Tactile prompt device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tactile prompting device, which comprises: a contact surface; and a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrodes is used to detect contact or approach of an object to the contact surface and to provide tactile prompt to the contact surface, and a voltage signal for detecting contact or approach of an object to the contact surface is sequentially applied to the electrodes that are not adjacent to each other according to the passage of time.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original application with application date of October 17, 2017, application number 201710963849.2, and invention name “Tactile prompting device and control method”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a tactile prompting device for prompting tactile sensation on a contact surface while detecting contact with the contact surface, and a control method for controlling the tactile prompting device. Background Art

[0003] A technology for providing a tactile sense to the surface of a touch panel using electrostatic force has been developed. Tactile prompting refers to generating a texture sense that can be perceived as a tactile sense when a user touches the surface of an object that can be touched by the user. For example, in the case of providing a tactile sense to a specific position on the surface of a touch panel, a user who is in contact with the surface of the touch panel can use the sense of touch to know the specific position on the surface. In PCT International Publication No. 2014 / 002405 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0307789, tactile prompting devices for providing a tactile sense to the surface of a touch panel are disclosed.

[0004] A tactile prompting device including a touch panel needs to have a function of detecting a contact position on the surface of the touch panel and a function of providing a tactile prompt to the surface of the touch panel. In the tactile prompting device disclosed in PCT International Publication No. 2014 / 002405, a plurality of electrodes are arranged in a plane, a voltage for detecting a contact position is supplied to the plurality of electrodes in a certain time period, and a voltage for providing a tactile prompt is supplied to the plurality of electrodes in another time period.

[0005] Therefore, the tactile prompting device operates to detect the contact position during the certain time period, and operates to provide tactile prompting during the other time period. The function of detecting the contact position on the surface of the touch panel and the function of providing tactile prompting to the surface of the touch panel are implemented alternately in time. Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0007] In the tactile prompting device disclosed in PCT International Publication No. 2014 / 002405, during the period when the tactile prompting device operates to detect the contact position on the surface of the touch panel, the tactile prompting cannot be given to the surface of the touch panel. Therefore, there is a problem that the tactile sense perceived by the user is interrupted during the use of the tactile prompting device.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tactile feedback device capable of detecting a contact position without interrupting the tactile sense, and a control method for controlling the tactile feedback device.

[0009] Means used to solve problems

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a tactile prompting device includes: a contact surface; a plurality of electrodes, which are arranged along the contact surface; a first control unit, which controls the operation of the electrodes to detect the contact or approach of an object to the contact surface; a second control unit, which controls the operation of the electrodes to provide tactile prompting to the contact surface; and a third control unit, which causes a part of the plurality of electrodes to be controlled by the first control unit, and changes the electrodes controlled by the first control unit to another electrode of the plurality of electrodes in sequence, and causes electrodes other than the electrodes controlled by the first control unit to be controlled by the second control unit.

[0011] In the tactile prompting device according to the present invention, a plurality of electrodes are arranged along the contact surface. Some electrodes are used to detect the contact or approach of an object to the contact surface, and other electrodes are used to prompt the touch to the contact surface. The electrodes used to detect the contact or approach of an object to the contact surface are changed in sequence. Each electrode is used to detect the contact or approach of an object at a specific time, and is used to prompt the touch at another time.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the tactile prompting device has the excellent effect of being able to simultaneously provide tactile prompting and detect contact positions without causing interruption of the tactile sense felt by the user during use of the tactile prompting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a tactile prompting device;

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal functional structure of a tactile prompting device;

[0016] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a touch panel and a touch panel driving unit according to Embodiment 1;

[0017] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram showing an internal structure of an X electrode driving circuit according to Embodiment 1;

[0018] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram showing an internal structure of a Y electrode driving circuit according to Embodiment 1;

[0019] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of a touch panel driving circuit according to Embodiment 1;

[0020] Figure 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of each electrode according to Embodiment 1;

[0021] Figure 8 is a timing chart showing another example of the operation of each electrode according to Embodiment 1;

[0022] Fig. 9 is a schematic top view showing a model of a tactile panel for illustration;

[0023] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the contact portion of the user's finger touching the contact surface and the X electrode;

[0024] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between time and the position of the contact portion and the X electrode;

[0025] Fig.12 is a characteristic diagram showing changes in electrostatic force generated on a finger;

[0026] Fig.13 It is shown in Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing the relationship between time, a contact portion, and the position of the X electrode when the position of the X electrode controlled to detect contact is discretely changed in the model of the touch panel shown;

[0027] Fig.14 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of a touch panel driving circuit according to Embodiment 2;

[0028] Fig.15 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a tactile panel and a tactile panel driving unit according to Embodiment 3;

[0029] Fig.16 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of an electrode driving circuit according to Embodiment 3;

[0030] Fig.17 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of a touch panel driving circuit according to Embodiment 3;

[0031] Fig.18 is a timing chart showing an example of changes in the state of each electrode with respect to time according to Embodiment 3;

[0032] Fig.19 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of a touch panel driving circuit and a switching unit according to Embodiment 4;

[0033] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tactile panel according to Embodiment 4;

[0034] Fig.21 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of each electrode according to Embodiment 4;

[0035] FIG. 22A to FIG. 22C is a schematic diagram showing a state of a tactile panel at a specific time according to Embodiment 4;

[0036] Fig.23 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a tactile panel according to Embodiment 5;

[0037] Fig.24 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a tactile panel and a tactile panel driving unit according to Embodiment 6;

[0038] Fig.25 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of a touch panel driving circuit according to Embodiment 6;

[0039] Fig.26 is a circuit diagram showing an internal structure of an X electrode driving circuit according to Embodiment 6;

[0040] FIG. 27A to FIG. 27D is a diagram schematically showing a waveform of a voltage obtained by an X electrode driving circuit according to Embodiment 6;

[0041] Fig.28 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of a Y electrode driving circuit according to Embodiment 6;

[0042] FIG. 29A to FIG. 29D is a diagram schematically showing a waveform of a voltage obtained by a Y electrode driving circuit according to Embodiment 6;

[0043] Fig.30 Is the X electrode X 1 A circuit diagram obtained by modeling a state in which a current detection unit is connected to an AC voltage source and a voltage generated by the AC voltage source is superimposed on all other electrodes;

[0044] Fig.31 is a circuit diagram modeling the state of the electrode according to Embodiment 2; and

[0045] Fig.32 : is a circuit diagram showing an example of the structure of a voltage superimposing unit according to Embodiment 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] <Implementation method 1>

[0048] Figure 1 1 is a perspective schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a tactile prompting device. The tactile prompting device is a computer such as a smart phone or a tablet computer. The tactile prompting device includes a planar contact surface 11 for a user to contact with a finger. An image is displayed on the contact surface 11, and when the user's finger contacts the contact surface 11, a tactile sense is prompted, and the contact position on the contact surface 11 is detected.

[0049] Figure 2 : is a block diagram showing an example of the internal functional structure of a tactile prompting device. The tactile prompting device includes: a mathematical operation unit 31 that performs mathematical operations; a random access memory (RAM) 32 that stores temporary data; a non-volatile storage unit 33; and an input / output unit 34 that performs data input / output. The storage unit 33 is, for example, a hard disk or a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The input / output unit 34 is, for example, a communication unit that performs wired or wireless communication with an external device of the tactile prompting device. In addition, the tactile prompting device includes a display panel 36 that displays an image, such as a liquid crystal display panel or an electroluminescent (EL) display panel. A display panel driving unit 35 that drives the display panel 36 to display an image is connected to the display panel 36. The display panel driving unit 35 is connected to the mathematical operation unit 31. The display panel driving unit 35 receives an input of image data from the mathematical operation unit 31, and displays an image on the display panel 36 based on the image data.

[0050] In addition, the tactile prompting device includes a tactile panel 1 for providing tactile prompts and detecting a contact position on a contact surface 11. The tactile panel 1 overlaps with the display panel 36. A tactile panel driving unit 2 for driving the tactile panel 1 is connected to the tactile panel 1. The tactile panel driving unit 2 is connected to the mathematical operation unit 31.

[0051] Figure 3 1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the touch panel 1 and the touch panel driving unit 2 according to Embodiment 1. The touch panel 1 includes a transparent substrate 12 such as a glass substrate. On the substrate 12, a plurality of linear X electrodes (first linear electrodes) 13 are provided in parallel. Figure 3In the figure, the X electrode 13 is represented by a dotted line. In addition, on the substrate 12, a plurality of linear Y electrodes (second linear electrodes) 14 are arranged in parallel. The plurality of X electrodes 13 and the plurality of Y electrodes 14 are insulated from each other. In addition, the plurality of X electrodes 13 and the plurality of Y electrodes 14 are intersected with each other. Here, the direction along the linear X electrode 13 is set as the X direction, and the direction along the linear Y electrode 14 is set as the Y direction. An insulating cover layer 15 is stacked on the substrate 12, wherein the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 are sandwiched between the cover layer 15 and the substrate 12. The surface of the cover layer 15 is the contact surface 11.

[0052] The touch panel drive unit 2 includes a touch panel drive circuit (first control unit) 22 for controlling the operation of the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 for detecting the contact of the object on the contact surface 11. The touch panel drive circuit 22 is a circuit for realizing the function of the touch panel for detecting the contact of the object on the contact surface 11 by using the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14. The touch panel drive unit 2 includes an X electrode drive circuit 23 for controlling the operation of the X electrode 13 for prompting the touch on the contact surface 11, and a Y electrode drive circuit 24 for controlling the operation of the Y electrode 14 for prompting the touch on the contact surface 11. The X electrode drive circuit 23 and the Y electrode drive circuit 24 are circuits for prompting the touch on the contact surface 11 by using the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14, and correspond to the second control unit. The touch panel drive unit 2 includes a first switching unit 25 connected to the plurality of X electrodes 13 and a second switching unit 26 connected to the plurality of Y electrodes 14. The first switching unit 25 is configured to connect a part of the X electrodes 13 to the touch panel drive circuit 22, connect the other X electrodes 13 to the X electrode drive circuit 23, and can switch the connection of each X electrode 13 with one side to the connection with the other side. The second switching unit 26 is configured to connect a part of the Y electrodes 14 to the touch panel drive circuit 22, and connect the other Y electrodes 14 to the Y electrode drive circuit 24, and can switch the connection of each Y electrode 14 with one side to the connection with the other side.

[0053] In addition, the touch panel driving unit 2 includes a control circuit 21. The control circuit 21 is connected to the touch panel driving circuit 22, the X electrode driving circuit 23, the Y electrode driving circuit 24, the first switching unit 25, and the second switching unit 26. In addition, the control circuit 21 is connected to the mathematical operation unit 31. The control circuit 21 receives an input of a control signal from the mathematical operation unit 31, and controls the operation of the touch panel driving circuit 22, the X electrode driving circuit 23, the Y electrode driving circuit 24, the first switching unit 25, and the second switching unit 26. The control circuit 21, the first switching unit 25, and the second switching unit 26 correspond to a third control unit.

[0054] Figure 4 1 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of the X electrode driving circuit 23 according to Embodiment 1. The X electrode driving circuit 23 includes a plurality of single-pole double-throw switches 231 and a first AC voltage source 232 that generates an alternating voltage having a predetermined first frequency f1. The internal circuit of the X electrode driving circuit 23 is configured to connect each X electrode 13 connected via the first switching unit 25 to one of the first AC voltage source 232 and the ground terminal using each single-pole double-throw switch 231. Each single-pole double-throw switch 231 is controlled by the control circuit 21, and switches the connection between each X electrode 13 and the first AC voltage source 232 or the ground terminal. Figure 4 The internal circuit of the X electrode driving circuit 23 shown corresponds to a first signal applying circuit.

