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

Abstract

A tactile presentation panel is provided, wherein a tactile presentation knob is placed on an operating surface and tactile sensation is presented to a user via the tactile presentation knob. The panel comprises: a control circuit, which divides the operating surface into a plurality of areas and assigns a control object to each divided area, and sets a tactile sensation to be presented for each divided area; a tactile control circuit, which generates a tactile sensation set by the control circuit for each divided area by changing the friction between the operating surface and the tactile presentation knob; and a touch detection circuit, which detects the position of the tactile presentation knob on the tactile presentation panel and selects the control object by loading the tactile presentation knob within the divided 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, and a tactile presentation touch display. 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 a "touch position"). As a touch panel using an electrostatic capacitance method, there is a projected capacitive touch panel (PCAP: Projected Capacitive Touch Panel). PCAP can detect the touch position even when the user-side surface of the touch screen (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front side") is covered by a protective plate such as a glass plate with a thickness of about several mm. In addition, PCAP has advantages such as excellent firmness due to the ability to configure a protective plate on the front side, and long life due to the lack of a movable part.

[0003] The touch screen of the PCAP has a row-direction wiring layer for detecting the coordinates of a touch position in the row direction and a column-direction wiring layer for detecting the coordinates of a 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 "wiring layers for detection".

[0004] In addition, a member provided with a detection wiring layer is called a “touch screen”, and a device formed by connecting a detection circuit 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 simply 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 when viewed from the normal direction of the surface side, one of the first series of conductor elements and the second series of conductor elements overlaps with the other when viewed from above, but 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") using a detection circuit. In addition, the touch position between the conductor elements can be interpolated based on 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 been used in a large number of devices around us instead of mechanical switches. However, unlike mechanical switches, touch panels do not have bumps and depressions, and the feel is uniform, so the surface shape will not be deformed due to operation. Therefore, it is necessary to rely on vision to carry out the entire operation process from confirming the position of the switch to executing and completing the operation. When operating the audio system during driving a car and other operations in parallel, there are problems in the reliability of blind operation and the operability of visually impaired people.

[0008] For example, in vehicle-mounted equipment, touch panels are widely used from the perspective of design. Therefore, it is difficult to operate the vehicle-mounted equipment by blind touch while driving. From the perspective of ensuring safety, more and more attention is paid to touch panels with functions that can be operated by blind touch. In addition, in civilian equipment, touch panels are used as operation panels in many home appliances and electronic devices. In addition, from the perspective of design, the number of devices equipped with PCAPs whose surfaces are protected by cover glass has also increased. However, since the surface of the touch panel is smooth, it is impossible to confirm the position of the switch by feel, and it is difficult to cope with general design. In the case of PCAP, the glass surface is required to be smooth for design purposes, and it is difficult to cope with general design such as processing bumps on the glass surface corresponding to the switch position.

[0009] As a countermeasure to the above situation, there is a method of notifying the acceptance and completion of the operation by sound, but due to privacy and noise issues, the environment in which the sound function can be used is limited, and it does not achieve the same function and versatility as a mechanical switch. If the touch panel has the function of presenting the position of the switch and the function of giving feedback to the user through tactile sensation on the acceptance and completion of the operation, it can realize blind touch operation and universal design response.

[0010] In some cases, cellular phones and smart phones are equipped with a tactile feedback function using vibration to improve the reliability of operation and operability independent of vision. It is expected that the feedback function using vibration linked to the user's operation will quickly become familiar, 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 being able to coexist with PCAP and being low-cost, but in order to fully vibrate the entire device, it is not suitable to assemble the vibrator into the housing, and it cannot be applied to a large area due to the output limit of the vibrator. In the ultrasonic method, a tactile sensation such as a smooth feeling that cannot be generated by other methods can be generated, but for the same reasons as the vibration method, it is not suitable for assembly into the housing, and it cannot be applied to a large area, which is a disadvantage. Among the 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 methods can generate tactile sensations at any location, and can achieve large areas and multi-touch responses.

[0012] This method is described below. In addition, hereinafter, a member in which tactile electrodes are arranged on a transparent insulating substrate is referred to as a "tactile presentation screen", and a device in which a detection circuit is connected to the tactile presentation screen is referred to as a "tactile presentation panel". In addition, an area in the tactile presentation screen in which tactile presentation can be performed is referred to as a "tactile presentation area".

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

[0014] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6570799 Summary of the invention

[0015] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0016] In Patent Document 1, a button is installed and fixed on the screen of a display device equipped with a touch panel, so the user cannot rotate the rotary button at an arbitrary position that is easy to operate. In addition, since the tactile sense is presented on the button by vibration based on the control of the actuator, the tactile sense that can be presented on the button is limited to the vibration sense and the click sense, and the operable range specified by preventing the rotation operation cannot be presented. In addition, the friction between the screen of the display device and the rotary knob is always fixed when there is no tactile sense, so the resistance sense when the button is rotated cannot be changed. In this way, Patent Document 1 has the following problem: it is impossible to provide an operating feel of a dial knob that can be intuitively operated based on the user's tactile sense and is easy to use.

[0017] The present disclosure is completed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a tactile presentation panel, a tactile presentation touch panel, and a tactile presentation touch display that can realize intuitive operation based on the user's tactile sense and easy-to-use dial knob operation feel.

[0018] Solutions for solving problems

[0019] The tactile presentation panel based on the present disclosure places a tactile presentation knob on an operation surface, and presents tactile sensation to a user via the tactile presentation knob. The panel comprises: a control circuit, which divides the operation surface into a plurality of areas and assigns a control object to each divided area, and sets a tactile sensation to be presented for each divided area; a tactile control circuit, which generates a tactile sensation set by the control circuit for each divided area by changing the friction between the operation surface and the tactile presentation knob; and a touch detection circuit, which detects the position of the tactile presentation knob on the tactile presentation panel, and places the tactile presentation knob in the divided area to select the control object. The tactile presentation knob comprises a conductive elastic portion in contact with the operation surface, and a rotating portion including metal and resin disposed on the conductive elastic portion. The tactile sensation generated by the change in the friction between the operation surface and the conductive elastic portion is transmitted from the rotating portion to the user.

[0020] In addition, other tactile presentation panels based on the present invention place a tactile presentation knob on an operating surface, and present tactile sensation to a user via the tactile presentation knob, and include: a control circuit for setting the tactile sensation to be presented; a tactile control circuit for generating the tactile sensation set by the control circuit by changing the frictional force between the operating surface and the tactile presentation knob; and a touch detection circuit for detecting the position of the tactile presentation knob on the tactile presentation panel, wherein the tactile control circuit at least sets the frictional force on the operating surface so as to guide the tactile presentation knob to a specific area on the operating surface, and the tactile presentation knob includes a conductive elastic portion in contact with the operating surface and a rotating portion including metal and resin disposed on the conductive elastic portion, and the tactile sensation generated by the change in the frictional force generated between the operating surface and the conductive elastic portion is transmitted from the rotating portion to the user.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an operational feel of a dial knob that enables intuitive operation based on the user's sense of touch and is easy to use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of the tactile sense presenting touch display according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a rough representation Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of a tactile display showing a touch screen.

[0025] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the electrostatic capacitance formed between the tactile electrode of the tactile presentation panel and the tactile presentation knob.

[0026] Figure 4 It is used to illustrate Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of the electrostatic capacitance formed between the tactile electrode and the tactile presentation knob of the tactile presentation panel.

[0027] Figure 5 It means applied to Figure 2 A graph of an example of a voltage signal of a first frequency of a first electrode.

[0028] Figure 6 It means applied to Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a graph showing an example of a voltage signal of a second frequency at a second electrode.

[0029] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 5 and Figure 6 A graph of the amplitude modulated signal generated by combining various voltage signals.

[0030] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 2 A plan view of an example of a touch screen.

[0031] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view along line A1-A1 and line A2-A2.

[0032] Fig.10 Yes means Figure 2 A plan view of an example of a touch screen.

[0033] Fig.11 It is along Fig.10 A partial cross-sectional view of line B1-B1 and line B2-B2.

[0034] Fig.12 This is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a touch panel having a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Fig.13 This is a plan view schematically showing an example of the shapes of detection electrodes and excitation electrodes of a touch panel having a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Fig.14This is a plan view schematically showing an example of the shapes of detection electrodes and excitation electrodes of a touch panel having a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Fig.15 It is a rough representation Figure 2 A plan view of the structure of a tactile presentation screen.

[0038] Fig.16 It is used to illustrate Figure 2 Schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed between a tactile electrode of a tactile presentation panel and an indicator.

[0039] Fig.17 This is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a tactile presentation panel based on the segment structure of the first embodiment.

[0040] Fig.18 This is a plan view schematically showing an example of the shape of a tactile electrode of a tactile presentation panel having a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Fig.19 This is a plan view schematically showing an example of the shape of a tactile electrode of a tactile presentation panel having a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 20 It is used to illustrate Figure 2 A schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed between tactile electrodes and a tactile presentation knob when the pitch between tactile electrodes of a tactile presentation panel is larger than the diameter of a tactile presentation knob.

[0043] Fig.21 It is used to illustrate Figure 2 A schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed between tactile electrodes and a tactile presentation knob when a tactile presentation panel has a tactile electrodes with a pitch smaller than a diameter of a tactile presentation knob.

[0044] Fig. 22 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the rotating portion of the tactile sense presentation knob according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Fig.23 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a fixing portion when the position where the tactile sense presenting knob according to the first embodiment is placed is fixed at one place.

[0046] Fig.24 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a rotating shaft structure when the position of the tactile sense presentation knob according to the first embodiment is moved.

[0047] Fig.25 This is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the capacitance of line CC when the touch panel according to the first embodiment detects the position of the tactile sense presenting knob.

[0048] Fig.26 This is a diagram for explaining calculation of the rotation amount in the case where there are a plurality of position detection units according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 27 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the edge portion of the conductive elastic portion according to the first embodiment.

[0050] Fig.28 It is a rough representation Figure 1 A block diagram of the structure of a tactile presentation touch panel.

[0051] Fig.29 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 Schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed in the tactile presentation touch panel when the indicator does not contact the tactile presentation knob in the tactile presentation touch panel.

[0052] Fig.30 This is a rough representation of the situation when the indicator is not in contact with the tactile presentation knob. Figure 1 A time diagram of the tactile presentation and the action timing of the touch panel.

[0053] Fig.31 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 Schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed in the tactile presentation touch panel when a pointer contacts a tactile presentation knob in the tactile presentation touch panel.

[0054] Fig.32 It roughly shows the situation when the pointer touches the tactile presentation knob. Figure 1 A time diagram of the tactile presentation and the action timing of the touch panel.

[0055] Fig.33 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 A schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed in a tactile presentation touch panel when the tactile presentation touch panel detects a touch position.

[0056] Fig.34 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 A schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed in a tactile presentation touch panel when the tactile presentation touch panel generates tactile sensation.

[0057] Fig.35 This is an image diagram schematically showing the movement of electric charges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion when the tactile sense presenting knob is connected to the ground via the indicator when the signal voltage is applied according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Fig.36This is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of a tactile sense presenting touch panel when a part of the tactile sense electrodes that the tactile sense presenting knob contacts with are grounded via a dielectric layer when a signal voltage is applied according to the first embodiment.

[0059] Fig.37 This is a diagram showing an example of area division of a display according to the first embodiment.

[0060] Fig.38 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship with the structure of the back side of the tactile sense presenting knob when the tactile sense presenting knob 3 is placed on the divided area.

[0061] Fig.39 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the screen and the operation when the control objects displayed on the divided operation screen are arranged in a hierarchical structure.

[0062] Fig.40 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen at each level of the hierarchical structure operation.

[0063] Fig.41 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen at each level of the hierarchical structure operation.

[0064] Fig.42 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen at each level of the hierarchical structure operation.

[0065] Fig.43 This is a diagram for explaining an operation of selecting an operation area by moving the tactile sense presentation knob on the display in the first embodiment.

[0066] Fig.44 This is a diagram for explaining an operation of moving the tactile sense presentation knob to select an operation area on the display in the second embodiment.

[0067] Fig.45 This is a diagram showing a structure for generating a magnetic force in a display according to the second embodiment.

[0068] Fig.46 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of a magnetic force generating substrate in a display according to the second embodiment.

[0069] Fig.47 It is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the solenoid coil in the second embodiment.

[0070] Fig.48 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a solenoid coil in the second embodiment.

[0071] Fig.49 It is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the solenoid coil in the second embodiment.

[0072] Fig.50This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a solenoid coil in the second embodiment.

[0073] Fig.51 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the coil in the second embodiment.

[0074] Fig.52 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the coil in the second embodiment.

[0075] Fig.53 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the coil in the second embodiment.

[0076] Fig.54 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the coil in the second embodiment.

[0077] Fig.55 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a tactile sense presentation knob for guiding the display in the third embodiment.

[0078] Fig.56 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a tactile sense presentation knob for guiding the display in the third embodiment.

