Tactile presentation panel, tactile presentation touch panel, and tactile presentation touch display

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a tactile presentation control device, a tactile presentation panel, a tactile presentation touch panel, and a tactile presentation touch display that can provide an intuitive operation based on the user's tactile sense and an easy-to-use dial button. The tactile presentation control device of the present disclosure is a tactile presentation control device that places a tactile presentation button on an operation surface and presents tactile sensation to the user via the tactile presentation button, and comprises: a tactile control unit that performs control to present different tactile sensations to each of a plurality of operation areas on the operation surface when the tactile presentation button is rotated, wherein when the tactile presentation button exists in an operation area, the tactile control unit performs control to present the friction force generated by the tactile presentation button as tactile sensation for the operation area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tactile presentation panel for presenting tactile sensation to a user via a tactile presentation knob, a tactile presentation touch panel having a tactile presentation panel and a touch panel, and a tactile presentation touch display having a tactile presentation touch panel and a display panel. Background Art

[0002] Touch panels are widely known as devices that detect and output the position indicated by a user's finger or pen or other indicator on a touch screen (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "touch position"). As a touch panel using a capacitive method, there is a projected capacitive touch panel (PCAP: Projected Capacitive Touch Panel). Even if the surface of the touch screen on the user's side (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "surface side") is covered by a protective plate such as a glass plate with a thickness of about several mm, PCAP can detect the touch position. In addition, PCAP has the following advantages: excellent durability because a protective plate can be arranged on the surface side, and long life because there is no movable part.

[0003] The touch screen of the PCAP includes: a row-direction wiring layer for detection, which detects the coordinates of the touch position in the row direction; and a column-direction wiring layer for detection, which detects the coordinates of the touch position in the column direction. In the following description, the row-direction wiring layer for detection and the column-direction wiring layer for detection are sometimes collectively referred to as "detection wiring layer".

[0004] In addition, a component provided with a detection wiring layer is called a “touch screen”, and a device in which a detection circuit is connected to a touch screen is called a “touch panel.” Furthermore, an area in a touch screen where a touch position can be detected is called a “detectable area.”

[0005] As a detection wiring layer for detecting electrostatic capacitance (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "capacitance"), a first series of conductor elements formed on a thin dielectric film and a second series of conductor elements formed on the first series of conductor elements via an insulating film are provided. There is no electrical contact between the conductor elements, and although one of the first series of conductor elements and the second series of conductor elements overlaps with the other when viewed from above when viewed from the normal direction of the surface side, there is no electrical contact between the two and they are three-dimensionally crossed.

[0006] The coordinates of the touch position of the indicator are determined by detecting the capacitance formed between the indicator and the conductor element as the detection wiring (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "touch capacitance") by the detection circuit. In addition, the touch positions between the conductor elements can be interpolated by the relative values ​​of the detection capacitances of one or more conductor elements.

[0007] In recent years, touch panels, which are operating panels including switches, have gradually replaced mechanical switches and are used in many devices around us. However, since touch panels do not have bumps and depressions like mechanical switches and feel uniform, the surface shape will not be deformed by operation. Therefore, the entire operation process from confirming the position of the switch to executing and completing the operation must rely on vision. When operating in parallel with other operations such as operating the audio system during driving, there are technical issues such as the reliability of blind operation and operability for visually impaired people.

[0008] For example, in vehicle-mounted equipment, from the perspective of design, touch panels have been gradually widely used, so it is difficult to operate the vehicle-mounted equipment by blind touch during driving. From the perspective of ensuring safety, attention to touch panels with functions that can be operated by blind touch is increasing. In addition, in civilian equipment, touch panels have been mostly used as operating panels in home appliances and electronic devices. Furthermore, from the perspective of design, the number of devices equipped with PCAPs with a cover glass protecting the surface is also increasing. However, since the surface of the touch panel is smooth, there is a technical problem that the position of the switch cannot be confirmed by hand and it is difficult to support general design. In the case of PCAP, the glass surface is required to be smooth for design, and it is difficult to support general designs such as processing convex and concave surfaces on the glass surface corresponding to the switch position.

[0009] As a countermeasure to the above, there is a method of notifying the user of the acceptance and completion of an operation by voice. However, due to privacy and noise issues, the environment in which the voice function can be used is limited, and the function and versatility equivalent to mechanical switches have not yet been achieved. If the touch panel has the function of displaying the position of the switch and the function of giving the user feedback on the acceptance and completion of the operation through tactile sensation, it will be possible to achieve blind touch operation and support universal design.

[0010] In order to improve the reliability of operation and operability independent of vision, cellular phones and smartphones are sometimes equipped with a tactile feedback function based on vibration. It is expected that feedback functions based on vibration linked to user operations will quickly become common, and the demand for more advanced tactile feedback will also increase.

[0011] There are three ways to generate tactile sensation: vibration, ultrasonic, and electrical. The vibration method is characterized by its ability to coexist with PCAP and its low cost, but it is not suitable for embedding the vibrator into the frame to allow the entire device to vibrate fully, and the area cannot be increased due to the output limit of the vibrator. The ultrasonic method can produce tactile sensations that cannot be generated by other methods, such as slippery feeling, but for the same reasons as the vibration method, it is not suitable for embedding into the frame, and it also has the disadvantage of being unable to increase the area. As electrical methods, there are electrostatic friction methods that use electrostatic friction to generate tactile sensations and electrical stimulation methods that directly apply electrical stimulation to the fingers. These can generate tactile sensations at any part, can achieve area increase, and support multi-point touch.

[0012] The electrical method is described below. In addition, the component in which the tactile electrodes are arranged on the transparent insulating substrate is referred to as the "tactile presentation screen", and the device in which the detection circuit is connected to the tactile presentation screen is referred to as the "tactile presentation panel". In addition, the area in the tactile presentation screen that can present tactile sensation is referred to as the "tactile presentation area".

[0013] Regarding the tactile output device for the rotary knob, for example, in patent document 1, a knob equivalent to the rotary knob is installed on the screen of a display device equipped with a touch panel. The user can rotate the knob manually, and a convex portion is provided on the lower surface of the knob. When the user rotates the knob, the convex portion moves while contacting the touch surface in accordance with the rotation operation. The convex portion moves on the touch surface, so that the rotation operation of the knob is converted into a touch operation. In the case where the user performs a rotation operation, the actuator is controlled to vibrate the knob with a waveform corresponding to the operation content.

[0014] Prior art literature

[0015] Patent Literature

[0016] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6570799 Summary of the invention

[0017] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0018] In Patent Document 1, a knob is installed and fixed on the screen of a display device equipped with a touch panel, so the user cannot rotate the knob at any position that is easy to operate. In addition, since the tactile sense is presented to the knob based on the vibration of the control actuator, the tactile sense that can be presented to the knob is limited to the vibration sense and the click sense, and the operable range specified by preventing the rotation operation cannot be presented. Moreover, since the friction between the screen of the display device and the knob is always constant when there is no tactile sense, the resistance sense when rotating the knob cannot be changed. As described above, in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is impossible to provide the operating feel of a dial knob that can be intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sense and is easy to use.

[0019] The present disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a tactile presentation panel, a tactile presentation touch panel, and a tactile presentation touch display that can provide an operation feeling of a dial button that can be intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sense and is easy to use.

[0020] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0021] The tactile presentation panel disclosed in the present invention is a tactile presentation panel in which a tactile presentation button is placed on an operating surface and presents tactile sensation to a user via the tactile presentation button. The panel comprises: a contact position detection unit for detecting the contact position between the tactile presentation button and the operating surface; and a tactile control unit for performing control so as to present different tactile sensations for each of a plurality of operating areas on the operating surface when a rotation operation is performed on the tactile presentation button, wherein when the contact position detected by the contact position detection unit exists in an operating area, the tactile control unit performs control so as to present the friction force between the tactile presentation button and the operating surface as tactile sensation for the operating area.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, the tactile presentation panel includes: a contact position detection unit, which detects the contact position between the tactile presentation button and the operating surface; and a tactile control unit, which controls the presentation of different tactile sensations for each of the multiple operating areas in the operating surface when the tactile presentation button is rotated, wherein, when the contact position detected by the contact position detection unit exists in an operating area, the tactile control unit controls the presentation of the friction force between the tactile presentation button and the operating surface as a tactile sensation for the operating area, thereby being able to provide the operating feel of a dial button that can be intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sense and is easy to use.

[0024] The objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of the tactile sense presenting touch display according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 For schematic illustration Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of the structure of a tactile presentation touch display.

[0027] Figure 3 For the purpose of explaining Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an electrostatic capacitor formed between a tactile electrode and a tactile presentation button of a tactile presentation panel.

[0028] Figure 4 For illustration Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of an electrostatic capacitor formed between a tactile electrode and a tactile presentation button of a tactile presentation panel.

[0029] Figure 5 To show the application Figure 2 A graph showing an example of a voltage signal of a first frequency of a first electrode.

[0030] Figure 6 To show the application Figure 2 A graph showing an example of a voltage signal of a second frequency of a second electrode.

[0031] Figure 7 To show that Figure 5 and Figure 6 A curve diagram of the amplitude modulated signal generated by combining various voltage signals.

[0032] Figure 8 To show Figure 2 A top view of an example of a touch screen.

[0033] Fig. 9 For along Figure 8 Partial cross-sectional view along line A1-A1 and line A2-A2.

[0034] Fig.10 To show Figure 2 A top view of an example of a touch screen.

[0035] Fig.11 For along Fig.10 Partial cross-sectional view along line B1-B1 and line B2-B2.

[0036] Fig.12 This is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a touch screen having a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Fig.13 This is a plan view schematically showing an example of the shapes of excitation electrodes and detection electrodes in the touch panel having a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Fig.14 This is a plan view schematically showing an example of the shapes of excitation electrodes and detection electrodes in the touch panel having a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

[0039] Fig.15 For schematic illustration Figure 2 A top view of the structure of a tactile presentation screen.

[0040] Fig.16 For illustration Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an electrostatic capacitance formed between a tactile electrode of a tactile presentation panel and an indicator.

[0041] Fig.17 This is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the segment-structured tactile presentation panel according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Fig.18 This is a plan view schematically showing an example of the shape of tactile electrodes of the tactile presentation panel having a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Fig.19 This is a plan view schematically showing an example of the shape of tactile electrodes of the tactile presentation panel having a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 20 To illustrate the Figure 2 A schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed between tactile electrodes and tactile presentation buttons when a tactile presentation panel has a tactile electrode spacing greater than a diameter of a tactile presentation button.

[0045] Fig.21 To illustrate the Figure 2 A schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed between tactile electrodes and tactile presentation buttons when a tactile presentation panel has a tactile electrode spacing smaller than a diameter of a tactile presentation button.

[0046] Fig. 22 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the rotating portion of the tactile sense presentation button according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Fig.23 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a fixing portion when the position for placing the tactile sense presentation button according to Embodiment 1 is fixed to one location.

[0048] Fig.24 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the rotating shaft portion when the position where the tactile sense presentation button according to the first embodiment is placed is moved.

[0049] Fig.25 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the capacitance distribution of line CC when the touch panel according to Embodiment 1 detects the position of the tactile sense presentation button.

[0050] Fig.26 This is a diagram for explaining calculation of the rotation amount when there are a plurality of position detection units according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 27 Schematic diagram showing the position of the edge portion of the conductive elastic portion according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Fig.28 For schematic illustration Figure 1 A block diagram of the structure of a tactile presentation touch panel.

[0053] Fig.29 To illustrate the Figure 1 Schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed in the tactile presentation touch panel when the pointer is not in contact with the tactile presentation button in the tactile presentation touch panel.

[0054] Fig.30 To schematically show that the indicator is not in contact with the tactile presentation button Figure 1 A timing diagram of the tactile presentation touch panel's operating timing.

[0055] Fig.31 To illustrate the Figure 1 Schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed on the tactile presentation touch panel when a pointer contacts a tactile presentation button in the tactile presentation touch panel.

[0056] Fig.32 To schematically show the contact between the indicator and the tactile presentation button Figure 1 A timing diagram of the tactile presentation touch panel's operating timing.

[0057] Fig.33 For the purpose of explaining Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electrostatic capacitance formed in a tactile presentation touch panel when the tactile presentation touch panel detects a touch position.

[0058] Fig.34 For the purpose of explaining Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electrostatic capacitance formed on the tactile presentation touch panel when the tactile presentation touch panel generates tactile sensation.

[0059] Fig.35 This is an image diagram schematically showing the movement of electric charge accumulated in the conductive elastic portion when the tactile sense presentation button is connected to the ground via the indicator when a voltage signal is applied in Embodiment 1.

[0060] Fig.36 This is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the tactile sense presenting touch panel when a part of the tactile sense electrodes that the tactile sense presenting buttons contact when the voltage signal is applied is connected to the ground via the dielectric layer according to the first embodiment.

[0061] Fig.37It is a diagram for explaining the operation area of ​​the tactile presentation button according to the first embodiment.

[0062] Fig.38 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform structure of a voltage signal applied to each operation area when the tactile sense presentation button of the first embodiment is operated.

[0063] Fig.39 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the first embodiment.

[0064] Fig.40 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the first embodiment.

[0065] Fig.41 To show that Fig.40 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0066] Fig.42 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the first embodiment.

[0067] Fig.43 To show that Fig.42 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0068] Fig.44 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the first embodiment.

[0069] Fig.45 To show that Fig.44 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when a voltage signal waveform is applied to each operating area.

[0070] Fig.46 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the second embodiment.

[0071] Fig.47 To show that Fig.46 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0072] Fig.48 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the second embodiment.

[0073] Fig.49 To show that Fig.48 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when a voltage signal waveform is applied to each operating area.

[0074] Fig.50This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the second embodiment.

[0075] Fig.51 To show that Fig.50 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0076] Fig.52 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the second embodiment.

[0077] Fig.53 To show that Fig.52 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0078] Fig.54 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the third embodiment.

[0079] Fig.55 To show that Fig.54 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0080] Fig.56 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the third embodiment.

[0081] Fig.57 To show that Fig.56 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0082] Fig.58 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the third embodiment.

[0083] Fig.59 To show that Fig.58 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0084] Fig.60 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the third embodiment.

[0085] Fig.61 To show that Fig.60 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0086] Fig.62 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the third embodiment.

[0087] Fig.63 To show that Fig.62 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0088] Fig.64 A diagram for explaining an operation area of ​​a tactile presentation button according to a fourth embodiment.

[0089] Fig.65 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform structure of a voltage signal applied to each operation area when the tactile sense presentation button of the fourth embodiment is operated.

[0090] Fig.66 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0091] Fig.67 To show that Fig.66 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0092] Fig.68 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0093] Fig.69 To show that Fig.68 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0094] Fig.70 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0095] Fig.71 To show that Fig.70 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0096] Fig.72 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0097] Fig.73 To show that Fig.72 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0098] Fig.74 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0099] Fig.75 To show that Fig.74 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0100] Fig.76 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0101] Fig.77 To show that Fig.76 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0102] Fig.78 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0103] Fig.79 To show that Fig.78 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0104] Fig.80 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0105] Fig.81 To show that Fig.80 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0106] Fig.82 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0107] Fig.83 To show that Fig.82 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0108] Fig.84 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0109] Fig.85 To show that Fig.84 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0110] Fig.86 A diagram for explaining the operation area of ​​the tactile presentation button according to the fifth embodiment.

[0111] Fig.87 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform structure of a voltage signal applied to each operation area when the tactile sense presentation button of the fifth embodiment is operated.

[0112] Fig.88 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fifth embodiment.

[0113] Fig.89 To show that Fig.88 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0114] Fig.90 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fifth embodiment.

[0115] Fig.91 To show that Fig.90 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0116] Fig.92 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fifth embodiment.

[0117] Fig.93 To show that Fig.92 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0118] Fig.94 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the fifth embodiment.

[0119] Fig.95 To show that Fig.94 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0120] Fig.96 A diagram for explaining the operation area of ​​the tactile presentation button according to the sixth embodiment.

[0121] Fig.97 This is a diagram showing an example of a waveform structure of a voltage signal applied to each operation area when the tactile sense presentation button of the sixth embodiment is operated.

[0122] Fig.98 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the sixth embodiment.

[0123] Fig.99 To show that Fig.98 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0124] Fig.100 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the sixth embodiment.

[0125] Fig.101 To show that Fig.100 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0126] Fig.102 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the sixth embodiment.

