Control device and vibration presentation device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of suppressing erroneous detection of pressing or stopping of an operation device in a control device mounted on a vibration presentation device that imparts vibration to the operation device on the basis of detection of contact with the operation device. The control device has: a pressing force detection unit that outputs a first pressing force detection signal when pressing force of the operation device is detected on the basis of a first detection signal from a sensor that detects displacement of the operation device, and that suppresses the output of the first pressing force detection signal during a period in which a first drive period signal indicating a drive period of the actuator is received; and a drive signal generation unit that generates a first drive signal for driving the actuator on the basis of a drive activation signal received from the outside in response to the output of the first pressing detection signal to the outside. A second drive signal for driving the actuator is generated based on a first detection signal from the sensor corresponding to vibration of the operating device caused by the first drive signal, and a first drive period signal is output during a period in which the actuator is driven by the first and second drive signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device and a vibration presentation device. Background Art

[0002] For example, a tactile interface is known that provides a tactile sensation to a user by driving an actuator based on contact with an operating device such as a touch panel to vibrate the operating device. After generating a drive pulse signal output to the actuator based on contact with the operating device and imparting vibration to the operating device, this tactile interface performs feedback control to generate a subsequent drive pulse signal that causes the vibration to continue or decay, thereby providing a mechanical click feeling to the user.

[0003] <Prior Art Documents>

[0004] <Patent Documents>

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-287232 Summary of the Invention

[0006] <Problems to be Solved by the Invention>

[0007] First, a control device incorporated in such a tactile interface, for example, has: an analog front end that converts an output signal from a sensor that detects contact and vibration of an operating device into a digital signal; a filter that removes noise from the digital signal; and a drive signal generation unit that generates a drive pulse signal based on the digital signal. In addition, when the system has a low power mode, for example, the control device has: a regulator that generates a power supply voltage; a clock unit that generates a clock signal; and a low power control unit that controls to stop the generation of the power supply voltage by the regulator and stop the generation of the clock signal by the clock unit in the low power mode.

[0008] Assume that the tactile interface has a low power mode, and a microcomputer controls the low power mode of the tactile interface. In this case, when releasing the low power mode, the microcomputer needs to start each element in the control device in a given order in order to suppress malfunction of the tactile interface. In addition, when parameters for maintaining the natural frequency of the actuator stored in the storage unit are lost due to the transition to the low power mode, the microcomputer needs to reset the parameters in the storage unit when releasing the low power mode. When the microcomputer controls the start-up or setting of the control device when releasing the tactile interface from the low power mode, there is a problem that the time until the low power mode is released becomes long.

[0009] Second, the control device equipped with such a tactile interface has, for example: a detection unit that detects whether the vibration detected by the sensor connected to the operating device is a pressing or stopping pressure (Japanese original: 押し止め) (release from pressing) of the operating device; and a pulse generating unit that generates a driving pulse signal based on the detection of the detection unit. The sensor detects not only the vibration based on the operation of the operating device, but also the vibration of the operating device based on the driving pulse signal. In this case, the detection unit may mistakenly detect the vibration of the operating device based on the driving pulse signal as the vibration based on the pressing or stopping pressure of the operating device. In the case of a false detection by the detection unit, a normal driving pulse signal is not generated, and therefore, a vibration with a sense of discomfort may be transmitted to the user who operates the operating device.

[0010] Third, in a vibration presentation device including such a tactile interface, due to the deviation of the natural frequency of the operating device such as the touch panel and the actuator, the vibration behavior of the operating device is sometimes different even when the same drive pulse signal is given to the actuator. Due to the deviation of the natural frequency, for example, the vibration may be attenuated even when a drive pulse signal that continues to vibrate is generated, or the vibration may continue even when a drive pulse signal that attenuates the vibration is generated. Therefore, before the shipment of the vibration presentation device, various drive pulse signals are given to the actuator by the control device carried by the vibration presentation device to obtain vibration data, and learning of tuning the appropriate drive pulse signal corresponding to the deviation of the natural frequency is implemented.

[0011] For example, during learning, the control device generates a drive pulse signal to vibrate the operating device, and transmits the acquired vibration data to a computer connected to the vibration presentation device. The computer analyzes the transmitted vibration data to adjust an appropriate drive signal pulse.

[0012] However, for example, when the control device acquires vibration data at a higher frequency than the computer receives vibration data, the vibration data used in the computer's analysis is missing, and it may be difficult to properly adjust the drive signal pulse. For example, the loss of vibration data occurs when the communication speed of the communication interface connecting the vibration presentation device to the computer is low, or the computer's analysis speed of the vibration data is low.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to shorten the time until a low power mode is released in a control device mounted on a vibration presentation device that applies vibration to an operating device based on detection of contact with the operating device.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to suppress erroneous detection of pressing of an operating device or erroneous detection of pressing stop in a control device mounted on a vibration presentation device that imparts vibration to an operating device based on detection of contact with the operating device.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to transmit vibration data periodically generated without omission to a computer in a control device mounted on a vibration presentation device that imparts vibration to an operating device based on detection of contact with the operating device.

[0016] <Means for Solving the Problem>

[0017] In order to solve the above technical problems, a control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a control device that controls an actuator that imparts vibration to the operating device based on an operation of the operating device and is capable of switching between a stable mode and a low power mode, and includes: a conversion unit that converts a detection signal output from a sensor that detects displacement of the operating device caused by pressing or vibration of the operating device into a first digital signal; a detection signal processing unit that removes noise from the first digital signal to generate a second digital signal; a drive signal generation unit that generates a first drive signal for driving the actuator when the pressing of the operating device is detected based on a signal obtained by removing an offset of the second digital signal, and generates a second drive signal for driving the actuator when vibration of the operating device is detected based on the second digital signal after generation of the first drive signal; and a mode control unit that sequentially generates a plurality of start control signals for starting the conversion unit, the detection signal processing unit, and the drive signal generation unit that have stopped operating in the low power mode based on reception of a release signal indicating release of the low power mode.

[0018] In order to solve the above technical problems, a control device according to another aspect of the present invention is a control device that controls an actuator that imparts vibration to the operating device based on an operation of the operating device, and includes: a pressing detection unit that outputs a first pressing detection signal when the pressing of the operating device is detected based on a first detection signal output from a sensor that detects displacement of the operating device caused by pressing, releasing, or vibration of the operating device, and suppresses output of the first pressing detection signal during a period in which a first drive period signal indicating a drive period of the actuator is received; and a drive signal generation unit that generates a first drive signal for driving the actuator based on a drive start signal received from the outside in response to output of the first pressing detection signal to the outside, generates a second drive signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor according to vibration of the operating device caused by the first drive signal, and outputs the first drive period signal during a period in which the actuator is driven by the first drive signal and the second drive signal.