[0055] Figure 5 1 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of the Y electrode driving circuit 24 according to Embodiment 1. The Y electrode driving circuit 24 includes a plurality of single-pole double-throw switches 241 and a second AC voltage source 242 that generates an AC voltage having a predetermined second frequency f2. The internal circuit of the Y electrode driving circuit 24 is configured to connect each Y electrode 14 connected via the second switching unit 26 to one of the second AC voltage source 242 and the ground using each single-pole double-throw switch 241. Each single-pole double-throw switch 241 is controlled by the control circuit 21, and switches the connection between each Y electrode 14 and the second AC voltage source 242 or the ground. Figure 5 The internal circuit of the Y electrode driving circuit 24 shown corresponds to the second signal applying circuit.

[0056] The tactile prompting device prompts the touch surface 11 with the operation of the X electrode driving circuit 23 and the Y electrode driving circuit 24. When the user touches the contact surface 11 with his finger, the finger is equivalent to an electrode, which faces the X electrode 13 or the Y electrode 14 and an insulator is sandwiched between the electrode and the X electrode 13 or the Y electrode 14, and the electrode is grounded via a predetermined impedance. When a voltage is applied to the X electrode 13 or the Y electrode 14, an attractive force (electrostatic force) based on static electricity is generated between the X electrode 13 or the Y electrode 14 and the finger. When an AC voltage is applied, the electrostatic force changes periodically. Due to the change in the electrostatic force, the friction force between the contact surface 11 and the finger changes periodically. When the user touches the contact surface 11 with his finger, the friction force sensed by the finger changes periodically, and the user senses the touch. According to previous studies, it has been disclosed that the touch is sensed when the frequency of the AC voltage is greater than 5Hz and less than 500Hz, and the touch cannot be sensed when the frequency is not within this range.

[0057] When an AC voltage having a first frequency f1 is applied to the X electrode 13 and an AC voltage having a second frequency f2 is applied to the Y electrode 14, the electrostatic force changes at the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2. In addition, a beat in which the electrostatic force changes at a frequency that is a difference between the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2 is generated. According to previous studies, it has been disclosed that when the frequency of the beat is greater than 10 Hz and less than 1000 Hz, a tactile sense based on the beat is sensed, and when the frequency of the beat is not within this range, a tactile sense based on the beat cannot be sensed.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2 are set so that the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2 are greater than or equal to 500 Hz and the absolute value of the difference between the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2 is greater than 10 Hz and less than 1000 Hz. For example, the first frequency f1=1000 Hz and the second frequency f2=1240 Hz. Under the control of the control circuit 21, the X electrode driving circuit 23 connects a part of the X electrodes 13 connected to the X electrode driving circuit 23 to the first AC voltage source 232 and the other X electrodes 13 are grounded. Under the control of the control circuit 21, the Y electrode driving circuit 24 connects a part of the Y electrodes 14 connected to the Y electrode driving circuit 24 to the second AC voltage source 242 and the other Y electrodes 14 are grounded. For example, the touch panel 1 includes 5 X electrodes X 0 To X 4 And 6 Y electrodes Y 0 To Y 5 , X electrode X 1 Connected to the first AC voltage source 232, the Y electrode Y 1 Connected to the second AC voltage source 242, the X electrode X 0 and X 2 To X 4 and Y electrode Y 0 and Y 2 To Y 5 In this case, the X electrode X on the contact surface 11 1 and Y electrode Y 1 The intersecting parts generate a 240Hz beat, and the user can feel the touch with his fingers. 1 and Y electrode Y 0 and Y 2 To Y 5 At the intersection, although the electrostatic force changes at a frequency of 1000 Hz, no tactile sensation is felt. 1 and X electrode X 0 and X 2 To X 4In the intersecting parts, although the electrostatic force changes at a frequency of 1240 Hz, no tactile sensation is felt. In other parts, the electrostatic force does not change and no tactile sensation is felt. In this way, the tactile prompting device can prompt tactile sensation at any position of the contact surface 11. In addition, the X electrode driving circuit 23 and the Y electrode driving circuit 24 can be used to connect the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 to a predetermined DC power supply without being grounded.

[0059] Figure 6 2 is a schematic circuit diagram showing the internal structure of the touch panel driving circuit 22 according to Embodiment 1. The touch panel driving circuit 22 includes a plurality of signal input units 221 and a plurality of current detection units 222. Each signal input unit 221 is connected to a signal line connected to the first switching unit 25. Each current detection unit 222 is connected to a signal line connected to the second switching unit 26. The signal input unit 221 is connected to the X electrode 13 via the first switching unit 25, and the current detection unit 222 is connected to the Y electrode 14 via the second switching unit 26. The signal input unit 221 inputs an AC signal to the corresponding X electrode 13. The current detection unit 222 detects a current signal flowing through the corresponding Y electrode 14. Figure 6 The internal circuit of the touch panel drive circuit 22 shown corresponds to a detection circuit.

[0060] At each portion where the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 intersect each other, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14. When the signal input unit 221 inputs an AC signal to the X electrode 13, an AC current flows between the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 connected to the current detection unit 222, and the current detection unit 222 detects the AC current. On the contact surface 11, when the user's finger touches a portion facing the portion where the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 intersect each other, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the X electrode 13 or the Y electrode 14 and the finger, and the electrostatic capacitance between the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 changes. When the electrostatic capacitance between the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 changes, the AC current detected by the current detection unit 222 changes. The operation of the first switching unit 25 and the second switching unit 26 is controlled by the control circuit 21, and the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 are designated under the control of the control circuit 21. The control circuit 21 compares the AC current detected by the current detection unit 222 with a predetermined threshold value, thereby detecting a change in electrostatic capacitance between the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22. In addition, the control circuit 21 detects the position touched by the user's finger by specifying the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 when the electrostatic capacitance changes. The contact position on the contact surface 11 is a position facing the part where the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 intersect each other. The control circuit 21 outputs data indicating the contact position to the mathematical operation unit 31. In this way, the tactile prompting device detects the contact position on the contact surface 11 by mutual capacitance.

[0061] In addition, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of not only detecting the contact position on the contact surface 11 but also detecting the position approached by the object when a conductive object such as a finger approaches the contact surface 11 within a predetermined distance. In this method, when the object approaches the contact surface 11 within a predetermined distance, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the X electrode 13 and the object, and similarly, the position approached by the object on the contact surface 11 is detected. In addition, the touch panel driving circuit 22 may adopt a method in which the current detection unit 222 is connected to the X electrode 13 and the signal input unit 221 is connected to the Y electrode 14.

[0062] Next, the process of the tactile prompting device being able to detect the contact position and provide tactile prompting is described. The control circuit 21 controls the first switching unit 25 to connect each X electrode 13 to the touch panel drive circuit 22 or the X electrode drive circuit 23. Similarly, the control circuit 21 controls the second switching unit 26 to connect each Y electrode 14 to the touch panel drive circuit 22 or the Y electrode drive circuit 24.

[0063] The control circuit 21 causes the first switching unit 25 to connect a part of the X electrodes 13 to the touch panel drive circuit 22, and to connect the other X electrodes 13 to the X electrode drive circuit 23. In addition, the control circuit 21 causes the first switching unit 25 to sequentially change the X electrodes 13 to be connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22. When changing the X electrodes 13 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the first switching unit 25 connects the X electrodes 13 that have been connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 so far to the X electrode drive circuit 23, and connects a part of the X electrodes 13 among the plurality of X electrodes 13 that have been connected to the X electrode drive circuit 23 so far to the touch panel drive circuit 22. For example, the X electrodes X 0 To X 4 The X electrode X 0 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 and the X electrode X 1 To X 4 The state connected to the X electrode driving circuit 23 changes to the X electrode X 1 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 and the X electrode X 0 and X 2 To X 4 The state of being connected to the X electrode driving circuit 23. And, similarly, the X electrodes 13 connected to the touch panel driving circuit 22 are sequentially changed.

[0064] Similarly, the control circuit 21 causes the second switching unit 26 to connect a part of the Y electrodes 14 to the touch panel drive circuit 22, connect the other Y electrodes 14 to the Y electrode drive circuit 24, and sequentially change the Y electrodes 14 to be connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22. When changing the Y electrodes 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the second switching unit 26 connects the Y electrodes 14 that have been connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 so far to the Y electrode drive circuit 24, and connects a part of the Y electrodes 14 among the plurality of Y electrodes 14 that have been connected to the Y electrode drive circuit 24 so far to the touch panel drive circuit 22. For example, the Y electrodes Y 0 To Y 5 The Y electrode Y 0 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 and the Y electrode Y 1 To Y 5 The state connected to the Y electrode driving circuit 24 changes to the Y electrode Y 1 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 and the Y electrode Y 0 and Y 2 To Y 5 The state of being connected to the Y electrode driving circuit 24. And, similarly, the Y electrodes 14 connected to the touch panel driving circuit 22 are sequentially changed.

[0065] In addition, the control circuit 21 connects the X electrode 13 corresponding to the area to be prompted with a tactile sense to the first AC voltage source 232 and grounds the other X electrodes 13 by controlling the single-pole double-throw switch 231 of the X electrode driving circuit 23. Similarly, the control circuit 21 connects the Y electrode 14 corresponding to the area to be prompted with a tactile sense to the second AC voltage source 242 and grounds the other Y electrodes 14 by controlling the single-pole double-throw switch 241 of the Y electrode driving circuit 24. For example, Figure 3 The area surrounded by the double-dashed line shown in FIG. 1 is the target area 16 on the contact surface 11 to be prompted with tactile sensation. The target area 16 is adjacent to the X electrode X 1 and X 2 With Y electrode Y 1 and Y 2 In this case, the X electrode driving circuit 23 drives the X electrode X 1 and X 2 The first AC voltage source 232 is connected to the other X electrodes 13, and the Y electrode driving circuit 24 connects the Y electrodes Y 1 and Y 2 Connected to the second AC voltage source 242, the other Y electrodes 14 are grounded.

[0066] Figure 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of each electrode according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 In the figure, the left side to the right side indicates the passage of time, t 0 to 13 Indicates each time point. Figure 7 The X electrode X at each time point is shown 0 To X 4 and Y electrode Y 0 To Y 5 The state of the X electrode 13 or the Y electrode 14 being grounded is determined by T G Indicates that the state in which the X electrode 13 is connected to the first AC voltage source 232 is represented by T A Indicates that the state in which the Y electrode 14 is connected to the second AC voltage source 242 is indicated by T B In addition, the state of the X electrode 13 being connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 is indicated by S T The state in which the Y electrode 14 is connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 is indicated by S R express.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, at t 0 to 6 During the time period, X electrode X 0 Connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22. In addition, at t 0 to 1 During the time period, the Y electrode Y0 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, at t 1 to 2 During the time period, the Y electrode Y 1 is connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, and so on. 0 To Y 5 are connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 in sequence. 0 to 6 In the time period, the contact surface 11 is sequentially connected to the X electrode X 0 and Y electrode Y 0 To Y 5 The contact detection at the position corresponding to the intersection between . 6 to 12 During the time period, X electrode X 1 Connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the Y electrode Y 0 To Y 5 They are connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 in sequence, and the X electrodes X on the contact surface 11 are connected in sequence. 1 and Y electrode Y 0 To Y 5 Detection of contact at the position corresponding to the intersection between. For changing the X electrode 13 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the process is repeated similarly, and the detection of contact at each position on the contact surface 11 is performed in sequence. In this way, each X electrode 13 and each Y electrode 14 are connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 in sequence, thereby, for the detection of contact on the contact surface 11, control is performed in sequence. That is, in order to detect the contact position, the contact surface 11 is scanned. After the scanning of the entire contact surface 11 is completed, the control circuit 21 repeats the process of connecting each X electrode 13 and each Y electrode 14 to the touch panel drive circuit 22 in sequence. In this way, the scanning is repeated, and the contact point is detected when the user contacts any position on the contact surface 11. The scanning of the entire contact surface 11 is repeated 10 to 1000 times per second. For example, the scanning of the entire contact surface 11 is repeated 60 times per second.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, in the time period other than the time period when the electrode is connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the X electrode X 1 and X 2 Connected to the first AC voltage source 232, the Y electrode Y 1 and Y 2The second AC voltage source 242 is connected to the other X electrodes 13 and the other Y electrodes 14 are grounded. Therefore, the tactile sense is prompted to the target area 16 in the contact surface 11. In this way, the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 are controlled to prompt the tactile sense to the contact surface 11. As a result of the control of the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 as described above, a part of the contact surface 11 is used to detect contact, and the other parts are used to prompt the tactile sense, and the positions of the parts used to detect contact are changed in sequence. Each part on the contact surface 11 is used to detect contact at a specific time, and is used to prompt the tactile sense at other times.