[0127] Fig.103 To show that Fig.102 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0128] Fig.104 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage signal applied to each operating area according to the seventh embodiment.

[0129] Fig.105 To show that Fig.104 A diagram showing an example of the friction force generated when the waveform of the voltage signal is applied to each operating area.

[0130] Fig.106 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the structure of a tactile sense presenting touch display according to the ninth embodiment.

[0131] Reference numerals

[0132] 1: tactile presentation touch display; 3: tactile presentation button; 4: rotating part; 5: fixing part; 6: conductive elastic part; 6a: outer diameter; 7: position detection part; 8: gap; 9: fixing hole; 10: rotating part side; 11: indicating position line; 12: rotating part upper surface; 13: fixing table; 14: shaft part; 15: bottom part; 16: boundary conductive part; 17: bonding part; 20a; 20b: adhesive; 40: switch; 100: tactile presentation panel; 101: transparent insulating substrate; 102: tactile electrode; 102a: first electrode; 102b: second electrode; 106: dielectric layer; 107: tactile presentation panel terminal; 108: FPC; 110: voltage supply circuit; 113: tactile presentation voltage generation circuit circuit; 113a: first voltage generating circuit; 113b: second voltage generating circuit; 114: tactile presentation control circuit; 115: charge discharge unit; 150: tactile presentation screen; 200: touch panel; 201: substrate; 202: excitation electrode; 203: detection electrode; 204: interlayer insulating film; 205: insulating film; 206: row direction wiring layer; 207: column direction wiring layer; 208: touch screen terminal unit; 209: shielding wiring layer; 210: touch detection circuit; 212: charge detection circuit; 213: touch detection control circuit; 214: touch coordinate calculation circuit; 215: excitation pulse generating circuit; 216: pressure sensitive sensor; 300: display panel; 400: tactile presentation touch panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0133] <Implementation Method 1>

[0134] <Haptic Presentation Touch Display>

[0135] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of a tactile presentation device that provides a tactile presentation button 3 on the tactile presentation touch display 1 of the first embodiment to present a tactile sense of operation and an amount of operation. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view schematically shows the structure of the tactile display 1 .

[0136] The tactile presentation touch display 1 has a tactile presentation touch panel 400 and a display panel 300 on which the tactile presentation touch panel 400 is mounted. The display panel 300 has a pressure-sensitive sensor 216. The tactile presentation touch panel 400 has a tactile presentation panel 100 and a touch panel 200. The tactile presentation panel 100 has a tactile presentation screen 150 and a voltage supply circuit 110. The touch panel 200 has a touch screen 250 and a touch detection circuit 210.

[0137] In the first embodiment, the tactile display 150 is disposed on the side (front side) facing the user of the tactile display 1, and is fixed to the side (front side) facing the user of the touch screen 250 by the adhesive material 20b. The touch screen 250 is fixed to the side (front side) facing the user of the display panel 300 by the adhesive material 20a.

[0138] The tactile display screen 150 includes a transparent insulating substrate 101, a tactile electrode 102, and a dielectric layer 106. The tactile electrode 102 includes a plurality of first electrodes 102a and a plurality of second electrodes 102b that are alternately arranged at intervals on the transparent insulating substrate 101. The dielectric layer 106 covers the plurality of first electrodes 102a and the plurality of second electrodes 102b. The tactile display screen 150 is electrically connected to a voltage supply circuit 110 via a FPC (Flexible Print Circuit) 108.

[0139] The touch screen 250 includes: a transparent and insulating substrate 201, an excitation electrode 202, a detection electrode 203, an interlayer insulating layer 204, and an insulating layer 205. The touch screen 250 is electrically connected to the touch detection circuit 210 through the FPC 108. The touch detection circuit 210 detects the touched position on the transparent insulating substrate 101 of the tactile presentation screen 150. Accordingly, on the transparent insulating substrate 101, not only the tactile sense can be presented but also the touch position can be detected. The touch detection circuit 210 includes, for example, a detection IC (Integrated Circuit) for detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance caused by touch and a microcomputer. The details of the structure of the touch screen 250 will be described later with reference to specific examples.

[0140] The display panel 300 has two opposing transparent insulating substrates and a display function layer sandwiched therebetween and having a display function. The display panel 300 is usually a liquid crystal panel. The display panel 300 may be an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, a micro LED (Micro Light Emitting Diode) panel, or an electronic paper panel. The touch panel 200 is usually a PCAP.

[0141] <Overview of Tactile Presentation Panel>

[0142] Figure 3 The electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 of the tactile presentation panel 100 and the tactile presentation button 3 is schematically illustrated. NE . Figure 4 for Figure 3 When the tactile presentation button 3 contacts the contact surface CT which is a part of the surface side of the tactile presentation screen 150, an electrostatic capacitance C is formed between the tactile presentation button 3 on the contact surface CT and the tactile electrode 102 via the dielectric layer 106. NE In addition, in these figures, only the voltage supply circuit 110 (see Figure 2 ) includes a tactile sense presentation voltage generating circuit 113, and other structures included in the voltage supply circuit 110 are not shown. A more specific structure of the voltage supply circuit 110 will be described later.

[0143] The tactile sense presentation voltage generating circuit 113 included in the voltage supply circuit 110 includes a first voltage generating circuit 113a and a second voltage generating circuit 113b. The first voltage generating circuit 113a applies a voltage signal V to a first electrode 102a located on at least a portion of the transparent insulating substrate 101 among the plurality of first electrodes 102a. a In the first embodiment, a voltage signal V is applied to all the first electrodes 102a located on at least a portion of the transparent insulating substrate 101. a The second voltage generating circuit 113b applies a voltage signal V to the second electrode 102b located on at least a portion of the transparent insulating substrate 101 among the plurality of second electrodes 102b. b In the first embodiment, a voltage signal V is applied to all the second electrodes 102b located on at least a portion of the transparent insulating substrate 101. b .

[0144] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The voltage signals V a And voltage signal V bThe voltage signal V of the first voltage generating circuit 113a is a The (first voltage signal) has a first frequency. The voltage signal V of the second voltage generating circuit 113b b (Second voltage signal) has a second frequency different from the first frequency. Voltage signal V a The amplitude and voltage signal V b The amplitude can be the same as V L .exist Figure 5 , 6 In the example, sine waves with different frequencies are used as the voltage signal V a And voltage signal V b A pulse wave or a wave with another shape may be used instead of a sine wave. In order to generate a sufficiently large tactile sensation, the amplitude V L It is preferably about several tens of volts.

[0145] Figure 7 To show the voltage signal V a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6 ) and the amplitude modulated signal V N A voltage signal V is applied to the first electrode 102a. a And a voltage signal V is applied to the second electrode 102b. b As a result, the electrostatic capacitance C between each of the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b and the tactile sense presentation button 3 is formed. NE (Refer to Figure 4 ) in the region, repeating the process according to the amplitude V L Roughly 2 times the maximum amplitude V H The amplitude modulated signal V N As a result, the tactile presentation button 3 is subjected to a vibration with the maximum amplitude V H The amplitude modulated signal V N The tactile presentation button 3 is connected to the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b via the dielectric layer 106 in a manner that crosses the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b. N There is a difference frequency corresponding to the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. Therefore, when the tactile presentation button 3 rotates on the tactile presentation screen 150, the friction force acting on the tactile presentation button 3 changes according to the difference frequency. As a result, the tactile presentation button 3 vibrates according to the difference frequency. The user perceives the vibration of the tactile presentation button 3 as a tactile sensation obtained from the tactile presentation screen 150. As described above, the tactile presentation screen 150 of the tactile presentation panel 100 is configured to change the friction force applied to the tactile presentation button 3 by controlling the electrostatic force applied to the tactile presentation button 3, thereby generating a tactile sensation.

[0146] As described above, a voltage signal V is generated with an input a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6 ) respectively, with a voltage of approximately twice that of the amplitude modulation signal V N According to this, the amplitude modulation signal V required to make the desired friction force act on the tactile presentation button 3 is N , can be achieved by having the amplitude modulated signal V N The voltage signal V is approximately 1 / 2 of the voltage a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6 Therefore, compared with the case where the amplitude modulation signal is directly input to the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, the same electrostatic force can be generated with 1 / 2 of the voltage, and low voltage driving can be performed.

[0147] In order to present a sufficiently large tactile sensation to the user, the maximum amplitude V H It can be large enough to correspond to this. Compared with this, the amplitude V L It can be a small value. Therefore, the amplitude V L It does not need to be large enough to produce a sufficiently large tactile sensation by itself. Ls As a result, when only one of the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b is in contact with the tactile presentation button 3, no matter how the voltage signal V is selected a And voltage signal V b The frequency is so high that users can hardly feel the touch.

[0148] In order to facilitate positioning of the tactile presentation button 3 so as to straddle the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, it is preferred that the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102 is E Smaller than the diameter R of the contact surface CT NE The details will be described later.

[0149] <Touch Panel>

[0150] Figure 8 To illustrate the touch screen 250 (see Figure 2 ) is a top view of an example of a capacitive touch screen 250a. Fig. 9 For along Figure 8 Partial cross-sectional view along line A1-A1 and line A2-A2.

[0151] The touch screen 250a has a plurality of row-direction wiring layers 206 and a plurality of column-direction wiring layers 207. The row-direction wiring layers 206 each include a plurality of excitation electrodes 202 (see Figure 2 ), the column-direction wiring layers 207 each include a plurality of electrically connected detection electrodes 203 (refer to Figure 2 ).exist Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the figure, such fine structures are ignored and the row-direction wiring layer 206 and the column-direction wiring layer 207 are shown. Figure 2 ) is composed of a single-layer film or a multi-layer film of a metal, or a multi-layer structure including any of these films and also using other conductive materials. As the metal, a low-resistance metal such as aluminum or silver is preferred. Figure 2 ) is the same. By using metal as the wiring material, the wiring resistance can be reduced. On the other hand, because the metal wiring is opaque, it is easy to be visually identified. In order to reduce visual recognition and increase the transmittance of the touch screen, a fine line structure can be provided for the metal wiring. The fine line structure is usually mesh-shaped.

[0152] The row-direction wiring layers 206 each extend in the row direction (the x direction in the figure), and the column-direction wiring layers 207 each extend in the column direction (the y direction in the figure). A plurality of row-direction wiring layers 206 are arranged at intervals in the column direction, and a plurality of column-direction wiring layers 207 are arranged at intervals in the row direction. Figure 8 As shown, in a plan view, each row-direction wiring layer 206 intersects with a plurality of column-direction wiring layers 207 , and each column-direction wiring layer 207 intersects with a plurality of row-direction wiring layers 206 . The row-direction wiring layers 206 and the column-direction wiring layers 207 are insulated by an interlayer insulating layer 204 .

[0153] The interlayer insulating layer 204 is composed of a single layer of an organic insulating film, a single layer of an inorganic insulating film, or a multilayer film. Inorganic insulating films are superior in improving moisture resistance, while organic insulating films are superior in improving flatness. As inorganic insulating films, transparent silicon-based inorganic insulating films such as silicon oxide films, silicon nitride films, silicon oxynitride films, or transparent inorganic insulating films composed of metal oxides such as aluminum oxide are used. As the material of the organic insulating film, a polymer material having a main chain composed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride film, or silicon oxynitride film and having an organic substance bonded to its side chain or functional group, or a thermosetting resin having a main chain composed of carbon can be used. As thermosetting resins, for example, acrylic resins, polyimide resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, or olefin resins are listed.

[0154] The row-direction wiring layers 206 of the touch screen 250a are connected to the touch screen terminal portion 208 through the lead-out wiring layers R(1) to R(m). The column-direction wiring layers 207 are connected to the touch screen terminal portion 208 through the lead-out wiring layers C(1) to C(n). The touch screen terminal portion 208 is provided at the end of the substrate 201.

[0155] The lead wiring layers R(1) to R(m) are arranged outside the detectable area and extend toward the corresponding electrodes in the order close to the center of the arrangement of the touch screen terminal portion 208 to obtain a substantially shortest distance. The lead wiring layers R(1) to R(m) are arranged as densely as possible while ensuring mutual insulation. The same is true for the lead wiring layers C(1) to C(n). By arranging in this way, the area of ​​the outer portion of the detectable area in the substrate 201 can be suppressed.

[0156] A shield wiring layer 209 may be provided between the group of lead wiring layers R(1) to R(m) and the group of lead wiring layers C(1) to C(n). This can suppress the situation where one group generates noise due to the influence of the other group. In addition, the noise generated by the display panel 300 (see Figure 2 The shield wiring layer 209 can be formed with the same material as the row-direction wiring layer 206 or the column-direction wiring layer 207.

[0157] The insulating layer 205 is provided on the substrate 201 so that the touch screen terminal portion 208 is exposed, and covers the row-direction wiring layer 206, the column-direction wiring layer 207, and the interlayer insulating layer 204. The insulating layer 205 can be formed of the same material as the interlayer insulating layer 204. In the case where the display panel 300 is a liquid crystal panel, an upper polarizing plate subjected to anti-glare treatment for a liquid crystal panel can be attached to the portion of the insulating layer 205 through which light is transmitted for display.

[0158] Fig.10 To illustrate the touch screen 250 (see Figure 2 ) is a top view of an example of a capacitive touch screen 250b. Fig.11 For along Fig.10 Partial cross-sectional view of the line B1-B1 and the line B2-B2. Fig.10 , 11 In the example of FIG. 1 , a so-called diamond structure is used.

[0159] The row-direction wiring layer 206 and the column-direction wiring layer 207 are arranged on the same layer. Each of the column-direction wiring layers 207 has a plurality of diamond-shaped electrodes connected to each other as the detection electrode 203. The row-direction wiring layer 206 has a plurality of diamond-shaped electrodes separated from each other and a bridge 206B that electrically connects the adjacent diamond-shaped electrodes as the excitation electrode 202. The interlayer insulating layer 204 is arranged in a manner to insulate the bridge 206B from the column-direction wiring layer 207. In addition, the bridge structure may be applied to the column-direction wiring layer instead of the row-direction wiring layer. Since the electrical resistance of the wiring layer tends to increase due to the formation of the bridge, it is preferable to apply the bridge structure to the shorter of the column-direction wiring layer and the row-direction wiring layer.

[0160] As the material of the row-direction wiring layer 206 and the column-direction wiring layer 207, a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO) is used. Since ITO is light-transmissive, the possibility of the wiring layer being visually recognized by the user becomes low. Since transparent conductive films such as ITO have a high electrical resistance, they are suitable for small touch screens where wiring resistance is not a problem. In addition, the wiring of transparent conductive films such as ITO is prone to disconnection due to corrosion with other metal wirings, so moisture resistance and waterproofness need to be considered to prevent corrosion.

[0161] In addition, the above description is about the case where the structure of the touch screen is independent from the structure of the display panel, but they can also be integrated in an inseparable manner. For example, in the case of a so-called on-cell touch panel, the touch screen is directly formed on the substrate (usually a color filter substrate) of the display panel 300 without using the substrate 201. In the case of a so-called in-cell touch panel, the touch screen is formed between two transparent insulating substrates (not shown) of the display panel 300.

[0162] In addition, in the above touch screen, the detection structure composed of the row-direction wiring layer 206 and the column-direction wiring layer 207 is shown, but it is not limited to this structure. Fig.12 FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a touch screen 250 c having a detection structure in which segments composed of detection electrodes and excitation electrodes are arranged in a matrix. Fig.13 and Fig.14 Shown configured in Fig.12 An example of the pattern shape of the excitation electrode 202a and the detection electrode 203b in the segment of the region A in FIG. Fig.13 and Fig.14 The excitation electrodes 202a and the detection electrodes 203b shown are arranged in a matrix as one segment and are driven separately. The tactile sense presenting panel 100a and the touch panel 200 can also be used as a combination by switching in the driving circuit.

[0163] <Pressure sensor>

[0164] right Figure 1 The pressure-sensitive sensor 216 shown in the figure is described. Generally, as the pressure-sensitive sensor 216, there are a method of detecting the pressure applied to a diaphragm (diaphragm) composed of semiconductor Si (silicon) as deformation of the membrane, an electrostatic capacitance type that detects the deformation of a display panel or a touch panel or the like caused by a pressing force through a change in electrostatic capacitance, and a resistance type that detects a change in resistance of a metal wire caused by deformation according to the pressing force.