[0019] To solve the above technical problems, a control device according to another aspect of the present invention is a control device for controlling an actuator that imparts vibration to the operating device based on an operation of the operating device, and includes: a register unit that can be accessed from an external device configured outside; a conversion unit that periodically converts a detection signal output from a sensor into a first digital signal, the sensor being used to detect the displacement of the operating device caused by pressing or vibration of the operating device; and

[0020] a data storage unit having a buffer in which the latest n (n is an integer of 2 or more) pieces of vibration data indicated by the first digital signal converted by the conversion unit are sequentially stored, and whenever the n pieces of vibration data held in the buffer are replaced, the n pieces of vibration data held in the buffer are stored in the register unit,

[0021] whenever the n pieces of vibration data are stored, the register unit outputs a read request to the external device, and after the n pieces of vibration data are sequentially read by the external device, waits for the next n pieces of latest vibration data to be stored.

[0022] <Advantages of the Invention>

[0023] According to the present invention, in a control device mounted on a vibration presentation device that imparts vibration to an operating device based on detection of contact with the operating device, the time until the low power mode is released can be shortened.

[0024] According to the present invention, in a control device mounted on a vibration presentation device that imparts vibration to an operating device based on detection of contact with the operating device, false detection of pressing of the operating device or false detection of release of pressing can be suppressed.

[0025] According to the present invention, in a control device mounted on a vibration presentation device that imparts vibration to an operating device based on detection of contact with the operating device, vibration data generated periodically can be transmitted to a computer without omission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of a vibration presentation device having a control device according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram showing Figure 1 an example of a block diagram of the vibration presentation device.

[0028] Figure 3 is a timing diagram showing an example of the transition and release of the standby mode of a control device controlled by a microcomputer Figure 2 .

[0029] Figure 4It is a block diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device having a control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing Figure 4 the details of the control device.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a timing chart showing an example of the transition and release of the standby mode of the control device that controls Figure 4 ...

[0032] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device having a control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 It is a timing chart showing an example of the transition and release of the standby mode of the control device that controls Figure 7 ...

[0034] Figure 9 It is a block diagram showing Figure 1 an example of the vibration presentation device.

[0035] Figure 10 It is a timing chart showing an example of detecting the depression and release of pressure of a touch panel of a control device based on Figure 9 ...

[0036] Figure 11 It is a block diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device having a control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 12 It is a timing chart showing an example of detecting the depression and release of pressure of a touch panel of a control device based on Figure 11 ...

[0038] Figure 13 It is a timing chart showing Figure 12 the details at the time of detecting the depression operation and the release operation.

[0039] Figure 14 It is a timing chart showing Figure 12 the details at the time of detecting the depression operation.

[0040] Figure 15 It is a timing chart showing an example in the case of including a braking operation that suppresses the vibration of the touch panel at the time of detecting the depression operation.

[0041] Figure 16 It is a timing chart showing an example in the case of including an acceleration operation that accelerates the vibration of the touch panel at the time of detecting the depression operation.

[0042] Figure 17is a block diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device Figure 1 of

[0043] Figure 18 is a timing chart showing an example of transmitting vibration data from a control device Figure 17 to a microcomputer

[0044] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device having a control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention

[0045] Figure 20 is a timing chart showing an example of transmitting vibration data from a control device Figure 19 to a microcomputer DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same symbols as the signal names may be used for signal lines, signal terminals, signal nodes, and signal values for transmitting signals. The same symbols as the voltage names may be used for voltage lines, voltage terminals, and voltage nodes for supplying voltages. In each drawing, the same symbols are assigned to the same components, and repeated explanations may be omitted

[0047] (Example of Vibration Presentation Device with Control Device)

[0048] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of a vibration presentation device 100 having a control device 200 according to the present invention. In Figure 1 , elements of a part of the vibration presentation device 100 are shown in perspective Figure 1 The vibration presentation device 100 shown has a control device 200, an electromagnetic actuator 300, a touch panel 400, and a strain detection sensor 500. For example, the control device 200 is manufactured as a semiconductor chip and mounted on a substrate (not shown) mounted on the vibration presentation device 100. The vibration presentation device 100 can operate with electric power supplied from a battery

[0049] The electromagnetic actuator 300 is disposed between the touch panel 400 and a base 102 opposed to the touch panel 400 and fixed to the base 102. The touch panel 400 is supported by a movable plate 104 movably disposed in the Z direction on the electromagnetic actuator 300. The movable plate 104 is connected to a plate-shaped fixed body 106 mounted on the base 102 via a plate-shaped elastic portion 108. For example, the strain detection sensor 500 is mounted on the movable plate 104 and detects the displacement of the touch panel 400 that moves together with the movable plate 104 by pressing or vibration of the touch panel 400

[0050] The plate-shaped elastic portion 108 deforms due to the pulling force of the movable plate 104 toward the electromagnetic actuator 300 based on the magnetic force generated by the driving of the electromagnetic actuator 300, causing the movable plate 104 to move in the -Z direction. The touch panel 400 moves in the -Z direction together with the movement of the movable plate 104. The plate-shaped elastic portion 108 returns to its original shape when the driving of the electromagnetic actuator 300 stops. By the plate-shaped elastic portion 108 returning to its original shape, the movable plate 104 and the touch panel 400 return to their original positions.

[0051] Then, by repeatedly driving and stopping the driving of the electromagnetic actuator 300 by the control device 200, the touch panel 400 can be vibrated. In addition, by changing the driving force and driving period of the electromagnetic actuator 300, the amplitude and period of the vibration can be freely changed.

[0052] The touch panel 400 may also have a function of detecting the contact position of a user's finger or the like. For example, the touch panel 400 is an electrostatic type, a resistive film type, or an optical type, and is an example of an operation device operated by the user. The touch panel 400 may also have a screen in a liquid crystal mode, an organic EL mode, an electronic paper mode, a plasma mode, or the like.

[0053] For example, systems such as electronic devices including the vibration presentation device 100 are a car navigation system, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an image display device such as a television, a game console with a touch panel, or a game controller with a touch panel. The touch panel 400 can be overlapped and mounted on the display screen in these systems, or can be mounted as a touch pad.

[0054] The vibration presentation device 100 gives a vibration to the touch panel 400 corresponding to the contact operation of the user on the touch panel 400, thereby giving a contact operation feeling (hereinafter also referred to as a touch feeling) to the user operating the touch panel 400. The control device 200 sets the amplitude of the vibration given to the touch panel 400 according to the pressing of the user on the touch panel 400, and outputs a driving signal to the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0055] In addition, when the control device 200 can detect the contact position of a user's finger or the like on the touch panel 400, it may also change the characteristics of the vibration given to the touch panel 400 according to the contact position. The contact position can be detected by the control device 200, or can be detected by a microcomputer mounted in a system such as an electronic device including the vibration presentation device 100.