[0079] Fig.57 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a tactile sense presentation knob for guiding the display in the third embodiment.

[0080] Fig.58 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a tactile sense presentation knob for guiding the display in the third embodiment.

[0081] Fig.59 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a tactile sense presentation knob for guiding the display in the third embodiment.

[0082] Fig.60 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a tactile sense presentation knob for guiding the display in the third embodiment.

[0083] Fig.61 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a tactile sense presentation knob for guiding the display in the third embodiment.

[0084] Fig.62 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a tactile sense presentation knob for guiding the display in the third embodiment.

[0085] Fig.63 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a tactile sense presentation knob for guiding the display in the third embodiment.

[0086] Fig.64 This is a diagram for explaining an operation of selecting an operation area by moving the tactile sense presentation knob on the display in the fourth embodiment.

[0087] Fig.65This is a diagram for explaining an operation of selecting an operation area by moving the tactile sense presentation knob on the display in the fourth embodiment.

[0088] Fig.66 This is a diagram for explaining an operation of selecting an operation area by moving the tactile sense presentation knob on the display in the fourth embodiment.

[0089] Fig.67 This is a diagram showing a structure for suppressing positional deviation of a tactile sense presentation knob using frictional force in a display according to a fifth embodiment.

[0090] Fig.68 This is a diagram showing a structure for suppressing positional deviation of a tactile sense presentation knob using frictional force in a display according to a fifth embodiment.

[0091] Fig.69 This is a diagram showing a structure for suppressing positional deviation of a tactile sense presentation knob using frictional force in a display according to a fifth embodiment.

[0092] Fig.70 This is a cross-sectional view of a tactile sense presenting panel in Embodiment 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] <Implementation Method 1>

[0094] <Haptic Presentation Touch Display>

[0095] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of a tactile presentation device that places a tactile presentation knob 3 on the tactile presentation touch display 1 in the first embodiment to present the tactile sense of operation and the amount of operation. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the tactile sense presenting touch display 1 .

[0096] The tactile presentation touch display 1 includes 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 includes a pressure sensor 216. The tactile presentation touch panel 400 includes a tactile presentation panel 100 and a touch panel 200. The tactile presentation panel 100 includes a tactile presentation screen 150 and a voltage supply circuit 110. The touch panel 200 includes a touch screen 250 and a touch detection circuit 210.

[0097] In the first embodiment, the tactile display 150 is arranged on the side (front side) facing the user of the tactile display 1, and is fixed to the surface (front side) facing the user of the touch screen 250 by the adhesive material 10b. The touch screen 250 is fixed to the surface (front side) facing the user of the display panel 300 by the adhesive material 20a.

[0098] 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 the voltage supply circuit 110 via an FPC (Flexible Print Circuit) 108.

[0099] The touch screen 250 has 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 via the FPC 108. The touch detection circuit 210 detects the touched position on the transparent insulating substrate 101 of the tactile presentation screen 150. Thus, on the transparent insulating substrate 101, not only tactile presentation but also touch position detection can be performed. The touch detection circuit 210 has, for example, a detection IC (Integrated Circuit) for detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance caused by touch and a microcomputer. Details of the structure of the touch screen 250 will be described later with reference to specific examples.

[0100] 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 typically a liquid crystal panel. The display panel 300 may also be an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, a μLED (Micro Light Emitting Diode) panel, or an electronic paper panel. The touch panel 200 is typically a PCAP.

[0101] <Overview of Tactile Presentation Panel>

[0102] Figure 3 is used to schematically explain the electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 of the tactile presentation panel 100 and the tactile presentation knob 3. FE . Figure 4 yes Figure 3 When the tactile presentation knob 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 knob 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.

[0103] 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 the 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 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, the voltage signal Vb is applied to all the second electrodes 102 b located on at least a portion of the transparent insulating substrate 101 .

[0104] Figure 5 and Figure 6 They represent the voltage signal V a And the voltage signal V b The 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 (The second voltage signal) has a second frequency different from the first frequency. The voltage signal V a The amplitude and voltage signal V b The amplitude can also be the same as the amplitude V L .exist Figure 5 , Figure 6 In the example, as the voltage signal V a And the voltage signal V b , using sine waves of different frequencies. Pulse waves or waveforms with other shapes can also be used instead of sine waves. In order to generate a sufficiently large tactile sensation, the amplitude V L It is preferably about several tens of V.

[0105] Figure 7 Is the voltage signal V a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6 ) to generate an 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 knob 3 is formed. NE (Refer to Figure 4 ) in the region, repeating the process with amplitude V L Approximately 2 times the maximum amplitude V H The amplitude modulation signal V N As a result, the tactile sense knob 3 connected across the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b via the dielectric layer 106 is applied with the maximum amplitude V H The amplitude modulation signal V N The corresponding electrostatic force. Amplitude modulation signal V N A frequency having a beat corresponding to the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. Therefore, when the tactile presentation knob 3 rotates on the tactile presentation screen 150, the friction force acting on the tactile presentation knob 3 changes at the frequency of the beat. As a result, the tactile presentation knob 3 vibrates at the frequency of the beat. The user perceives the vibration of the tactile presentation knob 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 knob 3 by controlling the electrostatic force applied to the tactile presentation knob 3, thereby generating a tactile sensation.

[0106] As described above, a voltage signal V a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6 ) is an amplitude modulated signal V with a voltage approximately twice that of each signal. N Thus, the amplitude modulation signal V required to make the desired friction force act on the tactile presentation knob 3 can be N Using 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.

[0107] In order to provide a sufficiently large tactile sensation to the user, the maximum amplitude V H It can be large enough, compared with the amplitude V L can be a small value. Therefore, the amplitude V LIt does not need to be so large as to generate a sufficiently large tactile sensation by itself. L As a result, when only one of the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b contacts the tactile presentation knob 3, no matter how the voltage signal V is selected a And the voltage signal V b The frequency is so high that users can hardly feel the touch.

[0108] In order to make the tactile presentation knob 3 easily located at a position spanning the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, it is preferred that the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102 E Smaller than the diameter R of the contact surface CT NE The details will be described later.

[0109] <Touch Panel>

[0110] Figure 8 It is indicated as a touch screen 250 (refer to Figure 2 ) is a plan view of an example of an electrostatic capacitance touch screen 250a. Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view along line A1-A1 and line A2-A2.

[0111] The touch screen 250a has a plurality of row-direction wiring layers 206 and a plurality of column-direction wiring layers 207. Each row-direction wiring layer 206 includes a plurality of excitation electrodes 202 (see Figure 2 ), each column-direction wiring layer 207 includes 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 ) includes a single-layer film or a multi-layer film of a metal, or a multi-layer structure including one of them and also using other conductive materials. As the metal, for example, a low-resistance metal such as aluminum or silver is preferred. Figure 2 ) is also the same. By using metal as a wiring material, the wiring resistance can be reduced. On the other hand, since metal wiring is opaque, it is easy to visually identify. In order to reduce visibility and increase the transmittance of the touch screen, the metal wiring can be given a fine line structure. The fine line structure is typically mesh-shaped.

[0112] Each row-direction wiring layer 206 extends along the row direction (the x direction in the figure), and each column-direction wiring layer 207 extends along 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 8As 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 .

[0113] The interlayer insulating layer 204 includes a single layer of an organic insulating film, a single layer of an inorganic insulating film, or a multilayer film. Inorganic insulating films are excellent in terms of improving moisture resistance, and organic insulating films are excellent in terms of improving flatness. As the inorganic insulating film, for example, a transparent silicon-based inorganic insulating film such as a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, or an oxynitride silicon film, or a transparent inorganic insulating film including a metal oxide such as aluminum oxide is used. As the material of the organic insulating film, a polymer material having a main chain including silicon oxide, silicon nitride film, or oxynitride silicon film and having an organic substance bonded to its side chain or functional group, or a thermosetting resin having a main chain including carbon can be used. As the thermosetting resin, for example, an acrylic resin, a polyimide resin, an epoxy resin, a novolac resin, or an olefin resin is exemplified.

[0114] Each row-direction wiring layer 206 of the touch screen 250a is connected to the touch screen terminal portion 208 through the lead wiring layers R(1) to R(m). Each column-direction wiring layer 207 is connected to the touch screen terminal portion 208 through the lead wiring layers C(1) to C(n). The touch screen terminal portion 208 is provided at the end of the substrate 201.

[0115] The lead wiring layers R(1) to R(m) are arranged outside the detectable area, and extend to the corresponding electrodes in a manner that obtains approximately the shortest distance, starting from the lead wiring layer close to the center of the arrangement of the touch screen terminal portion 208. 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 setting such a configuration, the area of ​​the outer part of the detectable area in the substrate 201 can be suppressed.

[0116] 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 generation of noise in the other group due to the influence of one group. In addition, the noise generated by the display panel 300 (see FIG. 2 ) can be reduced. Figure 2 The shield wiring layer 209 may be formed simultaneously with the row-direction wiring layer 206 or the column-direction wiring layer 207 and made of the same material.

[0117] The insulating layer 205 is provided on the substrate 201 in such a manner 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 treated with an anti-glare treatment for a liquid crystal panel may be attached to the portion of the insulating layer 205 through which light for display is transmitted.

[0118] Fig.10 It is indicated as a touch screen 250 (refer to Figure 2 ) is a plan view of an example of an electrostatic capacitance touch screen 250b. Fig.11 It is along Fig.10 A partial cross-sectional view of the line B1-B1 and the line B2-B2. Fig.10 , Fig.11 In the example of FIG. 1 , a so-called diamond structure is used.

[0119] The row-direction wiring layer 206 and the column-direction wiring layer 207 are arranged in the same layer. The column-direction wiring layer 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 as the excitation electrode 202 and a bridge 206B that electrically connects the adjacent diamond-shaped electrodes. The interlayer insulating layer 204 is arranged 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 formation of the bridge tends to increase the resistance of the wiring layer, it is preferable to apply the bridge structure to the shorter side of the column-direction wiring layer and the row-direction wiring layer.

[0120] As the material of the row-direction wiring layer 206 and the column-direction wiring layer 207, for example, a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO) is used. ITO is light-transmissive, so the possibility of the wiring layer being visually recognized by the user is low. Transparent conductive films such as ITO have relatively high resistance, so they are suitable for use in small touch screens where wiring resistance is not a problem. In addition, transparent conductive films such as ITO are prone to wiring disconnection due to corrosion between them and other metal wirings, so in order to prevent corrosion, moisture resistance and water resistance need to be considered.

[0121] In addition, the above description describes a case where the structure of the touch screen is independent of the structure of the display panel, but they can also be inseparably integrated. For example, in the case of a so-called on-cell touch panel, the touch screen is directly formed on the substrate (typically 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.

[0122] In addition, in the above-mentioned touch screen, the detection structure including 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 1 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a touch screen 250 c having a detection structure in which segments including detection electrodes and excitation electrodes are arranged in a matrix. Fig.13 and Fig.14 Indicates that it is 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 touch screen 250c shown has a segment structure in which segments of the excitation electrodes 202a and the detection electrodes 203b are arranged in a matrix and driven separately. By switching the switch in the driving circuit, the touch panel 250c can also serve as the tactile sense presentation panel 100a and the touch panel 200 at the same time.

[0123] <Pressure Sensor>

[0124] illustrate Figure 1 The pressure sensor 216 shown. Generally speaking, the pressure sensor 216 includes the following types: a type that detects the pressure applied to a membrane (diaphragm) including semiconductor Si (silicon) as deformation of the membrane; an electrostatic capacitance type that detects deformation of a display panel or touch panel or the like caused by a pressing force based on a change in electrostatic capacitance; a resistive type that detects a change in resistance of a metal wire caused by strain corresponding to the pressing force, and the like.

[0125] In the case of the electrostatic capacitance type, for example, pressure sensors 216 are provided at four symmetrical locations on the diagonal line on the surface opposite to the display surface of the display panel 300. In this case, when the operation surface of the tactile presentation touch display 1 is pressed by the tactile presentation knob 3, the tactile presentation touch display 1 is bent in the direction of the surface side opposite to the operation surface by the pressing force, or the tactile presentation touch display 1 is slightly moved in the direction of the surface side opposite to the operation surface. The pressure sensor 216 detects the pressing force by detecting the capacitance change caused by the narrowing of the interval between the capacitance detection electrodes arranged in the pressure sensor 216. Each capacitance detection electrode in the pressure sensor 216 is parallel to the operation surface of the tactile presentation touch display 1 and is provided at an arbitrary interval.

[0126] 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.

[0127] In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the pressure sensor 216 is arranged on the lower side of the display panel 300 (the side opposite to the display surface), but it is not limited to this. The pressure sensor 216 can be arranged at a position in the structure of the tactile presentation touch display 1 where the reproducibility of the relationship between the shape change and the pressing force is good, the shape change caused by the pressing force is large, and the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 216 is the highest. In addition, instead of the pressure sensor 216, a sheet-shaped pressure sensor in which the sensor is arranged in a matrix shape can be arranged on the back of the display panel 300. In addition, it is not limited to this, and a pressure sensor in a manner most suitable for detection can be arranged.