[0165] In the case of the electrostatic capacitance type, for example, pressure-sensitive sensors 216 are provided at four locations symmetrically on a diagonal line on the surface of the display panel 300 on the side opposite to the display surface. In this case, when the operation surface of the tactile presentation touch display 1 is pressed by the tactile presentation button 3, the tactile presentation touch display 1 is bent in the direction opposite to the operation surface due to the pressing force, or the tactile presentation touch display 1 is slightly moved in the direction opposite to the operation surface. The pressure-sensitive sensor 216 detects the pressing force by detecting the change in capacitance caused by the narrowing of the interval between the capacitance detection electrodes arranged in the pressure-sensitive sensor 216. Each capacitance detection electrode in the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is parallel to the operation surface of the tactile presentation touch display 1 and is provided at arbitrary intervals.

[0166] In the case of a method other than the electrostatic capacitance method, the pressing force is also detected by detecting a change in shape of any member constituting the tactile sense presenting touch display 1 due to the pressing force.

[0167] In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is arranged on the lower side of the display panel 300 (the side opposite to the display surface), but is not limited thereto. The pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is preferably arranged at a position where the reproducibility of the relationship between the shape change and the pressing force is good in the structure of the tactile presentation touch display 1, the shape change caused by the pressing force is large, and the sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is optimal. In addition, it is not limited to the pressure-sensitive sensor 216, for example, it can be a sheet-shaped pressure sensor in which sensors are arranged in a matrix on the back of the display panel 300, or it can be a pressure sensor that is the best way to detect.

[0168] <Tactile Presentation Panel>

[0169] Fig.15 The top view schematically shows the structure of the tactile presentation screen 150 . Fig.16 To illustrate the electrostatic capacitance C between the tactile electrode 102 and the tactile presentation button 3 NE Schematic diagram of the formation of .

[0170] As described above, the tactile display screen 150 includes the transparent insulating substrate 101, the tactile electrodes 102, and the dielectric layer 106. Furthermore, the tactile display panel terminal portion 107 is provided at the end of the transparent insulating substrate 101, and a plurality of lead wiring layers 105 are arranged on the transparent insulating substrate 101. The dielectric layer 106 is provided so that the tactile display panel terminal portion 107 is exposed. The tactile electrodes 102 are connected to the tactile display panel terminal portion 107 via the lead wiring layer 105. The voltage supply circuit 110 (see Figure 2 ) via FPC 108 (refer to Figure 1) and connected to the tactile presentation panel terminal portion 107. In addition, details of the lead wiring layer 105 will be described later.

[0171] The tactile electrodes 102 are each arranged along an extension direction ( Fig.15 The plurality of tactile electrodes 102 extend along the arrangement direction ( Fig.15 The horizontal direction of the Fig.15 In the example of FIG. 1 , the transparent insulating substrate 101 has a rectangular shape with long sides and short sides. Therefore, the tactile display screen 150 also has long sides and short sides corresponding to the transparent insulating substrate 101. Fig.12 In the example of FIG. 1 , the arrangement direction is along the long side. When the horizontal direction of the tactile presentation screen 150 for the observer is along the long side, the arrangement direction is along the horizontal direction.

[0172] The above shows an example in which the tactile electrodes 102 extend in the extension direction and are arranged along the arrangement direction in the tactile presentation screen 150, but the structure of the tactile electrodes 102 is not limited thereto and may be, for example, Fig.17 As in the tactile presentation panel 100a shown in the figure, a plurality of segments are arranged in a matrix structure. Fig.18 and Fig.19 Shown in Fig.17 An example of a pattern shape of the tactile electrode 102 arranged in the segment of the region A in FIG. The shape of the tactile electrode 102 is not limited to Fig.18 and Fig.19 Such a shape can be used as long as the mutual capacitance in the same area is greater than the mutual capacitance between electrodes in different areas in the structure where the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b are adjacent. Specifically, it is preferably configured so that the distance between the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b in the same area is narrower than the distance between the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b in different areas. Accordingly, since the influence of the capacitance formed between the detection electrode 203 of the touch panel 200 and the tactile electrode 102 on the touch detection accuracy can be suppressed, the wiring resistance of the tactile electrode 102 can be made lower, and the tactile intensity can be further improved.

[0173] The electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the tactile presentation button 3 NEThe larger it is, the stronger the sense of touch can be presented. According to this viewpoint, the area of ​​the tactile electrode 102 is preferably large. In the case where the size of the area of ​​the tactile electrode 102 is given priority, it is difficult to make the tactile electrode 102 difficult to be visually identified by providing the tactile electrode 102 with a fine structure. In order to increase the area of ​​the tactile electrode 102 while making the tactile electrode 102 difficult to be visually identified, the tactile electrode 102 can be formed of a transparent conductive film. A typical material for a transparent conductive film is ITO. Because transparent conductive films such as ITO have a higher electrical resistance than metals, they are suitable for small touch screens where wiring resistance is not a problem. In the case of a large touch screen where wiring resistance is a problem, the ITO film thickness is thickened, or the dopant content is increased to reduce the resistivity. In this case, because the light absorption rate of ITO sometimes changes and the touch screen looks like it is colored, it is sometimes necessary to adjust the color tone of the display. Furthermore, since wiring of transparent conductive films such as ITO is easily disconnected due to corrosion with other metal wirings, when reducing the wiring resistance of electrodes by using a stacked structure with other metals, moisture resistance and water resistance must be considered to prevent corrosion.

[0174] Instead of using a transparent conductive film as described above, the tactile electrode 102 may be a single-layer or multi-layer film of a metal, or an electrode having a multi-layer structure including any of these films and also using other conductive materials (hereinafter also referred to as a "metal film-containing electrode"). As the metal, a low-resistance metal such as aluminum or silver is preferred. By using a metal film-containing electrode, the wiring resistance can be reduced. On the other hand, the metal film is opaque and therefore easy to be visually identified. Therefore, in order to make the metal film less visually identifiable, a fine line structure may be provided to the metal film-containing electrode. The fine line structure is usually mesh-shaped.

[0175] The dielectric layer 106 is composed of a single layer of an organic insulating film, a single layer of an inorganic insulating film, or a multilayer film. In the case of a multilayer film, different types of organic insulating films can be stacked, or different types of inorganic insulating films can be stacked, or organic insulating films and inorganic insulating films can be stacked. The inorganic insulating film has high moisture impermeability, high hardness, and high wear resistance. Since the tactile presentation button 3 rotates on the dielectric layer 106, the dielectric layer 106 requires high wear resistance. Although an organic insulating film is preferred in order to obtain high flatness, the hardness of the organic insulating film is low and the wear resistance is low. Therefore, in order to obtain both high flatness and high wear resistance, it is preferred to form an inorganic insulating film on the organic insulating film. As the inorganic insulating film, a transparent silicon-based inorganic insulating film such as a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, or a transparent inorganic insulating film composed of a metal oxide such as aluminum oxide is used. As the material of the organic insulating film, a polymer material having a main chain composed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride film or silicon oxynitride film and having an organic substance bonded to its side chain or functional group, or a thermosetting resin having a main chain composed of carbon can be used. Examples of the thermosetting resin include acrylic resin, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin or olefin resin.

[0176] Electrostatic Capacitance C NE It is represented by the following formula (1).

[0177] C NE =Q / V=εS / d……(1)

[0178] Here, Q is the amount of charge stored in the conductive elastic part 6 and the tactile electrode 102, V is the voltage between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile electrode 102, ε is the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 106, S is the contact area between the conductive elastic part 6 and the tactile electrode 102 through the dielectric layer 106, and d is the thickness of the dielectric layer 106. Electrostatic capacitance C NE It is proportional to the dielectric constant ε and inversely proportional to the film thickness d.

[0179] According to the above formula (1), in order to increase the electrostatic capacitance C NE, the dielectric constant ε is preferably high. Specifically, it is preferred that the dielectric layer 106 includes a film having a relative dielectric constant of 10 or more (hereinafter also referred to as a "high dielectric constant insulating film"). In the high dielectric constant insulating film, a state in which positive and negative charges are displaced into the material due to an electric field applied from the outside is generated (usually referred to as dielectric polarization). Regarding dielectric polarization, while the voltage is maintained, the charge generated by polarization (usually referred to as polarization charge) is maintained. When the voltage is reduced, the polarization charge decreases and the dielectric polarization decreases. When the applied voltage is set to zero volts, the dielectric polarization also disappears. The direction of dielectric polarization can change with changes in the electric field. Regarding the high dielectric constant insulating film, it can be used in a single layer, or it can be used as a multilayer film by stacking with other low dielectric constant inorganic insulating films or organic insulating films, or other high dielectric constant insulating films. Generally, the higher the dielectric constant, the higher the refractive index. Therefore, a stacked structure of a high refractive index film and a low refractive index film is obtained by stacking a high dielectric constant insulating film with a low dielectric constant insulating film. Due to this stacked structure, the dielectric layer 106 can function as an antireflection film.

[0180] According to the above formula (1), in order to increase the electrostatic capacitance C NE The thickness d is preferably small. By stacking a high dielectric constant insulating film and an organic insulating film, the thickness of the organic insulating film can be reduced while ensuring sufficient insulation. Thus, the thickness d of the dielectric layer 106 can be reduced.

[0181] Assuming that the tactile electrode has a matrix structure (i.e., a structure having X electrodes and Y electrodes intersecting each other) (for example, see Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-097076), a height difference, i.e., a concave-convex, is generated at the intersection of the X electrode and the Y electrode. If the thickness of the insulating layer covering the concave-convex is large, the concave-convex is flattened, but in order to avoid the electrostatic capacitance C NE The thickness of the insulating layer is limited if the surface of the touch display screen is too low. Therefore, unevenness may occur on the surface of the touch display screen. When the texture feeling of the unevenness is mixed with the texture caused by the electrostatic force from the touch electrode, it is difficult to give the user the expected texture. In the case where an organic insulating film that has the effect of flattening the surface shape is used as the dielectric layer 106, although the above-mentioned unevenness is avoided, a certain degree of thickness is required for flattening, so the electrostatic capacitance C cannot be avoided. NE of reduction.

[0182] In contrast, according to the first embodiment, since the tactile electrode 102 has no intersection, the size of the concavoconvexity can be suppressed to approximately the thickness of the tactile electrode 102. This allows the organic film having a planarizing effect to be made thinner, or allows the use of a high dielectric constant insulating film having a low planarizing effect. This allows the electrostatic capacitance C NEIn addition, since the contact surface of the tactile display screen 150 with the tactile display button 3 has fewer bumps and depressions, the tactile sensation caused by the bumps and depressions on the surface of the tactile display screen 150 is not given to the tactile display button 3 when no voltage signal is applied, so the tactile sensation of the tactile display button 3 becomes clearer when a voltage signal is applied.

[0183] In addition, even if the electrostatic capacitance C NE Similarly, if the tactile presentation button 3 is easy to slide on the dielectric layer 106, the change of the electrostatic force between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile electrode 102 is also easy to be perceived by the user as a change of friction force. According to this, it is possible to give the user a greater sense of touch. In order to make the tactile presentation button 3 easy to slide on the dielectric layer 106, it is necessary to suppress the adhesion between the dielectric layer 106 and the tactile presentation button 3. For this purpose, for example, a film having a higher waterproof property than the inside of the dielectric layer 106 can be provided on the outermost surface of the dielectric layer 106 or on the contact surface of the conductive elastic part 6 with the dielectric layer 106, or on both.

[0184] <Electrode spacing>

[0185] Fig. 20 To illustrate the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102 E Greater than the diameter R of the tactile presentation button 3 FE The electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the tactile presentation button 3 when NE Schematic diagram of . Fig.21 To illustrate the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102 E Smaller than diameter R FE The electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the tactile presentation button 3 when NE Schematic diagram of .

[0186] In the first embodiment, as described above, voltage signals V having different frequencies are applied to the adjacent first electrodes 102a and second electrodes 102b. a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6 ) to generate the amplitude modulated signal V N (Refer to Figure 7 ) corresponding to the electrostatic force. Accordingly, the friction force between the dielectric layer 106 and the tactile presentation button 3 and the amplitude modulation signal V N The difference frequency changes accordingly, and the user perceives the change as a tactile sensation. Fig. 20 In the state shown, since there is only voltage signal V a Acting on the tactile presentation button 3, the voltage signal V b It does not act on the tactile presentation button 3, so no amplitude modulation signal V is generated. NOn the other hand, when the tactile sense presentation button 3 is located above the boundary between the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, a tactile sense is generated. Fig. 20 In the structure, depending on the position of the tactile presentation button 3, there are positions where tactile sensation is generated and positions where tactile sensation is not generated. Fig.21 In the state shown, regardless of the position of the tactile presentation button 3, the voltage signal V a And voltage signal V b Both of them act on the tactile presentation button 3, thereby generating an amplitude modulation signal V N Therefore, in Fig.21 In the structure of FIG. 1 , the tactile sense can be felt regardless of the position of the tactile sense presentation button 3, and the position of the tactile sense presentation button 3 can be set arbitrarily. In other words, in order to facilitate positioning of the tactile sense presentation button 3 so as to straddle the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, in the embodiment described later, for example, Fig. 22 When the conductive elastic portion 6 is divided as shown, it is preferable that the width 6b of the conductive elastic portion 6 is larger than the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102. E In addition, when the conductive elastic part 6 is not divided into a plurality of parts, it is preferable that the outer diameter 6a of the conductive elastic part 6 is larger than the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102. E .

[0187] <Structure of Tactile Presentation Button>

[0188] Fig. 22 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the rotating portion 4 of the tactile presentation button 3 . Fig.23 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing part 5 when the position of the tactile presentation button 3 is fixed at one location and the rotating part 4 is placed on the contact surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 and rotated. Fig.24 The figure is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft portion 5a which suppresses horizontal movement when the rotating portion 4 of the tactile presentation button 3 is placed on the contact surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 and rotated. The rotating portion 4 and the fixed portion 5 (rotating shaft portion 5a) are both made of metal such as aluminum, SUS, copper, and resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ABS resin, AS resin, acrylic resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, modified polyphenylene ether, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyacetal, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyarylate, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, thermoplastic polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide, liquid crystal polymer, polyetheretherketone, fluororesin, etc. Since the operation feeling and tactile feeling vary depending on the weight of the tactile presentation button 3, the material is selected according to the user's preference, the use environment and purpose of the tactile presentation button 3, etc. Since the rotating part side surface 10 needs to be connected to the conductive elastic part 6 and the indicator 2 (refer to Fig.31) is electrically connected, so the surface portion 10s of the rotating portion side 10 that contacts the indicator 2 and the boundary conductive portion 16s are made of metal or conductive resin material (preferably a resistor 10 3 It is preferred that the resistance values ​​of the surface portion 10s and the boundary conductive portion 16s be set so that the capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic portion 6 in the RC circuit formed between the wiring resistance of the tactile electrode 102, the resistance of the conductive elastic portion 6, and the dielectric layer 106 is the maximum value.

[0189] The shape of the shaft portion 14 and the shape of the hole portion of the fixing hole 9 are the same cylindrical shape. The tactile presentation button 3 is formed by inserting the shaft portion 14 of the fixing portion 5 (rotating shaft portion 5a) into the fixing hole 9 of the rotating portion. Fig. 22 , 23 As shown, the separation of the rotating part 4 and the shaft 14 can be avoided by embedding the shaft 14 formed with unevenness into the fixing hole 9. As for the gap between the shaft 14 and the fixing hole 9, it is preferable that the gap is as small as possible within the range in which the rotating part 4 rotates smoothly. When the gap between the shaft 14 and the fixing hole 9 is narrow, the shaking of the rotating shaft when the tactile presentation button 3 is rotated becomes smaller, and the situation in which the shaking and vibration of the rotating part 4 caused by the shaking of the rotating shaft are given to the indicator 2, which is different from the tactile sense that should be provided to the tactile presentation button 3, is suppressed, and the tactile sense provided to the user becomes clearer. In order to ensure the smooth rotation of the rotating part 4, it is preferable that the surface of the shaft 14 and the inner surface of the fixing hole 9 have as few unevenness as possible, and the surface roughness Ra is preferably less than 0.5μm. The inner diameter tolerance of the fixing hole 9 is preferably 0 to +0.5mm, and the outer diameter tolerance of the shaft 14 is preferably -0.0005mm.