[0069] As described above, in the present embodiment, during the time period when a part of the X electrodes 13 and a part of the Y electrodes 14 are controlled to detect the contact on the contact surface 11, the other X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 are also controlled to prompt the touch to the contact surface 11. Therefore, the tactile prompting device can simultaneously perform the tactile prompting and the detection of the contact position, and the tactile sense perceived by the user will not be interrupted during the use of the tactile prompting device. In addition, the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 controlled to detect the contact on the contact surface 11 are sequentially changed, and each X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 is controlled to prompt the touch to the contact surface 11 at a time other than the time when the electrode is controlled to detect the contact. Therefore, the contact can be detected at any position on the contact surface 11, and the tactile sense can be prompted at any position. Although the tactile prompt is not performed at the position where the contact is detected on the contact surface 11, the position where the contact is detected is moved sequentially, so that the tactile prompt is not interrupted on the entire contact surface 11.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the control circuit 21 connects the X electrode 13 adjacent to the X electrode 13 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 among the X electrodes 13 to the X electrode drive circuit 23 via the first switching unit 25. Similarly, the control circuit 21 connects the Y electrode 14 adjacent to the Y electrode 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 among the Y electrodes 14 to the Y electrode drive circuit 24 via the second switching unit 26. In this way, the X electrode 13 adjacent to the X electrode 13 controlled to detect the contact on the contact surface 11 and the Y electrode 14 adjacent to the Y electrode 14 controlled to detect the contact are controlled to prompt the tactile sense. In the case where a plurality of electrodes controlled to detect the contact on the contact surface 11 are adjacent to each other, there is a problem that the portion not used to prompt the tactile sense increases. In the present embodiment, the electrode adjacent to the electrode controlled to detect the contact on the contact surface 11 is controlled to prompt the tactile sense, so the size of the portion not used to prompt the tactile sense on the contact surface 11 is minimized.

[0071] In this embodiment, the distance between the centers of the adjacent X electrodes 13 and the distance between the centers of the adjacent Y electrodes 14 are set to be sufficiently smaller than the area where the human finger contacts the contact surface 11. Therefore, the size of the portion that is not used to provide a tactile sense to the contact surface 11 is sufficiently smaller than the size of the user's finger. Among the portions where the user's finger contacts the contact surface 11, even if a portion does not provide a tactile sense, the other portions are provided with a tactile sense, and the averaged tactile sense is felt over the entire finger. Therefore, the user does not feel a partial interruption in the tactile sense provision for detecting the contact position.

[0072] Conventionally, the time resolution of human tactile sense is considered to be 10 ms. In this embodiment, the time interval for changing the X electrodes 13 controlled to detect contact on the contact surface 11 is set to be shorter than 10 ms. Figure 7 In the example shown, t 0 to 6 The length of the time period and t 6 to 12 The length of the time period is less than 10 ms. For example, the length of the time period during which each X electrode 13 is continuously connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 is 1.6 ms. The time interval for changing the Y electrode 14 controlled to detect contact on the contact surface 11 is even shorter. Figure 7 In the example shown, the length of the time period during which each Y electrode 14 is continuously connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 is 1 / 6 of the length of the time period during which each X electrode 13 is continuously connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22. The length of the time period during which the tactile sense is not presented on a portion of the contact surface 11 is sufficiently shorter than the temporal resolution of human tactile sense, so the user cannot perceive any loss of tactile sense. Therefore, the user cannot perceive a partial interruption of the tactile sense presentation for detecting the contact position.

[0073] Figure 8 is a timing chart showing another example of the operation of each electrode according to Embodiment 1. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the tactile prompting device may have a mode in which a plurality of Y electrodes 14 are simultaneously connected to the touch panel driving circuit 22. In this case, the control circuit 21 causes the second switching unit 26 to connect a plurality of Y electrodes 14 that are not adjacent to each other to the touch panel driving circuit 22. More specifically, at t 0 to 1 During the time period, the Y electrode Y 0 and Y 4 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, at t 1 to 2 During the time period, the Y electrode Y 1 and Y 5Connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22. In other words, a plurality of Y electrodes 14 that are not adjacent to each other are controlled to detect contact on the touch surface 11 at the same time.

[0074] By controlling a plurality of Y electrodes 14 simultaneously to detect contact on the contact surface 11, the time required for sequentially controlling all Y electrodes 14 to detect contact can be shortened. Along with this, the time required for controlling each X electrode 13 to detect contact can be shortened. Therefore, the time required for detecting contact on all parts of the contact surface 11 can be shortened. In addition, contact detection is performed simultaneously at a plurality of positions on the contact surface 11. Therefore, the tactile prompting device can quickly detect the contact position when the user contacts any position on the contact surface 11. In addition, since the plurality of Y electrodes 14 controlled to detect contact are not adjacent to each other, the size of the part on the contact surface 11 that is not used for prompting tactile sensation is minimized. In addition, the tactile prompting device can adopt a method of simultaneously controlling a plurality of X electrodes 13 that are not adjacent to each other to detect contact on the contact surface 11.

[0075] Next, the distance between the centers of electrodes adjacent to each other and the time interval for changing the electrodes controlled to detect contact on the contact surface 11 will be further described. Fig. 9 1 is a schematic top view of a model of a touch panel 1 for illustration. A model in which a plurality of X electrodes 13 are provided on a substrate 12 and a Y electrode 14 is not provided will be considered. The number of X electrodes 13 is set to 32, and the distance between the centers of adjacent X electrodes 13 is set to 5 mm. The dimension of the contact surface 11 in the Y direction is 160 mm. The time for scanning all X electrodes 13 is 16.6 ms. The time required for controlling each X electrode 13 to detect contact is 0.519 ms. The contact portion of the user's finger touching the contact surface 11 is a square with a length of 10 mm on one side. The moving speed of the finger in the state of contacting the contact surface 11 is 300 mm / s. The AC voltage applied to the X electrode 13 to prompt the tactile sense is a voltage of 100 Hz and 150 V.

[0076] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D 1 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the X-electrode 13 and the contact portion of the user's finger touching the contact surface 11. In the figure, a plurality of X-electrodes 13 are arranged vertically, and the X-electrode 131 shown in the figure represents the X-electrode 13 controlled to detect contact. The X-electrodes 13 other than the X-electrode 131 are controlled to prompt the tactile sense. The figure shows the contact portion 41 of the finger touching the contact surface 11. In the figure, the downward direction is the Y direction. From Fig. 10A The states shown in the figure are shown in the figure below respectively after a predetermined time has passed. Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C and Fig. 10DIn the figure, the arrow indicates the direction in which the finger moves. Since the user touches the contact surface 11 with the finger in this direction, friction is generated between the finger and the contact surface 11, and the user feels a sense of touch based on electrostatic force. Figures 10A to 10D As shown in the sequence of FIG. 1 , as time passes, the contact portion 41 of the finger touching the contact surface 11 moves. Similarly, according to the scanning, the position of the X electrode 131 in the X electrode 13 controlled to detect the contact changes. The scanning speed of the X electrode 13 is much faster than the moving speed of the contact portion 41. Fig. 10C As shown, when the X electrode 131 and the contact portion 41 overlap each other in a plan view, contact of a finger is detected, and the electrostatic force acting on the finger for providing a tactile sense is reduced.

[0077] Fig.11 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between time and the position of the contact portion 41 and the X electrode 131. In the figure, the vertical axis represents time, and time passes from top to bottom. The horizontal axis represents the position in the Y direction as the distance from the end. In the figure, each shaded portion represents that the X electrode 13 located at the position corresponding to the portion at the time corresponding to the portion is the X electrode 131 controlled to detect contact. The other parts represent that the X electrode 13 is controlled to prompt the sense of touch. For example, the X electrode 13 located in the first row, in other words, the X electrode 13 located at the position of 0 to 5mm in the Y direction is controlled to detect contact in the time period of 0 to 0.519ms, and is controlled to prompt the sense of touch in other time periods. The X electrode 13 located in the second row, that is, the X electrode 13 located at the position of 5mm to 10mm in the Y direction is controlled to detect contact in the time period of 0.519ms to 1.038ms, and is controlled to prompt the sense of touch in other time periods. In this way, the X electrode 131 controlled to detect contact changes in sequence.

[0078] Fig.11 In FIG. 1 , the solid line indicates the trajectory of the center of the contact portion 41, and the dotted line indicates the trajectory of the upper end and the lower end of the contact portion 41. At time zero, the center of the contact portion 41 is located at a position of 17.5 mm. This position coincides with the center of the X electrode 13 located in the 4th row in the Y direction. The user slides his finger on the contact surface 11 in the Y direction at a speed of 300 mm / s in the direction in which the value of the position in the Y direction increases. At time 5.19 ms, the position of the center of the contact portion 41 is 19.057 mm. As shown in FIG. Fig.11As shown, for example, at time 0.77ms, the X electrodes 13 located at the positions facing the range from the upper end to the lower end of the contact portion 41, that is, the X electrodes 13 corresponding to all the areas of the contact portion 41 are controlled to prompt the tactile sense. At time 1.8ms, the X electrodes 13 corresponding to the area having half the area of ​​the contact portion 41 are controlled to detect the contact, and the other X electrodes 13 are controlled to prompt the tactile sense. At this time, the electrostatic force generated on the finger to prompt the tactile sense becomes half of the normal case according to the area.

[0079] Fig.12 : is a characteristic diagram showing the change of the electrostatic force generated in the finger. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the relative value of the electrostatic force. In the time period from 0 to 1.038ms, the relative value of the electrostatic force is "1". After the moment 1.038ms, the relative value of the electrostatic force decreases to 0.775, and rises slightly to 0.794 until the moment 1.557ms. After the moment 1.557ms, the relative value of the electrostatic force drops to 0.5, and is 0.5 until the moment 2.076ms. After the moment 2.076ms, the relative value of the electrostatic force rises to 0.6935, and drops to 0.678 until the moment 2.595ms. After the moment 2.595ms, the relative value of the electrostatic force is 1. The time period in which the electrostatic force drops is only 1.557ms between the moment 1.038ms and the moment 2.595ms. This time period is sufficiently shorter than the time resolution of tactile sensation of 10ms. The minimum value of the relative value of the electrostatic force is 0.5. As a result, the user can achieve an effect of not feeling the interruption of tactile sensation.