[0056]

Aspect 1

[0057] (Block diagram of the vibration presentation device)

[0058] Figure 2 shows Figure 1Block diagram of an example of the vibration presentation device 100. Figure 2 The structure of the system 10 equipped with the vibration presentation device 100 is also shown. The system 10 includes the vibration presentation device 100 and the microcomputer 600. For example, the microcomputer 600 can be mounted on the system board provided in the system 10. Figure 2 The shown vibration presentation device 100 was proposed by the inventors of the present invention and is not publicly known. The problems of the vibration presentation device 100 will be explained Figure 3 using

[0059] The vibration presentation device 100 has a control device 200, an electromagnetic actuator 300 including a coil 310, a touch panel 400, and a strain detection sensor 500. The vibration presentation device 100 has: a stable mode that detects contact of a user's finger or the like with the touch panel 400 and imparts vibration to the touch panel 400; and a standby mode that reduces power consumption. The standby mode is an example of a low power mode. The strain detection sensor 500 supported together with the touch panel 400 on Figure 1 the movable plate 104 detects the displacement of the touch panel 400 in response to the pressing of the touch panel 400 or the vibration based on the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0060] The control device 200 has a register unit 201, a voltage regulator unit 202, a clock control unit 203, an analog front end 220, a demodulation unit 230, a detection signal processing unit 240, a drive signal generation unit 250, a drive unit 270, and a push-in detection unit 280. The detection signal processing unit 240 has a low-pass filter (LPF) 241 and a high-pass filter (HPF) 242. The drive signal generation unit 250 has a main drive signal generation unit 251, a sub-drive signal generation unit 260, and an output unit 252.

[0061] The register unit 201 has a plurality of registers that can be read and written by the microcomputer 600. The register unit 201 outputs a voltage regulation enable signal RGEN, a clock enable signal CLKEN, a timing signal TCNT1, TCNT2, and control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, DMCCNT based on the information set by the microcomputer 600. In addition, since the register unit 201 is supplied with power not only in the stable mode but also in the standby mode, various data can be held and various data can be read and written in the standby mode.

[0062] From Figure 2The signals output from the register unit 201 shown mainly represent signals used for the transition to the standby mode and the release from the standby mode. The regulator enable signal RGEN, the clock enable signal CLKEN, the timing signals TCNT1 and TCNT2, and the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCCNT are examples of start control signals. Although not particularly limited, the microcomputer 600 can access the register unit 201 via, for example, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) interface.

[0063] The regulator unit 202 has the following function: using the power supply voltage VCC received from the outside of the vibration presentation device 100, it generates the power supply voltage AVCC used in the analog circuit modules within the control device 200 and the power supply voltage DVCC used in the digital circuit modules within the control device 200. For example, the power supply voltage AVCC is lower than the power supply voltage VCC, and the power supply voltage DVCC is the same as the power supply voltage VCC. The regulator unit 202 generates the power supply voltages AVCC and DVCC when the regulator enable signal RGEN is valid, and stops generating the power supply voltages AVCC and DVCC when the regulator enable signal RGEN is invalid.

[0064] In addition, when the power supply voltage DVCC is supplied to the register unit 201, the data held in the register unit 201 disappears due to the stop of the generation of the power supply voltage DVCC caused by the invalidation of the regulator enable signal RGEN. To suppress the disappearance of data, a power supply voltage that is generated even when the regulator enable signal RGEN is invalid is supplied to the register unit 201. In addition, in order to be able to access the register unit 201 in the standby mode, a clock signal CLK that is generated even in the standby mode or a divided clock signal obtained by dividing the frequency of the clock signal CLK is supplied to the register unit 201. As a result, the logic held in the register unit 201 can be maintained without loss in the standby mode, and the logic held in the register unit 201 can be rewritten when recovering from the standby mode to the stable mode.

[0065] The clock control unit 203, for example, uses the clock signal CLK generated by the analog circuit modules within the control device 200 to generate the clock signals CLK1 and CLK2 used in the digital circuit modules in the stable mode, and stops generating the clock signals CLK1 and CLK2 in the standby mode. Since the clock signal CLK is generated based on the power supply voltage AVCC, it is generated when the regulator enable signal RGEN is valid. The clock control unit 203 is an example of a clock generation unit. The clock signal CLK is an example of a first clock signal, and the clock signals CLK1 and CLK2 are examples of second clock signals.

[0066] The clock control unit 203 generates clock signals CLK1 and CLK2 while the clock enable signal CLKEN is valid, and stops generating the clock signals CLK1 and CLK2 while the clock enable signal CLKEN is invalid. For example, the clock signal CLK1 has the same frequency as the clock signal CLK. For example, the clock signal CLK2 is generated by dividing the frequency of the clock signal CLK and has half the frequency of the clock signal CLK.

[0067] The analog front end 220 has, for example, an offset cancellation unit, a programmable gain amplifier, and a ΔΣADC (Delta-Sigma ADC) (Analog-to-Digital Converter) not shown in the figure. The offset cancellation unit cancels the offset of the detection signal DDET (analog signal) representing the strain amount detected by the strain detection sensor 500 and outputs it to the programmable gain amplifier.

[0068] The programmable gain amplifier operates while the control signal PGACNT is valid and amplifies the detection signal DDET from which the offset has been canceled. The programmable gain amplifier stops operating while the control signal PGACNT is invalid.

[0069] The ΔΣADC operates while the control signal ADCCNT is valid, generates a serial data signal DT based on the change in the voltage of the amplified detection signal DDET, and outputs the generated serial data signal DT to the demodulation unit 230. The ΔΣADC stops operating while the control signal ADCCNT is invalid.

[0070] The demodulation unit 230 operates while the control signal DMCNT is valid, demodulates the serial data signal DT received from the ΔΣADC while shifting the position of the bit group in sequence, and generates a plurality of detection signals DET0 respectively representing the strain amounts of the touch panel 400. The demodulation unit 230 sequentially outputs the generated detection signals DET0 to the detection signal processing unit 240. The demodulation unit 230 stops operating while the control signal DMCNT is invalid. The analog front end 220 and the demodulation unit 230 are an example of a conversion unit that generates the detection signal DET0 from the detection signal DDET.

[0071] The low-pass filter 241 of the detection signal processing unit 240 performs noise removal processing on the detection signal DET0 received from the demodulation unit 230 and outputs it as the detection signal LPFDET to the high-pass filter 242 and the press detection unit 280. The high-pass filter 242 performs offset removal processing on the detection signal LPFDET from which the noise has been removed and received from the low-pass filter 241, and outputs it as the detection signal DET to the sub-drive signal generation unit 260. The detection signal DET0 is an example of a first digital signal, and the detection signals LPFDET and DET are examples of a second digital signal.

[0072] The main drive signal generation unit 251 of the drive signal generation unit 250 generates a main drive signal MDRV in response to a trigger signal TRG received from the microcomputer 600, and outputs the generated main drive signal MDRV to the output unit 252. Although not particularly limited, for example, the main drive signal MDRV may be a rectangular wave. The main drive signal MDRV is an example of a first drive signal.

[0073] The sub-drive signal generation unit 260 determines the amplitude of the sub-drive signal SDRV based on the peak timing and trough timing of the waveform of the detection signal DET from the detection signal processing unit 240, or the peak timing, trough timing, and zero-crossing timing. The sub-drive signal generation unit 260 generates a sub-drive signal SDRV having the determined amplitude, and outputs the generated sub-drive signal SDRV to the output unit 252. Although not particularly limited, for example, the sub-drive signal SDRV may be a sine wave. The sub-drive signal SDRV is an example of a second drive signal.