[0128] <Haptic Presentation Panel>

[0129] Fig.15 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the tactile presentation screen 150 . Fig.16 is an illustration of the electrostatic capacitance C between the tactile electrode 102 and the tactile presentation knob 3 NE Schematic diagram of the formation of .

[0130] As described above, the tactile display screen 150 includes a transparent insulating substrate 101, tactile electrodes 102, and a dielectric layer 106. A 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. 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 tactile display panel terminal portion 107 is connected to the tactile display panel terminal portion 107 via the FPC 108 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ) is connected to a voltage supply circuit 110 (refer to Figure 2) In addition, the details of the lead-out wiring layer 105 will be described later.

[0131] Each tactile electrode 102 extends along the direction ( Fig.15 The plurality of tactile electrodes 102 extend along the arrangement direction ( Fig.15 In the horizontal direction) are arranged at intervals. Fig.15 In the example of FIG. 1 , the transparent insulating substrate 101 is in a rectangular shape having 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. In the case where the horizontal direction for an observer of the tactile presentation screen 150 is along the long side, the arrangement direction is along the horizontal direction.

[0132] In the above, an example is shown 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. For example, it may also be set as follows: Fig.17 As shown in the tactile presentation panel 100a, a plurality of segments are arranged in a matrix structure. Fig.18 and Fig.19 Indicates that it is configured in Fig.17 The shape of the tactile electrode 102 is not limited to the shape of the tactile electrode 102. Fig.18 and Fig.19 Such a shape can be used as long as the mutual capacitance in the same area is larger 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, the distance between the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b in the same area can be configured to be narrower than the distance between the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b in different areas. As a result, 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, so the wiring resistance of the tactile electrode 102 can be further reduced, and the tactile strength (tactile sensation) can be further improved.

[0133] The electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the tactile presentation knob 3 NEThe larger the area, the stronger the tactile sensation that can be presented. From this viewpoint, it is preferred that the area of ​​the tactile electrode 102 is large. When the size of the area of ​​the tactile electrode 102 is prioritized, it is difficult to make the tactile electrode 102 difficult to visually identify by giving the tactile electrode 102 a fine structure. In order to increase the area of ​​the tactile electrode 102 while making the tactile electrode 102 difficult to visually identify, the tactile electrode 102 can be formed from a transparent conductive film. As a typical material for a transparent conductive film, there is ITO. Transparent conductive films such as ITO have a relatively high resistance compared to metals, and are therefore suitable for use in 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 content of the dopant is increased to reduce the resistivity. In this case, sometimes the light absorption rate of the ITO changes and the touch screen appears to be colored, so sometimes it is necessary to adjust the color tone of the display, etc. In addition, transparent conductive films such as ITO are prone to disconnection due to corrosion between them and other metal wirings. Therefore, when reducing wiring resistance by stacking electrodes with other metals, it is necessary to consider moisture resistance and water resistance to prevent corrosion.

[0134] The tactile electrode 102 may also be a single-layer film or a multi-layer film of a metal, or an electrode having a multi-layer structure including one of them and also using other conductive materials (hereinafter also referred to as a "metal film containing electrode"), instead of using the transparent conductive film as described above. 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, since the metal film is opaque, it is easy to visually identify. Therefore, in order to make the metal film difficult to visually identify, the metal film containing electrode can be given a fine line structure. The fine line structure is typically mesh-shaped.

[0135] The dielectric layer 106 includes 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. The tactile presentation knob 3 rotates on the dielectric layer 106, so the dielectric layer 106 needs to have high wear resistance. Although organic insulating films are preferred in order to obtain high flatness, they have low hardness and low wear resistance. 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, for example, a transparent silicon-based inorganic insulating film such as a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, an oxynitride silicon film, or a transparent inorganic insulating film including a metal oxide such as aluminum oxide is used. As the material of the organic insulating film, a polymer material having a main chain including 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 including carbon can be used. Examples of the thermosetting resin include acrylic resin, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, novolac resin or olefin resin.

[0136] The electrostatic capacitance C is expressed by the following formula (1): NE .

[0137] C NE =Q / V=εS / d···(1)

[0138] 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 knob 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.

[0139] According to the above formula (1), in order to increase the electrostatic capacitance C NE, preferably the dielectric constant ε is 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 of displacement of positive and negative charges is generated in the material due to an electric field applied from the outside (generally referred to as dielectric polarization). The dielectric polarization maintains the charge generated by polarization (generally referred to as polarization charge) during the period when the voltage is maintained. When the voltage drops, 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 according to the electric field. The high dielectric constant insulating film can be used as a single layer or 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 speaking, the higher the dielectric constant, the higher the refractive index. Therefore, by stacking a high dielectric constant insulating film with a low dielectric constant insulating film, a stacked structure of a high refractive index film and a low refractive index film is obtained. Due to this stacked structure, the dielectric layer 106 can also function as an antireflection film.

[0140] In addition, according to the above formula (1), in order to increase the electrostatic capacitance C NE , preferably the thickness d is small. By stacking the high dielectric constant insulating film and the 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.

[0141] When the tactile electrode is assumed to be 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. This concave-convex is flattened if the thickness of the insulating layer covering it is large, but in order to avoid the electrostatic capacitance C NE If the thickness of the insulating layer decreases too much, there is a limit to the thickness of the insulating layer. Therefore, it is possible that unevenness will occur on the surface of the tactile display screen. If the texture of the unevenness is mixed with the texture caused by the electrostatic force from the tactile electrode, it will be difficult to provide the user with the expected texture. When an organic insulating film with a flattening effect on the surface shape is used as the dielectric layer 106, the above unevenness can be avoided, but a certain thickness is required for flattening, so the electrostatic capacitance C NE The decline is inevitable.

[0142] In contrast, according to the first embodiment, the tactile electrode 102 has no intersection, so the size of the concavoconvex is suppressed to about the thickness of the tactile electrode 102. As a result, it is possible to achieve thinning of an organic film having a planarizing effect, or to apply a high dielectric constant insulating film having a low planarizing effect. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance C can be increased compared to the case of a matrix structure. NEIn addition, the contact surface of the tactile presentation screen 150 with the tactile presentation knob 3 has few irregularities, so when no signal voltage is applied, the tactile sensation caused by the irregularities on the surface is not applied to the tactile presentation knob 3, and thus the tactile sensation of the tactile presentation knob 3 becomes clearer when a signal voltage is applied.

[0143] In addition, even if the electrostatic capacitance C NE Similarly, if the tactile presentation knob 3 slides easily on the dielectric layer 106, the change in the electrostatic force between the tactile presentation knob 3 and the tactile electrode 102 is also easily perceived by the user as a change in frictional force. Thus, a greater sense of touch can be provided to the user. In order to make the tactile presentation knob 3 slide easily on the dielectric layer 106, it is necessary to suppress the adhesion between the dielectric layer 106 and the tactile presentation knob 3. For this purpose, for example, a film having a higher hydrophobicity than the inside of the dielectric layer 106 may 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 sides.

[0144] <Electrode spacing>

[0145] Fig. 20 is the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102 E Greater than the diameter R of the tactile presentation knob 3 FE The electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the tactile presentation knob 3 in the case of NE Schematic diagram of . Fig.21 is 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 knob 3 in the case of NE Schematic diagram of .

[0146] In the first embodiment, as described above, voltage signals V of 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 ), generates an amplitude modulated signal V N (Refer to Figure 7 ) corresponding to the electrostatic force. Thus, the friction force between the dielectric layer 106 and the tactile presentation knob 3 and the amplitude modulation signal V N The frequency of the beat changes accordingly, and the user perceives the change as a tactile sensation. Fig. 20 In the state shown, for the tactile presentation knob 3, only the voltage signal V a Works, voltage signal V b does not work, so no amplitude modulation signal V is generated NOn the other hand, when the tactile sense presentation knob 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 of , there are positions where tactile sensation is generated and positions where tactile sensation is not generated according to the position of the tactile sensation presentation knob 3. Fig.21 In the state shown, regardless of the position of the tactile presentation knob 3, the voltage signal V a And the voltage signal V b These two parties act on the tactile presentation knob 3, thereby generating an amplitude modulation signal V N Therefore, in Fig.21 In the structure, the tactile sense can be felt regardless of the position of the tactile sense presentation knob 3, and the position of the tactile sense presentation knob 3 can be set arbitrarily. That is, in order to make the tactile sense presentation knob 3 easily located at a position spanning the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, for example, in the position described later Fig. 22 When the conductive elastic portion 6 is divided as shown in FIG. 1 , it is preferable that the width 6 b 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 .

[0147] <Structure of the tactile presentation knob>

[0148] Fig. 22 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the rotating portion 4 of the tactile sense presentation knob 3 . Fig.23 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing portion 5 when the rotating portion 4 is placed on the contact surface of the tactile sense presentation panel 100 and rotated, in a case where the position where the tactile sense presentation knob 3 is placed is fixed at one place. 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 knob 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 metals such as aluminum, SUS, and copper, and resins 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, and fluororesin. The operating feeling and tactile sensation vary according to the weight of the tactile presentation knob 3, so the material is selected according to the user's preference, the use environment and purpose of the tactile presentation knob 3, and the like. The rotating part side surface 10 needs to be connected to the conductive elastic part 6 and the indicator 2 (see 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 (desirably with a resistance of 10 3 It is desirable to set the resistance value of the surface portion 10s and the boundary conductive portion 16s to a value that maximizes 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.

[0149] The tactile presentation knob 3 is a cylindrical shape that is the same as the shape of the shaft 14 and the shape of the hole of the fixing hole 9, and is a component formed by inserting the shaft 14 of the fixing part 5 (rotating shaft 5a) into the fixing hole 9 of the rotating part to form an integrated structure. As for the gap between the shaft 14 and the fixing hole 9, it is desirable that the gap be as narrow as possible within the range in which the rotating part 4 rotates smoothly. If the gap between the shaft 14 and the fixing hole 9 is narrow, the shaking of the rotating shaft when the tactile presentation knob 3 is rotated is reduced, and the tactile sense that is different from the tactile sense that should be given to the tactile presentation knob 3, such as the shaking and vibration of the rotating part 4 caused by the shaking of the rotating shaft, is suppressed from being given to the indicator 2, and the tactile sense given to the user becomes clearer. In order to make the rotating part 4 rotate smoothly, it is desirable that the surface of the shaft 14 and the surface of the inner surface of the fixing hole 9 have as few as possible irregularities, and the surface roughness of both is desirable to be less than Ra0.5μm. It is desirable that the inner diameter tolerance of the fixing hole 9 is 0 to +0.5mm, and the outer diameter tolerance of the shaft 14 is -0.0005mm.

[0150] The fixed portion 5 (rotational axis portion 5a) is the portion that becomes the rotational axis when the rotating portion 4 rotates, and plays the role 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 .

[0151] The surface portion 10s and the boundary conductive portion 16s of the rotating portion side surface 10 of the rotating portion 4, which are in contact with the indicator 2 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, it is desirable to use a metal with low electrical resistance. 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.

[0152] The conductive elastic part 6 is a conductor that forms an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102. The conductive elastic part 6 is divided into two or more parts to prevent the tactile strength from decreasing. The details of the effect will be described later. By making the conductive elastic part 6 elastic, there is an effect of suppressing the decrease in tactile strength due to decreased adhesion. If the adhesion between the conductive elastic part 6 and the surface of the tactile presentation panel is reduced due to the processing accuracy of the rotating part 4 and the fixing part 5 (rotating shaft part 5a), the decrease in flatness caused by the assembly accuracy of the tactile presentation screen 150, the unevenness, the tiny unevenness on the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100, etc., the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6 form an electrostatic capacitance not only through the dielectric layer but also through the air with a small dielectric constant, and the electrostatic capacitance formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6 is reduced, resulting in a decrease in tactile strength. By making the conductive elastic part 6 elastic, the gap between the dielectric layer and the conductive elastic part 6 caused by the unevenness is filled, and the decrease in tactile strength due to decreased adhesion can be prevented. As a material for the conductive elastic part 6, a resin material having elasticity called conductive rubber, which is preferably made of CNR, CR rubber, NBR rubber, silicon, fluororubber, EPT rubber, SBR, butyl rubber, acrylic rubber or CSM rubber as a base material and mixed with conductive carbon black or metal powder or other conductive substances. 6 The lower the volume specific resistance, the more difficult it is to accumulate charges in the conductive elastic part 6. The details of the charge accumulation in the conductive elastic part 6 will be described later. In addition, an electrostatic capacitance is formed with the tactile electrode 102, so when the withstand voltage characteristic is as high as possible, the life and reliability of the conductive elastic part 6 are further improved, which is preferred. The position detection part 7 forms an electrostatic capacitance with the detection electrode 203 of the touch screen 250 to detect the position and rotation amount of the tactile presentation knob 3.

