched position on the tactile panel while the detection signal is being input.

[0051] <2> The operation device according to <1>, wherein the control device sets a plurality of areas on the touch panel and sets the drive signal for each of the areas.

[0052] <3> The operating device according to <2>, wherein the control device sets a frequency of vibration of the piezoelectric actuator for each of the regions.

[0053] <4> The operating device according to <2> or <3>, wherein the control device does not vibrate the piezoelectric actuator in some of the plurality of regions.

[0054] <5> A steering wheel comprising: a ring portion; spoke portions connected to the ring portion; and the operation device according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the operation panel is provided on the spoke portions.

[0055] <6> An electronic device comprising: the steering wheel according to <5>; and a display device connected to the control device.

[0056] <7> An electronic device comprising the operation device according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the operation panel comprises a display panel facing the first main surface.

[0057] <8> A control method for an operation panel, wherein the operation panel comprises: a tactile panel having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite the first main surface; a touch panel having a third main surface and a fourth main surface opposite the third main surface and facing the first main surface, the touch panel outputting a detection signal corresponding to a touched position on the tactile panel; and a piezoelectric actuator disposed on the first main surface and generating vibrations, the control method comprising the steps of: the touch panel outputting the detection signal to a control device; and the control device outputting a drive signal to the piezoelectric actuator corresponding to the touched position on the tactile panel while the detection signal is being input.

[0058] 1: Operation device 100, 421, 422, 423: Operation panel 101: Display panel 102: Touch panel 103: Tactile panel 104: Piezoelectric actuator 200, 425: Control device 300: External output device 400: Steering wheel

Claims

1. An operating device comprising: a touch panel having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite the first main surface, a third main surface and a fourth main surface opposite the third main surface and facing the first main surface, the touch panel outputting a detection signal corresponding to a position where the tactile panel is touched, and a piezoelectric actuator disposed on the first main surface and generating vibrations; and a control device which receives the detection signal output from the touch panel and outputs a drive signal to the piezoelectric actuator corresponding to the position where the tactile panel is touched while the detection signal is being input.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the control device sets a plurality of regions on the touch panel and sets the drive signal for each of the regions.

3. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein the control device sets a vibration frequency of the piezoelectric actuator for each of the regions.

4. The operating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control device does not vibrate the piezoelectric actuator in some of the multiple regions.

5. A steering wheel comprising: a ring portion; a spoke portion connected to said ring portion; and an operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said operating panel is provided on said spoke portion.

6. An electronic device comprising: a steering wheel according to claim 5; and a display device connected to the control device.

7. An electronic device comprising the operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating panel comprises a display panel facing the first main surface.

8. A method for controlling an operation panel, wherein the operation panel comprises: a tactile panel having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite the first main surface; a touch panel having a third main surface and a fourth main surface opposite the third main surface and facing the first main surface, the touch panel outputting a detection signal corresponding to a touched position on the tactile panel; and a piezoelectric actuator disposed on the first main surface and generating vibrations, the method comprising the steps of: the touch panel outputting the detection signal to a control device; and the control device outputting a drive signal to the piezoelectric actuator corresponding to the touched position on the tactile panel while the detection signal is being input.

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