[0074] The output unit 252 outputs the main drive signal MDRV from the main drive signal generation unit 251 or the sub-drive signal SDRV from the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 as a drive signal DRV to the drive unit 270. The drive unit 270 drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 according to the drive signal DRV from the drive signal generation unit 250. Then, during the period when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven, the touch panel 400 and the strain detection sensor 500 move toward the electromagnetic actuator 300 side according to the magnetic force generated by the coil 310 mounted on the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0075] The depression detection unit 280 receives the detection signal LPFDET from the detection signal processing unit 240 and the drive period signal DRVP from the drive signal generation unit 250. The drive signal generation unit 250 makes the drive period signal DRVP valid during the period of generating the drive signal DRV according to the detection signal DET, and makes the drive period signal DRVP invalid when the detection signal DET is less than a certain amplitude. For example, the amplitude of the detection signal DET for determining the invalidation of the drive signal DRVP can be set in the register unit 201.

[0076] When the drive period signal DRVP is valid, the depression detection unit 280 stops detecting the depression operation of the touch panel 400. When the drive period signal DRVP is invalid, the depression detection unit 280 detects the depression operation of the touch panel 400 based on the detection signal LPFDET from the detection signal processing unit 240.

[0077] When the press-in detection unit 280 detects a press-in operation on the touch panel 400, it outputs a press-in detection signal PUSH to the microcomputer 600. In response to the press-in detection signal PUSH, the microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG to the vibration presentation device 100. Additionally, the press-in detection signal PUSH can also be notified to the microcomputer 600 as an interrupt signal.

[0078] The press-in operation is detected when the strain (pressing force) of the touch panel 400 based on the strain detection sensor 500 is equal to or greater than a preset value when the touch panel 400 is pressed. By stopping the detection of the press-in operation based on the press-in detection unit 280 during the validity of the drive signal DRVP, it is possible to suppress the output of the press-in detection signal PUSH due to the vibration of the touch panel 400 when the touch panel 400 is not pressed, such as the drive of the electromagnetic actuator 300 by the drive signal generation unit 250.

[0079] Accordingly, the vibration presentation device 100 generates a main drive signal MDRV based on the trigger signal TRG output from the microcomputer 600 through the detection of the press-in operation on the touch panel 400, and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300. After that, the vibration presentation device 100 detects the strain amount (vibration) of the touch panel 400 based on the main drive signal MDRV through the strain detection sensor 500. Then, the vibration presentation device 100 generates a sub-drive signal SDRV based on the detection signal DET indicating the detected strain amount, and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300. The sub-drive signal SDRV has an amplitude corresponding to the strain amount indicated by the detection signal DET and can be generated multiple times. Thus, it is possible to give the user operating the touch panel 400 the touch feeling for each use of the touch panel 400.

[0080] ( Figure 2 The operation timing of the control device)

[0081] Figure 3 It shows the transfer and release of the standby mode of the control device 200 controlled by the microcomputer 600 Figure 2 This is a timing chart showing an example. When the microcomputer 600 transfers the control device 200 to the standby mode or releases the control device 200 from the standby mode, it accesses the register unit 201 to invalidate or validate a given control signal, or outputs a given timing signal.

[0082] When transferring the control device 200 to the standby mode, through the setting of the information of the register unit 201 by the microcomputer 600, the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, DMCNT, and the timing signals TCNT1, TCNT2 are respectively invalidated ( Figure 3In (a). By invalidating the control signals PGACNT and ADCCNT, the operations of the programmable gain amplifier and the ΔΣ ADC in the front-end 220 are simulated to stop. By invalidating the control signal DMCNT, the operation of the demodulation unit 230 stops. By invalidating the timing signals TCNT1 and TCNT2, the operation of the drive signal generation unit 250 stops.

[0083] Next, the microcomputer 600 invalidates the regulator enable signal RGEN by setting information in the register unit 201, and stops the regulator unit 202 from generating the power supply voltages AVCC and DVCC ( Figure 3 In (b). By stopping the generation of the power supply voltage AVCC, the generation of the clock signal CLK stops ( Figure 3 In (c). In addition, as described in Figure 2 , the register unit 201 is supplied with the power supply voltage and the clock signal that are generated even when the regulator enable signal RGEN is invalid, so the register unit 201 can be accessed even in the standby mode.

[0084] In addition, the microcomputer 600 invalidates the clock enable signal CLKEN by setting information in the register unit 201 ( Figure 3 In (d). By invalidating the clock enable signal CLKEN, the clock control unit 203 stops generating the clock signals CLK1 and CLK2 ( Figure 3 In (e). Thus, the control device 200 transfers from the stable mode to the standby mode.

[0085] On the other hand, when the microcomputer 600 releases the control device 200 from the standby mode, it validates the regulator enable signal RGEN by setting information in the register unit 201, and the regulator unit 202 generates the analog power supply voltage AVCC ( Figure 3 In (f). After the start of the generation of the analog power supply voltage AVCC, the generation of the clock signal CLK for the analog circuit starts ( Figure 3 In (g).

[0086] After waiting for the time when the clock signal CLK becomes stable, the microcomputer 600 validates the clock enable signal CLKEN by setting information in the register unit 201 ( Figure 3 In (h). By validating the clock enable signal CLKEN, the generation of the clock signals CLK1 and CLK2 based on the clock control unit 203 starts ( Figure 3 In (i).

[0087] After a time until the clock signal CLK becomes stable and the analog front end 220 becomes stable, the microcomputer 600 makes the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCNT valid in sequence by setting information in the register unit 201 ( Figure 3 in (j), (k), (l)). The control signal PGACNT is an example of a first start control signal, the control signal ADCCNT is an example of a second start control signal, and the control signal DMCNT is an example of a third start control signal. In addition, the microcomputer 600 makes the timing signals TCNT1 and TCNT2 valid by setting information in the register unit 201 ( Figure 3 in (m)).

[0088] By making the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCNT valid, the programmable gain amplifier, the ΔΣ ADC, and the demodulation unit of the analog front end 220 start operating in sequence. The detection signal processing unit 240 sequentially generates the detection signals LPFDET and DET based on the detection signal DET0 output from the demodulation unit 230, outputs the generated detection signal LPFDET to the touch detection unit 280, and outputs the generated detection signal DET to the drive signal generation unit 250.

[0089] By making the timing signals TCNT1 and TCNT2 valid, the drive signal generation unit 250 and the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 start operating. Thereby, the control device 200 becomes a state capable of generating the detection signal DET, generating the sub-drive signal SDRV, and generating the touch detection signal PUSH, and becomes a state capable of detecting the touch operation of the touch panel 400. That is, the control device 200 releases the standby mode and shifts to the stable mode.