[0153] The material forming the position detection portion 7 is a conductor capable of forming an electrostatic capacitance with the detection electrode 203, and has elasticity similar to the conductive elastic portion 6, and can also use the same material as the conductive elastic portion 6. When the adhesion with the tactile presentation panel 100 is good, it is less likely to produce a difference between the design value and the actual electrostatic capacitance value, and stable position detection accuracy can be obtained.

[0154] If the conductive elastic part 6 and the position detection part 7 are set to the same thickness so that there is no gap between them and the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 and they are in close contact, strong tactile strength and high-precision position detection can be obtained. It is expected that the flatness of the surface where the conductive elastic part 6 and the position detection part 7 are in contact with the tactile presentation panel 100 (the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the measured value measured relative to a certain reference plane) is 0.5 mm or less. In addition, regarding the diameter of the contact area of ​​the finger of a person on the touch surface when operating the touch panel, it is considered that children are 3 mm and adults are up to about 7 mm to 10 mm, so the area of ​​the position detection part 7 can be considered to be 7 mm 2 Above and 400mm 2 the following.

[0155] <Detection of knob position and rotation amount>

[0156] Fig.25 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the capacitance profile of line CC when the touch panel 200 performs detection when detecting the position of the tactile presentation knob 3. The tactile generation of the tactile presentation knob 3 and the position detection of the tactile presentation knob 3 are performed in a time-division manner. During the period when the signal voltage 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 so as to form an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102 to avoid causing a drop 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, and the electrostatic capacitance is formed by the conductive elastic part 6 and the detection electrode 203 via the tactile electrode 102 to detect the change in the electrostatic capacitance between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203, thereby detecting the position of the tactile presentation knob 3.

[0157] The detection electrode 203 forms capacitance with both the position detection portion 7 and the conductive elastic portion 6 to detect the capacitance. At this time, due to the presence of the gap 8, the capacitance profile with the position detection portion 7 and the capacitance profile with the conductive elastic portion 6 have peaks at different positions, and the respective positions are detected separately.

[0158] Regarding the rotation amount of the tactile presentation knob 3, when there is only one position detection unit 7, the rotation amount is calculated based on the movement amount of the position detection unit 7 from the initial position as the movement only in the rotation direction. The position detection unit 7 may not necessarily be one. Fig.26 When there are multiple position detectors 7 as shown, the rotation amount θ can be calculated based on the direction vector P1-P2 between the position detectors 7 at the initial positions (P1, P2) and the direction vector P1'-P2' at the moved positions (P1', P2').

[0159] exist Fig.26 In the equation (4), P1'-P2' is expressed by the following equations (2) and (3), when the rotation center is set to P0, the translation amount is set to Txy, the coordinate transformation matrix of the rotation angle θ is set to R, and the unit matrix is ​​set to I.

[0160] P1'=R·P1-(RI)·P0+Txy···(2)

[0161] P2'=R·P2-(RI)·P0+Txy···(3)

[0162] P1'-P2'=R·(P1-P2)···(4)

[0163] When the coordinate transformation matrix R is equal to the unit matrix I (R=I), it is a translation action, and Txy is expressed by the following equation (5).

[0164] Txy=P1'-P1···(5)

[0165] In addition, when the operating range of the tactile presentation knob 3 is set to exceed 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 of the position detection unit 7 and the direction of rotation angle change. The more pairs of position detection units 7 used in the calculation, the higher the measurement accuracy of the rotation angle. However, the area of ​​the conductive elastic part 6 becomes smaller, so the number of position detection units 7 is determined by balancing the tactile strength and the measurement accuracy of the rotation angle. The indication position line 11 (refer to Fig. 22 ) is arranged on the rotating part 4 to seek visualization of the knob 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) where the indicating position line 11 should be located as the initial state can be calculated, thereby simplifying the calculation process.

[0166] <Distance between electrodes>

[0167] Fig. 27 An example of the positional relationship between the conductive elastic portion 6 and the position detection portion 7 in the tactile presentation knob 3 is shown. 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 is represented by a gap 8, and the distance between the conductive elastic portions 6 when the position detection portion 7 is not arranged between the adjacent conductive elastic portions 6 is represented by a gap 8a. When the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 has unevenness 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 knob 3 vibrates due to the unevenness of the surface. This vibration is sensed by the indicator 2 regardless of the voltage signal applied to the tactile electrode 102. As a result, it may be difficult for the indicator 2 to feel the tactile sensation obtained by the voltage signal. In other words, the tactile intensity may decrease.

[0168] Even if there are irregularities on the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100, whether the indicator 2 can easily feel the irregularities depends on the inter-electrode distance of the tactile electrode 102 as described later. The larger the permissible irregularities, the less necessary it is to increase the thickness of the dielectric layer 106 in order to alleviate the irregularities. In other words, it is permissible to reduce the thickness of the dielectric layer 106. As a result, the capacitance formed between the conductive elastic portion 6 and the tactile electrode 102 can be increased. Therefore, a stronger tactile sensation can be generated. In addition, if the inter-electrode distance of the tactile electrode 102 is larger 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 scratched by the unevenness of the surface of the tactile electrode 102 caused by the distance between the electrodes, and an unexpected tactile sensation is generated in the tactile presentation knob 3, so it is desirable that the distance between the electrodes of the tactile electrodes 102 is narrower than the gap 8. In addition, when the distance between the electrodes of the tactile electrodes 102 is narrow, the dedicated area of ​​the tactile electrode 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.

[0169] <Detailed Structure of Tactile Presentation Touch Panel>

[0170] Fig.28This is a block diagram schematically showing 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(n) are arranged in order according to the numbers in the 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, in order to simplify the description, 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 ).

[0171] 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.

[0172] The touch detection circuit 210 includes 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 sequentially applies an excitation pulse signal to the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m). The charge detecting circuit 212 measures the signal obtained from each detection electrode of the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). Thus, the charge detecting circuit 212 detects the charge amount of each detection electrode of the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). Regarding the information on the charge detection result, k is set to an integer greater than 1 and less than m, indicating the value of the mutual capacitance between the excitation electrode Ty(k) and each detection electrode of the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) when the excitation pulse signal is applied 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.

[0173] The touch coordinate data is output to the knob movement amount calculation circuit 220, and is also output as touch action information to the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120, the tactile presentation control circuit 114 (tactile control circuit), and the movement direction prediction circuit 230. The knob movement amount calculation circuit 220 outputs the information of the rotation angle, rotation speed, and horizontal movement distance as the movement amount of the knob to the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120 (tactile intensity calculation circuit), the display screen processing circuit 321, and the movement direction prediction circuit 230. The tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120 outputs the electrical signal condition that realizes the tactile intensity (operation sense intensity) calculated based on the input information to the tactile presentation control circuit 114. The movement direction prediction circuit 230 predicts the direction of movement of the tactile presentation knob 3 according to the position change of the tactile presentation knob 3 based on the touch action information and the movement amount of the knob. Specifically, regarding the prediction of the moving direction of the tactile presentation knob 3, when there is only one position detection unit 7, the direction obtained by extending the straight line connecting the initial position of the position detection unit 7 on the coordinates of the touch panel 200 and the next detection position in the direction of the next detection position is set as the moving direction. The position detection unit 7 does not necessarily have to be one. Fig.26 When there are multiple position detection units 7 as shown, the direction obtained by extending the straight line connecting the initial position (P1, P2) and the moved position (P1', P2') P1 and P1' or P2 and P2' in the direction of the moved position can be set as the moving direction.

[0174] In this way, the touch detection circuit 210 has a function of a contact position detection unit that detects the contact position between the tactile sense presenting knob 3 and the operation surface of the tactile sense presenting panel 100. In addition, the tactile sense presenting panel 100 may also have the function of the contact position detection unit.

[0175] The display screen processing circuit 321 edits image information such as icon lists, indoor environment setting values ​​such as temperature, humidity, and volume, places, regions, facility names, TV broadcast station names, radio broadcast station names and broadcast frequencies, music, video titles, news, Web site names, text lists such as phone books, map information (two-dimensional, three-dimensional), route information, TV dramas, movies, cartoons, news, videos, and other image information as image data, and transmits it to the display panel 300 (refer to FIG. Figure 1 ) A circuit (not shown) for supplying image signals. In addition, it is also connected to the user interface control circuit 240, and receives control from the user interface control circuit 240 to perform processing such as dividing the display screen of the display panel 300.

[0176] The user interface control circuit 240 sets a control object and a tactile sense corresponding to the control object in each divided area of ​​the divided display screen, and controls the display screen processing circuit 421 and the tactile sense formation condition conversion circuit 120 .

[0177] The tactile sensation forming condition conversion circuit 120 sets a tactile sensation forming condition, such as a tactile sensation intensity, corresponding to the amount of movement of the knob. Based on the set tactile sensation forming condition, the tactile sensation presentation control circuit 114 of the voltage supply circuit 110 controls the operation of the tactile sensation presentation voltage generation circuit 113 based on the tactile sensation intensity set by the tactile sensation forming condition conversion circuit 120, and supplies a voltage signal to the tactile sensation presentation panel 100. Therefore, the display change of the display panel corresponding to the amount of movement of the tactile sensation presentation knob 3 is synchronized with the tactile sensation obtained from the knob.

[0178] In addition, a magnetic force generating substrate 500 (see Fig.46 ), a magnetic force generating circuit 260 connected to the moving direction prediction circuit 230 is provided, and current is supplied from the magnetic force generating circuit 260 to the solenoid coil or the like to generate magnetic force. The magnetic force generating circuit 260 receives information about the moving direction of the tactile presentation knob 3 from the moving direction prediction circuit 230, and can control the position of the magnetic force generated in the magnetic force generating substrate 500 to match the moving direction of the tactile presentation knob 3. In addition, the moving direction prediction circuit 230 also provides the information about the moving direction of the tactile presentation knob 3 to the tactile presentation control circuit 114, and can also change the position and strength of the tactile sense provided to match the moving direction of the tactile presentation knob 3.

[0179] 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 Va to the first electrode 102a of the tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) and applies a voltage signal Vb to the second electrode 102b via the switch circuit 112. 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 the voltage signal V b . The switch circuit 112 is in an on state or an off state based on an instruction from the tactile presentation voltage generating circuit 113. The switch circuit 112 connects the tactile electrode 102 to the tactile presentation voltage generating circuit 113 in the on state, and sets the tactile electrode 102 to a floating state in the off state. In the present embodiment 1, the switch circuit 112 has two switches 40, one of which performs a switching operation on the electrical paths of all the first electrodes 102a, and the other performs a switching operation on the electrical paths of all the second electrodes 102b. These two switches 40 can also be controlled in a linked manner. In addition, the switch 40 is equivalent to a switching unit.

[0180] The tactile presentation control circuit 114 refers to the information of the tactile strength calculated by the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120. Based on this information, the tactile presentation control circuit 114 can control the operation of the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113. That is, the touch detection circuit 210 also functions as a contact detection unit that detects that the user has touched the tactile presentation knob 3.

[0181] <Tactile presentation of touch panel action>

[0182] 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 sense presenting knob 3 . Fig.30 The tactile sense presenting touch panel 400 is schematically shown when the indicator 2 is not in contact with the tactile sense presenting knob 3 (see Fig.28 )’s action timing diagram.

[0183] When the indicator 2 does not touch the tactile presentation knob 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, and the charge detection circuit 212 detects the charge amount mainly based on the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode 203 and the excitation electrode 202. The touch detection control circuit 213 also outputs the control signal of the excitation electrode 202 to the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113.

[0184] Based on the control signal, the tactile sense presentation voltage generation circuit 113 can recognize the touch detection period P1. During the touch detection period P1, the tactile sense presentation voltage generation circuit 113 turns off the switch 40 of the switch circuit 112. As a result, the electrical connection between the tactile sense presentation voltage generation circuit 113 and all the tactile electrodes 102 is cut off. As a result, the potential of all the tactile electrodes 102 becomes a floating state.

[0185] Next, during the touch coordinate calculation period P2, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 determines whether there is a touch using the indicator 2 based on the charge detection results of the mutual capacitance corresponding to each of the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) input and held from the charge detection circuit 212, in other words, the charge detection results of the capacitance 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 due to 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. When it is determined that there is a touch, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 starts calculating the touch coordinate data based on the above-mentioned charge detection results. Specifically, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 can calculate the touch coordinate data by performing calculations such as centroid calculations on the detection results of the intersection where the charge decrease is the largest and its surrounding intersections. 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.

[0186] Here, the operation in the case where the determination result that the pointer 2 is in contact with the tactile sense presenting knob 3 is not made will be described below.

[0187] Fig.31 This is a schematic diagram showing the image of the electrostatic capacitance between the excitation electrode 202 and the position detection unit 7 when the pointer 2 contacts the tactile sense presenting knob 3 . Fig.32 The tactile sense presenting touch panel 400 (see FIG. Fig.28 )’s action timing diagram.

[0188] When the pointer 2 contacts the tactile presentation knob 3, the conductive elastic portion 6 is grounded via the tactile presentation knob 3 and the pointer 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 pointer 2 contacts the tactile presentation knob 3.