[0190] The fixed portion 5 (rotational axis portion 5a) is the portion that serves as the rotational axis when the rotating portion 4 rotates, and has the function of keeping the operating surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotating portion 4. Therefore, the center of the shaft portion 14 of the fixed portion 5 (rotational axis portion 5a) is orthogonal to the bottom portion 15 and the adhesive portion 17 (shaft structure holding portion 17a), the bottom surface of the adhesive portion 17 (shaft structure holding portion 17a) is flat, and the contact surface of the conductive elastic portion 6 with the tactile presentation panel 100 and the adhesive portion 17 (shaft structure holding portion 17a) are located on the same plane. In addition, Fig.23 FIG. 1 shows a case where the diameter of the bonding portion 17 is the same as the diameter of the fixing table 13, but it may also be Fig.24 In this way, the diameter of the shaft structure holding portion 17 a is different from the diameter of the fixing table 13 .

[0191] The surface portion 10s and the boundary conductive portion 16s of the rotating portion side surface 10 of the rotating portion 4 that the indicator 2 contacts when the rotating portion 4 is rotated are made of a conductive material and are also electrically connected to the conductive elastic portion 6 and the position detection portion 7. Whether the user touches the surface of the rotating portion 4 is detected, and the accumulation of electric charge in the conductive elastic portion 6 is suppressed. The surface portion 10s and the boundary conductive portion 16s are made of the same material as the conductive elastic portion 6. In particular, a metal with low electrical resistance is preferably used. The surface portion 10s and the boundary conductive portion 16s may be formed by coating with metal plating or the like after the rotating portion 4 is formed with resin or the like. The details will be described later.

[0192] The conductive elastic part 6 is a conductor that forms an electrostatic capacitor with the tactile electrode 102. The conductive elastic part 6 is divided into two or more parts to prevent the tactile intensity from decreasing. The details of this effect will be described later. Since the conductive elastic part 6 has elasticity, it has the effect of suppressing the decrease in tactile intensity caused by the decrease in adhesion. When the adhesion between the conductive elastic part 6 and the surface of the tactile presentation panel is reduced due to the decrease in the flatness of the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 caused by the processing accuracy of the rotating part 4, the fixing part 5 (rotating shaft part 5a) or the assembly accuracy of the tactile presentation screen 150, or the micro-concavities and convexities on the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100, the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6 form an electrostatic capacitor not only through the dielectric layer 106 but also through the air with a small dielectric constant, so that the electrostatic capacitance formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6 is reduced, resulting in a decrease in tactile intensity. Since the conductive elastic part 6 has elasticity, it can fill the gap between the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic part 6 caused by the unevenness of the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100, and can prevent the tactile strength from being reduced due to the reduced adhesion between the conductive elastic part 6 and the tactile presentation panel 100. As a material for the conductive elastic part 6, a resin material with elasticity called conductive rubber, which is preferably made of CNR, CR rubber, NBR rubber, silicone, fluororubber, EPT rubber, SBR, butyl rubber, acrylic rubber or CSM rubber as a base material and mixed with conductive materials such as conductive carbon black or metal powder, is preferred. The volume resistivity is 10 6 The lower the volume resistivity, the less likely it is that charges will be accumulated in the conductive elastic portion 6. The details of the charge accumulation in the conductive elastic portion 6 will be described later. In addition, since an electrostatic capacitor is formed with the tactile electrode 102, it is preferred that the withstand voltage characteristic is as high as possible to improve the life and reliability of the conductive elastic portion 6. The position detection portion 7 forms an electrostatic capacitor with the detection electrode 203 of the touch screen 250, and is used to detect the position and rotation amount of the tactile presentation button 3.

[0193] The material forming the position detection portion 7 is a conductor that can form an electrostatic capacitance with the detection electrode 203, and has elasticity similar to the conductive elastic portion 6, and can use the same material as the conductive elastic portion 6. If the adhesion with the tactile presentation panel 100 is good, the difference between the design value and the actual electrostatic capacitance value is unlikely to occur, and stable position detection accuracy can be obtained.

[0194] When the conductive elastic part 6 and the position detection part 7 are set to the same thickness so that they are in close contact with the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 without any gap between them, strong tactile strength and high-precision position detection can be obtained. The flatness of the surface where the conductive elastic part 6 and the position detection part 7 contact the tactile presentation panel 100 (the distance from a certain reference plane is measured, and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the measured value) is preferably 0.5 mm or less. In addition, it is said that when operating a touch panel, the diameter of the contact area of ​​a person's finger relative to the touch surface is about 3 mm for children and about 7 to 10 mm at most for adults. It is said that the contact area of ​​the finger during various touch operations is usually 20 to 400 mm. 2 Therefore, it can be considered that the area of ​​the position detection part 7 is 7mm 2 Above and 400mm 2 Within the following range.

[0195] <Button position and rotation amount detection>

[0196] Fig.25 This is a schematic diagram of the capacitance distribution of the line C-C when the touch panel 200 detects the position of the tactile presentation button 3. The tactile sensation is generated to the tactile presentation button 3 and the position of the tactile presentation button 3 is detected in a time-division manner. During the period when the voltage signal is applied to the tactile electrode 102, 0V is applied to the detection electrode 203 and the excitation electrode 202, or an arbitrary voltage is applied in a manner that forms an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102 without causing a decrease in the voltage applied to the tactile electrode 102. When the detection electrode 203 performs position detection, the tactile electrode 102 is set to a floating state. Then, by detecting the change in the electrostatic capacitance between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 when the conductive elastic part 6 and the detection electrode 203 form an electrostatic capacitance via the tactile electrode 102, the position of the tactile presentation button 3 is detected.

[0197] The detection electrode 203 forms and detects capacitance with both the position detection portion 7 and the conductive elastic portion 6. At this time, because of the presence of the gap 8, the capacitance distribution with the position detection portion 7 and the capacitance distribution with the conductive elastic portion 6 have peaks at different positions, and each position is detected separately.

[0198] Regarding the rotation amount of the tactile presentation button 3, when there is only one position detection unit 7, the rotation amount is calculated as the movement in the rotation direction only based on the movement amount from the initial position of the position detection unit 7. The position detection unit 7 may not necessarily be one. Fig.26 When there are multiple position detectors 7, the rotation amount θ can be calculated based on the direction vector P1-P2 between the position detectors 7 at the initial position (P1, P2) and the direction vector P1'-P2' at the moved position (P1', P2').

[0199] exist Fig.26 In the equation (4), when the rotation center is P0, the translation amount is Txy, the coordinate transformation matrix of the rotation angle θ is R, and the unit matrix is ​​I, P1'-P2' is expressed by the equation (4) according to the following equations (2) and (3).

[0200] P1'=R·P1-(R-I)·P0+Txy......(2)

[0201] P2'=R·P2-(R-I)·P0+Txy......(3)

[0202] P1'-P2'=R·(P1-P2)......(4)

[0203] When the coordinate transformation matrix R is equal to the unit matrix I (R=I), it is a translation operation, and Txy is expressed by the following equation (5).

[0204] Txy=P1'-P1……(5)

[0205] In addition, when the operating range of the tactile presentation button 3 exceeds 360 degrees, the rotation angle from the initial position can be calculated by performing addition and subtraction correction of 360 degrees × n (n is an integer) with reference to the rotation angle and the direction of rotation angle change of the position detection unit 7. The more pairs of position detection units 7 used for calculation, the higher the measurement accuracy of the rotation angle, but the smaller the area of ​​the conductive elastic part 6, so the number of position detection units 7 is determined based on the balance between the tactile intensity and the measurement accuracy of the rotation angle. The indication position line 11 (see Fig. 22 ) is arranged on the rotating part 4 to realize visualization of the button position. When the indicating position line 11 is arranged, by arranging the position detection unit 7 just below the indicating position line 11, the movement amount from the position (origin) that should be the initial state of the indicating position line 11 can be calculated, thereby simplifying the calculation process.

[0206] <Distance between electrodes>

[0207] Fig. 27An example of the positional relationship between the conductive elastic portion 6 and the position detection portion 7 in the tactile presentation button 3 is shown. The gap 8 represents the distance between the conductive elastic portion 6 and the position detection portion 7 when the position detection portion 7 is arranged between the adjacent conductive elastic portions 6, and the gap 8a represents the distance between the conductive elastic portions 6 when the position detection portion 7 is not arranged between the adjacent conductive elastic portions 6. When there are irregularities on the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 due to the thickness of the electrode, when the conductive elastic portion 6 slides while contacting the tactile electrode 102 through the dielectric layer 106, the tactile presentation button 3 vibrates due to the irregularities on the surface. Regardless of the voltage signal applied to the tactile electrode 102, the vibration is sensed by the indicator 2. As a result, the indicator 2 may have difficulty in feeling the tactile sensation obtained by the voltage signal. In other words, the tactile intensity may be reduced.

[0208] Even if the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 has irregularities, as will be described later, whether the indicator 2 can easily feel the irregularities depends on the inter-electrode spacing of the tactile electrode 102. The larger the irregularities allowed, the less necessary it is to increase the thickness of the dielectric layer 106 in order to alleviate the irregularities. In other words, the thickness of the dielectric layer 106 is allowed to be reduced. Accordingly, the capacitance formed between the conductive elastic portion 6 and the tactile electrode 102 can be increased. Thus, a stronger tactile sensation can be generated. In addition, when the inter-electrode spacing of the tactile electrode 102 is wider than the gap 8 between the conductive elastic portion 6 and the position detection portion 7, the edge portion 18 of the conductive elastic portion 6 (see Fig. 27 ) is stuck by the surface unevenness caused by the distance between the electrodes of the tactile electrodes 102, and an unexpected tactile sensation is generated in the tactile presentation button 3, so the distance between the electrodes of the tactile electrodes 102 is preferably narrower than the gap 8. In addition, if the distance between the electrodes of the tactile electrodes 102 is narrower, the exclusive area of ​​the tactile electrodes 102 becomes larger, the electrostatic capacitance formed with the conductive elastic part 6 becomes larger, and the tactile intensity obtained also becomes larger, so it is preferred.

[0209] <Detailed Structure of Tactile Presentation Touch Panel>

[0210] Fig.28 The block diagram schematically shows the structure of the tactile presentation touch panel 400. Here, it is assumed that excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) are provided as a plurality of excitation electrodes 202, detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) are provided as a plurality of detection electrodes 203, and tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) are provided as a plurality of tactile electrodes 102. The tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) are arranged in order according to the numbers in parentheses, and the odd-numbered tactile electrodes 102 correspond to the first electrode 102a, and the even-numbered tactile electrodes 102 correspond to the second electrode 102b. In addition, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that one row-direction wiring layer 206 (see Figure 8 or Fig.10), and one detection electrode 203 constitutes one column-direction wiring layer 207 (refer to Figure 8 or Fig.10 ).

[0211] As described above, the tactile presentation touch panel 400 includes the touch panel 200 and the tactile presentation panel 100. The touch panel 200 includes the touch screen 250 and the touch detection circuit 210. The tactile presentation panel 100 includes the tactile presentation screen 150 and the voltage supply circuit 110.

[0212] The touch detection circuit 210 has an excitation pulse generating circuit 215, a charge detecting circuit 212, a touch coordinate calculating circuit 214 and a touch detection control circuit 213. The touch detection control circuit 213 controls the operation of the excitation pulse generating circuit 215, the charge detecting circuit 212 and the touch coordinate calculating circuit 214. The excitation pulse generating circuit 215 applies an excitation pulse signal to the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) in sequence. The charge detecting circuit 212 measures the signal obtained from each of the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). Based on this, the charge detecting circuit 212 detects the charge amount of each of the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). Let k be an integer greater than 1 and less than m, and the information of the charge detection result represents the value corresponding to the mutual capacitance between the excitation electrode Ty(k) and each of the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) when the excitation pulse signal is provided to the excitation electrode Ty(k). In addition, the charge detection circuit 212 can identify to which of the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) the excitation pulse signal is applied based on the control signal from the touch detection control circuit 213. The touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 obtains the data of the coordinates touched by the indicator 2 (hereinafter referred to as "touch coordinate data") based on the above charge detection result.

[0213] The touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 outputs the touch coordinate data to the button movement amount calculation circuit 220, and also outputs the touch coordinate data as touch action information to the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120 and the tactile presentation control circuit 114. The button movement amount calculation circuit 220 outputs the information of the rotation angle, rotation speed, and horizontal movement distance as the movement amount of the button to the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120 and the display screen processing circuit 321. The tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120 outputs the electrical signal condition for realizing the tactile intensity (operation sense intensity) calculated based on the input information to the tactile presentation control circuit 114. In this way, the touch detection circuit 210 has the function of a contact position detection unit that detects the contact position between the tactile presentation button 3 and the operating surface of the tactile presentation panel 100. In addition, the tactile presentation panel 100 may also have the function of the contact position detection unit.

[0214] The voltage supply circuit 110 includes a switch circuit 112, a tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113, and a tactile presentation control circuit 114. The tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113 applies a voltage signal V to the first electrode 102a among the tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) via the switch circuit 112. a , a voltage signal V is applied to the second electrode 102b b In other words, the voltage signal V is alternately applied to the tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) arranged in one direction (horizontally in the figure). a And voltage signal V b . The switch circuit 112 takes an on (ON) state or an off (OFF) state based on an instruction from the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113. The switch circuit 112 connects the tactile electrode 102 to the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113 in the on state, and puts the tactile electrode 102 in a floating state in the off state. In the present embodiment 1, the switch circuit 112 has two switches 40, one for switching the electrical path to all the first electrodes 102a, and the other for switching the electrical path to all the second electrodes 102b. The two switches 40 can be controlled in a linked manner. In addition, the switch 40 is equivalent to a switching unit.

[0215] The tactile presentation control circuit 114 refers to the information of the tactile intensity calculated by the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120. The tactile presentation control circuit 114 can control the operation of the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113 based on the information. In this way, the voltage supply circuit 110 has the function of a tactile control unit that controls the friction between the tactile presentation button 3 and the operation surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 to be presented as a tactile sensation in the operation area when the contact position between the tactile presentation button 3 and the operation surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 exists in a preset operation area.

[0216] <Working of the tactile touch panel>

[0217] Fig.29 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image of the electrostatic capacitance between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation button 3 . Fig.30 1 is a schematic diagram showing the tactile presentation touch panel 400 when the indicator 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation button 3 (see Fig.28 )’s working timing timing diagram.

[0218] When the indicator 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation button 3, the conductive elastic portion 6 and the tactile electrode 102 are both in a floating state and are at the same potential as the detection electrode 203. The charge detection circuit 212 detects the charge amount based on the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode 203 and the excitation electrode 202. The touch detection control circuit 213 also outputs a control signal of the excitation electrode 202 to the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113.

[0219] Based on the control signal, the tactile sense voltage generation circuit 113 can identify the touch detection period P1. During the touch detection period P1, the tactile sense voltage generation circuit 113 turns off the switch 40 of the switch circuit 112. As a result, the electrical connection between the tactile sense voltage generation circuit 113 and all the tactile electrodes 102 is cut off. As a result, the potentials of all the tactile electrodes 102 are in a floating state.

[0220] Next, during the touch coordinate calculation period P2, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 determines whether there is a touch of the indicator 2 based on the charge detection results of the mutual capacitances corresponding to the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) respectively, which are input and maintained from the charge detection circuit 212, in other words, the charge detection results of the capacitances of all intersections formed by the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) and the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). As a result of the relaxation of the electric field coupling between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 by the proximity or contact of the indicator 2 such as a finger, the charge in the mutual capacitance decreases. Based on the degree of this decrease, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 can determine whether there is a touch. In the case where it is determined that there is a touch, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 starts to calculate the touch coordinate data based on the above-mentioned charge detection results. Specifically, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 performs calculations such as centroid calculations on the detection results of the intersection with the largest degree of charge reduction and the intersections around it, so that the touch coordinate data can be calculated. When it is determined that there is no touch, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 does not calculate the touch coordinate data and waits until the next charge detection result is processed.

[0221] Here, the operation when the determination result that the pointer 2 has contacted the tactile sense presentation button 3 is obtained will be described below.

[0222] Fig.31 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image of the electrostatic capacitance between the excitation electrode 202 and the position detection unit 7 when the pointer 2 contacts the tactile sense presentation button 3 . Fig.32 The tactile presentation touch panel 400 (see FIG. Fig.28 )’s working timing timing diagram.