[0080] In addition, other reasons may be considered as the reason why the user does not feel the interruption of tactile sensation. Fig. 9 In the model of the tactile panel 1 shown, the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the X electrode 13 for prompting the sense of touch is 100Hz, and the frequency of the electrostatic force is 200Hz, which is twice the frequency of the AC voltage. This frequency mainly stimulates the Panshenian corpuscles in the mechanical receptors of the human body. The receptor field of the Panshenian corpuscles is wide, and the edges are not clearly detected or not detected. Therefore, even if the electrostatic force is not generated in the half area of ​​the contact portion 41, the user can also feel that the entire contact portion 41 is prompted with a sense of touch. Even if the difference between the situation where the electrostatic force is generated in the entire contact portion 41 and the situation where the electrostatic force is generated only in its half can be perceived, the difference is also perceived as the difference in the intensity of the stimulus, and the difference between the presence and absence of the edge will not be perceived. Since the edge that becomes the clue for perceiving the change of the sense of touch cannot be detected, the user cannot perceive the change of the sense of touch, and it can be considered that the interruption of the sense of touch will not be perceived. In this way, it can be considered that the use of the electrostatic force of the frequency that mainly stimulates the Panshenian corpuscles is a factor that produces the effect that the user will not perceive the interruption of the sense of touch.

[0081] Based on the above viewpoints, in this embodiment, the distance between the centers of adjacent X electrodes 13 and the distance between the centers of adjacent Y electrodes 14 are less than or equal to 5 mm. In the contact portion where the finger touches the contact surface 11, more than or equal to half in the X direction and more than or equal to half in the Y direction will face the X electrodes 13 and Y electrodes 14 controlled to provide tactile feedback. In addition, in this embodiment, Fig.12 The value obtained by integrating the time-varying function of the relative reduction amount of the electrostatic force in the contact portion 41 with respect to time is set to be smaller than 10 ms. Here, the concept of integrating the time-varying function of the relative reduction amount of the electrostatic force with respect to time is supplemented. Fig.12 In the figure, the vertical axis represents the electrostatic force, in other words, represents the force, and the horizontal axis represents the time. Therefore, the value obtained by integrating the time variation function of the relative reduction of the electrostatic force with respect to the time can be regarded as an analogy of the impulse in mechanics. The amplitude of the tactile interruption perceived according to the reduction of the electrostatic force is a function of the amplitude of the reduction of the electrostatic force and the time of the electrostatic force reduction. The amplitude of the tactile interruption perceived within a predetermined range is a monotonically increasing function of the impulse which is the product of the amplitude of the reduction of the electrostatic force and the time of the electrostatic force reduction. By setting the value obtained by integrating the time variation function of the relative reduction of the electrostatic force with respect to the time to be smaller than the time resolution of human touch of 10ms, the user's perception of the interruption of the tactile prompt disappears. Fig.12 In the example shown, the electrostatic force decreases in a time period shorter than 10 ms, which is the time resolution of tactile sensation. Even when the electrostatic force decreases, the electrostatic force sensed is averaged over the entire finger and becomes non-zero, so the user does not sense the interruption of the tactile prompt. In addition, even when the average value of the electrostatic force over the entire finger is zero, the user does not sense the interruption of the tactile prompt by setting the time when the electrostatic force is zero to less than 10 ms.

[0082] In the above description of the present embodiment, although it is explained that the electrode adjacent to the electrode controlled for detecting contact on the contact surface 11 is the electrode controlled next to detect contact, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method in which the electrode not adjacent to the electrode controlled for detecting contact is the electrode controlled next to detect contact. Fig.13 is Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the relationship between time and the position of the contact portion 41 and the X electrode 131 when the position of the X electrode 131 controlled to detect contact is discretely changed in the model of the touch panel 1 shown. In the figure, the vertical axis represents time, and time passes from top to bottom. In the figure, T s It is T s= 0.519 ms. The horizontal axis represents the position in the Y direction as the distance from the end. In the figure, each shaded portion indicates that the X electrode 13 located at the position corresponding to the portion at the time corresponding to the portion is the X electrode 131 controlled to detect contact. The other portions indicate that the X electrode 13 is controlled to prompt tactile sensation.

[0083] exist Fig.13 In the example shown, the s In the time period of T, the X electrodes 13 located at the positions of 0 to 5 mm in the Y direction, that is, the X electrodes 13 located in the first row are controlled to detect contact. s Up to 2T s In the time period of 2T, the X electrodes 13 located at the position of 75 to 80 mm in the Y direction, that is, the X electrodes 13 located in the 16th row are controlled to detect contact. s To 3T s In the time period of , the X electrode 13 located at a position of 10 to 15 mm in the Y direction, that is, the X electrode 13 located in the 3rd row is controlled to detect contact. In this way, the position of the X electrode 131 controlled to detect contact changes to the 16th row after the 1st row, and then discretely changes to the 3rd row, the 18th row, the 5th row, the 20th row, the 7th row, etc.

[0084] By discretely changing the position of the X electrode 131, the time for the electrostatic force to decrease in the plurality of regions included in the contact portion 41 is discretized. Therefore, the time period during which the tactile prompt is interrupted is further shortened in the contact portion 41. Therefore, the effect that the user does not feel the interruption of the tactile sense is further improved.

[0085] Fig.13 2 shows two examples of the trajectory of the contact portion 41. The trajectory of the center of the contact portion 41 is indicated by a solid line, and the trajectory of the upper end and the lower end of the contact portion 41 is indicated by a dotted line. Fig.13 The trajectory shown on the left side of is the trajectory of the contact portion 41 which is located at 17.5 mm at time zero and moves in the direction of increasing value of the position in the Y direction at a speed of 300 mm / s. According to these trajectories, the electrostatic force in the contact portion 41 is 2T s ~3T s The time period is 78% of the usual situation, and in 4T s Up to 5T s On the other hand, in the time period between these two time periods, the electrostatic force does not decrease. The maximum length of the time period in which the electrostatic force decreases is T s , and is very short. The length of this time period is shorter than Fig.12The time period is 1.557 ms, which is sufficiently shorter than the 10 ms time resolution of the sense of touch. Therefore, the user will not feel the interruption of the sense of touch. Fig.13 The trajectory shown on the right side of is the trajectory of the contact portion 41 which is located at a position of 120 mm at time zero and moves in a direction where the value of the position in the Y direction decreases at a speed of 600 mm / s. When following these trajectories, the maximum time period for the electrostatic force to decrease is T s , which is very short and the user will not feel the interruption of touch.

[0086] like Fig.13 In the example shown, the tactile prompting device can adopt a method in which the positions of the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 controlled to detect the contact on the contact surface 11 can be discretely changed. By discretely changing the positions of the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 controlled to detect the contact, the time when the electrostatic force decreases in multiple areas included in the contact portion 41 of the user's finger touching the contact surface 11 is discretized. Fig.13 As in the example shown, the time period during which the electrostatic force decreases in the contact portion is shorter, thereby further improving the effect that the user does not perceive the interruption of the tactile sense.

[0087] <Implementation method 2>

[0088] The tactile feedback device according to the second embodiment detects the contact position on the contact surface 11 using a method different from that of the first embodiment. The structure of the tactile feedback device is similar to that of the first embodiment except for the interior of the touch panel drive circuit 22. Figures 1 to 3 The same is true for the embodiment 1 shown.

[0089] Fig.14 2 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of the touch panel driving circuit 22 according to Embodiment 2. The touch panel driving circuit 22 includes a plurality of current detection units 223 and a plurality of AC voltage sources 224. Each current detection unit 223 is connected to a signal line connected to the first switching unit 25, and is connected to a signal line connected to the second switching unit 26. An AC voltage source 224 is connected to each current detection unit 223. The AC voltage source 224 is grounded. The current detection unit 223 is connected to the X electrode 13 through the first switching unit 25, the AC voltage source 224 applies a voltage to the X electrode 13, and the current detection unit 223 detects the current flowing through the X electrode 13. Similarly, the current detection unit 223 is connected to the Y electrode 14 through the second switching unit 26, the AC voltage source 224 applies a voltage to the Y electrode 14, and the current detection unit 223 detects the current flowing through the Y electrode 14. Fig.14 The internal circuit of the touch panel drive circuit 22 shown corresponds to a detection circuit.

[0090] In a state where the user's finger does not touch the contact surface 11, even when a voltage is applied to the X electrode 13 or the Y electrode 14 from the AC voltage source 224, almost no current flows, and the current detected by the current detection unit 223 is almost zero. More specifically, a very small current flows through the parasitic capacitance of each X electrode 13 and the parasitic capacitance of each Y electrode 14. The current flowing through the parasitic capacitance is called a parasitic current. Each current detection unit 223 detects the parasitic current. In the case where the user's finger touches the portion of the contact surface 11 facing the X electrode 13 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the X electrode 13 and the finger. An AC voltage is applied from the AC voltage source 224, and a current according to the electrostatic capacitance flows through the X electrode 13, and the current detection unit 223 detects the current. Similarly, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the user's finger in contact with the contact surface 11 and the Y electrode 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, and a current according to the electrostatic capacitance flows through the Y electrode 14, and the current detection unit 223 detects the current. The average value (norm) of the current detected by the current detection unit 223 is proportional to the generated electrostatic capacitance. More specifically, the increase amount of the average value (average value from the parasitic current) of the current detected by the current detection unit 223 is proportional to the generated electrostatic capacitance.

[0091] The operation of the first switching unit 25 and the second switching unit 26 is controlled by the control circuit 21, and the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 are specified under the control of the control circuit 21. The control circuit 21 detects the generation of electrostatic capacitance for each X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, according to the average value of the current detected by the current detection unit 223 being a predetermined value or more. In addition, the control circuit 21 specifies the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 that generate electrostatic capacitance, that is, the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 when the electrostatic capacitance is generated, thereby detecting the position where the user's finger touches. The contact position is a position on the contact surface 11 that faces the part that intersects the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 that generate the electrostatic capacitance. The control circuit 21 outputs data indicating the contact position to the mathematical operation unit 31. In this way, the tactile prompting device detects the contact position on the contact surface 11 using the self-capacitance method.

[0092] In addition, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of not only detecting the contact position on the contact surface 11 but also detecting the position where the object approaches when a conductive object such as a finger approaches the contact surface 11 within a predetermined distance. In this method, when the object approaches the contact surface 11 within a predetermined distance, electrostatic capacitance is generated between the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 and the object, and similarly, the position where the object approaches on the contact surface 11 is detected.

[0093] As in the first embodiment, by controlling the first switching unit 25 and the second switching unit 26, the control circuit 21 connects a part of the X electrodes 13 and a part of the Y electrodes 14 to the touch panel drive circuit 22, and sequentially changes the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22. In addition, as in the first embodiment, the control circuit 21 connects the X electrodes 13 that are not connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 to the X electrode drive circuit 23, and connects the Y electrodes 14 that are not connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 to the Y electrode drive circuit 24. That is, in the present embodiment, as well, a part of the X electrodes 13 and a part of the Y electrodes 14 are controlled to detect contact on the contact surface 11, the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 that are controlled to detect contact are sequentially changed, and each of the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 is controlled to present a tactile sensation to the contact surface 11 at a time other than the time when they are controlled to detect contact. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the tactile prompting device can also perform tactile prompting and contact position detection simultaneously, and the tactile sense felt by the user will not be interrupted during the use of the tactile prompting device.