[0189] During the touch detection period P1, the touch detection control circuit 213 outputs a control signal indicating the first conversion timing to the excitation pulse generating circuit 215. The excitation pulse generating circuit 215 receives the control signal and provides an excitation pulse signal (charging pulse signal) to the excitation electrode Ty(1). As a result, 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 the excitation electrode Ty(1) when viewed from above is charged. The charge detection circuit 212 detects the amount of charge based on the above-mentioned charging using the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). Then, the charge detection circuit 212 performs analog / digital conversion (A / D conversion) on the detection result, and outputs the digital information obtained as the 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 conversion timings to the excitation pulse generating circuit 215. Corresponding to each of the second to mth 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 .

[0190] The touch detection control circuit 213 also outputs the control signal to the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113. Based on the control signal, the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113 can identify the touch detection period P1. During the touch detection period P1, the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113 turns off the switch 40 of the switch circuit 112. As a result, the electrical connection between the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113 and all the tactile electrodes 102 is cut off. As a result, the potential of all the tactile electrodes 102 becomes a floating state.

[0191] Next, during the touch coordinate calculation period P2, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 determines whether there is a touch using the indicator 2 based on the charge detection results of the mutual capacitance corresponding to each of the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) input and held from the charge detection circuit 212, in other words, the charge detection results of the capacitance 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 due to 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. When it is determined that there is a touch, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 starts calculating the touch coordinate data based on the above-mentioned charge detection results. Specifically, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 can calculate the touch coordinate data by performing calculations such as centroid calculations on the detection results of the intersection where the charge decrease is the largest and its surrounding intersections.

[0192] Next, during the touch coordinate sending period P3, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 outputs the touch coordinate data to the knob movement amount calculation circuit 220 according to the touch coordinate data sending timing from the touch detection control circuit 213, and also outputs the touch coordinate data as touch action information to the tactile formation condition transformation circuit 120 and the tactile presentation control circuit 114.

[0193] Next, in the determination period P4 , the tactile sense presentation control circuit 114 determines the position of the tactile sense presentation knob 3 based on the touch coordinate data, and determines the area for tactile sense presentation.

[0194] The tactile presentation control circuit 114 selects a tactile presentation signal waveform (voltage signal waveform) corresponding to the coordinates of the display screen and the tactile presentation knob 3 based on the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120. The “tactile presentation signal waveform” is used to define the voltage signal V a And the 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 typically 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 tactile presentation signal waveform. When there is 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.

[0195] 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 connected to GND, or the switch is not turned on as it is, so that the tactile electrode 102 is floating. As a result, a signal is applied to the tactile electrode 102, so that tactile sensation is presented. 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, typically 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, typically 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.

[0196] After the tactile presentation signal application period P5, the process returns to the touch detection period P1. Thus, the above-mentioned operation is repeated. Thus, the tactile presentation touch panel 400 can detect the position of the tactile presentation knob 3 and present tactile sensations corresponding to the position of the tactile presentation knob 3 and the display screen.

[0197] Fig.33 It indicates the touch detection period P1 (refer to Fig.32 ) is a schematic diagram showing the formation of electrostatic capacitance in the touch panel 400. 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. This improves the sensitivity of touch detection.

[0198] Fig.34 is a period P5 during which the tactile presentation signal is applied (see Fig.32 ) is a schematic diagram of the formation of electrostatic capacitance in the 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. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance C can be suppressed due to the formation of capacitance between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203. NE The influence of the spread. Alternatively, the potential of the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 of the touch panel 200 can also be substantially set to a constant potential. For example, the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 can also be connected to the ground potential with low impedance. As a result, the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 can function as a shield between the tactile electrode 102 and the display panel 300. Therefore, the noise generated in the display panel 300 due to the high voltage signal applied to the tactile electrode 102 is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the display defect caused by the noise. In addition, the noise generated in the tactile electrode 102 due to the display panel 300 is suppressed. When the tactile presentation signal is applied to the tactile electrode, the conductive elastic part 6 forms an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102, and the surface of the conductive elastic part 6 in contact with the dielectric layer 106 accumulates a charge of a potential opposite to the voltage of the tactile electrode 102, and an electrostatic force is generated between the conductive elastic part 6 and the dielectric layer 106. As a result, the frictional force between the conductive elastic part 6 and the dielectric layer 106 changes. Due to the change in frictional force, the torque of the knob changes when the tactile sense presenting knob 3 is rotated, and the user feels the operation feeling when the tactile sense presenting knob 3 is rotated.

[0199] Furthermore, 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. Furthermore, 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. Alternatively, 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 distances between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 and the tactile electrode 102 are different, the one of the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 that is closer to the tactile electrode 102 may be set to a floating state, and the one that is farther away may be set to a constant potential.

[0200] 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 modification, the charge detection circuit 212 may send information of the charge detection result to the voltage supply circuit 110. In this case, the tactile presentation control circuit 114 uses the information of the charge detection result to determine whether a touch is present and calculate the touch coordinates.

[0201] In the case where the position of the tactile presentation knob 3 is changed on the tactile presentation panel 100 during operation or for each operation, the bottom surface portion 15 may be fixed to the tactile presentation panel 100 in a surface-tight manner. In addition, in the case where the position of the tactile presentation knob 3 is not changed on the tactile presentation panel 100 during operation or for each operation (in the case where the position of the tactile presentation knob 3 is fixed), the bottom surface portion 15 may be fixed by bonding it to the tactile presentation panel 100 using the bonding portion 17.

[0202] <Suppression of Charge Accumulation in the Conductive Elastic Section>

[0203] Fig.35 This is a diagram schematically showing the movement of charges when the charges accumulated in the conductive elastic part 6 are grounded via the indicator 2 when the signal voltage is applied. The conductive elastic part 6 is made by mixing conductive carbon black and metal particles in an insulating resin, so the resistance is relatively high and charges are easily accumulated. When charges are accumulated in the conductive elastic part 6, the electrostatic force between the tactile electrode 102 does not change according to the signal voltage, resulting in a decrease in tactile intensity. 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.

[0204] 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, when the signal voltage is applied, at least one of the conductive elastic portions 6 divided into two or more forms an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102, and at least one is connected to the charge discharge portion 115 (see below) connected to the ground via the dielectric layer 106. Fig.36 ) is connected to the tactile electrode 102, thereby preventing the accumulation of charge. The tactile electrode 102 connected to the charge discharge portion 115 does not need to be fixed, and can also be driven by switching the application of the signal voltage and the connection to the charge discharge portion 115 in the same tactile electrode 102, or the tactile electrode 102 to which the signal voltage is applied and the tactile electrode 102 connected to the charge discharge portion 115 can be set to alternate. However, no electrostatic force is generated in the tactile electrode 102 connected to the charge discharge portion 115. Therefore, in order to prevent the decrease in tactile sensation, the number of tactile electrodes 102 to which the signal voltage is applied can be made greater than the number of tactile electrodes 102 connected to the charge discharge portion 115, or the time connected to the charge discharge portion 115 can be made shorter than the time of applying the signal voltage, thereby making the effective area of ​​the conductive elastic portion 6 that generates electrostatic force between the tactile electrode 102 larger than the effective area of ​​the conductive elastic portion 6 that forms a capacitor with the charge discharge portion 115.

[0205] Fig.36 This is a block diagram showing a structure in which the tactile electrode 102 is driven in such a manner that at least one of the conductive elastic parts 6 divided into two or more 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 knob 3 according to the touch coordinate data, determines the area for tactile presentation, divides the area into two or more, determines the area for inputting the tactile presentation signal and the area connected to GND. Fig.36 In, with Fig.28 The same symbols are attached to the same structures, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0206] The tactile presentation control circuit 114 selects a tactile presentation signal waveform corresponding to the coordinates of the display screen and the tactile presentation knob 3 based on the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120. The “tactile presentation signal waveform” is used to define the voltage signal V a And the voltage signal V b In addition, the voltage signal V a With the voltage signal V bThe difference in waveform between the two is typically 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 tactile presentation signal waveform. When there is 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.

[0207] 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 area connected to GND is connected to GND. The switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 in the area where the tactile presentation signal is not input is connected to GND, or the switch 40 is not turned on and the tactile electrode 102 is still floating. As a result, a signal is applied to the tactile electrode 10, so that tactile sensation is presented. 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, typically 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, typically 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.

[0208] After the tactile presentation signal application period P5, the process returns to the touch detection period P1. Thus, the above-mentioned operation is repeated. Thus, the tactile presentation touch panel 400 can detect the position of the tactile presentation knob 3 and present tactile sensations corresponding to the position of the tactile presentation knob 3 and the display screen.

[0209] In the first embodiment, the charge discharge section 115 is described as using the GND terminal, but any other structure may be used as long as the charge accumulated in the conductive elastic section 6 can be discharged. For example, depending on the conductivity of the charge accumulated in the conductive elastic section 6, a positive voltage or a negative voltage that can efficiently discharge the charge may be applied instead of the GND terminal.

[0210] By changing the applied signal waveform and the time and cycle of the signal voltage during the tactile presentation signal application period P5 to guide or fix the position of the tactile presentation knob 3, it is possible to perform a knob operation at any position, and it is possible to provide a touch panel operation using only the tactile presentation knob 3. A specific example will be described later.

[0211] <Differences between the electrode structure of a tactile display screen and a touch screen>

[0212] As a preferred condition of the tactile electrode 102, first, it is desirable that the pointer 2 can contact the tactile electrode 102 without passing through a member other than the dielectric layer 106. Therefore, the tactile electrode 102 covered by the dielectric layer 106 is preferably arranged on the outermost surface of the tactile presenting touch panel 400.

[0213] Second, the closer the distance between the indicator 2 and the tactile electrode 102 is, the greater the tactile sensation that can be produced. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the thickness of the dielectric layer 106 is small, and it is preferable that the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 106 is large.

[0214] Third, when generating a tactile sensation, it is desirable to make the tactile electrodes 102 densely present to increase the electrostatic capacitance C NE (Refer to Fig.34 ), 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 to avoid hindering the electrostatic capacitance C ND formation.

[0215] In the case where the size of the tactile presentation touch panel 400 is larger than the tactile presentation knob 3 and the area where the tactile presentation knob 3 is not placed is used as a touch panel that does not present tactile sensation, when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation knob 3, the operation timing when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation knob 3 is repeated on the entire surface of the tactile presentation touch panel 400 (see Fig.29 ). When a touch is detected 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 knob 3, the touch detection in the area where the tactile sensation presenting knob 3 is not placed is terminated, and only when the indicator 2 contacts the tactile sensation presenting knob 3 as described above is performed in the area where the tactile sensation presenting knob 3 is placed (refer to Fig.31 ) to take action at the right time.

[0216] When the area where the tactile sense presenting knob 3 is not placed is used as a touch panel for tactile sense presenting, when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile sense presenting knob 3, the operation timing when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile sense presenting knob 3 is repeated on the entire surface of the tactile sense presenting touch panel 400 (see Fig.29 When a touch is detected in the area of ​​the touch panel used for tactile presentation, when the indicator 2 contacts the tactile presentation knob 3 as described above (refer to Fig.31 When the indicator 2 contacts the tactile presentation knob 3, the touch detection of the area where the tactile presentation knob 3 is not placed is terminated, and only the touch detection of the area where the tactile presentation knob 3 is placed is performed as described above when the indicator 2 contacts the tactile presentation knob 3 (refer to Fig.31 ) to take action at the right time.

[0217] As the preferred conditions for the excitation electrodes 202 and the detection electrodes 203, firstly, 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. Secondly, in order to form an electrostatic capacitance C between the indicator 2 and the detection electrode 203 via the tactile presentation screen 150, ND In order to detect the touch position, it is necessary to provide a predetermined distance (more than several hundred μm and less than several mm) between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 so that the electric field spreads in the lateral direction.

[0218] As described above, there are differences between the preferred conditions for the tactile electrode 102 and the preferred conditions for the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203. In order to optimize both conditions, it is not desirable to apply the same configuration to them.

[0219] <Details of the lead wiring layer>

[0220] 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). Any integer from 1 to j is set to k, and each of the lead wiring layers Ld(k) and Lu(k) is connected to the kth tactile electrode 102. The lead wiring layers Ld(k) and Lu(k) are respectively connected to one end and the other end of a tactile electrode 102 in the extension direction.

[0221] The wiring resistance of each tactile electrode 102 provided on the tactile presentation screen 150 is preferably high, for example, 104Ω or more, from the viewpoint of not hindering touch detection using the touch screen 250. 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, respectively, as described above, the propagation delay can be suppressed.

[0222] The lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) are arranged outside the tactile presentation area, and extend toward the corresponding electrodes in sequence, starting from the lead wiring layer close to the center of the arrangement of the tactile presentation panel terminal portion 107, in a manner that obtains approximately the shortest distance between 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.