[0223] When the indicator 2 is in contact with the tactile presentation button 3, the conductive elastic portion 6 is grounded via the tactile presentation button 3 and the indicator 2, and the detection electrode 203 forms an electrostatic capacitance with the conductive elastic portion 6 via the tactile electrode 102, and the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode 203 and the excitation electrode 202 decreases. As a result, the amount of charge detected by the charge detection circuit 212 decreases, and it is detected that the indicator 2 is in contact with the tactile presentation button 3.

[0224] During the touch detection period P1, the touch detection control circuit 213 outputs a control signal indicating the first transformation timing to the excitation pulse generating circuit 215. The excitation pulse generating circuit 215 receives the control signal and gives an excitation pulse signal (charging pulse signal) to the excitation electrode Ty(1). Accordingly, the inter-electrode capacitance (mutual capacitance) between the excitation electrode Ty(1) and each of the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) that intersect with it when viewed from above is charged. The charge detection circuit 212 detects the amount of charge charged using the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). The charge detection circuit 212 then performs analog / digital conversion (A / D conversion) on the detection result, and outputs the digital information obtained therefrom as a charge detection result of the mutual capacitance corresponding to the excitation electrode Ty(1) to the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214. Similarly, the touch detection control circuit 213 sequentially outputs control signals indicating the second to mth transformation timings to the excitation pulse generating circuit 215. Corresponding to each of the second to m-th conversion timings, the charge detection results of the mutual capacitances corresponding to the excitation electrodes Ty ( 2 ) to Ty (m) are output to the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 .

[0225] The touch detection control circuit 213 also outputs the control signal to the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113. The tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113 can identify the touch detection period P1 based on the control signal. During the touch detection period P1, the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113 turns off the switch 40 of the switch circuit 112. Accordingly, the electrical connection between the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113 and all the tactile electrodes 102 is cut off. As a result, the potentials of all the tactile electrodes 102 are in a floating state.

[0226] Next, during the touch coordinate calculation period P2, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 determines whether there is a touch of the indicator 2 based on the charge detection results of the mutual capacitances corresponding to the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) respectively, which are input and maintained from the charge detection circuit 212, in other words, the charge detection results of the capacitances of all intersections formed by the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) and the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). As a result of the relaxation of the electric field coupling between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 by the proximity or contact of the indicator 2 such as a finger, the charge in the mutual capacitance decreases. Based on the degree of this decrease, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 can determine whether there is a touch. In the case where it is determined that there is a touch, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 starts to calculate the touch coordinate data based on the above-mentioned charge detection results. Specifically, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 performs calculations such as centroid calculations on the detection results of the intersection with the largest degree of charge reduction and the intersections around it, so that the touch coordinate data can be calculated. If no touch is determined, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 does not calculate the touch coordinate data and returns to the touch detection period P1. To perform such processing, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 provides a signal indicating the touch determination result to the touch detection control circuit 213.

[0227] Next, during the touch coordinate sending period P3, according to the touch coordinate data sending timing from the touch detection control circuit 213, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 outputs the touch coordinate data to the button movement amount calculation circuit 220 and also inputs the touch coordinate data as touch action information to the tactile formation condition transformation circuit 120 and the tactile presentation control circuit 114.

[0228] Next, during the determination period P4 , the tactile presentation control circuit 114 determines the position of the tactile presentation button 3 according to the touch coordinate data, and determines the tactile presentation area.

[0229] The tactile presentation control circuit 114 selects a tactile presentation signal waveform corresponding to the coordinates of the display screen and the tactile presentation button 3 based on the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120. The "tactile presentation signal waveform" defines the voltage signal V a And voltage signal V b In addition, the voltage signal V a With the voltage signal V bThe difference in waveform between the two is usually a difference in frequency. The tactile presentation signal waveform is set inside or outside the tactile presentation control circuit 114. The type of tactile presentation signal waveform can be one or more than one. When there is only one type of tactile presentation signal waveform, there is no need to select the processing of the tactile presentation signal waveform. When there are more than one type of tactile presentation signal waveform, the type of tactile presentation signal waveform is selected based on the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120.

[0230] Next, during the tactile presentation signal application period P5, the tactile presentation control circuit 114 generates a tactile presentation signal under the above-mentioned tactile presentation signal waveform. In addition, the switch 40 of the switch circuit 112 connected to the tactile electrode 102 in the area where the tactile presentation signal is input is connected to the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113, and the switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 in the area where the tactile presentation signal is not input is grounded or the switch is not turned on to keep the tactile electrode 102 floating. Based on this, the signal is applied to the tactile electrode 102, thereby presenting the tactile sensation. Fig.32 In the example of , an AC signal having an H level (high level) and an L level (low level) is applied to the tactile electrode 102. The tactile electrode 102 is charged at a high voltage of the positive electrode, usually tens of volts, during the H level period, and is discharged during the 0 level period. At the L level, it is charged at a high voltage of the negative electrode, usually tens of volts. The generation cycle and generation period of the pulse signal can be appropriately set based on the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120.

[0231] After the tactile presentation signal application period P5, the process returns to the touch detection period P1. Thus, the above operation is repeated. Accordingly, the tactile presentation touch panel 400 can detect the position of the tactile presentation button 3 and present tactile sensations corresponding to the position of the tactile presentation button 3 and the display screen.

[0232] Fig.33 To illustrate the touch detection period P1 (refer to Fig.32 ) Schematic diagram of the formation of electrostatic capacitance in the tactile presentation touch display 1. During the touch detection period P1, an electrostatic capacitance C is formed between the indicator 2 and the detection electrode 203. ND During this period, the potentials of all the touch electrodes 102 are set to a floating state. This prevents the touch electrodes 102 from functioning as a shield. Therefore, the sensitivity of touch detection can be improved.

[0233] Fig.34 To illustrate the period P5 during which the tactile presentation signal is applied (refer to Fig.32) is a schematic diagram of the formation of electrostatic capacitance in the tactile presentation touch display 1. During the tactile presentation signal application period P5, the potential of the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 of the touch panel 200 can be set to a floating state. According to this, it is possible to suppress the formation of the electrostatic capacitance C based on the capacitance of the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203. NE The influence brought by. Alternatively, the potential of the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 of the touch panel 200 can be set to a substantially constant potential, for example, the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 can be connected to the ground potential with low impedance. According to this, the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 can play a function as a shield between the touch electrode 102 and the display panel 300. Therefore, the situation where noise is generated in the display panel 300 due to the high voltage signal applied to the touch electrode 102 is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the display defect caused by noise. Conversely, the situation where noise is generated in the touch electrode 102 caused by the display panel 300 is also suppressed. When the tactile presentation signal is applied to the touch electrode 102, the conductive elastic part 6 forms an electrostatic capacitance with the touch electrode 102, and the charge of the potential opposite to the voltage of the touch electrode 102 is accumulated on the surface of the conductive elastic part 6 in contact with the dielectric layer 106, and an electrostatic force is generated between the conductive elastic part 6 and the dielectric layer 106. As a result, the friction between the conductive elastic part 6 and the dielectric layer 106 changes. Due to the change in friction, the torque of the button changes when the tactile sense presentation button 3 is rotated, and the user feels the operation feeling when the tactile sense presentation button 3 is rotated.

[0234] In addition, when a floating state is used, both the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 may be set to a floating state, or one of them may be set to a floating state. In addition, when a constant potential is used, both the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 may be set to a constant potential, or one of them may be set to a constant potential. One of the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 may be set to a floating state, and the other may be set to a constant potential. In the case where the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 are at different distances from the tactile electrode 102, the electrode closer to the tactile electrode 102 among the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 may be set to a floating state, and the electrode farther away may be set to a constant potential.

[0235] In addition, Fig.28 In the example shown, the touch coordinate data is sent from the touch detection circuit 210 to the voltage supply circuit 110, but as a modified example, the charge detection circuit 212 may send information on the charge detection result to the voltage supply circuit 110. In this case, the tactile presentation control circuit 114 uses the information on the charge detection result to determine whether a touch is present and calculate the touch coordinates.

[0236] When the position of the tactile presentation button 3 on the tactile presentation panel 100 is changed during operation or each time the tactile presentation panel 100 is operated, the bottom surface 15 can be closely attached to and fixed on the tactile presentation panel 100. In addition, when the position of the tactile presentation button 3 on the tactile presentation panel 100 is not changed during operation or each time the tactile presentation panel 100 is operated (when the position of the tactile presentation button 3 is fixed for use), the bottom surface 15 can be bonded and fixed to the tactile presentation panel 100 by the adhesive portion 17.

[0237] <Suppressing the Accumulation of Charges in the Conductive Elastic Part>

[0238] Fig.35 This is an image diagram schematically showing the movement of charges when the charges accumulated in the conductive elastic part 6 are grounded via the indicator 2 when a voltage signal is applied. The conductive elastic part 6 is made of insulating resin mixed with conductive carbon black and metal particles, so it has a high resistance and is easy to accumulate charges. When charges are accumulated in the conductive elastic part 6, the electrostatic force between the conductive elastic part 6 and the tactile electrode 102 no longer changes with the voltage signal, and the tactile intensity decreases. When the conductive elastic part 6 is electrically connected to the surface of the rotating part 4, the indicator 2 is grounded via the indicator 2 when it is in contact with the rotating part 4, so that the charges accumulated in the conductive elastic part 6 are released, which can suppress the accumulation of charges.

[0239] When the resistance of the conductive elastic portion 6 is high, it is difficult for the electric charge to move in the conductive elastic portion 6, and the electric charge cannot be fully discharged only by discharging the electric charge through the indicator 2 as described above. In this case, the tactile electrode 102 is driven so that at least one of the conductive elastic portions 6 divided into two or more when a voltage signal is applied forms an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102, and at least one of the conductive elastic portions 6 is connected to the ground via the dielectric layer 106 (see the following). Fig.36 ) is connected to the tactile electrode 102 of the conductive elastic part 6, thereby releasing the charge accumulated in the conductive elastic part 6 directly to the tactile electrode 102 through the dielectric layer 106, thereby preventing the charge from accumulating. The tactile electrode 102 connected to the charge discharge part 115 does not need to be fixed, and can be driven by switching between applying a voltage signal and connecting to the charge discharge part 115 on the same tactile electrode 102, or the tactile electrode 102 to which the voltage signal is applied and the tactile electrode 102 connected to the charge discharge part 115 can be alternated. However, no electrostatic force is generated in the tactile electrode 102 connected to the charge discharge part 115. Therefore, in order to prevent the tactile sense from being reduced, it is best to make the number of tactile electrodes 102 to which the voltage signal is applied greater than the number of tactile electrodes 102 connected to the charge discharge part 115, or to make the time of connection to the charge discharge part 115 shorter than the time of applying the voltage signal, so that the effective area of ​​the conductive elastic part 6 that generates the electrostatic force between the tactile electrode 102 and the charge discharge part 115 is larger than the effective area of ​​the conductive elastic part 6 that forms a capacitor with the charge discharge part 115.

[0240] Fig.36 This is a block diagram showing a structure when the tactile electrode 102 is driven in such a manner that at least one of the two or more conductive elastic parts 6 forms an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102 and at least one is connected to the tactile electrode 102 connected to the ground via the dielectric layer 106. Fig.32 ), the tactile presentation control circuit 114 determines the position of the tactile presentation button 3 according to the touch coordinate data, determines the tactile presentation area, divides the area into two or more, determines the area for inputting the tactile presentation signal and the area for grounding.

[0241] The tactile presentation control circuit 114 selects a tactile presentation signal waveform corresponding to the coordinates of the display screen and the tactile presentation button 3 based on the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120. The "tactile presentation signal waveform" defines the voltage signal V a And voltage signal V b In addition, the voltage signal V a With the voltage signal V b The difference in waveform between the two is usually a difference in frequency. The tactile presentation signal waveform is set inside or outside the tactile presentation control circuit 114. The type of tactile presentation signal waveform can be one or more than one. When there is only one type of tactile presentation signal waveform, there is no need to select the processing of the tactile presentation signal waveform. When there are more than one type of tactile presentation signal waveform, the type of tactile presentation signal waveform is selected based on the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120.

[0242] Next, during the tactile presentation signal application period P5 (refer to Fig.32 ), the tactile presentation control circuit 114 generates a tactile presentation signal under the above-mentioned tactile presentation signal waveform. In addition, the switch 40 of the switch circuit 112 connected to the tactile electrode 102 in the area where the tactile presentation signal is input is connected to the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113, and the switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 in the grounded area is grounded. The switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 in the area where the tactile presentation signal is not input is grounded, or the switch 40 is not turned on to keep the tactile electrode 102 floating. Based on this signal, the tactile electrode 102 is applied to the tactile electrode 102, thereby presenting a tactile sensation. In Fig.24 In the example of , an AC signal having an H level (high level) and an L level (low level) is applied to the tactile electrode 102. The tactile electrode 102 is charged at a high voltage of the positive electrode, usually tens of volts, during the H level period, and is discharged during the 0 level period. At the L level, it is charged at a high voltage of the negative electrode, usually tens of volts. The generation cycle and generation period of the pulse signal can be appropriately set based on the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120.

[0243] After the tactile presentation signal application period P5, the process returns to the touch detection period P1. Thus, the above operation is repeated. Accordingly, the tactile presentation touch panel 400 can detect the position of the tactile presentation button 3 and present tactile sensations corresponding to the position of the tactile presentation button 3 and the display screen.

[0244] In the first embodiment, the GND terminal is used as the charge discharge portion 115, but other structures may be used as long as the charges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion 6 can be discharged. For example, a positive voltage or a negative voltage that can efficiently discharge the charges may be applied according to the conductivity of the charges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion 6, without using the GND terminal.

[0245] In the present disclosure, during the tactile presentation signal application period P5, the rotation operation of the tactile presentation button 3 is stopped at any period by changing the waveform of the voltage signal and the time and period of applying the voltage signal, thereby presenting an operable area that cannot be presented by the conventional tactile presentation button and a neutral position as an operation reference. Specific examples of these will be described later.

[0246] <Differences between the electrode structure of a tactile display screen and a touch screen>

[0247] As a preferred condition of the tactile electrode 102, first, a structure in which the indicator 2 can contact the tactile electrode 102 without passing through any member other than the dielectric layer 106 is preferred. Therefore, the tactile electrode 102 covered with the dielectric layer 106 is preferably arranged on the outermost surface of the tactile presenting touch panel 400.

[0248] Second, the closer the distance between the indicator 2 and the tactile electrode 102 is, the greater the tactile sensation can be. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the thickness of the dielectric layer 106 is small, and it is also preferable that the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 106 is large.

[0249] Third, when the tactile sensation is generated, in order to increase the electrostatic capacitance C NE (Refer to Fig.34 ), it is best that the tactile electrodes 102 exist densely. On the other hand, when detecting the touch position (refer to Fig.32 ), preferably the electrostatic capacitance C between the tactile electrodes 102 E , that is, the capacitance between electrodes is small, so as not to interfere with the electrostatic capacitance C ND formation.

[0250] The size of the tactile presentation touch panel 400 is larger than the tactile presentation button 3. When the area where the tactile presentation button 3 is not placed is used as a touch panel that does not perform tactile presentation, when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation button 3, the operation timing when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation button 3 is repeated on the entire surface of the tactile presentation touch panel 400 (refer to Fig.30 ). When touch detection is performed in an area used as a touch panel that does not present tactile sensation, the touch position is calculated and output. When the indicator 2 contacts the tactile sensation presenting button 3, touch detection in the area where the tactile sensation presenting button 3 is not placed is stopped, and the touch detection is performed only in the area where the tactile sensation presenting button 3 is placed as described above (refer to Fig.32 )’s work is scheduled to work.

[0251] When the area where the tactile presentation button 3 is not placed is used as a touch panel for tactile presentation, when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation button 3, the operation timing when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation button 3 is repeated on the entire surface of the tactile presentation touch panel 400 (see Fig.30 ). When a touch detection is performed in the area used as a touch panel for tactile presentation, when the indicator 2 as described above contacts the tactile presentation button 3 (refer to Fig.32 When the indicator 2 contacts the tactile presentation button 3, the touch detection of the area where the tactile presentation button 3 is not placed is stopped, and the touch detection is performed only when the indicator 2 contacts the tactile presentation button 3 as described above (refer to Fig.32 )’s work is scheduled to work.

[0252] As the preferred conditions for the excitation electrodes 202 and the detection electrodes 203, first, in order to ensure the sensitivity and linearity of the touch position detection, a matrix structure capable of accurately identifying the touch position is required. Second, due to the electrostatic capacitance C formed by the indicator 2 and the detection electrode 203 via the tactile presentation screen 150, ND To detect the touch position, a predetermined distance (more than several hundred μm and less than several mm) needs to be provided between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 so that the electric field can spread in the lateral direction.