[0094] In the above-mentioned Embodiments 1 and 2, although the control circuit 21 is included in addition to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the X electrode drive circuit 23, the Y electrode drive circuit 24, the first switching unit 25, and the second switching unit 26, the tactile feedback device may adopt a mode that does not include the control circuit 21. For example, the tactile feedback device may adopt a mode in which the touch panel drive circuit 22 has a function equivalent to that of the control circuit 21. In addition, the tactile feedback device may adopt a mode in which the touch panel drive circuit 22, the X electrode drive circuit 23, the Y electrode drive circuit 24, the first switching unit 25, and the second switching unit 26 have a function equivalent to that of the control circuit 21 in a distributed manner. In addition, the tactile feedback device may adopt a mode in which the operation of the touch panel drive circuit 22, the X electrode drive circuit 23, the Y electrode drive circuit 24, the first switching unit 25, and the second switching unit 26 is directly controlled by the mathematical operation unit 31.

[0095] In Embodiments 1 and 2, although a method of providing a sense of touch by using a beat between an AC voltage applied to a specific X electrode 13 and an AC voltage applied to a specific Y electrode 14 is shown, the sense of touch providing device may provide a sense of touch by using a method other than a generally known method. For example, the sense of touch providing device may provide a sense of touch by applying the same AC voltage to a specific X electrode 13 and a specific Y electrode 14, or provide a sense of touch by applying the same AC voltage to all X electrodes 13 and all Y electrodes 14. In addition, the sense of touch providing device may provide a sense of touch by applying voltages having opposite polarities to adjacent X electrodes 13 or adjacent Y electrodes 14.

[0096] In addition, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of detecting the position where the object contacts or approaches the contact surface 11 by using a known method other than the methods described in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2. For example, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of measuring the current value of the voltage signal applied to the X electrode 13 and the Y electrode 14 for tactile prompting, and detecting the contact or approach of the object based on the change of the measured current value.

[0097] In Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, although the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 are arranged in a matrix pattern, the tactile feedback device may adopt another arrangement of the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14. For example, the tactile feedback device may adopt an arrangement of the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 so that the intersections of the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 are arranged in a shape to be expressed by tactile sense.

[0098] <Implementation method 3>

[0099] In Embodiment 3, a method of providing electrodes in a manner different from Embodiments 1 and 2 is shown. The structure of the tactile feedback device is similar to that of the tactile feedback device except for the interior of the tactile panel 1 and the tactile panel driving unit 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same is true for the embodiment 1 shown.

[0100] Fig.15 1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the touch panel 1 and the touch panel driving unit 2 according to Embodiment 3. The touch panel 1 includes a transparent substrate 12 such as a glass substrate, and a plurality of electrodes 17 are provided on the substrate 12. Each electrode 17 is rectangular in shape, and the electrodes 17 are provided in a matrix pattern. Fig.15 The example in which the electrodes 17 are arranged in 6 rows and 9 columns is shown. The wiring 18 is connected to each electrode 17. Fig.15 In the embodiment, although the reference numeral 17 is given to one electrode and the reference numeral 18 is given to one wiring, Fig.15All the rectangular electrodes shown are electrodes 17, and all the wirings connected to electrodes 17 are wirings 18. Fig.15 The direction of a row is set as the X direction, and the direction along a column is set as the Y direction. The plurality of electrodes 17 are insulated from each other. An insulating cover layer 15 is stacked on the substrate 12, wherein the electrode 17 is sandwiched between the cover layer 15 and the substrate 12. The surface of the cover layer 15 is the contact surface 11.

[0101] The touch panel drive unit 2 includes a touch panel drive circuit (first control unit) 22 for controlling the operation of the electrode 17 for detecting the contact on the contact surface 11. The touch panel drive unit 2 includes an electrode drive circuit 27 for controlling the operation of the electrode 17 for prompting the touch to the contact surface 11. The electrode drive circuit 27 corresponds to the second control unit. In addition, the touch panel drive unit 2 includes a switching unit 28 connected to a plurality of wirings 18. The electrode 17 is connected to the switching unit 28 via the wiring 18. The switching unit 28 connects a part of the electrodes 17 to the touch panel drive circuit 22 and connects the other electrodes 17 to the electrode drive circuit 27, and is configured to switch the connection of each electrode 17 with one side to the connection with the other side.

[0102] The tactile panel driving unit 2 includes a control circuit 21. The control circuit 21 is connected to the touch panel driving circuit 22, the electrode driving circuit 27, and the switching unit 28. In addition, the control circuit 21 is connected to the mathematical operation unit 31. The control circuit 21 receives an input of a control signal from the mathematical operation unit 31, and controls the operations of the touch panel driving circuit 22, the electrode driving circuit 27, and the switching unit 28. The control circuit 21 and the switching unit 28 correspond to a third control unit.

[0103] Fig.16 2 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of the electrode driving circuit 27 according to Embodiment 3. The electrode driving circuit 27 includes a plurality of single-pole double-throw switches 271 and an AC voltage source 272 that generates an AC voltage having a predetermined frequency. The internal circuit of the electrode driving circuit 27 is configured to connect each wiring 18 connected via the switching unit 28 to one of the AC voltage source 272 and the ground terminal using each single-pole double-throw switch 271. Each single-pole double-throw switch 271 is controlled by the control circuit 21, and switches the connection between each wiring 18 and the AC voltage source 272 or the ground terminal. That is, the electrode driving circuit 27 connects the electrode 17 connected via the switching unit 28 and the wiring 18 to one of the AC voltage source 272 and the ground terminal, and switches the connection under the control of the control circuit 21. Fig.16 The internal circuit of the electrode driving circuit 27 shown in corresponds to a signal applying circuit.

[0104] The tactile prompting device prompts the touch sense to the contact surface 11 by using the operation of the electrode driving circuit 27. When an AC voltage is applied to the electrode 17 facing the finger of the user in contact with the contact surface 11, a periodically changing electrostatic force is generated between the electrode 17 and the finger. When the user touches the contact surface 11 with a finger, the friction force felt by the finger changes periodically, thereby prompting the touch sense. The frequency of the AC voltage applied by the AC voltage source 272 is greater than 5Hz and less than 1000Hz. For example, the frequency is 120Hz. Therefore, the user can feel the touch sense on the contact surface 11.

[0105] Under the control of the control circuit 21, the electrode driving circuit 27 connects a portion of the electrodes 17 connected to the electrode driving circuit 27 to the AC voltage source 272, and grounds the other electrodes 17. In the portion of the contact surface 11 facing the electrode 17 connected to the AC voltage source 272, a periodic electrostatic force is generated, and the user can feel the touch with his fingers. In the other portions, no electrostatic force is generated, and no touch is felt. In this way, the tactile prompting device can prompt the touch at any position of the contact surface 11. The electrode driving circuit 27 can adopt a mode in which the electrode 17 is not grounded but connected to a predetermined DC power supply.

[0106] Fig.17 2 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of the touch panel driving circuit 22 according to Embodiment 3. The touch panel driving circuit 22 includes a plurality of current detection units 223 and a plurality of AC voltage sources 224. Each current detection unit 223 is connected to a signal line connected to the switching unit 28. The AC voltage source 224 is connected to each current detection unit 223. The AC voltage source 224 is grounded. The current detection unit 223 is connected to the electrode 17 through the switching unit 28 and the wiring 18, the AC voltage source 224 applies a voltage to the electrode 17, and the current detection unit 223 detects the current flowing through the electrode 17. Fig.17 The internal circuit of the touch panel drive circuit 22 shown corresponds to a detection circuit.

[0107] In a state where the user's finger is not in contact with the contact surface 11, even when a voltage is applied to the electrode 17 from the AC voltage source 224, the current hardly flows, and the current detected by the current detection unit 223 is almost zero. More specifically, as in Embodiment 2, the current detection unit 223 detects a parasitic current. When the user's finger contacts the portion of the contact surface 11 facing the electrode 17 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the electrode 17 and the finger. An AC voltage is applied from the AC voltage source 224, and a current that increases according to the electrostatic capacitance flows through the electrode 17, and the current detection unit 223 detects the current. The increase in the average value of the current detected by the current detection unit 223 is proportional to the generated electrostatic capacitance.

[0108] The operation of the switching unit 28 is controlled by the control circuit 21, and the electrode 17 to be connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 is specified under the control of the control circuit 21. The control circuit 21 detects the generation of electrostatic capacitance for each electrode 17 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, based on the average value of the current detected by the current detection unit 223 being a predetermined value or greater. In addition, the control circuit 21 specifies the electrode 17 that generates electrostatic capacitance, that is, the electrode 17 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 when the electrostatic capacitance is generated, thereby detecting the position where the user's finger makes contact. The contact position is the position on the contact surface 11 that faces the electrode 17 that generates the electrostatic capacitance. The control circuit 21 outputs data representing the contact position to the mathematical operation unit 31. In this way, the tactile prompting device detects the contact position on the contact surface 11 using a self-capacitance method.

[0109] In addition, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of not only detecting the contact position on the contact surface 11 but also detecting the position where the object approaches when a conductive object such as a finger approaches the contact surface 11 within a predetermined distance. In this method, when the object approaches the contact surface 11 within a predetermined distance, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the electrode 17 and the object, and similarly, the position where the object approaches on the contact surface 11 is detected.

[0110] The control circuit 21 controls the switching unit 28 to connect each electrode 17 to the touch panel drive circuit 22 or the electrode drive circuit 27. The control circuit 21 causes the switching unit 28 to connect a part of the electrodes 17 to the touch panel drive circuit 22, and to connect the other electrodes 17 to the electrode drive circuit 27. In addition, the control circuit 21 causes the switching unit 28 to sequentially change the electrodes 17 to be connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22. When changing the electrodes 17 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the switching unit 28 connects the electrodes 17 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 until now to the electrode drive circuit 27, and connects a part of the electrodes 17 connected to the electrode drive circuit 27 until now to the touch panel drive circuit 22. In addition, the control circuit 21 controls the single-pole double-throw switch 271 of the electrode drive circuit 27 to connect the electrodes 17 corresponding to the area to be prompted with tactile sensation among the electrodes 17 connected to the electrode drive circuit 27 to the AC voltage source 272, and to ground the other electrodes 17.

[0111] Under the control of the control circuit 21, the plurality of electrodes 17 are connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 in sequence, and the contact at the position facing each electrode 17 on the contact surface 11 is detected in sequence. By connecting each electrode 17 to the touch panel drive circuit 22 in sequence, each electrode 17 is controlled in sequence to detect the contact on the contact surface 11. That is, the contact surface 11 is scanned for the detection of the contact position. After the scanning of the entire contact surface 11 is completed, the control circuit 21 repeats the process of connecting each electrode 17 to the touch panel drive circuit 22 in sequence. In this way, the scanning is repeated, and the contact point is detected when the user touches any position on the contact surface 11. The scanning of the entire contact surface 11 is repeated 10 to 1000 times per second. For example, the scanning of the entire contact surface 11 is repeated 120 times per second. In the time period other than the time period when the electrode 17 is connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the electrode 17 is connected to the electrode drive circuit 27 under the control of the control circuit 21. A part of the electrodes 17 is connected to the AC voltage source 272, and the other electrodes 17 are grounded. As a result, a tactile sense is presented to the contact surface 11. In this way, the electrode 17 is controlled so as to present a tactile sense to the contact surface 11.