[0090] Figure 2 The transition and release of the standby mode of the control device 200 shown are controlled by various control signals and various timing signals generated according to the set values of the register unit 201 by the microcomputer 600. Therefore, the transition period and the release period of the standby mode include a period of writing information to the register unit 201 for setting various control signals and various timing signals to given logical values.

[0091] Therefore, compared with the case where the transition to and release from the standby mode are autonomously controlled within the control device 200, there is a problem that the transition period to the standby mode and the release period from the standby mode become longer. Since the release from the standby mode makes the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, DMCNT, and the timing signals TCNT1, TCNT2 valid in sequence, there is a problem that the release period becomes even longer. When the transition period and the release period become longer, the performance of the system 10 equipped with the vibration presentation device 100 may deteriorate.

[0092] In addition, in the vibration presentation device 100 that applies vibration to the touch panel 400 according to the strain caused by the pressing force on the touch panel 400 or the like, it is necessary to pre-adjust the waveform of the sub-drive signal SDRV according to the natural frequencies of the electromagnetic actuator 300 and the touch panel 400. Therefore, the parameters for adjusting the waveform of the sub-drive signal SDRV are stored in a volatile storage unit such as a register or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) within the digital circuit module according to the natural frequency of each vibration presentation device 100.

[0093] When the supply of the power voltage DVCC used in the digital circuit module is stopped in the standby mode, the waveform data for generating the sub-drive signal SDRV is lost. Therefore, whenever the microcomputer 600 is released from the standby mode, it is necessary to write the parameters for adjusting the waveform into the control device 200, and there is a problem that the release period from the standby mode becomes even longer.

[0094] (Block diagram of the vibration presentation device according to the first embodiment)

[0095] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing an example of the vibration presentation device 100A having the control device 200A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Regarding the same elements as Figure 2 the same, the same reference numerals are used and detailed descriptions are omitted. Figure 4 The structure of the system 10 equipped with the vibration presentation device 100A is also shown. Figure 4 The appearance and structure of the shown vibration presentation device 100A are the same as those of Figure 1 the vibration presentation device 100. The vibration presentation device 100A can operate with the power supplied from the battery.

[0096] Figure 4 The shown vibration presentation device 100A has a control device 200A instead of Figure 2 the control device 200, and has the same structure as Figure 2has the same structure as the vibration presentation device 100. For example, the control device 200A is manufactured as a semiconductor chip and mounted on a substrate (not shown) on which the vibration presentation device 100A is mounted.

[0097] The control device 200A replaces Figure 2 the voltage regulator section 202 of the control device 200, has a voltage regulator section 202A, an AFE control section 210A, and a timing control section 290A, and in addition has the same structure as Figure 2 the structure of the control device 200.

[0098] The voltage regulator section 202A generates a power supply voltage AVCC for the analog circuit module in the stable mode using the power supply voltage VCC received from the outside, and stops generating the power supply voltage AVCC in the standby mode. The power supply voltage AVCC is an example of an analog power supply voltage. The voltage regulator section 202A does not have a function of generating a power supply voltage DVCC for the digital circuit module. The power supply voltage DVCC uses the power supply voltage VCC.

[0099] The microcomputer 600 makes the control signals AFEOFF, AFEON, and TCNT effective or ineffective by setting information in the register section 201. The AFE control section 210A has a function of generating control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT for controlling the operation of the analog front end 220 and a control signal DMCNT for controlling the operation of the demodulation section 230 based on the control signals AFEOFF, AFEON received from the register section 201.

[0100] The AFE control section 210A invalidates the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCNT in response to the validity of the control signal AFEOFF set by the microcomputer 600 when transferring to the standby mode. The AFE control section 210A makes the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCNT effective in sequence in response to the validity of the control signal AFEON set by the microcomputer 600.

[0101] The timing control section 290A has a function of generating timing signals TCNT1, TCNT2 for controlling the operation of the drive signal generation section 250 based on the control signal TCNT received from the register section 201. The timing control section 290A invalidates the timing signals TCNT1, TCNT2 in response to the invalidity of the control signal TCNT set by the microcomputer 600 when transferring to the standby mode. The timing control section 290A makes the timing signals TCNT1, TCNT2 effective in response to the validity of the control signal TCNT set by the microcomputer 600 when releasing from the standby mode.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the microcomputer 600 can cause the control device 200A to successively activate the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCNT by writing a value that activates the control signal AFEON in a given register of the register unit 201. Further, the microcomputer 600 can cause the control device 200A to successively activate the timing signals TCNT1 and TCNT2 by writing a value that activates the control signal TCNT in a given register of the register unit 201. Therefore, compared with the control device 200 of Figure 2 the transfer period to the standby mode and the release period from the standby mode can be shortened.

[0103] Further, in the present embodiment, the power supply voltage DVCC that operates the digital circuit module is always supplied to the control device 200A regardless of the operation mode. Therefore, parameters for adjusting the waveform of the sub-drive signal SDRV corresponding to the natural frequencies of the electromagnetic actuator 300 and the touch panel 400 can be continuously held in a volatile storage unit such as a register or SRAM without disappearing in the standby mode.

[0104] For example, the parameters for adjusting the waveform of the sub-drive signal SDRV may also include values for adjusting one or both of the amplitude and frequency of the sub-drive signal SDRV. Since the microcomputer 600 does not need to write the parameters for adjusting the waveform to the control device 200A every time the standby mode is released, compared with the control device 200 of Figure 2 the release period from the standby mode can be further shortened. As a result, compared with the case of the vibration presentation device 100 equipped with Figure 2 the performance of the system 10 equipped with the vibration presentation device 100A can be improved.

[0105] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing details of the control device 200A of Figure 4 For elements described in Figure 2 and Figure 4 detailed descriptions are omitted. Similar to the description of Figure 2 the analog front end 220 has an offset cancellation unit 221, a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) 222, and a ΔΣADC 223. The sub-drive signal generation unit 260 has a timing detection unit 261, an amplitude setting unit 262, a cycle counting unit 263, a first sub-drive signal generation unit 264, a second sub-drive signal generation unit 265, and a synthesis unit 266.

[0106] The offset cancellation unit 221 cancels the offset of the detection signal DDET (analog signal) indicating the amount of strain detected by the strain detection sensor 500 and outputs it to the programmable gain amplifier 222.

[0107] The programmable gain amplifier 222 operates when the control signal PGACNT is valid, and amplifies the offset-removed detection signal DDET. The programmable gain amplifier stops operating when the control signal PGACNT is invalid. The programmable gain amplifier 222 is an example of an amplifier circuit.

[0108] The ΔΣADC 223 operates when the control signal ADCCNT is valid, generates a serial data signal DT based on the change in the voltage of the amplified detection signal DDET, and outputs the generated serial data signal DT to the demodulation unit 230. The ΔΣADC stops operating when the control signal ADCCNT is invalid.