[0253] As described above, the preferred conditions for the tactile electrode 102 are different from the preferred conditions for the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203. In order to optimize these two conditions, it is preferable not to apply the same structure to them.

[0254] <Details of the lead wiring layer>

[0255] Specifically, the lead-out wiring layer 105 ( Fig.15) has lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) and lead wiring layers Lu(1) to Lu(j). Let k be any integer from 1 to j, and the lead wiring layers Ld(k) and Lu(k) are each connected to the kth tactile electrode 102. The lead wiring layers Ld(k) and Lu(k) are each connected to one end and the other end of a tactile electrode 102 in the extension direction.

[0256] From the viewpoint of not hindering the touch detection of the touch screen 250, the wiring resistance of each of the tactile electrodes 102 provided on the tactile presentation screen 150 is preferably high resistance, preferably 10 4 When the wiring resistance is high, the propagation delay of the voltage signal in the wiring layer is likely to occur. By connecting the lead wiring layer 105 to one end and the other end of the tactile electrode 102 as described above, the propagation delay can be suppressed.

[0257] The lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) are arranged outside the tactile presentation area, and extend toward the corresponding electrodes in the order of approaching the center of the arrangement of the tactile presentation panel terminal portion 107 so as to obtain a substantially shortest distance from the tactile presentation panel terminal portion 107. The tactile presentation panel terminal portion 107 is arranged along the long side of the transparent insulating substrate 101 near the center of the long side. The lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) are arranged as densely as possible while ensuring mutual insulation. The lead wiring layers Lu(1) to Lu(j) are similarly arranged outside the area occupied by the lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j). By setting such a configuration, the area of ​​the outer part of the tactile presentation area in the transparent insulating substrate 101 can be suppressed.

[0258] The lead wiring layer 105, specifically the lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) and the lead wiring layers Lu(1) to Lu(j), are preferably composed of any of a metal single layer film or a laminated film of a metal single layer and a non-metal single layer. In the case where the laminated film has a lower layer and an upper layer covering the lower layer, the upper layer can have a function as a protective layer for the lower layer. For example, the upper layer as a protective layer can protect the lower layer from the influence of the etchant during the etching process for manufacturing the tactile presentation screen 150. Alternatively, the upper layer can also function as a cap layer to prevent corrosion of the lower layer during the manufacture or use of the tactile presentation screen 150. If the material of the lower layer is made to have better adhesion to the transparent insulating substrate 101 than the material of the upper layer, it is possible to suppress the peeling of the lead wiring layer 105.

[0259] <Limitation of the Operation Area of ​​the Tactile Presentation Button>

[0260] Fig.37FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which an upper limit and a lower limit are set in the operation area of ​​the tactile presentation button 3. The user can rotate the tactile presentation button 3. Fig.37 As shown, the operation area b indicates the area where the rotation operation of the tactile presentation button 3 can be performed. The operation lower limit position a (end operation area) indicates the lower limit position of the operation area b. The operation upper limit position c (end operation area) indicates the upper limit position of the operation area b. The non-operation area d indicates the area where the rotation operation of the tactile presentation button 3 cannot be performed. The indication position 50 indicates the indication position of the tactile presentation button 3.

[0261] Fig.38 The figure shows an example of the waveform structure of the voltage signal applied when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 is respectively present at the operation lower limit position a, the operation area b, and the operation upper limit position c. Specifically, when the indication position 50 is present at the operation lower limit position a, the voltage signal s1 is applied. Then, when the indication position 50 rotates from the operation lower limit position a to the operation upper limit position c in the operation area b, the voltage signal s2 is applied. Thereafter, when the indication position 50 is present at the operation upper limit position c, the voltage signal s3 is applied.

[0262] In this way, a voltage signal for presenting a preset tactile sensation is applied to the indicated position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 detected by the touch panel 200, so that the friction between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100 changes and the tactile sensation is presented to the tactile presentation button 3. The magnitude of the frictional force generated between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100 and the period and time of generating the frictional force are different between the voltage signal s1 and the voltage signal s3 and the voltage signal s2. Therefore, the indicator 2 perceives that the state of applying the voltage signal s1 and the voltage signal s3 is different from the state of applying the voltage signal s2 according to the tactile sensation presented in accordance with the change in the frictional force. In addition, the voltage signal s1, the voltage signal s2 and the voltage signal s3 can be voltage signals of different amplitudes. In addition, the voltage signal s1 and the voltage signal s3 can be voltage signals of the same waveform.

[0263] The voltage signal s1 and the voltage signal s3 are voltage signals that generate an adsorption phenomenon caused by a strong friction force between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100. The voltage signal s2 presents a friction force weaker than the voltage signal s1 and the voltage signal s3, and a tactile sense such as a smooth sliding operation feeling of the tactile presentation button 3, a vibration feeling over fine bumps, a passing feeling over smooth convex parts, and a separation feeling over high convex parts.

[0264] While the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a, the voltage signal s1 is continuously applied to prevent the movement of the tactile presentation button 3 from exceeding the position of the operation lower limit position a and entering the non-operation area d. While the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 is moving toward the operation upper limit position c in the operation area b, the voltage signal s2 is applied. While the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation upper limit position c, the voltage signal s3 is continuously applied to prevent the movement of the tactile presentation button 3 from exceeding the position of the operation upper limit position c and entering the non-operation area d. While the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 is moving toward the operation lower limit position a in the operation area b, the voltage signal s2 is applied.

[0265] Specifically, if Fig.39 As shown, it is best to change the period (T fq ). During the time when the voltage signal is applied (T on ), a friction force based on the waveform of the voltage signal is generated between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100, and during the time when the voltage signal is not applied (T off ) does not generate friction. In this way, when the period of generating friction and the period of not generating friction are repeated periodically, the rotation of the tactile presentation button 3 repeats the jamming and sliding caused by the friction, and the indicator 2 in contact with the tactile presentation button 3 senses the tactile sensation generated by the operation of the tactile presentation button 3. When it is desired to present a low convex feeling, it is best to make the time of applying the voltage signal (T on ) is shorter than the time when no voltage signal is applied (T off ). In addition, when it is desired to present a high convex feeling, it is best to make the time for applying the voltage signal (T on ) is longer than the time when no voltage signal is applied (T off ).

[0266] In addition, the waveform of the applied voltage signal may be a pulse wave, a sine wave, or a rectangular wave, etc., or may be only positive voltage, only negative voltage, or positive and negative voltage. In the case of a pulse wave or a rectangular wave, for example, when Fig.39 When a waveform of is applied to the tactile electrode 102a, it is sufficient to apply a voltage signal of opposite phase to the adjacent tactile electrode 102b. In addition, when it is a sine wave, different frequencies are applied to the tactile electrode 102a and the tactile electrode 102b, respectively, so that the difference frequency waveform generated by the two voltage signals is Fig.39When the waveform of the voltage signal is set to a waveform formed by combining positive and negative voltages, such as a sine wave or a pulse wave with an amplitude of positive and negative voltages centered at 0V, it has the effect of preventing the accumulation of charges in the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic part 6 and weakening the tactile sensation presented to the tactile presentation button 3, and has the effect of stabilizing the tactile presentation. The amplitude of the voltage signal can be changed in accordance with the intensity of the tactile sensation to be presented. When a sharp concave and convex feeling is desired, a waveform with a sharp rise can be used. When a smooth concave and convex feeling is desired, a waveform with a gentle rise can be used.

[0267] By controlling the voltage signal as described above, the tactile sense presentation knob 3 can be rotated in a range from the operation lower limit position a through the operation area b to the operation upper limit position c.

[0268] The following Fig.38 A specific example of the waveform structure of the voltage signal shown will be described.

[0269] <Concrete example 1>

[0270] Fig.40 The waveforms of the voltage signal V applied when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 is respectively present at the operation lower limit position a, the operation area b, and the operation upper limit position c are shown. Fig.41 Shown when applied Fig.40 The voltage signal shown is the friction force F generated between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100. Figures 42-45 The same is true.

[0271] like Fig.40 As shown, when the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a or the operation upper limit position c, the voltage V is applied. a The voltage signal of the pulse wave is used as the voltage signal s1 or the voltage signal s3. At this time, a friction force F is generated between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100. a . In addition, when the tactile presentation button 3 exists in the operation area b, the voltage signal s2 is not applied. Accordingly, the operation range of the tactile presentation button 3 can be presented. In the operation area b, the voltage signal s2 is not applied. Therefore, in the operation area b, there is no tactile presentation such as a sense of stuck, a sense of passing over a convex part, a sense of vibration, etc., and there is only a small sense of resistance caused by the dynamic friction between the conductive elastic part 6 of the tactile presentation button 3 and the dielectric layer 106 of the tactile presentation panel 100 caused by the material, and the tactile presentation button 3 rotates smoothly. In addition, the time for applying the voltage signal to each of the operation lower limit position a, the operation area b and the operation upper limit position c changes depending on the rotation speed of the tactile presentation button 3 and the time when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 exists at the operation lower limit position a or the operation upper limit position c.

[0272] <Concrete example 2>

[0273] like Fig.42 , 43 As shown, when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 is in the lower operation limit region a, a positive voltage signal is applied, and when it is in the upper operation limit region c, a negative voltage is applied, thereby achieving the effect of suppressing the accumulation of charges in the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic portion 6. In addition, the positive and negative of the voltage signal may be opposite between the lower operation limit position a and the upper operation limit position c.

[0274] <Concrete example 3>

[0275] like Fig.44 , 45 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pulse wave with positive and negative amplitudes can be used as the voltage signal s1 and the voltage signal s3. In this case, compared to Fig.42 , 43 In the case of the pulse wave cycle of the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, the charge is not easily accumulated in the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic part 6, and a stable tactile presentation can be performed, and an applied Fig.42 The voltage signal waveform shown is approximately twice the friction force.

[0276] In addition, in the first embodiment, a case where a pulse wave is used as a voltage signal is shown as an example, but the waveform of the voltage signal is not limited to this, and a sine wave or a rectangular wave may also be used. Regarding the waveform, voltage, and frequency of the voltage signal used as the voltage signal s1 and the voltage signal s3, the conditions for generating a friction force sufficient to prevent the tactile presentation button 3 from rotating are selected based on the structural materials of the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100, the capacitance design of each element, and the RC circuit design. Depending on the design conditions, the center of the waveform of the voltage signal does not necessarily have to be 0 V, and it can be set to a value that is optimal for the design.

[0277] <Effect>

[0278] According to the first embodiment, when the user uses the tactile presentation button 3 to operate on the tactile presentation touch panel 400, the tactile sensation corresponding to the operation feeling and operation amount of the tactile presentation button 3 is presented to the user, and the operation feeling of the dial button that can be intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sensation and easy to use can be obtained. Therefore, the operation accuracy based on the tactile sensation can be improved and the reliability of the operation can be obtained.

[0279] Since the position of the tactile presentation button 3 on the touch panel and the tactile sensation during operation can be arbitrarily set, the number of operating switches can be reduced by using one tactile presentation button 3 for multiple operation purposes, thereby realizing an HMI (Human Machine Interface) layout that takes into account the user's operational convenience and usage purpose.

[0280] When one tactile sense presentation button 3 is used for a plurality of operation purposes, the effect of preventing erroneous operation can be obtained by utilizing the tactile sense during operation to recognize the operation content.

[0281] When the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, the rotation of the tactile presentation button 3 is stopped, so that the rotation operation cannot be performed in the non-operation area d. By presenting the operation range to the user in this way, the user can perceive the operation range and operation amount without relying on vision.

[0282] <Implementation Method 2>

[0283] <Presentation of the sense of weight of operation>

[0284] In this embodiment 2, when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 is present in the operation area b, a tactile sense that makes the weight feel during operation is presented compared to the case of embodiment 1. The other structures are the same as those of embodiment 1, and thus detailed description is omitted here.

[0285] The following is a specific example of the waveform structure of the voltage signal. Fig.37 , 38 It's the same.

[0286] <Concrete example 1>

[0287] Fig.46 The waveforms of the voltage signal V applied when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 is respectively present at the operation lower limit position a, the operation area b, and the operation upper limit position c are shown. Fig.47 Shown when applied Fig.46 The voltage signal shown is the friction force F generated between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100. Figures 48 to 53 The same is true.

[0288] like Fig.46 , 47 As shown, when the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a or the operation upper limit position c, a positive voltage signal V is applied. a When the tactile presentation button 3 is present in the operating area b, a negative voltage signal -V b In this case, in the operation area b, a friction force as strong as that in the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c is not generated, but a friction force as small as that required to rotate the tactile presentation button 3 is generated, and when the tactile presentation button 3 is operated, a heavier operating feeling can be presented than in the first embodiment.

[0289] <Concrete example 2>

[0290] like Fig.48 , 49 As shown, the voltage signal can be Fig.46 Positive and negative are opposite. Fig.50 , 51 As shown, the positive and negative sides of the voltage signal s2 can be switched in the middle of the operation area b.

[0291] When the voltage signals of the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c are on the same side as the operation area b, the voltage difference when the voltage signal s1 switches with the voltage signal s2 and when the voltage signal s2 switches with the voltage signal s3 becomes smaller, and the restraining force of the tactile presentation button 3 becomes weaker. On the other hand, when the voltage signals of the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c are opposite in positive and negative to the operation area b, the voltage difference when the voltage signal s1 switches with the voltage signal s2 and when the voltage signal s2 switches with the voltage signal s3 becomes larger, so that a strong restraining force can be presented on the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c.

[0292] <Concrete example 3>

[0293] As an effective method for suppressing the accumulation of charges in the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic portion 6, Fig.52 , 53 As shown in FIG. 1 , a waveform having positive and negative amplitudes centered at 0 V can be used as a voltage signal. In this case, an applied Fig.46 , 48 The friction force of about twice that of the voltage signal waveform shown can also reduce the voltage of the voltage signal.

[0294] In the second embodiment, a case where a pulse wave is used as a voltage signal is described as an example, but the waveform of the voltage signal is not limited to this, and a sine wave or a rectangular wave may also be used.

[0295] <Effect>

[0296] According to the second embodiment, when the user uses the tactile presentation button 3 to operate on the tactile presentation touch panel 400, the tactile sensation corresponding to the operation feeling and operation amount of the tactile presentation button 3 is presented to the user, and the operation feeling of the dial button that can be intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sensation and easy to use can be obtained. Therefore, the operation accuracy based on the tactile sensation can be improved and the reliability of the operation can be obtained.

[0297] Since the position of the tactile presentation button 3 on the touch panel and the tactile sensation during operation can be arbitrarily set, the number of operation switches can be reduced by using one tactile presentation button 3 for multiple operation purposes, thereby realizing an HMI layout that takes into account the user's operational convenience and usage purpose.

[0298] When one tactile sense presentation button 3 is used for a plurality of operation purposes, the effect of preventing erroneous operation can be obtained by utilizing the tactile sense during operation to recognize the operation content.

[0299] When the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, the rotation of the tactile presentation button 3 is stopped, so that the rotation operation cannot be performed in the non-operation area d. By presenting the operation range to the user in this way, the user can perceive the operation range and operation amount without relying on vision.

[0300] By generating a weak friction force in the operable area and giving a sense of weight to the operation, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations caused by hand shaking accompanied by the shaking of the user's body during driving the vehicle. In other words, it is possible to achieve the effect of high-precision operation even in an environment where vibration may occur. In addition, since the operation has a sense of weight, it is possible to achieve the effect of giving the operating device a high-end feel.

[0301] <Implementation Method 3>

[0302] <Presentation of mechanical vibration>

[0303] In the third embodiment, the feature is that when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 moves in the operation area b, a tactile sense indicating a mechanical vibration sense of passing over a convex portion is presented, as when a mechanical dial button is operated. The other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description is omitted here.

[0304] The following is a specific example of the waveform structure of the voltage signal. Fig.37 , 38 It's the same.

[0305] <Concrete example 1>

[0306] Fig.54 The positive voltage signal V is applied to the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c. a Or negative voltage signal -V a , apply positive and negative voltage signals V alternately to the operating area b at any period a , -V a An example of. Fig.55 Shown when applied Fig.54 The voltage signal shown is the friction force F generated between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100. Figures 56-63 The same is true.