[0223] 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), preferably include 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, in the etching process for manufacturing the tactile presentation screen 150, the upper layer as a protective layer can also protect the lower layer from the influence of the etchant. Alternatively, when manufacturing or using the tactile presentation screen 150, the upper layer can also function as a cover layer to prevent corrosion of the lower layer. If the material of the lower layer is set to a material that has better adhesion to the transparent insulating substrate 101 than the material of the upper layer, the peeling of the lead wiring layer 105 can be suppressed.

[0224] <Area Division of Operation Surface>

[0225] Fig.37 1 is a diagram showing an example of dividing the operation surface of the tactile sense presenting panel 100 into a plurality of regions and dividing the region in the display DP so that the control object and the presented tactile sense are different for each divided region. Fig.37 In the example shown, the operation surface of the display DP is divided into eight parts by four rows and two columns, and divided into divided areas R1 to R8.

[0226] Each area is larger than the tactile presentation knob 3 (not shown) when viewed from above. By placing the tactile presentation knob 3 in the divided area, the control object assigned to the divided area is selected. By rotating the tactile presentation knob 3 in the divided area where the tactile presentation knob 3 is placed, the control object assigned to the divided area can be controlled. In addition, the control object is displayed as an image in each divided area, and the user selects the control object based on the image display and places the tactile presentation knob 3.

[0227] Fig.381 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the structure of the back side of the tactile sense presenting knob 3 when the tactile sense presenting knob 3 is placed in one divided area Rx. Fig.38 As shown, the area PV in contact with the conductive elastic part 6 on the back of the tactile presentation knob 3 is an area where the friction force changes according to the voltage signal, and becomes an annular area. In addition, the area PF in contact with the adhesive part 17 of the tactile presentation knob 3 becomes an area where a strong electrostatic force is generated to attract the fixing part 5, or the fixing part 5 is attracted and fixed by magnetic force.

[0228] The tactile sense presentation knob 3 fixed in the divided area presents a different tactile sense for each divided area according to the operation, thereby providing the user with information such as which area is selected, what operation is performed, and the amount of operation.

[0229] By changing the strength of the friction between the tactile presentation panel 100 and the tactile presentation knob 3 , the period of applying the friction, and the time of applying the friction, the tactile sensation such as vibration, crossing, and clicking presented to the user can be changed.

[0230] For example, in the segmented areas R1 to R4 and the segmented areas R5 to R8, frictional force is generated at different periods, and the strength of the frictional force is set in a manner such that R1>R2>R3>R4, R5>R6>R7>R8, and the segmented areas R1 and R5 are the strongest and the segmented areas R4 and R8 are the weakest, so that the user can sense which segmented area is being operated. The tactile sensation presented is not limited to the frictional force, and a specific tactile sensation can also be assigned according to the control object.

[0231] Fig.39 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the screen and the operation when the control objects displayed on the divided operation surface are arranged in a hierarchical structure. Fig.39 In the example, a first screen SC1, a second screen SC2, and a third screen SC3 are displayed on the operation screen. The first screen SC1 is a screen where operations 1, 2, 3, and 4 can be selected. When operation 2 is selected from the first screen SC1, the display is switched to a second screen SC2 at a lower level.

[0232] The second screen SC2 is a screen on which operation 2-1, operation 2-2, operation 2-3, operation 2-4, and operation 2-5, which are obtained by further classifying the control object of operation 2 in detail, can be selected.

[0233] Here, when operation 2-3 is selected from the second screen SC2, the display is switched to the third screen SC3 of a lower level. The third screen SC3 is a screen where operations 2-3-a, 2-3-b, and 2-3-c, which are obtained by further classifying the control object of operation 2-3, can be selected.

[0234] In addition, the first to third screens SC1 to SC3 each include an area for performing an operation of returning to a screen of a previous level, and the first to third screens SC1 to SC3 can be displayed arbitrarily. In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which operations are divided into three levels is shown, but the number of levels is not limited, and it can be set to the number of display areas corresponding to the content of each operation.

[0235] Below, use Figure 40 to Figure 42 An example of a screen of each level when the operation is divided into three levels will be described. Figure 40 to Figure 42 is an example of a center display in a car's console. Figure 40 to Figure 42 The first to third screens SC1 to SC3 are shown respectively.

[0236] like Fig.40 As shown, the first screen SC1 displays an operation area OR1 for navigation (NAVIGATION), an operation area OR2 for sound volume (VOLUME), an operation area OR3 for air conditioning (AIR CONDITIONER), and an operation area OR4 for music (MUSIC).

[0237] Here, when the operation area OR3 of the air conditioner is selected, Fig.41 The second screen SC2 is displayed as shown. The second screen SC2 displays an operation area OR31 for air volume (AIR FLOW), an operation area OR32 for circulation mode (INNER LOOP), and an operation area OR33 for temperature setting (HOT / COOL). In addition, an operation area RT for returning to the upper level screen, that is, the first screen SC1, is also displayed.

[0238] Here, when the temperature setting operation area OR33 is selected, as shown in FIG. Fig.42 The third screen SC3 is displayed as shown. The third screen SC3 displays an operation area OR331 for displaying temperature and an OR area OR332 for setting temperature. In addition, an operation area RT for returning to the second screen SC2, which is a screen at the upper level, is also displayed.

[0239] Regarding the determination of the operation area, by pressing the tactile presentation knob 3 toward the operation surface side, the pressure sensor 216 (see Figure 1 ) detects the pressing force, and accepts it as a decision operation when it reaches a predetermined pressing force or more. Thus, it is possible to perform an operation combining the operation of pressing the tactile presentation knob 3 with the operation of rotating it.

[0240] In addition to this, an operation of slightly rotating the tactile sense presentation knob 3 quickly or slightly moving the tactile sense presentation knob 3 upward, downward, leftward, or rightward on the operation surface may be accepted as a decision operation.

[0241] Next, place the tactile presentation knob 3 on the temperature setting operation area OR332 and rotate it until the value of the temperature to be set is displayed. At this time, as described above, by controlling the friction between the tactile presentation knob 3 and the operation surface to change, the user is provided with the operational feeling when the tactile presentation knob 3 is rotated. When it is rotated clockwise, the temperature display rises, and when it is rotated counterclockwise, the temperature display drops. After the desired temperature value is displayed, when the tactile presentation knob 3 is pressed from the top to the display, the pressure sensor 216 (see FIG. 21) disposed under the display panel 300 is pressed. Figure 1 ) detects the pressing force and is set to the displayed temperature, thereby completing the temperature setting operation. Afterwards, the user may automatically return to the top-level first screen SC1, or manually return to the upper-level screen by selecting the operation area RT for returning to the upper-level screen.

[0242] In addition, for example, in the case of music playback operation, when Fig.40 When the tactile presentation knob 3 is moved to the area of ​​OR4 and the tactile presentation knob 3 is pressed from the top to the display, the pressure sensor 216 (see FIG. 216 ) arranged below the display panel 300 is pressed. Figure 1 ) detects the pressing force, thereby determining the music playback operation. After that, it moves to the next operation screen, and operations such as "selecting songs" and "selecting playback modes" are displayed in a divided area. When the tactile presentation knob 3 is moved to the "playback mode selection" and pressed from the top of the display, "playback once in the registered order", "repeat playback", "random playback" and the like are displayed in a divided area, and the selection operation is performed using the tactile presentation knob 3 in the same manner as above.

[0243] The number of divisions of the operation surface can be any number as long as each division area is large enough to include the tactile presentation knob 3. The configuration of the division areas is not limited to bilateral symmetry or point symmetry, and the shape of the division areas is not limited to squares, and can be set to a free shape such as polygon, circle or semicircle, sector, ellipse, etc.

[0244] For example, depending on the control object to be displayed, a control object with high operation frequency can be arranged at a position that is easy for the user to operate, or can be arranged larger than other divided areas, which is ergonomically efficient and less likely to cause erroneous operation.

[0245] <Effect>

[0246] According to the embodiment 1 described above, the user uses the tactile presentation knob 3 that can be set at any position on the tactile presentation touch panel 400 for operation, and can select and operate any control object in the same way as the touch operation using the finger through the touch panel operation based only on the sliding, rotating, and pressing operations of the knob. In addition, by changing the tactile sense according to the control object or the operation amount, an effect is obtained that an intuitive operation based on the user's tactile sense can be performed, and an operation feeling of an easy-to-use dial knob can be provided. In addition, a variety of operations divided into several levels can be performed using only the tactile presentation knob 3, and the operation switches can be unified. As a result, the effects of simplifying the operating system, reducing the area for configuring the operation switches, and achieving a user interface with excellent spatial design and comfort are obtained.

[0247] <Implementation Method 2>

[0248] <Presentation of the operation area of ​​the tactile presentation knob>

[0249] Below, use Figures 43 to 54 Implementation method 2 will be described. Fig.43 The diagram is a diagram for explaining an operation of moving the tactile sense presentation knob 3 to select an operation area on the display DP having an operation surface divided into 8 parts by 4 rows and 2 columns, and shows the arrangement of frictional force on the operation surface.

[0250] like Fig.43 As shown, in each of the divided areas R1 to R8, there is provided an area FR1 (first area) with low friction in the center and an area FR2 (second area) with high friction around it. Area FR1 is an ideal position (home position) at which the tactile presentation knob 3 is configured when a certain divided area is selected as an operation area, and is set to a state with low friction. Thus, when the tactile presentation knob 3 passes through the area FR2 with high friction and approaches the center position of the operation area and approaches the area FR1 with low friction as shown by the arrow, it is easy to slide into the area FR1 with low friction, and as a result, the tactile presentation knob 3 is guided to the center position of the operation area. Therefore, when the tactile presentation knob 3 is moved by sliding on the operation surface in order to select the operation area, it changes from a state with high friction to a state with low friction, and the user can recognize that the tactile presentation knob 3 has entered the operation area.

[0251] Fig.44 1 is a diagram for explaining the operation of selecting an operation area by moving the tactile presentation knob 3 on the display DP in which the operation surface is divided into 8 parts by 4 rows and 2 columns, and shows the configuration of the suction force on the operation surface. Fig.44As shown, in each of the divided areas R1 to R8, there is provided an area MR1 (fourth area) where the adsorption force in the central part works and an area MR2 (third area) where the adsorption force in the surrounding area does not work. Area MR1 is an ideal position for configuring the tactile presentation knob 3 when selecting a certain divided area as the operation area, and is set to a state where the adsorption force works. Magnetic force can be used as the adsorption force, and a weak magnetic force is generated at the center position of the operation area. Thus, when the tactile presentation knob 3 passes through the area MR2 where the adsorption force does not work and approaches the center position of the operation area and approaches the area MR1 where the adsorption force works as shown by the arrow, the tactile presentation knob 3 is attracted, and as a result, the tactile presentation knob 3 is guided to the center position of the operation area. Therefore, when the tactile presentation knob 3 is moved by sliding on the operation surface in order to select the operation area, when it wants to pass through the area MR1, the adsorption force based on the magnetic force or the electrostatic force works, and the user can recognize that the tactile presentation knob 3 has entered the area. When adsorption and fixation are performed by electrostatic force, after a strong electrostatic force is generated for adsorption, it is not necessary to continuously apply a voltage signal during adsorption, and the voltage signal may be applied intermittently in consideration of charge diffusion to avoid a decrease in adsorption force.

[0252] Fig.45 : is a diagram showing a structure in which a magnetic force is generated in the center of each of the divided regions R1 to R8. Fig.45 The figure shows the eight solenoid coils SOC with Fig.44 The magnetic force generating substrate 500 is arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 2 columns so that the divided regions R1 to R8 are respectively corresponding to each other.

[0253] like Fig.46 As shown, the magnetic force generating substrate 500 is arranged on the side of the display panel 300 opposite to the operation surface. Fig.44 As shown in the figure, the configuration of the divided areas of the operation surface can be consistent, and the number of solenoid coils SOC can be configured to be greater than the number of divided areas, so that a plurality of solenoid coils SOC can generate magnetic force for one divided area, so that different magnetic forces can be configured in the divided areas. In addition, when using the magnetic force generating substrate 500 to generate magnetic force, using Fig.28 and Fig.36 The magnetic force generating circuit 260 is shown to control the solenoid coil SOC.

[0254] If the current supply from the magnetic force generating circuit 260 to the solenoid coil SOC is stopped, no magnetic force is generated, and the area where the magnetic force is generated can be controlled. In addition, the solenoid coil SOC can arbitrarily set the strength and generation area of ​​the magnetic force, and can also be performed as follows: Fig.44In addition, in the area where the magnetic force is not generated by the solenoid coil SOC, the electrostatic force generated by the tactile electrode 102 can also be used to generate friction force.

[0255] Fig.47 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a solenoid coil SOC. Fig.47 As shown, the solenoid coil SOC forms a hierarchical structure using a plurality of conductor layers CD including a conductive material, a notch portion NP is provided in each conductor layer CD, and an interlayer connection portion CN is provided in a manner of separating the notch portion NP, thereby forming a current path like a vortex. The input and output of the current are performed by connecting wiring (not shown) to the connection portion CC provided in the uppermost and lowermost conductor layers CD.