[0112] Fig.18 : is a timing diagram showing an example of the change of the state of each electrode 17 with respect to time according to embodiment 3. The vertical axis represents the position of each electrode 17. Each electrode 17 arranged along the X direction is labeled with a number from 0 to 8, and each electrode 17 arranged along the Y direction is labeled with a number from 0 to 5, and the position of each electrode 17 is represented by a combination of the X direction number and the Y direction number. The horizontal axis represents the passage of time, and the passage of time is represented by a number from 1 to 9 for each time period of the divided time. The length of each time period is 0.925ms. In the figure, each shaded portion indicates that the electrode 17 located at the position corresponding to the portion in the time period corresponding to the portion is controlled to detect contact. The other portions indicate that the electrode 17 is controlled to prompt tactile sensation. The column of the time period labeled with the number "1" represents the state of each electrode 17 in the time period from 0 to 0.925ms, and the column of the time period labeled with the number "2" represents the state of each electrode 17 in the next 0.925ms. In the time period marked with number "1", the electrodes 17 controlled to detect contact are the six electrodes 17 whose positions are (0, 0), (0, 3), (3, 0), (3, 3), (6, 0), and (6, 3) as shown in (X, Y). The other electrodes 17 are controlled to provide tactile feedback. In the time period marked with number "2", the electrodes 17 controlled to detect contact are the six electrodes 17 (0, 1), (0, 4), (3, 1), (3, 4), (6, 1), and (6, 4). Fig.18As shown, in the time periods marked with numbers “1” to “9”, all electrodes 17 are controlled in sequence to provide tactile prompts, and the scanning of all contact surfaces 11 is completed within 8.3 ms.

[0113] As described above, in the present embodiment, during the time period when a part of the electrodes 17 are controlled to detect the contact with the contact surface 11, the other electrodes 17 are controlled to provide tactile prompts to the contact surface 11. Therefore, the tactile prompting device can simultaneously perform tactile prompts and contact position detection. In addition, the electrodes 17 controlled to detect the contact with the contact surface 11 are changed in sequence, and each electrode 17 is controlled to provide tactile prompts to the contact surface 11 at a time other than the time when it is controlled to detect the contact. Although the tactile prompt is not performed at the position where the contact is detected on the contact surface 11, the position where the contact is detected will move in sequence, so the tactile prompt will not be interrupted on the entire contact surface 11. In the present embodiment, the tactile prompting device can also simultaneously perform tactile prompts and contact position detection, and the tactile sense perceived by the user will not be interrupted during the use of the tactile prompting device.

[0114] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control circuit 21 causes the switching unit 28 to connect the electrode 17 adjacent to the electrode 17 connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 to the electrode drive circuit 27. In this way, the electrode 17 adjacent to the electrode 17 controlled to detect contact with the contact surface 11 is controlled to prompt the tactile sense. Therefore, the size of the portion not used to prompt the tactile sense on the contact surface 11 is minimized.

[0115] exist Fig.18 In the example shown, a plurality of electrodes 17 that are not adjacent to each other are controlled simultaneously to detect contact with the contact surface 11. Thus, the time required to sequentially control all electrodes 17 for detecting contact can be shortened, and the time required to scan the entire contact surface 11 can be shortened. In addition, since contact is detected simultaneously at a plurality of positions on the contact surface 11, the tactile prompting device can quickly detect the contact position.

[0116] In the present embodiment, the distance between the centers of the electrodes 17 adjacent to each other is set to be sufficiently smaller than the area where the finger of a person contacts the contact surface 11. For example, the distance between the centers of the electrodes 17 adjacent to each other in both the X direction and the Y direction is set to 5 mm. The size of the portion not used to provide a tactile sense to the contact surface 11 is sufficiently smaller than the size of the user's finger. Among the portions where the user's finger contacts the contact surface 11, even if a portion does not provide a tactile sense, a tactile sense is provided to the other portions, and the tactile sense averaged over the entire finger is sensed.

[0117] In this embodiment, the time interval for changing the electrode 17 controlled to detect contact with the contact surface 11 is set to be shorter than the time resolution of tactile sensation, 10 ms. More specifically, the value obtained by integrating the time change of the function of the relative reduction in the electrostatic force on the portion where the user's finger contacts the contact surface 11 with respect to time is set to be less than 10 ms. For example, the control circuit 21 controls the time interval for changing the electrode 17 controlled to detect contact to be less than 10 ms. Fig.18 In the example shown, the time interval for changing the electrode 17 controlled to detect contact is 0.925 ms. The drop in electrostatic force occurs in a time period shorter than the time resolution of tactile sensation, and even when the electrostatic force drops, the sensed electrostatic force is averaged over the entire finger and does not become zero, so the user does not sense the interruption of the tactile prompt.

[0118] exist Fig.18 In the example, although the electrode 17 adjacent to the electrode 17 controlled to detect contact on the contact surface 11 is shown as an example of the electrode 17 controlled to detect contact next, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of discretely changing the position of the electrode 17 controlled to detect contact. By discretely changing the position of the electrode 17 controlled to detect contact, the time for the electrostatic force to drop in multiple areas included in the contact portion where the user's finger touches the contact surface 11 is discretized. Therefore, the time period of the tactile interruption prompted is further shortened, and the effect that the user will not perceive the tactile interruption is further improved.

[0119] <Implementation method 4>

[0120] The tactile feedback device according to the fourth embodiment detects the contact position on the contact surface 11 by using the mutual capacitance method. The structure of the tactile feedback device is similar to the structure of the touch panel 1 and the touch panel driving unit 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same as the case of the embodiment 1 shown. Fig.15 The same as the embodiment 3 shown in the figure, the touch panel 1 comprises: a substrate 12; a plurality of rectangular electrodes 17 arranged on the substrate 12 in a matrix pattern; and a cover layer 15. Fig.15 As shown, the tactile panel driving unit 2 includes a touch panel driving circuit 22 , an electrode driving circuit 27 , a switching unit 28 , and a control circuit 21 .

[0121] Fig.191 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of the touch panel drive circuit 22 and the switching unit 28 according to the fourth embodiment. The plurality of electrodes 17 included in the touch panel 1 are composed of a plurality of electrode pairs formed by a pair of electrodes 17 adjacent to each other. Each electrode 17 is connected to the switching unit 28 via a wiring 18. The switching unit 28 is configured to connect a part of the electrodes 17 to the touch panel drive circuit 22, connect the other electrodes 17 to the electrode drive circuit 27, and can switch the connection of each electrode 17 with one side to the connection with the other side. The switching unit 28 switches in units of electrode pairs. That is, the two electrodes 17 included in the electrode pair are switched and connected at the same time, and are connected to the same circuit in the touch panel drive circuit 22 and the electrode drive circuit 27. The touch panel drive circuit 22 includes a plurality of signal input units 221 and a plurality of current detection units 222. The touch panel drive circuit 22 and the switching unit 28 are configured so that when the electrode pair is connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, one electrode 17 is connected to the signal input unit 221, and the other electrode 17 is connected to the current detection unit 222. The signal input unit 221 inputs an AC signal to one electrode 17 , and the current detection unit 222 detects a current signal flowing through the other electrode 17 . Fig.19 The internal circuit of the touch panel drive circuit 22 shown corresponds to a detection circuit.

[0122] Electrostatic capacitance is generated between two electrodes 17 adjacent to each other included in the electrode pair. When the signal input unit 221 inputs an AC signal to one electrode 17, an AC current flows between the two electrodes 17, and the current detection unit 222 detects the AC current. When the user's finger touches the portion facing the electrode pair on the contact surface 11, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the electrode pair and the finger, and the electrostatic capacitance between the two electrodes 17 changes. When the electrostatic capacitance between the two electrodes 17 changes, the AC current detected by the current detection unit 222 changes. The operation of the switching unit 28 is controlled by the control circuit 21, and the electrode pair connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 is specified under the control of the control circuit 21. The control circuit 21 compares the AC current detected by the current detection unit 222 with a predetermined threshold value, and detects whether the electrostatic capacitance between the electrode pair connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 has changed. When the electrostatic capacitance has changed, the control circuit 21 specifies the electrode pair connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, thereby detecting the position touched by the user's finger. The contact position is a position on the contact surface 11 facing the electrode pair connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22. The control circuit 21 outputs data indicating the contact position to the mathematical operation unit 31. In this way, the tactile feedback device detects the contact position on the contact surface 11 by using the mutual capacitance method.

[0123] In addition, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of not only detecting the contact position on the contact surface 11 but also detecting the position where the object approaches when a conductive object such as a finger approaches the contact surface 11 within a predetermined distance. In this method, when the object approaches the contact surface 11 within a predetermined distance, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the electrode pair and the object, and similarly, the position where the object approaches on the contact surface 11 is detected.

[0124] The structure of the electrode driving circuit 27 is Fig.16 The structure of the embodiment 3 shown in the figure is the same. The control circuit 21 controls the switching unit 28 to connect each electrode pair to the touch panel drive circuit 22 or the electrode drive circuit 27. The control circuit 21 causes the switching unit 28 to connect a part of the electrode pairs to the touch panel drive circuit 22 and connect the other electrode pairs to the electrode drive circuit 27. In addition, the control circuit 21 causes the switching unit 28 to sequentially change the electrode pairs connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22. When changing the electrode pairs connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the switching unit 28 connects the electrode pairs connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22 so far to the electrode drive circuit 27, and connects a part of the electrode pairs among the plurality of electrode pairs connected to the electrode drive circuit 27 so far to the touch panel drive circuit 22. In addition, the control circuit 21 controls the single-pole double-throw switch 271 of the electrode drive circuit 27 to connect the electrode 17 corresponding to the area to be prompted with tactile sensation among the electrodes 17 connected to the electrode drive circuit 27 to the AC voltage source 272, and to ground the other electrodes 17.

[0125] Under the control of the control circuit 21, each of the plurality of electrode pairs is sequentially connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, and the contact at the position facing each electrode pair on the contact surface 11 is detected sequentially. By sequentially connecting each electrode pair to the touch panel drive circuit 22, each electrode pair is sequentially controlled to detect the contact with the contact surface 11. That is, in order to detect the contact position, the contact surface 11 is scanned. After the scanning of the entire contact surface 11 is completed, the control circuit 21 repeats the process of sequentially connecting each electrode pair to the touch panel drive circuit 22. In this way, the scanning is repeated, and the contact position is detected when the user touches any position on the contact surface 11. In the time period other than the time period when the electrode 17 is connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the electrode 17 is connected to the electrode drive circuit 27 under the control of the control circuit 21. A part of the electrode 17 is connected to the AC voltage source 272, and the other electrodes 17 are grounded. As a result, the touch sense is prompted to the contact surface 11. In this way, the electrode 17 is controlled to prompt the touch sense to the contact surface 11.

[0126] Fig. 20 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tactile panel 1 according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 20An example in which the electrodes 17 are arranged in 4 rows x 6 columns is shown. Fig. 20 In the figure, although one electrode is marked with reference numeral 17, Fig. 20 All the rectangular electrodes shown in the figure are electrodes 17. Each electrode 17 arranged along the X direction is numbered from 0 to 5, and each electrode 17 arranged along the Y direction is numbered from 0 to 3, and the position of each electrode 17 is indicated by a combination of the X direction number and the Y direction number. Fig. 20 In the example shown, the electrodes 17 arranged in the even-numbered columns and the electrodes 17 arranged in the next column form an electrode pair. For example, the electrodes 17 at positions (0, 0) and (1, 0) form an electrode pair. The area corresponding to the electrodes 17 at positions (1, 1), (1, 2), (2, 1) and (2, 2) is set as the target area 16 for tactile prompting.

[0127] Fig.21 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of each electrode 17 according to Embodiment 4. Fig.21 In the figure, time passes from left to right, t 0 to 12 Indicates each time point. Fig.21 The state of the electrode 17 at each time point is shown, with the position indicated as (X, Y). FIG. 22A to FIG. 22C 1 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the touch panel 1 at a specific time according to the fourth embodiment. Fig.22A , Fig. 22B and Fig. 22C Shown are t 1 to 2 ,t 2 to 3 and t 3 to 4 The state of the electrode 17 being grounded is determined by T G The state where the electrode 17 is connected to the AC voltage source 272 is represented by T D Indicates that the state of electrode 17 being connected to the signal input unit 221 is represented by S T Indicates that the state where the electrode 17 is connected to the current detection unit 222 is represented by S R express.