[0307] like Fig.54 , 55As shown, when the tactile presentation button 3 is at the lower operation limit position a or the upper operation limit position c, a strong adsorption force is generated, and the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 is stopped by adsorption and the operation in the direction of the non-operation area d cannot be performed. In the operation area b, the period of generating friction and the period of not generating friction alternately appear, and the rotation operation of the tactile presentation button 3 alternately repeats the jamming and sliding. Accordingly, the tactile presentation button 3 presents a tactile sense representing a subtle vibration to the indicator 2.

[0308] exist Fig.54 , 55 In the figure, voltage signals of the same voltage are applied to the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c as to the operation area b, but the higher the voltage signal applied to the operation area b, the stronger the tactile intensity is, presenting a tactile sensation that goes over a higher convex portion.

[0309] <Concrete example 2>

[0310] The larger the cycle of the voltage signal applied to the operation area b, the more subtle the tactile vibration can be presented. In the case of presenting the vibration sense with a lighter operation sense, such as Fig.56 , 57 As shown, the amplitude of the voltage signal applied to the operation area b may be set to be smaller than the amplitude of the voltage signal applied to the operation lower limit position a or the operation upper limit position c.

[0311] <Concrete example 3>

[0312] like Fig.58 , 59 As shown in FIG. 1, when the period of applying the voltage signal in one cycle of the operation region b is extended, as in the first embodiment, Fig.39 In this case, the user perceives that the width of the convex shape is wide.

[0313] <Concrete example 4>

[0314] like Figures 60-63 As shown, voltage signals of different waveforms can be applied to the lower limit position a, the upper limit position c, and the operating area b. It is said that people can usually perceive vibrations of tens to hundreds of Hz, and the tactile sensations perceived are different depending on the frequency. Therefore, the frequency of the voltage signal applied to the operating area b can be set to the frequency that is most suitable for the tactile sensation to be presented within the above frequency range. In the case of pulse waves and rectangular waves, for example, when applying a voltage signal to the tactile electrode 102a, the tactile sensation is not felt. Fig.60 In the case of a waveform of, an opposite-phase voltage signal is applied to the adjacent tactile electrode 102b. In addition, in the case of a sine wave, different frequencies are applied to the tactile electrode 102a and the tactile electrode 102b, respectively, so that the difference frequency waveform generated by the two voltage signals is Fig.60 The waveform can be.

[0315] <Effect>

[0316] According to the third embodiment, when the user uses the tactile presentation button 3 to operate on the tactile presentation touch panel 400, the user is presented with a tactile sensation corresponding to the operation feeling and operation amount of the tactile presentation button 3, and the user can obtain an operation feeling of a dial button that can be intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sense and is easy to use. Therefore, the operation accuracy based on the tactile sense can be improved and the reliability of the operation can be obtained.

[0317] Since the position of the tactile presentation button 3 on the touch panel and the tactile sensation during operation can be arbitrarily set, the number of operation switches can be reduced by using one tactile presentation button 3 for multiple operation purposes, thereby realizing an HMI layout that takes into account the user's operational convenience and usage purpose.

[0318] When one tactile sense presentation button 3 is used for a plurality of operation purposes, the effect of preventing erroneous operation can be obtained by utilizing the tactile sense during operation to recognize the operation content.

[0319] When the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, the rotation of the tactile presentation button 3 is stopped, so that the rotation operation cannot be performed in the non-operation area d. By presenting the operation range to the user in this way, the user can perceive the operation range and operation amount without relying on vision.

[0320] In the operable area, the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 causes a stuck or slipping phenomenon depending on whether or not a friction force is generated, giving the user a vibration feeling as if the tactile presentation button 3 is vibrating mechanically. Thus, the user can perceive the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 through touch without relying on vision.

[0321] <Implementation Method 4>

[0322] <Presentation of the middle position>

[0323] like Fig.64 As shown, in this embodiment 4, a middle position e (middle position area) is set at the center of the operation area. The operation area b1 and the operation area b2 represent areas where the tactile presentation button 3 can be rotated. The other structures are the same as those in the embodiment 1, so detailed description is omitted here.

[0324] The middle position e has the meaning of a reference point of the operation area, and is a position that serves as a reference for the user to perceive the operation amount during operation.

[0325] Fig.65This is a diagram showing an example of the waveform structure of the voltage signal applied when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 exists in each of the operation lower limit position a, the operation area b1, the intermediate position e, the operation area b2, and the operation upper limit position c. Specifically, while the indication position 50 exists in the operation lower limit position a, the voltage signal s1 is applied. Then, while the indication position 50 rotates from the operation lower limit position a to the intermediate position e in the operation area b1, the voltage signal s2 is applied, and while the indication position 50 exists in the intermediate position e, the voltage signal s4 is applied. Thereafter, while the indication position 50 rotates from the intermediate position e to the operation upper limit position c in the operation area b2, the voltage signal s2 is applied, and while the indication position 50 exists in the operation upper limit position c, the voltage signal s3 is applied.

[0326] The following Fig.65 A specific example of the waveform structure of the voltage signal shown will be described.

[0327] <Concrete example 1>

[0328] Fig.66 The waveform of the voltage signal V applied when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 exists in each of the operation lower limit position a, the operation area b1, the middle position e, the operation area b2, and the operation upper limit position c is shown. Fig.67 Shown when applied Fig.66 The voltage signal shown is the friction force F generated between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100. Figures 68 to 85 The same is true.

[0329] like Fig.66 , 67 As shown, when the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a or the operation upper limit position c, a positive voltage signal V is applied. a When the tactile presentation button 3 is present in the operation area b1, b2, no voltage signal is applied. When the tactile presentation button 3 is present in the middle position e, a positive voltage signal V is applied. a .exist Fig.66 , 67 In the case of , in the operation areas b1 and b2, since only the dynamic friction force caused by the material and surface shape of the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic part 6 acts on the tactile presentation button 3, the user can smoothly operate the tactile presentation button 3 with a light operation feeling. In addition, since the voltage signal is applied when the tactile presentation button 3 passes through the intermediate position e, the user feels a strong sense of passing over a convex portion with a narrow width and a high height.

[0330] <Concrete example 2>

[0331] like Fig.68 , 69As shown, when the input has a positive voltage signal V a And negative voltage signal -V a When the amplitude of the signal is greater than Fig.66 , 67 Therefore, a stronger sense of touch can be presented to the user, and a feeling of going over a higher convex portion can be presented.

[0332] <Concrete example 3>

[0333] Fig.70 , 71 To set the waveform of the voltage signal applied to the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c to have a positive voltage V a and negative voltage -V a In this case, Figures 66-69 The voltage signal shown is 0 to V a The amplitude of the waveform is compared to that of the always applied V a or -V a The voltage signal has a stronger adsorption force.

[0334] <Concrete example 4>

[0335] like Fig.72 , 73 As shown, when the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1, b2, the voltage V is applied. b , -V b voltage signal, so that the operation feeling in the operation area can be presented Figures 66-69 When the indication position 50 is in the operation areas b1 and b2, a weak friction is generated. Therefore, the tactile sensation at the middle position e can be made clearer than that at the operation areas b1 and b2 by increasing the voltage signal applied when the indication position 50 is in the middle position e or increasing the width of the middle position e.

[0336] <Concrete example 5>

[0337] Fig.74 , 75 An example of the waveform of the voltage signal when the intermediate position e is presented with a sliding feeling is shown. In this case, when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 is present at the intermediate position e, no voltage signal is applied, and the friction force between the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic part 6 is only the dynamic friction force caused by the material and the surface shape. Therefore, when the tactile presentation button 3 is moved from the operation area b1 to the intermediate position e, the tactile presentation button 3 rotates smoothly, and when it is moved from the intermediate position e to the operation area b2, because there is friction, it is possible to present the user with a tactile feeling as if the tactile presentation button 3 is attracted to the intermediate position e.

[0338] <Concrete example 6>

[0339] like Fig.76 , 77 As shown, by gently changing the voltage signal near the boundary between the operation areas b1 and b2 and the middle position e, the user can be presented with a tactile sensation that the tactile presentation button 3 is more smoothly attracted to the middle position e.

[0340] <Concrete example 7>

[0341] Fig.78 , 79 An example of a waveform of a voltage signal that expresses the tactile sense of mechanical vibration described in the third embodiment when the intermediate position e is expressed as a tactile sense and the indication position 50 exists in the operation areas b1 and b2 is expressed.

[0342] When the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1, b2, the voltage signal V is applied at an arbitrary period. a or -V a On the other hand, when the indication position 50 is at the middle position e, the voltage signal V is applied. a and -V a The amplitude of the vibration can provide a tactile sensation like crossing a partition that is different from the mechanical vibration.

[0343] <Concrete example 8>

[0344] like Fig.80 , 81 As shown, the voltage signal applied to the operation area b1, b2 and the middle position e is lower than the voltage signal applied to the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, so that the adsorption force at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c can be more clearly presented. This combination of waveforms is effective when you want the user to pay more attention to the perception of the operating range.

[0345] <Concrete example 9>

[0346] Fig.82 , 83 An example of the waveform of the voltage signal when the same waveform is set for the lower limit position a, the operation areas b1 and b2, the upper limit position c and the intermediate position e. When the indication position 50 is at the lower limit position a, the upper limit position c or the intermediate position e, the amplitude ±V is continuously applied. a The voltage signal makes the application time at the middle position e shorter than that at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c.

[0347] When the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1, b2, the same amplitude ±V is periodically applied. aThus, even with the same signal waveform, three tactile sensations can be presented: the restraint of operation by adsorption force at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, the sense of passing over a convex shape with a height at the middle position e, and the sense of mechanical vibration during operation.

[0348] When using a waveform of a voltage signal with positive and negative amplitudes, the time for applying the voltage signal is longer than when there is only positive or negative voltage, so the tactile intensity is also strong. It is best used in situations where there is a requirement for tactile intensity, such as operations in an environment where vibration may occur and operations while wearing gloves.

[0349] <Concrete example 10>

[0350] like Fig.84 , 85 As shown in FIG. 1 , by making the voltage signal of the operation area b1 and b2 lower than that of other areas, the friction force during operation in the operation area b1 and b2 is reduced, so the operation feeling is light. Fig.72 , 73 Compared with the case of the convex shape perceived by the vibration sense, the height is lower and smoother. In this way, by adjusting the time of applying the voltage signal with the same waveform and the cycle of the time when the voltage signal is applied and the time when the voltage signal is not applied, the tactile feeling can be freely created.

[0351] <Effect>

[0352] According to the fourth embodiment, when the user uses the tactile presentation button 3 to operate on the tactile presentation touch panel 400, the tactile sensation corresponding to the operation feeling and operation amount of the tactile presentation button 3 is presented to the user, and the operation feeling of the dial button that can be intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sensation and easy to use can be obtained. Therefore, the operation accuracy based on the tactile sensation can be improved and the reliability of the operation can be obtained.

[0353] Since the position of the tactile presentation button 3 on the touch panel and the tactile sensation during operation can be arbitrarily set, the number of operation switches can be reduced by using one tactile presentation button 3 for multiple operation purposes, thereby realizing an HMI layout that takes into account the user's operational convenience and usage purpose.

[0354] When one tactile sense presentation button 3 is used for a plurality of operation purposes, the effect of preventing erroneous operation can be obtained by utilizing the tactile sense during operation to recognize the operation content.

[0355] When the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, the rotation of the tactile presentation button 3 is stopped, so that the rotation operation cannot be performed in the non-operation area d. By presenting the operation range to the user in this way, the user can perceive the operation range and operation amount without relying on vision.

[0356] In the operable area, the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 causes a stuck or slipping phenomenon depending on whether or not a friction force is generated, giving the user a vibration feeling as if the tactile presentation button 3 is vibrating mechanically. Thus, the user can perceive the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 through touch without relying on vision.

[0357] A strong tactile sensation different from the operation area is presented at the reference position of the operation, so that the user can perceive the reference position of the operation and the operation amount through the tactile sensation without relying on vision.

[0358] <Implementation method 5>

[0359] <Scale presentation>

[0360] like Fig.86 As shown, in the fifth embodiment, a scale is set in the operation area. n Indicates the area where the tactile presentation knob 3 can be rotated. n There are operation areas b1 to b n The scale area f1 to f n－1 . Scale area f1~f n－1 The other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description is omitted here.

[0361] Fig.87 To show that when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 exists in the operation lower limit position a, the operation area b1 to b n , operation area b2, scale area f1~f n－1 Specifically, when the indication position 50 is in the operation lower limit position a, the voltage signal s1 is applied, and when the indication position 50 is in the operation range b1 to b n Then, the voltage signal s2 is applied during the period of s1 to s2. Then, the indication position 50 is present in the scale area f1 to f2. n－1 Then, while the indication position 50 is at the operation upper limit position c, the voltage signal s3 is applied.

[0362] The following Fig.87 A specific example of the waveform structure of the voltage signal shown will be described.

[0363] <Concrete example 1>

[0364] Fig.88 It shows that when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 exists in the operation lower limit position a, the operation area b1 to bn , operation area b2, scale area f1~f n－1 And the waveform of the voltage signal V applied when operating at each position of the upper limit position c. Fig.89 Shown when applied Fig.88 The voltage signal shown is the friction force F generated between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100. Figures 90-95 The same is true.

[0365] like Fig.88 , 89 As shown, when the indication position 50 is at the operation lower limit position a or the operation upper limit position c, the amplitude ±V a When the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1~b n When the indication position 50 exists in the scale area f1 to f n－1 When the amplitude is ±V a The voltage signal. Fig.88 , 89 In the case of n Since only the dynamic friction force caused by the material and surface shape of the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic part 6 acts on the tactile presentation button 3, the user can operate smoothly with a light operating feeling. n－1 When a voltage signal is applied, the user can feel a strong feeling of going over a convex portion with a narrow width and a high height.

[0366] <Concrete example 2>

[0367] Fig.90 , 91 The scale area f1 to f is shown in a tactile manner. n－1 And when the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1~b n This is an example of a waveform of a voltage signal when a tactile sense representing a mechanical vibration sense as described in Embodiment 3 is presented.

[0368] When the indication position 50 is at the operation lower limit position a or the operation upper limit position c, an amplitude of ±V is applied. a When the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1~b n When a positive voltage signal V is applied at any period a When the indication position 50 exists in the scale area f1~f n－1 When the amplitude is ±V a Compared with the operating area b1~b n , in the scale area f1~f n－1The periodic application of voltage signal is longer than that of operation area b1 to b n , in the scale area f1~f n－1 Therefore, when the indicated position 50 passes through the scale area f1 to f n－1 When the user moves up and down, the user feels a strong feeling of moving over a convex portion having a narrow width and a high height.

[0369] <Concrete example 3>

[0370] Fig.92 , 93 The operation lower limit position a and the operation area b1 to b n , scale area f1~f n－1 When the indication position 50 is located at the operation lower limit position a, the operation upper limit position c, or the scale area f1 to f n－1 When the amplitude is ±V a The voltage signal is applied so that the application time is within the scale area f1 to f n－1 Shorter than at the lower operating limit position a and the upper operating limit position c.

[0371] When the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1 to b n When the same amplitude ±V is applied periodically a Thus, even with the same signal waveform, it is possible to show the inhibition of operation by the adsorption force at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, and the inhibition of operation by the adsorption force at the scale area f1 to f n－1 The waveform of the voltage signal is best used in situations where a high convex shape of the touch screen is required, such as operation in an environment where vibration may occur or operation with gloves, etc., where a high tactile intensity is required.

[0372] <Concrete example 4>

[0373] like Fig.94 , 95 As shown, by making the operation area b1 to b n The voltage signal of the operating area b1~b is lower than that of other areas. n The friction during operation is reduced, so the operation feels lighter. Fig.92 , 93 Compared with the case of the convex shape perceived by the vibration sense, the height is lower and smoother. In this way, by adjusting the time of applying the voltage signal with the same waveform and the cycle of the time when the voltage signal is applied and the time when the voltage signal is not applied, the tactile feeling can be freely created.

[0374] <Effect>

[0375] According to the fifth embodiment, when the user uses the tactile presentation button 3 to operate on the tactile presentation touch panel 400, the tactile sensation corresponding to the operation feeling and operation amount of the tactile presentation button 3 is presented to the user, and the operation feeling of the dial button that can be intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sensation and easy to use can be obtained. Therefore, the operation accuracy based on the tactile sensation can be improved and the reliability of the operation can be obtained.