[0256] Fig.48 Shown in Fig.47 The arrow-directed cross-sectional view at line AA is shown. Fig.48 As shown, an insulating layer IS is provided between the conductor layers CD, and an interlayer connection portion CN composed of a conductive material is provided in a manner penetrating the insulating layer IS to electrically connect the upper conductor layer CD with the lower conductor layer CD. Fig.47 In the figure, the planar shape of the conductor layer CD is a quadrilateral, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0257] Fig.49 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another example of the structure of a solenoid coil SOC. Fig.49 As shown, in the solenoid coil SOC, a magnet PM made of a paramagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material is arranged so as to penetrate the center of the hierarchical structure in the height direction. Fig.50 Shown in Fig.49 The arrow-directed cross-sectional view of the BB line shown in FIG. Fig.50 As shown, the magnet PM can be formed by providing a through hole that penetrates the insulating layer IS at the center of the hierarchical structure in the height direction and filling the through hole with a paramagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material. By providing the magnet PM, a stronger magnetic force can be generated.

[0258] In the above description, a structure in which a solenoid coil is used to generate magnetic force is shown, but the generation of magnetic force is not limited to the solenoid coil, and coils other than the solenoid coil may also be used. Fig.51 The spiral coil C1 shown in the top view is a quadrilateral, or Fig.52 The spiral coil C2 shown has a circular shape when viewed from above.

[0259] In addition, these coils may also be combined with magnets, similarly to the solenoid coil SOC. Fig.53FIG. 2 shows a structure in which a magnet PM1 made of a paramagnetic material is arranged in the center of the spiral coil C1. Fig.54 2 shows a structure in which a magnet PM1 made of a paramagnetic material is arranged in the center of the spiral coil C2. By providing the magnet PM1, a stronger magnetic force can be generated.

[0260] <Effect>

[0261] According to the second embodiment described above, the user uses the tactile presentation knob 3 that can be set at any position on the tactile presentation touch panel 400 for operation, and can select any control object for operation in the same way as the touch operation using a finger. In addition, when the knob is slid to move to any operation area, the knob is guided to the original position of the operation area by the attraction based on electrostatic force or magnetic force, thereby obtaining an effect that the operation area can be moved without visually confirming the operation area. In addition, after the user moves the operation position by sliding operation at any position on the tactile presentation touch panel 400, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to select any control object for operation in the same way as the touch operation using a finger by the touch panel operation based only on the sliding, rotating, and pressing operations of the knob. In addition, by changing the tactile sense according to the control object or the operation amount, an intuitive operation based on the user's tactile sense can be performed, and the operation feeling of the dial knob that is easy to use can be provided. In addition, a variety of operations divided into several levels can be performed using only the tactile presentation knob 3, and the operation switch can be unified. This achieves the effect of simplifying the operating system, reducing the area for arranging the operating switches, and realizing a user interface with excellent spatial design and comfort.

[0262] <Implementation Method 3>

[0263] <Guidance of the tactile presentation knob at the region boundary>

[0264] Below, use Figures 55 to 63 Implementation method 3 will be described below. Figure 55 to Figure 57 This diagram explains the structure of guiding the tactile sense presentation knob 3 by reducing the friction at the area boundary of the divided areas in the display DP in which the operation surface is divided into 8 parts by 4 rows and 2 columns, and shows the arrangement of the friction on the operation surface.

[0265] When the tactile sense presentation knob 3 is slid to move on the operation surface, if the touch detection circuit 210 (see Fig.28 ) detects that the tactile presentation knob 3 starts to move, then the moving direction prediction circuit 230 (refer to Fig.28 ) predicts the direction of movement of the tactile presentation knob 3 according to the position change of the tactile presentation knob 3. For example, when the tactile presentation knob 3 changes its angle from the current position, such as using Fig.26 As described, the position detection unit 7 detects the rotation amount (rotation angle), and in the case of a translational action (sliding), detects the translation amount (movement distance), thereby predicting the direction in which the tactile presentation knob 3 will move, and preventing the tactile presentation knob 3 from moving in a direction where it should not move; or in the case where the operator's operation before the tactile presentation knob 3 is about to move is different from the predicted direction in which the tactile presentation knob 3 should move, or in the case where it is desired to guide the tactile presentation knob 3 to a specified divided area, the tactile presentation knob 3 can be prevented from moving in an undesirable direction.

[0266] like Fig.55 As shown, when the movement direction prediction circuit 230 predicts that the movement of the tactile presentation knob 3 is a movement on the region boundary of the divided region, the tactile presentation knob 3 is reduced in a manner that does not hinder the movement of the tactile presentation knob 3, for example, Fig.43 As shown in the figure, the region FR2 (fifth region) with high friction force is provided at the region boundary of the divided region, the region FR2 with high friction force is provided only near the edge of the display DP, and the region FR2 with low friction force is provided at the region boundary of the divided region located in the moving direction of the tactile presentation knob 3 indicated by the arrow. The friction force of each divided region can also be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0267] Moreover, if Fig.56 As shown, for the segmented areas R4 and R8 that the tactile presentation knob 3 passes through and is determined not to be selected, a region FR3 with a large friction force is set on the region boundary to close it, thereby preventing the tactile presentation knob 3 from unexpectedly moving in the direction opposite to the moving direction indicated by the arrow due to the shaking of the user's body, etc. In the case where the position of the tactile presentation knob 3 is maintained in contact with the boundary region FR3 for an arbitrary period of time, it is considered that the tactile presentation knob 3 changes its forward route to the direction opposite to the direction determined as the moving direction, and the friction force generated in the boundary region FR3 is stopped or reduced, and it is set as follows Fig.55 The arbitrary time may be set to a state where the vehicle can move backwards by the setting shown. The length of the arbitrary time may be set to different lengths, for example, during driving and during stopping of the vehicle. The arbitrary time may be set to be longer during driving when erroneous operation is likely to occur due to the vibration of the vehicle body or the shaking of the operator's body, and may be set to be shorter during stopping when erroneous operation is less likely to occur than during driving.

[0268] In addition, if Fig.57As shown, when the moving direction prediction circuit 230 predicts that the tactile presentation knob 3 is moving toward a specific segmented area R6 indicated by an arrow, a high friction area FR2 is set at the area boundary of the segmented area outside the segmented area of ​​the moving destination, and the tactile presentation knob 3 is surrounded by the high friction area, thereby prompting the tactile presentation knob 3 to move to the low friction area, presenting the operation area to the user, and preventing misoperation.

[0269] Figures 58 to 60 This diagram explains a structure for guiding the tactile sense presentation knob 3 by reducing the frictional force in the moving direction of the tactile sense presentation knob 3 in a display DP having an operation surface divided into 8 parts by 4 rows and 2 columns, and shows the arrangement of the frictional force on the operation surface.

[0270] like Fig.58 As shown, the portion where the tactile presentation knob 3 exists is set as the region FR1 (sixth region) with low friction, and with respect to the moving direction (direction indicated by the arrow) of the tactile presentation knob 3 predicted by the moving direction prediction circuit 230, the region FR1 with low friction is narrowed in the direction opposite to the moving direction, thereby suppressing the tactile presentation knob 3 from unexpectedly moving backward. On the other hand, the region FR1 with low friction is widened in the moving direction of the tactile presentation knob 3, so that it is easy to move forward and left and right. In addition, in the case where the operation of the operator before the tactile presentation knob 3 is about to move is different from the predicted direction of movement of the tactile presentation knob 3, or in the case where it is desired to guide it to a specified divided region, the region FR1 with low friction can be set to be wide in the direction in which the tactile presentation knob 3 is desired to move, thereby guiding the tactile presentation knob 3 in the desired direction of movement.

[0271] In addition, if Fig.59 As shown, when the moving direction of the tactile sense presentation knob 3 changes, the setting range of the region FR1 with small friction force is changed in accordance with the moving direction.

[0272] In addition, if Fig.60 As shown, when the moving direction prediction circuit 230 predicts that the tactile presentation knob 3 is moving toward a specific divided area R6 indicated by an arrow, the setting range of the area FR1 with small friction is narrowed to guide the tactile presentation knob 3 to the center of the operation area.

[0273] In this way, the movable range of the tactile sense presentation knob 3 is limited in accordance with the moving direction of the tactile sense presentation knob 3 , thereby presenting the operation area to the user and preventing erroneous operation.

[0274] Figure 61 to Figure 63This diagram explains a structure for reducing power consumption in a structure for guiding a tactile presentation knob 3 by reducing friction in the moving direction of the tactile presentation knob 3 in a display DP having an operation surface divided into 8 parts by 4 rows and 2 columns, and shows the configuration of friction on the operation surface.

[0275] like Fig.61 As shown, the portion where the tactile presentation knob 3 is present is set as the region FR1 with low friction, and the region FR2 with low friction is limitedly provided so as to surround the region FR1 with low friction. Fig.62 and Fig.63 Similarly, the movable range of the tactile presentation knob 3 is limited in accordance with the moving direction of the tactile presentation knob 3, thereby presenting the operation area to the user and preventing misoperation. Moreover, by setting the area FR2 with high friction only around the movable range of the tactile presentation knob 3, the area where the signal voltage for generating high friction is applied can be limited to reduce power consumption.

[0276] <Effect>

[0277] According to the third embodiment, the user uses the tactile presentation knob 3 that can be set at any position on the tactile presentation touch panel 400 for operation, and can select any control object for operation in the same way as the touch operation using a finger. In addition, when the knob is slid to move to any operation area, the movable range of the tactile presentation knob 3 is limited by friction, and the tactile presentation knob 3 is suppressed from moving in an unexpected direction. By guiding the tactile presentation knob 3 to the original position of the operation area, an effect that the operation area can be moved without visually confirming the operation area is obtained. In addition, after the user sets the operation position at any position on the tactile presentation touch panel 400 and moves the operation position by sliding operation, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to select any control object for operation in the same way as the touch operation using a finger through the touch panel operation based only on the sliding, rotating, and pressing operations of the knob. In addition, by changing the tactile sense according to the control object or the operation amount, an effect that an intuitive operation based on the user's tactile sense can be performed and the operation feeling of the dial knob that is easy to use can be provided is obtained. In addition, various operations divided into several levels can be performed only by using the tactile presentation knob 3, and the operation switch can be unified. As a result, the effects of simplifying the operating system, reducing the area for configuring the operation switches, and achieving a user interface with excellent spatial design and comfort are achieved. In addition, the present embodiment 3 can be combined with the embodiment 2. In this case, the effect of being able to perform intuitive operations based on the user's tactile sense and being able to provide a dial knob operation feeling that is more convenient to use is achieved.

[0278] <Implementation Method 4>

[0279] <Using the sense of touch of magnetism to present the guidance of the knob>

[0280] Below, use Figure 64 to Figure 66 Implementation method 4 will be described below. Fig.64 The diagram is a diagram for explaining an operation of moving the tactile sense presentation knob 3 to select an operation area on the display DP having an operation surface divided into 8 parts by 4 rows and 2 columns, and shows the arrangement of magnetic forces on the operation surface.

[0281] like Fig.64 As shown, in the divided regions other than the divided regions R1 and R5, a central region MR1 (second region) with high magnetic force and a peripheral region MR2 (first region) with low magnetic force are provided. In addition, only the region MR2 with low magnetic force is provided in the divided regions R1 and R5.

[0282] When the tactile sense presentation knob 3 is slid to move on the operation surface, if the touch detection circuit 210 (see Fig.28 ) detects that the tactile presentation knob 3 starts to move, then the moving direction prediction circuit 230 (refer to Fig.28 ) predicts the direction in which the tactile presentation knob 3 moves according to the position change of the tactile presentation knob 3.

[0283] like Fig.64 As shown, when the movement direction prediction circuit 230 predicts that the movement of the tactile presentation knob 3 is a movement on the region boundary of the divided regions, first, a region MR1 with a large magnetic force is set in the divided regions R2 to R4 and the divided regions R6 to R8 located on the predicted path. The region MR1 with a large magnetic force becomes a fixed base 13 (see FIG. 1 ) for fixing the tactile presentation knob 3 by magnetic force. Fig.24 ) and the magnetic force is weaker than that in the case of fixing the fixing base 13 by magnetic force. Thus, the tactile sense presentation knob 3 is slowly guided toward the directions of the divided areas 2 to 4 and the divided areas 5 to 8.

[0284] Fig.65 When the moving direction prediction circuit 230 predicts that the tactile presentation knob 3 will further move in the direction of the arrow, a region MR1 with a large magnetic force is also provided in the divided regions R1 and R5 , and the tactile presentation knob 3 is slowly guided in the predicted direction.

[0285] On the other hand, Fig.66 As shown, when the moving direction prediction circuit 230 predicts that the tactile sense presentation knob 3 is moving toward a specific divided region R6 indicated by an arrow, the region MR1 with a large magnetic force is not provided in the divided region not in the moving direction.