[0109] The timing detection unit 261 detects the peak timing and the valley timing of the waveform of the detection signal DET from the detection signal processing unit 240, or the peak timing, the valley timing, and the zero-crossing timing, and outputs them as timing signals to the amplitude setting unit 262. In addition, the timing signals are also output to the period counting unit 263.

[0110] The amplitude setting unit 262 sets the amplitude of the sub-drive signal based on the timing signals from the timing detection unit 261, and outputs amplitude information indicating the set amplitude to the period counting unit 263. For example, the amplitude setting unit 262 can use the information indicated by the timing signals from the timing detection unit 261 and refer to the data table stored in the storage unit of the control device 200A to set the amplitude of the sub-drive signal.

[0111] The period counting unit 263 counts the period of the sub-drive signal SDRV based on the timing signals from the timing detection unit 261. And, for example, in the case of the odd-numbered periods, the period counting unit 263 instructs the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 to generate the sub-drive signal SDRV, and in the case of the even-numbered periods, the period counting unit 263 instructs the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 to generate the sub-drive signal SDRV.

[0112] For example, the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 and the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 are sine wave generators. The first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 generates a sub-drive signal SDRV of one period of sine wave based on the instruction from the period counting unit 263 and outputs it to the synthesis unit 266. The second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 generates a sub-drive signal SDRV of one period of sine wave based on the instruction from the period counting unit 263 and outputs it to the synthesis unit 266. Thus, when switching the period of the sub-drive signal SDRV, it is possible to suppress the interruption or sharp change of the sub-drive signal SDRV, and it is possible to generate a sub-drive signal SDRV that changes smoothly. In addition, the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 and the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 may also be cosine wave generators.

[0113] The synthesizing unit 266 synthesizes the odd-cycle sub-driving signal OSDRV generated by the first sub-driving signal generating unit 264 and the even-cycle sub-driving signal ESDRV generated by the second sub-driving signal generating unit 265, and outputs them as a wave train of the sub-driving signal SDRV to the output unit 252. The output unit 252 outputs the main driving signal MDRV from the main driving signal generating unit 251 or the sub-driving signal SDRV from the sub-driving signal generating unit 260 as the driving signal DRV to Figure 4 the driving unit 270.

[0114] ( Figure 4 the operation timing of the control device)

[0115] Figure 6 is a timing chart showing the transition and release of the standby mode of the control device 200A. For the same operations as Figure 4 those, detailed descriptions are omitted. When the microcomputer 600 transfers the control device 200A to the standby mode or releases the control device 200A from the standby mode, it accesses the register unit 201 to invalidate or validate the regulated power supply enable signal RGEN, the clock enable signal CLKEN, and the control signals AFEON, AFEOFF, and TCNT. Figure 3 The invalidation timing and the validation timing of the regulated power supply enable signal RGEN and the clock enable signal CLKEN are the same as

[0116] those. The waveforms of the clock signals CLK, CLK1, and CLK2 are the same as Figure 3 those. The waveforms of the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, DMCNT, TCNT1, and TCNT2 are the same as Figure 3 those. Figure 3 The control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCNT are generated by the AFE control unit 210A, and the control signals TCNT1 and TCNT2 are generated by the timing control unit 290A. The microcomputer 600 may not directly control the validation and invalidation of the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, DMCNT, TCNT1, and TCNT2. Therefore, the number of times (processes) that the microcomputer 600 accesses the register unit 201 for the transition and release of the standby mode can be reduced, and

[0117] compared with Figure 3 that, the time taken for the transition and release of the standby mode can be shortened.

[0118] When the microcomputer 600 transfers the control device 200A to the standby mode, it makes the control signal AFEOFF valid for a given time and makes the control signal TCNT invalid ( Figure 6(a) and (b) in the figure. In response to the activation of the control signal AFEOFF, the AFE control unit 210A invalidates the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCNT ( Figure 6 (c), (d), and (e) in the figure. In response to the invalidation of the control signal TCNT, the timing control unit 290A invalidates the timing signals TCNT1 and TCNT2 ( Figure 6 (f) in the figure. Then, Figure 3 Similarly, the control device 200A transfers from the stable mode to the standby mode.

[0119] When the microcomputer 600 releases the control device 200A from the standby mode, after a given time has elapsed since the regulation enable signal RGEN was activated, the clock enable signal CLKEN is activated, and the control signal AFEON is activated for a given time ( Figure 6 (g), (h), and (i) in the figure. The AFE control unit 210A stands by during the activation period of the control signal AFEON until the analog front end 220 becomes stable, and in response to the invalidation of the control signal AFEON, the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCNT are sequentially activated ( Figure 6 (j), (k), and (l) in the figure.

[0120] The microcomputer 600 waits for the time from when the control signal AFEON is activated until the analog front end 220 and the demodulation unit 230 can operate normally, and activates the control signal TCNT ( Figure 6 (m) in the figure. In response to the activation of the control signal TCNT, the timing control unit 290A activates the timing signals TCNT1 and TCNT2 ( Figure 6 (n) in the figure. By the activation of the timing signals TCNT1 and TCNT2, the signal generation unit 250 and the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 start operating, and Figure 3 Similarly, the control device 200A is released from the standby mode and transfers to the stable mode.

[0121] In addition, in this embodiment, the power supply voltage DVCC is always supplied to the digital circuit module using the power supply voltage VCC. Therefore, even if the clock signals CLK1 and CLK2 stop in the standby mode, the parameters for adjusting the waveform of the sub-drive signal SDRV can be continuously held in a storage unit such as a register or SRAM in the digital circuit module. Therefore, each time the microcomputer 600 is released from the standby mode, the parameters for adjusting the waveform do not need to be written to the control device 200. Therefore, compared with Figure 2 the release period of the control device 200 in the related art, the release period from the standby mode can be further shortened.

[0122] As described above, in the first embodiment, the number of times (processes) the microcomputer 600 accesses the register unit 201 for the transition to and release from the standby mode can be reduced, and the time taken for the transition to and release from the standby mode can be shortened. In addition, since the power supply voltage DVCC is supplied to the digital circuit module in the standby mode, the parameters for adjusting the waveform of the sub-drive signal SDRV can be continuously held in a storage unit such as a register or SRAM in the digital circuit module. Therefore, each time the microcomputer 600 is released from the standby mode, it does not need to write the parameters for adjusting the waveform to the control device 200, so the release time from the standby mode can be further shortened.

[0123] (Second Embodiment)

[0124] Figure 7 FIG. is a block diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device 100B having a control device 200B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Regarding the same elements as Figure 2 and Figure 4 the same reference numerals are assigned and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Figure 7 The structure of a system 10 equipped with the vibration presentation device 100B is also shown. Figure 7 The appearance and structure of the shown vibration presentation device 100B are the same as those of Figure 1 the vibration presentation device 100. The vibration presentation device 100B can operate with power supplied from a battery.