[0128] like Fig.21 and FIG. 22A to FIG. 22C As shown, at t 1 to 2 During the time period t, the electrode pairs at positions (2, 0) and (3, 0) and the electrode pairs at positions (4, 2) and (5, 2) are controlled to detect contact. 2 to 3During the time period of t, the electrode pairs at positions (4, 0) and (5, 0) and the electrode pairs at positions (0, 3) and (1, 3) are controlled to detect contact. 3 to 4 In the time period of (0, 1) and (1, 1), the electrode pair at the position (2, 3) and (3, 3) is controlled to detect contact. In this way, each electrode pair is sequentially controlled to detect contact, and the detection of contact at each position on the contact surface 11 is sequentially performed. In addition, in the time period other than the time period in which the electrode pair is controlled to detect contact, the electrodes 17 at the positions (1, 1), (1, 2), (2, 1) and (2, 2) are connected to the AC voltage source 272, and the other electrodes 17 are grounded. As a result, the tactile sense is prompted to the object area 16 in the contact surface 11.

[0129] As described above, in this embodiment, in the time period when a part of the electrodes 17 are controlled to detect the contact on the contact surface 11, the other electrodes 17 are controlled to give a tactile prompt to the contact surface 11. Therefore, the tactile prompt device can simultaneously perform tactile prompts and contact position detection. In addition, the electrodes 17 controlled to detect the contact on the contact surface 11 are sequentially changed, and each electrode 17 is controlled to give a tactile prompt to the contact surface 11 at a time other than the time when the electrode 17 is controlled to detect the contact. Although the tactile prompt is not performed at the position where the contact on the contact surface 11 is detected, since the position where the contact is detected will move sequentially, the tactile prompt will not be interrupted on the entire contact surface 11. As in the third embodiment, the electrostatic force decreases in a time period shorter than the time resolution of the tactile sense, and even when the electrostatic force decreases, the electrostatic force sensed is averaged over the entire finger and does not become zero, so the user does not perceive the interruption of the tactile prompt. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tactile prompting device can also perform tactile prompting and contact position detection at the same time, and the tactile sense felt by the user will not be interrupted during the use of the tactile prompting device.

[0130] In the above-mentioned Embodiments 3 and 4, although the control circuit 21 is included in addition to the touch panel drive circuit 22, the electrode drive circuit 27, and the switching unit 28, the tactile prompting device may adopt a mode that does not include the control circuit 21. For example, the tactile prompting device may adopt a mode in which the touch panel drive circuit 22 has the same function as the control circuit 21, or the function equivalent to the control circuit 21 is included in the touch panel drive circuit 22, the electrode drive circuit 27, and the switching unit 28 in a dispersed manner. In addition, the tactile prompting device may adopt a mode in which the operation of the touch panel drive circuit 22, the electrode drive circuit 27, and the switching unit 28 is directly controlled by the mathematical operation unit 31.

[0131] In Embodiments 3 and 4, although a method of providing a sense of touch by applying an AC voltage to a specific electrode 17 is shown, the sense of touch prompting device may provide a sense of touch by using a method other than the generally known method. For example, the sense of touch prompting device may provide a sense of touch by applying the same AC voltage to all electrodes 17. In addition, the sense of touch prompting device may provide a sense of touch by applying voltages having opposite polarities to electrodes 17 adjacent to each other.

[0132] In addition, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of detecting the position where the object contacts or approaches the contact surface 11 using a generally known method other than the method described in Embodiments 3 and 4. For example, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of measuring the current value of the voltage signal applied to the electrode 17 for tactile prompting, and detecting the contact or approach of the object based on the change in the measured current value. In Embodiments 3 and 4, the method of configuring the electrodes 17 in a matrix pattern is shown, but the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of arranging the electrodes 17 in any other manner. For example, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method of arranging the electrodes 17 in a shape expressed by tactile sense.

[0133] <Implementation method 5>

[0134] Fig.23 1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the touch panel 1 according to the fifth embodiment. The structure of the tactile prompting device according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment except the touch panel 1. The X electrode 13 is composed of a plurality of sub-X electrodes 132, and the Y electrode 14 is composed of a plurality of sub-Y electrodes 142. The plurality of sub-X electrodes 132 constituting the X electrode 13 are arranged in parallel to be adjacent to each other and are connected in common. Similarly, the plurality of sub-Y electrodes 142 constituting the Y electrode 14 are arranged in parallel to be adjacent to each other and are connected to each other. The figure shows an example in which the X electrode 13 is composed of three sub-X electrodes 132, but the X electrode 13 may be composed of two sub-X electrodes 132 or four or more sub-X electrodes 132. Similarly, the Y electrode 14 may be composed of two sub-Y electrodes 142 or four or more sub-Y electrodes 142. The other structures of the touch panel 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0135] The operation of the tactile prompting device according to this embodiment is the same as the operation according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. That is, a part of the X electrodes 13 and a part of the Y electrodes 14 are controlled to detect the position where the object contacts or approaches the contact surface 11, and the X electrodes 13 and Y electrodes 14 controlled to detect the contact position or approach position of the object are sequentially changed. At a time other than the time when each X electrode 13 and each Y electrode 14 are controlled to detect contact, each X electrode 13 and each Y electrode 14 are controlled to prompt the touch to the contact surface 11. In this way, a plurality of sub-X electrodes 132 adjacent to each other constituting one X electrode 13 and a plurality of sub-Y electrodes 142 adjacent to each other constituting one Y electrode 14 are used to detect the position, and the other sub-X electrodes 132 and the other sub-Y electrodes 142 are used to prompt the touch. As in Embodiments 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the tactile prompting device can also perform tactile prompting and contact position detection at the same time, and the tactile sense perceived by the user will not be interrupted during the use of the tactile prompting device.

[0136] Preferably, the distance between the centers of the plurality of sub-X electrodes 132 constituting each X electrode 13 between adjacent X electrodes 13 in the Y direction is less than 10 mm, so that the sub-X electrode 132 for detecting the position and the sub-X electrode 132 for prompting the tactile sense are included inside the contact portion where the user's finger touches the contact surface 11. More preferably, the distance is less than 6 mm. Similarly, the distance between the centers of the plurality of sub-Y electrodes 142 constituting each Y electrode 14 between adjacent Y electrodes 14 in the X direction is preferably less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 6 mm.

[0137] <Embodiment 6>

[0138] Embodiment 6 is a variation of Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, when a voltage is applied from the AC voltage source 224 to the X electrode 13 or the Y electrode 14 in a state where the user's finger is not in contact with the contact surface 11, a parasitic current flows through the parasitic capacitance of each X electrode 13 and the parasitic capacitance of each Y electrode 14, and the current detection unit 223 detects these parasitic currents. The parasitic capacitance of the X electrode 13 is formed between the X electrode 13 and a plurality of Y electrodes 14 crossing the X electrode 13, and between the X electrode 13 and the X electrode 13 adjacent to the X electrode 13. The parasitic capacitance of the Y electrode 14 is formed between the Y electrode 14 and a plurality of X electrodes 13 crossing the Y electrode 14, and between the Y electrode 14 and the Y electrode 14 adjacent to the Y electrode 14. According to the design of the touch panel 1, the values ​​of these parasitic capacitances become large, and there is concern that the parasitic current flowing through the parasitic capacitances may cause problems. Since parasitic current may occupy a large part of the dynamic range of the current value detectable by the current detection unit, it is preferable to reduce the parasitic current. Embodiment 6 is a method for reducing the parasitic current.

[0139] Fig.24 1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the touch panel 1 and the touch panel driving unit 2 according to Embodiment 6. The X electrode driving circuit 23 is connected to the touch panel driving circuit 22. In addition, the Y electrode driving circuit 24 is connected to the touch panel driving circuit 22. As described below, the internal structures of the touch panel driving circuit 22, the X electrode driving circuit 23, and the Y electrode driving circuit 24 are different from those according to Embodiments 1 and 2. The touch panel driving circuit 22 can supply a voltage generated by an internal AC voltage source to the X electrode driving circuit 23 and the Y electrode driving circuit 24. The other parts of the tactile prompting device are the same as those according to Embodiment 1.

[0140] Fig.25 2 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of the touch panel driving circuit 22 according to Embodiment 6. The touch panel driving circuit 22 includes an AC voltage source 225. The AC voltage source 225 is connected to a plurality of current detection units 223. In addition, the AC voltage source 225 is connected to the X electrode driving circuit 23 and the Y electrode driving circuit 24. A high pass filter (HPF) 226 is provided between the current detection unit 223 and the first switching unit 25. In addition, a high pass filter 226 is provided between the current detection unit 223 and the second switching unit 26. The AC voltage source 225 generates an AC voltage of a higher frequency than the first AC voltage source 232 included in the X electrode driving circuit 23 and the second AC voltage source 242 included in the Y electrode driving circuit 24. The high-pass filter 226 has a characteristic of passing a current having the same frequency (e.g., 100 kHz) as the frequency of the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225, and blocking a current having the same frequency (e.g., 1000 Hz and 1240 Hz) as the frequency of the AC voltage generated by the first AC voltage source 232 and the second AC voltage source 242. The other parts of the touch panel drive circuit 22 are the same as those according to Embodiment 1.

[0141] Fig.262 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of the X-electrode driving circuit 23 according to Embodiment 6. As described above, the AC voltage source 225 included in the touch panel driving circuit 22 is connected to the X-electrode driving circuit 23. The X-electrode driving circuit 23 includes a voltage superimposing unit 233 that superimposes a voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 on a voltage generated by a first AC voltage source 232. In addition, the X-electrode driving circuit 23 includes a voltage superimposing unit 234 that superimposes a voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 on a ground voltage. Each single-pole double-throw switch 231 switches the connection between each X-electrode 13 and an output node N1 of the voltage superimposing unit 233 or an output node N2 of the voltage superimposing unit 234. The other parts of the X-electrode driving circuit 23 are the same as those according to Embodiment 1.

[0142] The operations of the voltage superimposing unit 233 and the voltage superimposing unit 234 will be described. Fig.27A 27D to 27D are diagrams schematically showing the waveform of the voltage obtained by the X electrode driving circuit 23 according to Embodiment 6. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage. The amplitude of the AC voltage generated by the first AC voltage source 232 is set to 100V, and the first frequency f1 is set to 1000Hz. The amplitude of the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 of the touch panel driving circuit 22 is set to 1V, and the frequency is set to 100kHz. Fig.27A Schematically shows the waveform of the AC voltage generated by the first AC voltage source 232, Fig.27B The waveform of the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is schematically shown. Fig.27C The waveform of the voltage output from the output node N1 of the voltage superimposing unit 233 is schematically shown. The voltage output from the output node N1 is a voltage obtained by accumulating the AC voltage generated by the first AC voltage source 232 and the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225. Fig.27D The waveform of the voltage output from the output node N2 of the voltage superimposing unit 234 is schematically shown. The voltage output from the output node N2 is a voltage obtained by accumulating the voltage of the ground terminal (e.g., a voltage of 0V) and the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225. In this way, the voltage superimposing unit 233 and the voltage superimposing unit 234 have a function of accumulating the two supplied voltages and outputting the obtained voltage.