[0376] Since the position of the tactile presentation button 3 on the touch panel and the tactile sensation during operation can be arbitrarily set, the number of operation switches can be reduced by using one tactile presentation button 3 for multiple operation purposes, thereby realizing an HMI layout that takes into account the user's operational convenience and usage purpose.

[0377] When one tactile sense presentation button 3 is used for a plurality of operation purposes, the effect of preventing erroneous operation can be obtained by utilizing the tactile sense during operation to recognize the operation content.

[0378] When the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, the rotation of the tactile presentation button 3 is stopped, so that the rotation operation cannot be performed in the non-operation area d. By presenting the operation range to the user in this way, the user can perceive the operation range and operation amount without relying on vision.

[0379] In the operable area, the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 causes a stuck or slipping phenomenon depending on whether or not a friction force is generated, giving the user a vibration feeling as if the tactile presentation button 3 is vibrating mechanically. Thus, the user can perceive the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 through touch without relying on vision.

[0380] The sense of crossing the scales as a standard of the operation amount set at equal intervals in the operation area is presented with a strong tactile sensation different from that of the operation area. Thus, the user can perceive the detailed operation amount through tactile sensation without relying on vision.

[0381] <Implementation Method 6>

[0382] <Presentation of the middle position and scale>

[0383] like Fig.96 As shown, the feature of the present embodiment 6 is to combine the embodiments 1 to 5. The other structures are the same as those of the embodiment 1, and thus detailed description is omitted here.

[0384] Fig.97 To show that when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 exists in the operation lower limit position a, the operation area b1 to b n , scale area f1~f n－1, intermediate position e, and operation upper limit position c. Specifically, voltage signal s1 is applied while indication position 50 is at operation lower limit position a. Then, voltage signal s2 is applied while indication position 50 is at operation range b1 to b2. n During the period of applying the voltage signal s2, the indicated position 50 exists in the scale area f1 to f n－1 During the period of , the voltage signal s5 is applied. During the period when the indication position 50 exists in the middle position e, the voltage signal s4 is applied. Thereafter, during the period when the indication position 50 exists in the operation upper limit position c, the voltage signal s3 is applied.

[0385] The following Fig.97 A specific example of the waveform structure of the voltage signal shown will be described.

[0386] <Concrete example 1>

[0387] Fig.98 It shows that when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 exists in the operation lower limit position a, the operation area b1 to b n , scale area f1~f n－1 , middle position e and upper limit position c. Fig.99 Shown when applied Fig.98 The voltage signal shown is the friction force F generated between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100. Figures 100-103 The same is true.

[0388] like Fig.98 , 99 As shown, when the indication position 50 is at the operation lower limit position a or the operation upper limit position c, the amplitude ±V a When the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1~b n When the indication position 50 exists in the scale area f1 to f n－1 When an amplitude of ±V is applied for a short time b When the indication position 50 is at the middle position e, the voltage signal of the scale area f1 to f n－1 Large amplitude ±V a The voltage signal. Fig.98 , 99 In the case of n Since only the dynamic friction force caused by the material and surface shape of the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic part 6 acts on the tactile presentation button 3, the user can operate smoothly with a light operating feeling. In addition, when the indication position 50 passes through the middle position e, the indication position 50 is more smooth than when it passes through the scale area f1 to f2. n－1The user can recognize and perceive the scale area f1 to f2 because the convex shape of the scale area f1 to f2 is higher. n－1 and the middle position e.

[0389] <Concrete example 2>

[0390] Fig.100 , 101 Shown compared to Fig.98 , 99 For operation area b1~b n An example of a waveform of a voltage signal when a tactile sense representing a more subtle mechanical vibration is presented.

[0391] When the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1 to b n When the application is compared with the scale area f1~f n－1 and the middle position e has a lower voltage signal and a shorter application time, a positive voltage signal V c According to this, when operating between the scales, a mechanical vibration feeling is presented, and the operating area b1~b n The friction force is increased to suppress malfunctions caused by hand shaking.

[0392] <Concrete example 3>

[0393] Fig.102 , 103 The operation lower limit position a and the operation area b1 to b n , scale area f1~f n－1 , an example of the waveform of the voltage signal when the intermediate position e and the operation upper limit position c are all set to the same waveform.

[0394] When the indication position 50 is located at the operation lower limit position a, the operation upper limit position c, or the scale area f1 to f n－1 When the amplitude is ±V a The voltage signal is applied so that the application time is within the scale area f1 to f n－1 It is shorter than at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c.

[0395] When the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1 to b n When the same amplitude ±V is applied periodically a Thus, even with the same signal waveform, it is possible to show the inhibition of operation by the adsorption force at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, and the inhibition of operation by the adsorption force at the scale area f1 to f n－1 The three tactile sensations are the feeling of passing over a highly convex shape and the feeling of mechanical vibration during operation. n <Scale area f1~f n－1By operating the lower limit position a and the upper limit position c, the shapes and intensities of the tactile sensations are perceived to be different, and the user can easily perceive the tactile sensation with fluctuations.

[0396] <Effect>

[0397] According to the sixth embodiment, when the user uses the tactile presentation button 3 to perform an operation on the tactile presentation touch panel 400, the user is presented with a tactile sensation corresponding to the operation sensation and operation amount of the tactile presentation button 3, and the user can obtain an operation sensation of a dial button that is intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sensation and easy to use. Therefore, the operation accuracy based on the tactile sensation can be improved and the reliability of the operation can be obtained.

[0398] Since the position of the tactile presentation button 3 on the touch panel and the tactile sensation during operation can be arbitrarily set, the number of operation switches can be reduced by using one tactile presentation button 3 for multiple operation purposes, thereby realizing an HMI layout that takes into account the user's operational convenience and usage purpose.

[0399] When one tactile sense presentation button 3 is used for a plurality of operation purposes, the effect of preventing erroneous operation can be obtained by utilizing the tactile sense during operation to recognize the operation content.

[0400] When the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, the rotation of the tactile presentation button 3 is stopped, so that the rotation operation cannot be performed in the non-operation area d. By presenting the operation range to the user in this way, the user can perceive the operation range and operation amount without relying on vision.

[0401] In the operable area, the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 causes a stuck or slipping phenomenon depending on whether or not a friction force is generated, giving the user a vibration feeling as if the tactile presentation button 3 is vibrating mechanically. Thus, the user can perceive the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 through touch without relying on vision.

[0402] The sense of crossing the scales as a standard of the operation amount set at equal intervals in the operation area is presented with a strong tactile sensation different from that of the operation area. Thus, the user can perceive the detailed operation amount through tactile sensation without relying on vision.

[0403] <Implementation Method 7>

[0404] <The tactile sensation increases in intensity from the lower limit to the upper limit within the operating range in accordance with the amount of operation>

[0405] The seventh embodiment is characterized in that the tactile sense gradually becomes stronger as the tactile sense presentation knob 3 is turned from the operation lower limit position a to the operation upper limit position c. The other structures are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, and thus detailed description is omitted here.

[0406] Fig.104 The waveform of the voltage signal V applied when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 exists in each of the operation lower limit position a, the operation areas b1 and b2, the middle position e, and the operation upper limit position c is shown. Fig.105 Shown when applied Fig.104 The voltage signal shown is the friction force F generated between the tactile presentation button 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100 .

[0407] like Fig.104 , 105 As shown, when the indication position 50 exists in the operation area b1, b2, the amplitude of the voltage signal gradually increases from the operation lower limit position a to the operation upper limit position c. If the difference in friction force is small, the user cannot feel the difference in tactile sensation, so it is preferred that the friction force at the intermediate position e is greater than that in the operation area b1, b2 by 30% or more.

[0408] In addition, the above description is for the case where there is an intermediate position e, but if Fig.37 It is also possible without the intermediate position e shown.

[0409] <Effect>

[0410] According to the seventh embodiment, when the user uses the tactile presentation button 3 to perform an operation on the tactile presentation touch panel 400, the user is presented with a tactile sensation corresponding to the operation sensation and operation amount of the tactile presentation button 3, and the user can obtain an operation sensation of a dial button that is intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sensation and easy to use. Therefore, the operation accuracy based on the tactile sensation can be improved and the reliability of the operation can be obtained.

[0411] Since the position of the tactile presentation button 3 on the touch panel and the tactile sensation during operation can be arbitrarily set, the number of operation switches can be reduced by using one tactile presentation button 3 for multiple operation purposes, thereby realizing an HMI layout that takes into account the user's operational convenience and usage purpose.

[0412] When one tactile sense presentation button 3 is used for a plurality of operation purposes, the effect of preventing erroneous operation can be obtained by utilizing the tactile sense during operation to recognize the operation content.

[0413] When the tactile presentation button 3 is at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit position c, the rotation of the tactile presentation button 3 is stopped, so that the rotation operation cannot be performed in the non-operation area d. By presenting the operation range to the user in this way, the user can perceive the operation range and operation amount without relying on vision.

[0414] In the operable area, the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 causes a stuck or slipping phenomenon depending on whether or not a friction force is generated, giving the user a vibration feeling as if the tactile presentation button 3 is vibrating mechanically. Thus, the user can perceive the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 through touch without relying on vision.

[0415] The sense of crossing the scales as a standard of the operation amount set at equal intervals in the operation area is presented with a strong tactile sensation different from that of the operation area. Thus, the user can perceive the detailed operation amount through tactile sensation without relying on vision.

[0416] By presenting a tactile sense having a strong sense of crossing at a position serving as a reference of the operation range, the user can intuitively grasp the indication position 50 of the tactile sense presentation button 3 within the operation range.

[0417] <Implementation Method 8>

[0418] <Invalid operation and tactile display outside the operating range>

[0419] In the first to seventh embodiments, the example of continuously applying a voltage signal to continuously prevent the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 while the operation direction of the tactile presentation button 3 is from the operation lower limit position a to the non-operation area d or from the operation upper limit position c to the non-operation area d is described. In this case, it is conceivable that the user does not immediately notice that the upper limit (or lower limit) of the operation range of the tactile presentation button 3 has been reached, and does not change the operation direction of the tactile presentation button 3 to the opposite direction.

[0420] In the eighth embodiment, when the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 reaches the upper operation limit position c or the lower operation limit position a and the operation direction is not changed to the opposite direction after a certain period of time, the application of the voltage signal is stopped and the generation of the adsorption force (strong friction force) is immediately stopped. At this time, by stopping the acceptance of the operation at the same time as the application of the voltage signal, the tactile presentation button 3 does not malfunction. In this way, the user is startled by the unexpected sudden turn of the tactile presentation button 3, and the user can be made to pay close attention to the fact that the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3 has reached the upper limit or the lower limit. In addition, the structure of the eighth embodiment is the same as any structure in the first to seventh embodiments, and thus the description is omitted here.

[0421] <Effect>

[0422] According to the eighth embodiment, by suddenly releasing the suction state after the suction force (strong friction force) is exerted to prevent the operation, the user can be made to more strongly sense that the operation is not accepted.

[0423] <Implementation Method 9>

[0424] <Invalid operation and tactile display outside the operating range>

[0425] Fig.106 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the tactile display 1. Fig.106 As shown, in this ninth embodiment, an ultrasonic element 60 (vibration element) is provided on the outer periphery of the surface of the transparent insulating substrate 101 opposite to the surface in contact with the tactile presentation button 3. The other structures are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

[0426] The friction between the tactile button 3 and the transparent insulating substrate 101 can be controlled by ultrasonic waves. In this case, the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves is lower than the high frequency region that generates a high pressure air layer between the tactile button 3 and the transparent insulating substrate 101 and no longer generates friction.

[0427] The ultrasonic element 60 is preferably disposed at a symmetrical position on the outer periphery of the transparent insulating substrate 101. By controlling the vibration timing of the ultrasonic element 60, the position where the vibration on the surface of the transparent insulating substrate 101 resonates can be set to the same position as the indicated position 50 of the tactile presentation button 3. In this case, a vibration of the same amplitude can be generated with a voltage less than when the ultrasonic element 60 works synchronously, which can contribute to a reduction in the overall power consumption of the tactile presentation touch display 1.

[0428] <Effect>

[0429] According to the ninth embodiment, the surface of the transparent insulating substrate 101 is vibrated by using the ultrasonic element 60, thereby generating friction between the tactile presentation button 3 and the transparent insulating substrate 101. Therefore, when the tactile presentation touch display 1 is used outdoors such as at sea, the tactile presentation button 3 can be used.

[0430] In addition, in Embodiments 1 to 9, the case where the tactile presentation button 3 is used and the rotation operation is performed around the rotation axis of the button is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of Embodiments 1 to 9 can also be applied to the case where the tactile presentation button 3 is slid like a slide switch. Specifically, by using the tactile presentation button 3 like a stylus pen, not only can linear sliding be performed up and down, left and right, and diagonal, but also circular sliding such as drawing a circle and zigzag sliding can be performed.

[0431] Furthermore, within the scope of the present disclosure, the various embodiments can be freely combined or the various embodiments can be appropriately modified or omitted.

[0432] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all aspects and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It should be understood that numerous modifications not shown in the examples can be envisioned without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A tactile presentation panel, wherein a tactile presentation button is placed on an operation surface and a tactile presentation button is used to present a tactile sensation to a user, the tactile presentation panel comprising: a contact position detection unit, for detecting a contact position between the tactile presentation button and the operation surface; A tactile control unit controls the presentation of different tactile sensations to each of the plurality of operation areas in the operation surface when the tactile presentation button is rotated; A tactile electrode, comprising a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the operation surface of the tactile presentation panel; and a voltage generating circuit that generates a first voltage signal having a first frequency to be applied to at least one of the first electrodes located in at least a portion of the operation surface, and generates a second voltage signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency to be applied to at least one of the second electrodes located in at least a portion of the operation surface, in, When the contact position detected by the contact position detection unit exists in one of the operation areas, the tactile sense control unit controls the operation area so that the friction between the tactile sense presentation button and the operation surface is presented as the tactile sense. The friction force between the tactile presentation button and the operation surface is generated based on the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal generated by the voltage generation circuit.

2. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 1, wherein: The tactile sense presentation button comprises: a position detection unit used when the contact position detection unit detects the contact position; and a conductive elastic unit presenting a tactile sense to the user. The position detection portion and the conductive elastic portion are in contact with the operation surface.

3. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 1, further comprising: A dielectric layer covers the tactile electrodes.

4. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 1, wherein: The friction force between the tactile presentation button and the operation surface changes according to changes in the amplitude and period of each of the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal generated by the voltage generation circuit.

5. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 1, wherein: The device further comprises at least one vibration element, which vibrates the operation surface of the tactile presentation panel using ultrasonic waves, The haptic control unit performs control to present the haptic through vibration of the vibration element.

6. The tactile presentation panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: One of the operation regions is an end operation region adjacent to a non-operation region where the rotation operation cannot be performed.

7. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 6, wherein: The haptic control unit performs control to present, as the haptic, the friction force greater than that in the other operation regions other than the end operation region in the end operation region.

8. The tactile presentation panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: One of the operation areas is an intermediate position area serving as a reference for the rotation operation.

9. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 8, wherein: The haptic control unit performs control to present, as the haptic sense, the friction force greater than that in the other operation regions other than the middle position region in the middle position region.

10. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 8, wherein: The haptic control unit performs control to present, as the haptic sense, the frictional force greater than that in the middle position region in the operation region other than the middle position region.

11. The tactile presentation panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The operation surface further includes a scale area indicating the divisions of the operation areas.

12. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 11, wherein: The haptic control unit performs control to present, as the haptic, the friction force greater than that in the other operation regions other than the scale region in the scale region.

13. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 8, wherein: The operation surface further includes a scale area indicating the separation of each of the operation areas. The tactile sense control unit performs control to present the friction force greater than that in the scale region as the tactile sense in the intermediate position region.

14. The tactile presentation panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The tactile sense control unit controls the tactile sense to change according to a rotation angle of the tactile sense presentation button.

15. A tactile display touch panel, comprising: A tactile presentation panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14; and A touch panel, arranged on a side of the tactile presentation panel opposite to the operating surface; in, The contact position detection unit is provided on the touch panel instead of the tactile sense presentation panel.

16. The tactile sense presenting touch panel according to claim 15, wherein: The detection electrodes and the excitation electrodes of the touch panel are arranged in pairs in a matrix.

17. A tactile display having: The tactile presentation touch panel according to claim 15 or 16; and A display panel is mounted on the tactile presentation touch panel.

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