[0125] Figure 7 The shown vibration presentation device 100B has the same structure as Figure 4 the vibration presentation device 100A except that it has a control device 200B instead of Figure 4 the control device 200A. The control device 200B has a timing control unit 290B instead of Figure 4 the timing control unit 290A of the control device 200A, and also has a standby control unit 295B, and has the same structure as Figure 4 the control device 200A in other respects. The AFE control unit 210A, the timing control unit 290B, and the standby control unit 295B are examples of a mode control unit. For example, the analog front end 220 is included in the analog circuit module, and the standby control unit 295B, the timing control unit 290B, and the AFE control unit 210A are included in the digital circuit module.

[0126] The timing control unit 290B except Figure 4In addition to the functions of the timing control unit 290A, it also has the following functions: when controlling the standby mode, it outputs a timing pulse signal TPLS and a clear signal CLR to the detection signal processing unit 240. The timing pulse signal TPLS is a synchronization signal for causing the detection signal processing unit 240 to perform filtering processing on the detection signal DET0, and is output at a given period in the stable mode. The clear signal CLR is valid in the standby mode. The detection signal processing unit 240 clears the result of the filtering processing during the validity of the clear signal CLR, thereby preventing the result data of the invalid filtering processing from being supplied to the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 as the detection signal DET. An example of the timing of the timing pulse signal TPLS and the clear signal CLR generated by the timing control unit 290B is in Figure 8 shown.

[0127] The standby control unit 295B has the following functions: according to the standby signal STBY received from the register unit 201, it outputs a regulated power supply enable signal RGEN, a clock enable signal CLKEN, and control signals AFE OFF, AFE ON, and TCNT. When the microcomputer 600 transfers the control device 200B to the standby mode, it makes the standby signal STBY valid by setting information in the register unit 201. When the microcomputer 600 releases the control device 200B from the standby mode, it makes the standby signal STBY invalid by setting information in the register unit 201. The standby signal STBY is an example of a release signal indicating the release of the standby mode. An operation example of the standby control unit 295B is in Figure 8 shown.

[0128] ( Figure 7 Operation timing of the control device)

[0129] Figure 8 is a timing diagram showing Figure 7 a control example of the transfer and release of the standby mode of the control device 200B. For the same operations as Figure 3 and Figure 6 the detailed description is omitted.

[0130] When the microcomputer 600 transfers the control device 200B to the standby mode, it makes the standby signal STBY valid by accessing the register unit 201 ( Figure 8 in (a)). The standby control unit 295B makes the control signal TCNT invalid according to the validity of the standby signal STBY ( Figure 8 in (b)). The timing control unit 290B makes the clear signal CLR valid according to the invalidity of the control signal TCNT ( Figure 8In (c). While the clear signal CLR is active, the detection signal processing unit 240 blocks the input of the detection signal DET0 of the low-pass filter 241 and suppresses the filtering of the detection signal DET0. The timing control unit 290B periodically outputs a timing pulse signal TPLS( Figure 8 In (d). In response to the timing pulse signal TPLS after the standby signal STBY becomes active, the detection signal processing unit 240 clears the data held internally.

[0131] Next, the standby control unit 295B makes the control signal AFEOFF active for a given time and causes the AFE control unit 210A to invalidate the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCNT( Figure 8 In (e) and (f). Next, the standby control unit 295B invalidates the regulated power supply enable signal RGEN and the clock enable signal CLK( Figure 8 (g) and (h). Then, similar to Figure 3 and Figure 6 the control device 200B transitions from the stable mode to the standby mode.

[0132] On the other hand, when the microcomputer 600 releases the control device 200B from the standby mode, it accesses the register unit 201 to invalidate the standby signal STBY( Figure 8 In (i). Based on the invalidation of the standby signal STBY, the standby control unit 295B sequentially activates the regulated power supply enable signal RGEN and the clock enable signal CLKEN( Figure 8 In (j) and (k). After a given time has elapsed since the standby signal STBY became active, the standby control unit 295B makes the control signal AFEON active for a given time and causes the AFE control unit 210A to sequentially activate the control signals PGACNT, ADCCNT, and DMCNT( Figure 8 In (l), (m), (n), and (o).

[0133] Next, the standby control unit 295B makes the control signal TCNT active( Figure 8 In (p). In response to the activation of the control signal TCNT, the timing control unit 290B activates the control signals TCNT1 and TCNT2, causing the drive signal generation unit 250 to start operating( Figure 8 In (q).

[0134] In addition, the timing control unit 290B periodically outputs a timing pulse signal TPLS( Figure 8Since the clear signal CLR is valid, the detection signal processing unit 240 clears the result of the filtering process of the invalid detection signal DET0 from the demodulation unit 230. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the supply of the invalid detection signal DET from the detection signal processing unit 240 to the sub-drive signal generation unit 260, and it is possible to prevent the malfunction of the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0135] The timing control unit 290B invalidates the clear signal CLR ( Figure 8 in (s)) after outputting a given number of timing pulse signals TPLS ( Figure 8 4 in this case). It is sufficient that the number of timing pulse signals TPLS output before the invalidation of the clear signal CLR is one or more. For example, the time for outputting four timing pulse signals TPLS corresponds to the time until the normal detection signal DET0 is output from the demodulation unit 230 after the release from the standby mode. Thereby, the detection signal processing unit 240 can clear the result data of the invalid filtering process at the time of release from the standby mode.

[0136] Then, the detection signal processing unit 240 performs the filtering process of the normal detection signal DET0 synchronously with the subsequent timing pulse signals TPLS, can output the normal detection signal LPFDET to the key press detection unit 280, and can output the normal detection signal DET to the sub-drive signal generation unit 260. Therefore, the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 can generate the normal sub-drive signal SDRV based on the normal detection signal DET, and can suppress the malfunction of the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0137] As described above, in the second embodiment, compared with the first embodiment, the number of times (processes) of accessing the register unit 201 by the microcomputer 600 for the release from the standby mode can be further reduced, and the time taken for the release from the standby mode can be shortened. In addition, similarly to the first embodiment, the parameters for adjusting the waveform of the sub-drive signal SDRV can be continuously held in a storage unit such as a register or SRAM in the digital circuit module, and the time from the release from the standby mode can be further shortened.

[0138] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when releasing from the standby mode, after outputting a given number of timing pulse signals TPLS to the detection signal processing unit 240, the clear signal CLR is made invalid. As a result, the detection signal processing unit 240 can clear the invalid data at the time of releasing from the standby mode, and perform the filtering process of the normal detection signal DET0 after releasing from the standby mode, thereby outputting the normal detection signals LPFDET and DET. As a result, the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 can generate a normal sub-drive signal SDRV based on the normal detection signal DET, and can suppress the malfunction of the electromagnetic actuator 300. In addition, the press-in detection unit 280 can normally perform the detection of the press-in operation of the touch panel 400 based on the normal detection signal LPFDET.

[0139]

Aspect 2

[0140] (Block diagram of a vibration presentation device)

[0141] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing Figure 1 an example of the vibration presentation device 100. Figure 9 The structure of the system 10 equipped with the vibration presentation device 100 is also shown. The system 10 includes a vibration presentation device 100, a microcomputer 600, and a press-in detection unit 700. For example, the microcomputer 600 and the press-in detection unit 700 may be mounted on a system board provided in the system 10. For example, the press-in detection unit 700 is mounted on the system board as a single component. Figure 9 The vibration presentation device 100 shown is proposed by the inventors of the present invention and is not publicly known. The problems of the vibration presentation device 100 are explained using Figure 10 as follows.