[0286] In this way, by using magnetic force to guide the tactile presentation knob 3 to the original position of the operation area, an effect of being able to move the operation area without visually confirming the operation area can be obtained. When using magnetic force, it is also possible to use not only the attractive force but also the repulsive force. In this case, Figures 58 to 63 The FR2 area generates repulsive force.

[0287] <Effect>

[0288] According to the present embodiment 4, the user uses the tactile presentation knob 3 that can be set at any position on the tactile presentation touch panel 400 for operation, and can select any control object for operation in the same way as the touch operation using a finger. In addition, when the knob is slid to move to any operation area, the tactile presentation knob 3 is guided by magnetic force to suppress the movement in an unexpected direction, and the tactile presentation knob 3 is guided to the original position of the operation area, so that the operation area can be moved without visually confirming the operation area. In addition, after the user sets it to any position on the tactile presentation touch panel 400 and moves the operation position by sliding operation, as in embodiment 1, it is possible to select any control object for operation in the same way as the touch operation using a finger through the touch panel operation based only on the sliding, rotating, and pressing operations of the knob. In addition, by changing the tactile sense according to the control object or the operation amount, an intuitive operation based on the user's tactile sense and an operation feeling of the dial knob that is easy to use are obtained. In addition, various operations divided into several levels can be performed only by using the tactile presentation knob 3, and the operation switch can be unified. As a result, the effects of simplifying the operating system, reducing the area for configuring the operation switches, and achieving a user interface with excellent spatial design and comfort are achieved. In addition, the present embodiment 4 can be combined with the embodiment 2 and the embodiment 3. In this case, the effect of being able to perform intuitive operations based on the user's tactile sense and being able to provide a dial knob operation feeling that is more convenient to use is achieved.

[0289] <Implementation method 5>

[0290] <Fix the tactile presentation knob>

[0291] Below, use Figure 67 to Figure 69 Let's explain implementation mode 5. Fig.67 This is a diagram showing a structure in which friction is used to suppress positional deviation of the tactile presentation knob 3 due to vibration of the user's body, etc. when the tactile presentation knob 3 is operated at an original position within the operation area in a display DP in which the operation surface is divided into 8 parts by 4 rows and 2 columns, and the configuration of the friction force on the operation surface is shown.

[0292] like Fig.67As shown in FIG. 1 , when the tactile sense presentation knob 3 is placed at the original position in the divided area R7, the tactile sense presentation knob 3 is fixed on the fixing base 13 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.24 ) generates a strong electrostatic force directly below the knob 3 to adsorb the tactile sensation to the conductive elastic portion 6 on the back of the knob 3 (see Fig. 22 ) and the outer periphery OP of the tactile presentation knob 3 are set as the region FR1 (sixth region) with low friction. The other operation regions are set as the region FR2 (fifth region) with high friction, and even if the tactile presentation knob 3 tries to move, it is prevented by friction. In addition, the segmented regions other than the segmented region R7 on which the tactile presentation knob 3 is placed are set as the region FR1 with low friction.

[0293] Fig.68 FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the region FR2 having a large friction force in a specific segmented region Rx. Fig.68 As shown in FIG. 1 , the region FR2 with large friction force is provided at a position as close as possible to the outer periphery OP of the tactile sense presentation knob 3 and not causing any influence when presenting the tactile sense. Fig.68 In the embodiment, there is a region PF in the center of the divided region Rx to which a strong electrostatic force is applied directly below the fixed platform 13, and a region FR1 with low friction is provided at a predetermined distance therefrom, and the outer periphery OP of the tactile presentation knob 3 is set in the region FR1 with low friction. The region PF is set to have a smaller friction force than the region FR2 with high friction force, and a larger friction force than the region FR1 with low friction force.

[0294] Fig.69 This diagram explains a structure for reducing power consumption in a structure that uses frictional force to prevent positional displacement of the tactile presentation knob 3 due to vibration of the user's body when the tactile presentation knob 3 is operated at an original position within an operation area, and shows the configuration of the frictional force on the operation surface.

[0295] like Fig.69 As shown, outside the tactile presentation knob 3, a region FR2 with large friction is limitedly provided to surround the tactile presentation knob 3, thereby limiting the region to which a signal voltage for generating large friction is applied to reduce power consumption.

[0296] <Effect>

[0297] According to the fifth embodiment, when the presentation knob 3 is operated, the position deviation of the tactile presentation knob 3 due to the vibration of the user's body is suppressed, and the movement of the tactile presentation knob 3 before the presentation knob 3 is fixed can be suppressed. In addition, after the user moves the operation position by sliding operation at an arbitrary position on the tactile presentation touch panel 400, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to select an arbitrary control object and operate it in the same way as the touch operation using a finger by the touch panel operation based only on the sliding, rotating, and pressing operation of the knob. In addition, by changing the tactile sense according to the control object or the operation amount, an effect is obtained that an intuitive operation based on the user's tactile sense can be performed, and an operation feeling of a dial knob that is easy to use can be provided. In addition, a variety of operations divided into several levels can be performed using only the tactile presentation knob 3, and the operation switch can be unified. As a result, the effects of simplifying the operating system, reducing the area for configuring the operation switch, and achieving a user interface with excellent spatial design and comfort are obtained. In addition, the fifth embodiment can also be combined with the second to fourth embodiments. In this case, an effect is obtained in which intuitive operation based on the user's tactile sense can be performed, and an operational feeling of the dial knob that is more convenient to use can be provided.

[0298] <Implementation Method 6>

[0299] <Invalid operation and tactile display outside the operating range>

[0300] Fig.70 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the tactile display 1. Fig.70 As shown, in the sixth embodiment, an ultrasonic element 60 for vibrating the operation surface by ultrasonic vibration is provided on the outer periphery of the surface of the transparent insulating substrate 101 opposite to the surface (operation surface) in contact with the tactile presentation knob 3. The other structures are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted here.

[0301] Ultrasonic waves can also be used to control the friction between the tactile knob 3 and the transparent insulating substrate 101. In this case, the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves is lower than the high frequency band where an air layer is generated between the tactile knob 3 and the transparent insulating substrate 101 and no friction is generated.

[0302] The ultrasonic element 60 is preferably provided 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 knob 3.

[0303] In this case, vibrations of the same amplitude can be generated with a voltage smaller than that in the case where the ultrasonic element 60 operates synchronously, and this can contribute to lower power consumption of the entire tactile sense presenting touch display 1 .

[0304] In addition, the sixth embodiment can be applied to the first to fifth embodiments. That is, instead of the friction force based on electrostatic force in the first to fifth embodiments, the friction force can be controlled by using ultrasonic vibration in the sixth embodiment. In this case, the vibration output timing, frequency, and intensity of the plurality of ultrasonic elements 60 arranged on the outer periphery of the transparent insulating substrate 101 are controlled so as to generate a resonance region of vibration generated by ultrasonic waves in the region where the friction force is to be increased with respect to the position and moving direction of the tactile presentation knob 3, thereby generating friction force at an arbitrary position.

[0305] <Effect>

[0306] According to the sixth embodiment, the surface of the transparent insulating substrate 101 is vibrated by using the ultrasonic element 60, so that friction is generated between the tactile presentation knob 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 knob 3 can be used. As in the first embodiment, after the user moves the operation position by sliding operation at an arbitrary position on the tactile presentation touch panel 400, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to select an arbitrary control object and perform operation in the same manner as a touch operation using a finger by a touch panel operation based only on the sliding, rotating, and pressing operations of the knob. In addition, by changing the tactile sense according to the control object or the operation amount, an effect is obtained in which an intuitive operation based on the user's tactile sense can be performed, and an operation feeling of a dial knob that is easy to use can be provided.

[0307] In addition, the present disclosure can freely combine the various embodiments within the scope of the disclosure, or can appropriately modify or omit the various embodiments.

[0308] 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. Numerous modifications not shown are conceivable without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A tactile presentation panel, wherein a tactile presentation knob is placed on an operation surface, and tactile sensation is presented to a user via the tactile presentation knob, wherein the tactile presentation panel comprises: A control circuit, which divides the operation surface into a plurality of areas and allocates a control object to each divided area, and sets a tactile sensation to be presented to each divided area; a tactile control circuit that generates a tactile sense set by the control circuit for each of the divided areas by changing the friction between the operation surface and the tactile presentation knob; as well as a touch detection circuit, detecting the position of the tactile presentation knob on the tactile presentation panel, The tactile sense presentation knob is placed in the divided area to select the control object, The tactile sense presenting knob includes a conductive elastic portion in contact with the operating surface and a rotating portion including metal and resin and provided on the conductive elastic portion. The tactile sense generated by the change in frictional force generated between the operating surface and the conductive elastic portion is transmitted to the user from the rotating portion.

2. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 1, wherein: The haptic control circuit changes the signal waveform of the haptic presentation signal and the time and cycle of applying the signal voltage to change the friction force.

3. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: have: a tactile electrode, comprising a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the operation surface side of the tactile presentation panel; A dielectric layer, covering the tactile electrodes, with one side being the operating surface; as well as a voltage generating circuit for generating a first voltage signal having a first frequency applied to at least one of the first electrodes located in at least a portion of the operating surface of the tactile presentation panel, and generating a second voltage signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency applied to at least one of the second electrodes located in at least a portion of the operating surface of the tactile presentation panel, The friction force generated between the operation surface and the tactile sense presentation knob is generated by supplying the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal.

4. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The device comprises at least one ultrasonic element, wherein the at least one ultrasonic element vibrates the operation surface of the tactile presentation panel by ultrasonic vibration, The friction force between the tactile presentation knob and the tactile presentation panel is generated by controlling the vibration timing of the ultrasonic element to cause the vibration generated on the operation surface to resonate.

5. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 1, wherein: A pressure sensor is provided, the pressure sensor detecting a pressing force applied to the operation surface, An action of pressing the tactile presentation knob toward the operation surface is detected.

6. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tactile sensation presentation knob presents a different tactile sensation in each of the divided areas of the operation surface.

7. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The segmented area includes a first area and a second area. The first region is set so that the frictional force between the tactile presentation knob and the tactile presentation panel is smaller than that of the second region.

8. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 7, wherein: The haptic control circuit changes and sets the position of the second area in accordance with the movement of the haptic presentation knob so as to guide the haptic presentation knob.

9. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 7, wherein: The segmented area includes a third area and a fourth area, The fourth area is an area where electrostatic force or magnetic force acts between the tactile presentation knob and the tactile presentation panel, By placing the tactile sense presentation knob on the fourth region, the tactile sense presentation knob is fixed by electrostatic force or magnetic force.

10. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 9, wherein: The fourth region is a central portion of the divided region, The third region is a region other than the central portion of the divided region, and is a region where a magnetic force weaker than that of the fourth region acts between the tactile sense presentation knob and the tactile sense presentation panel.

11. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: At least the fourth region generates magnetic force through the coil.

12. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: At least the fourth region generates magnetic force by means of a coil and a magnet using a paramagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

13. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 7, wherein: The segmented area includes a fifth area and a sixth area, The sixth area is an area in the center of the divided area that is touched by the tactile presentation knob. The fifth region is a region surrounding at least the tactile sense presentation knob, and is set so that the frictional force between the tactile sense presentation knob and the tactile sense presentation panel is greater than that of the sixth region.

14. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 5, wherein: When the tactile presentation knob is pressed toward the operation surface and the pressure sensor detects the pressing force, The control circuit regards that the control object assigned to the divided area where the pressing force is detected is selected, and switches the operation surface to a divided area corresponding to a lower level of the control object constituting a hierarchical structure.

15. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 7, wherein: The control object is selected by moving, rotating, and pressing the position of the tactile presentation knob on the operation surface.

16. A tactile presentation panel, wherein a tactile presentation knob is placed on an operation surface, and tactile sensation is presented to a user via the tactile presentation knob, the tactile presentation panel comprising: Control circuitry to set the tactile sensation to be presented; a tactile control circuit that generates a tactile sensation set by the control circuit by causing a change in the friction between the operating surface and the tactile presentation knob; as well as a touch detection circuit, detecting the position of the tactile presentation knob on the tactile presentation panel, The tactile control circuit at least sets the friction force on the operation surface so as to guide the tactile presentation knob to a specific area on the operation surface. The tactile sense presenting knob includes a conductive elastic portion in contact with the operating surface and a rotating portion including metal and resin and provided on the conductive elastic portion. The tactile sense generated by the change in frictional force generated between the operating surface and the conductive elastic portion is transmitted to the user from the rotating portion.

17. A tactile display touch panel, comprising: The tactile presentation panel of claim 1 or 16; and a touch panel disposed on a side of the tactile presentation panel opposite to the operation surface, The touch panel includes the touch detection circuit instead of the tactile sense presenting panel.

18. The tactile sense presenting touch panel according to claim 17, wherein: The detection electrodes and the excitation electrodes of the touch panel form a pair and are arranged in a matrix.

19. A tactile display having: The tactile presentation touch panel of claim 17; and A display panel is mounted on the tactile sense presenting touch panel.

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