[0143] Fig.282 is a circuit diagram showing the internal structure of the Y electrode driving circuit 24 according to Embodiment 6. As described above, the AC voltage source 225 included in the touch panel driving circuit 22 is connected to the Y electrode driving circuit 24. The Y electrode driving circuit 24 includes a voltage superimposing unit 243 that superimposes the voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 on the voltage generated by the second AC voltage source 242. In addition, the Y electrode driving circuit 24 includes a voltage superimposing unit 244 that superimposes the voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 on the ground voltage. Each single-pole double-throw switch 241 switches the connection between each Y electrode 14 and the output node N3 of the voltage superimposing unit 243 or the output node N4 of the voltage superimposing unit 244. The other parts of the Y electrode driving circuit 24 are the same as those according to Embodiment 1.

[0144] The operations of the voltage superimposing unit 243 and the voltage superimposing unit 244 will be described. Fig.29A 29D to 29D are diagrams schematically showing the waveform of the voltage obtained by the Y electrode driving circuit 24 according to Embodiment 6. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage. The amplitude of the AC voltage generated by the second AC voltage source 242 is set to 100V, and the second frequency f2 is set to 1240Hz. The amplitude of the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 of the touch panel driving circuit 22 is set to 1V, and the frequency is set to 100kHz. Fig.29A Schematically shows the waveform of the AC voltage generated by the second AC voltage source 242, Fig.29B The waveform of the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is schematically shown. Fig.29C The waveform of the voltage outputted from the output node N3 of the voltage superimposing unit 243 is schematically shown. The voltage outputted from the output node N3 is a voltage obtained by accumulating the AC voltage generated by the second AC voltage source 242 and the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225. Fig.29D The waveform of the voltage outputted from the output node N4 of the voltage superimposing unit 244 is schematically shown. The voltage outputted from the output node N4 is a voltage obtained by accumulating the voltage of the ground terminal (e.g., a voltage of 0V) and the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225. In this way, the voltage superimposing unit 243 and the voltage superimposing unit 244 have a function of accumulating two supplied voltages and outputting the obtained voltage.

[0145] In Embodiment 2, the X electrode 13 is connected to one of the first AC voltage source 232, the ground terminal, and the touch panel drive circuit 22. In contrast, in Embodiment 6, the X electrode 13 is connected to one of the output node N1 of the voltage superimposition unit 233, the output node N2 of the voltage superimposition unit 234, and the touch panel drive circuit 22. In a state where the X electrode 13 is connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, as shown in FIG. Fig.27BAs shown, the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is applied to the X electrode 13. In a state where the X electrode 13 is connected to the output node N1, as shown in FIG. Fig.27C As shown in FIG. 1 , the voltage obtained by adding the AC voltage generated by the first AC voltage source 232 and the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is applied to the X electrode 13. In a state where the X electrode 13 is connected to the output node N2, as shown in FIG. Fig.27D As shown, a voltage obtained by adding the voltage of the ground voltage and the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is applied to the X electrode 13.

[0146] In Embodiment 2, the Y electrode 14 is connected to one of the second AC voltage source 242, the ground terminal, and the touch panel drive circuit 22. In contrast, in Embodiment 6, the Y electrode 14 is connected to one of the output node N3 of the voltage superimposing unit 243, the output node N4 of the voltage superimposing unit 244, and the touch panel drive circuit 22. In a state where the Y electrode 14 is connected to the touch panel drive circuit 22, as shown in FIG. Fig.29B As shown, the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is applied to the Y electrode 14. In a state where the Y electrode 14 is connected to the output node N3, as shown in FIG. Fig.29C As shown in FIG. 1 , the voltage obtained by accumulating the AC voltage generated by the second AC voltage source 242 and the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is applied to the Y electrode 14. In a state where the Y electrode 14 is connected to the output node N4, as shown in FIG. Fig.29D As shown, a voltage obtained by adding the voltage of the ground voltage and the AC voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is applied to the Y electrode 14.

[0147] The voltage superimposing units 233, 234, 243, and 244 are configured so that, among the voltages applied to the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14, the amplitude of the component of the frequency (100 kHz in the present embodiment) of the voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 of the touch panel driving circuit 22 is the same. That is, a voltage including a component having the same frequency and the same amplitude as the voltage applied to the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 connected to the touch panel driving circuit 22 is applied to the X electrode 13 connected to the output node N1, the X electrode 13 connected to the output node N2, the Y electrode 14 connected to the output node N3, and the Y electrode 14 connected to the output node N4. When focusing on the frequency component of the voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 of the touch panel driving circuit 22 among the voltages applied to the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14, all the X electrodes 13 and the Y electrodes 14 are driven with the same amplitude and the same phase. Therefore, when a voltage is applied to the X electrode 13 or the Y electrode 14 from the AC voltage source 225 without the user's finger touching the touch surface 11, the voltage between the electrodes constituting the parasitic capacitance is constant and no current flows through the parasitic capacitance.

[0148] Here, if Fig.24 As shown, the touch panel 1 is configured to include 5 X electrodes X 0 To X 4 And 6 Y electrodes Y 0 To Y 5 , and will consider the X electrode X 1 The state of being connected to the touch panel driving circuit 22. At this time, the X electrode X 1 In the X electrode X 1 and Y electrode Y 0 To Y 5 The intersection of X electrode X 1 and X electrode X 0 The adjacent parts between the X electrodes X 1 and X electrode X 2 In addition, the X electrode X 1 The voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is superimposed on all other electrodes via the connection to the AC voltage source 225 by the current detection unit 223 .

[0149] Fig.30 Is the X electrode X 1 A circuit diagram obtained by modeling a state in which the current detection unit 223 is connected to the AC voltage source 225 and the voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is superimposed on all other electrodes. 1 225 corresponds to P1 in the figure, and all other electrodes correspond to electrode P2 in the figure. A parasitic capacitance Cp exists between electrode P1 and electrode P2. However, since the potential difference between electrode P1 and electrode P2 constituting the parasitic capacitance Cp does not change, a current having a component of the frequency of the voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 does not flow through the parasitic capacitance Cp. Therefore, the current detection unit 223 does not detect any current.

[0150] Fig.31 1 is a circuit diagram modeling the state of electrodes according to Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the X electrode X 1 The electrodes are connected to the AC voltage source 224 with a frequency of 100 kHz via the current detection unit 223, and most of the other electrodes are connected to the ground, the first AC voltage source 232 with a frequency of 1000 Hz, or the second AC voltage source 242 with a frequency of 1240 Hz. When focusing on the component of the frequency of 100 kHz of the voltage generated by the AC voltage source 224, the state can be expressed as X electrode X 1 Most of the electrodes outside the model are grounded. Fig.31 The electrode P1 shown corresponds to the X electrode X 1, the electrode P2 corresponds to an electrode that combines most of the other electrodes. Since the potential difference between the electrode P1 and the electrode P2 constituting the parasitic capacitance Cp changes, a current flows through the parasitic capacitance Cp. This current is a parasitic current that flows when the user's finger is not in contact with the contact surface 11 in the second embodiment.

[0151] In the touch panel 1 according to the embodiment 6 actually made, the parasitic capacitance was measured, and the parasitic capacitance of one X electrode 13 was 240pF, and the parasitic capacitance of one Y electrode 14 was 170pF. In addition, when the user's finger is in contact with the contact surface 11, the electrostatic capacitance between the electrode and the finger is 5pF. In the embodiment 2, the dynamic range 240 / 245 of the current value that can be detected by the current detection unit 223 is occupied by the parasitic current that is basically unnecessary. In contrast, in the embodiment 6, the parasitic current is reduced to almost zero, and the SN ratio of the current detected by the current detection unit 223 is improved.

[0152] Fig.32 : is a circuit diagram showing an example of the structure of the voltage superposition unit 233 and 234 according to Embodiment 6. The voltage superposition unit 233 is composed of a capacitor C1. One end of the capacitor C1 is connected to the output node N1, and the other end is connected to the AC voltage source 225 of the touch panel drive circuit 22. The first AC voltage source 232 is connected to the one end of the capacitor C1 and the output node N1. The resistor R1 marked inside the first AC voltage source 232 represents the output impedance of the first AC voltage source 232. The voltage superposition unit 234 includes a resistor R3 connected between the output node N2 and the ground terminal and a resistor R2 connected between the output node N2 and the AC voltage source 225. The ratio of the resistor R2 to the resistor R3 is set so that the amplitude of the component of the frequency of the voltage generated by the AC voltage source 225 is equal in the voltage output from the output node N1 and the output node N2. The voltage superposition unit 243 and the voltage superposition unit 244 are similarly configured.

[0153] The structure of the tactile prompting device for reducing the parasitic current described in the above-mentioned embodiment 6 can be applied to the embodiment 3 including a plurality of electrodes arranged in a matrix pattern. In the manner in which the structure for reducing the parasitic current is applied to the embodiment 3, the same effect as that of the embodiment 6 can be obtained. In addition, the structure for reducing the parasitic current described in the embodiment 6 can be applied to the tactile prompting device that does not include the third control unit. That is, in the tactile prompting device in which the electrode for prompting the sense of touch and the electrode for detecting the contact or approach of the object are separately arranged along the contact surface, the structure for reducing the parasitic current can also be applied, and the same effect as that according to the embodiment 6 can be obtained.

[0154] In the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 6, although the contact surface 11 is a plane, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method in which the contact surface 11 is a curved surface. In addition, in embodiments 1 to 6, the tactile prompting device is a computer such as a smart phone, but the tactile prompting device may adopt various methods such as a method of being embedded in an automatic teller machine (ATM). In addition, in embodiments 1 to 6, although the tactile prompting device includes a display panel 36, the tactile prompting device may adopt a method in which the display panel 36 is not included.

[0155] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0156] 1 Tactile Panel

[0157] 11. Contact surface

[0158] 12 substrate

[0159] 13 X Electrode

[0160] 14 Y electrode

[0161] 17 Electrode

[0162] 2 Haptic panel driver unit

[0163] 21. Control circuit

[0164] 22 Touch panel drive circuit

[0165] 221 Signal input unit

[0166] 222, 223 Current detection unit

[0167] 224, 225 AC voltage source

[0168] 226 High-pass filter

[0169] 23 X electrode driving circuit

[0170] 232 first AC voltage source

[0171] 24 Y electrode driving circuit

[0172] 242 Second AC voltage source

[0173] 25 First switching unit

[0174] 26 Second switching unit

[0175] 27 Electrode drive circuit

[0176] 272 AC voltage source

[0177] 28 Switching unit.

Claims

1. A tactile prompting device, comprising: contact surface; and A plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel, wherein At least one of the plurality of electrodes is used to detect contact or approach of an object to the contact surface and to provide a tactile sense to the contact surface. applying voltage signals for detecting contact or approach of an object to the contact surface to the electrodes that are not adjacent to each other in sequence according to the passage of time, and The time interval for sequentially applying the voltage signal to the electrodes that are not adjacent to each other is less than 10 ms.

2. A tactile prompting device, comprising: contact surface; and Multiple electrodes arranged in parallel, At least one of the plurality of electrodes is used to detect contact or approach of an object to the contact surface, and to provide a tactile sense to the contact surface. applying a first voltage signal for detecting contact or approach of an object to the contact surface to different portions of the plurality of electrodes at time intervals of less than 10 ms according to a lapse of time to perform scanning of the contact surface, and Before the scanning is completed, a second voltage signal for providing a tactile sensation to the contact surface is applied to the electrode to which the first voltage signal has been applied.

3. The tactile prompting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of electrodes include: A plurality of X electrodes arranged in parallel, and A plurality of Y electrodes are arranged in parallel and intersect the X electrodes.

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