[0142] The vibration presentation device 100 includes a control device 200, an electromagnetic actuator 300 including a coil 310, a touch panel 400, and a strain detection sensor 500. The strain detection sensor 500 supported together with the touch panel 400 on Figure 1 the movable plate 104 detects the displacement of the touch panel 400 in response to the pressing, releasing, or vibration based on the electromagnetic actuator 300 of the touch panel 400.

[0143] The control device 200 includes a register unit 210, an analog front end 220, a demodulation unit 230, a detection signal processing unit 240, a drive signal generation unit 250, and a drive unit 270. The analog front end 220 includes an offset cancellation unit 221, a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) 222, and a ΔΣADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) 223. The detection signal processing unit 240 includes a low-pass filter (LPF) 241 and a high-pass filter (HPF) 242.

[0144] The drive signal generation unit 250 includes a main drive signal generation unit 251, a sub-drive signal generation unit 260, and an output unit 252. The sub-drive signal generation unit 260 includes a timing detection unit 261, an amplitude setting unit 262, a cycle counting unit 263, a first sub-drive signal generation unit 264, a second sub-drive signal generation unit 265, and a synthesis unit 266. In addition, the control device 200 operates in synchronization with a clock signal that is the system clock of the vibration presentation device 100, but the description of the clock signal is omitted.

[0145] The register unit 210 includes a plurality of registers that can be read and written by the microcomputer 600. Although not particularly limited, the microcomputer 600 can access the register unit 210 via, for example, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) interface. The state of the control device 200 can be set by various control signals output from each register according to the set values of the register unit 210 written by the microcomputer 600.

[0146] In the analog front end 220, the offset cancellation unit 221 cancels the offset of the detection signal DDET (analog signal) representing the amount of strain detected by the strain detection sensor 500 and outputs it to the programmable gain amplifier 222. The programmable gain amplifier 222 amplifies the detection signal DDET with the offset canceled. The ΔΣADC generates a serial data signal DT according to the change in the voltage of the amplified detection signal DDET and outputs the generated serial data signal DT to the demodulation unit 230. The detection signal DDET is an example of a first detection signal. The programmable gain amplifier 222 is an example of an amplification circuit.

[0147] The demodulation unit 230 demodulates the serial data signal DT received from the ΔΣADC while shifting the position of the bit group in sequence to generate a plurality of detection signals DET0 respectively representing the amount of strain of the touch panel 400. The demodulation unit 230 outputs the generated detection signals DET0 to the detection signal processing unit 240 in sequence.

[0148] The low-pass filter 241 of the detection signal processing unit 240 performs noise removal processing on the detection signal DET0 received from the demodulation unit 230 and outputs it to the high-pass filter 242 as the detection signal LPFDET. The high-pass filter 242 performs offset removal processing on the detection signal LPFDET with the noise removed received from the low-pass filter 241 and outputs it to the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 as the detection signal DET. The detection signal DET0 is an example of a first digital signal, and the detection signals LPFDET and DET are examples of second digital signals.

[0149] The main drive signal generation unit 251 of the drive signal generation unit 250 generates a main drive signal MDRV in response to a trigger signal TRG received from the microcomputer 600, and outputs the generated main drive signal MDRV to the output unit 252. Although not particularly limited, for example, the main drive signal MDRV may be a rectangular wave. The trigger signal TRG is an example of a drive start signal.

[0150] The timing detection unit 261 of the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 detects the peak timing and trough timing of the waveform of the detection signal DET from the detection signal processing unit 240, or the peak timing, trough timing, and zero-crossing timing, and outputs them as timing signals to the amplitude setting unit 262. In addition, the timing signals are also output to the period counting unit 263.

[0151] The amplitude setting unit 262 sets the amplitude of the sub-drive signal based on the timing signal from the timing detection unit 261, and outputs amplitude information indicating the set amplitude to the period counting unit 263. For example, the amplitude setting unit 262 can use the information indicated by the timing signal from the timing detection unit 261 and refer to the data table stored in the storage unit of the control device 200A to set the amplitude of the sub-drive signal.

[0152] The period counting unit 263 counts the period of the sub-drive signal SDRV based on the timing signal from the timing detection unit 261. Then, for example, in the case of an odd-numbered period, the period counting unit 263 instructs the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 to generate the sub-drive signal SDRV, and in the case of an even-numbered period, the period counting unit 263 instructs the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 to generate the sub-drive signal SDRV.

[0153] For example, the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 and the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 are sine wave generators. The first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 generates a sub-drive signal SDRV of one period of sine wave based on the instruction from the period counting unit 263 and outputs it to the synthesis unit 266. The second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 generates a sub-drive signal SDRV of one period of sine wave based on the instruction from the period counting unit 263 and outputs it to the synthesis unit 266. Thus, when switching the period of the sub-drive signal SDRV, the situation where the sub-drive signal SDRV is interrupted or changes sharply can be suppressed, and a smoothly changing sub-drive signal SDRV can be generated. In addition, the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 and the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 may also be cosine wave generators.

[0154] The synthesizing unit 266 synthesizes the odd-numbered cycle sub-driving signal OSDRV generated by the first sub-driving signal generating unit 264 and the even-numbered cycle sub-driving signal ESDRV generated by the second sub-driving signal generating unit 265, and outputs them as a wave train of the sub-driving signal SDRV to the output unit 252. The output unit 252 outputs the main driving signal MDRV from the main driving signal generating unit 251 or the sub-driving signal SDRV from the sub-driving signal generating unit 260 as the driving signal DRV to the driving unit 270.

[0155] The driving unit 270 drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 according to the driving signal DRV from the output unit 252. Then, during the period when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven, the touch panel 400 and the strain detection sensor 500 move toward the electromagnetic actuator 300 side according to the magnetic force generated by the coil 310 mounted on the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0156] The push-in detection unit 700 provided outside the vibration presentation device 100 detects the vibration of the touch panel 400 based on the detection signal DDET indicating the amount of strain detected by the strain detection sensor 500. When the push-in detection unit 700 detects a push-in operation or the release of a push-in operation of the touch panel 400 based on the detected vibration, it outputs a push-in signal PUSH to the microcomputer 600.

[0157] Here, the push-in operation is detected based on the case where the touch panel 400 is pressed by a user's finger or the like. The release of the push-in operation is detected based on the case where the user's finger or the like leaves the touch panel 400 and the touch panel 400 is under a pressure release operation (released from pressing).

[0158] For example, when the push-in detection unit 700 detects a push-in operation, it changes the push-in detection signal PUSH to a high level, and when it detects a pressure release operation, it changes the push-in detection signal PUSH to a low level. The high-level push-in detection signal PUSH is an example of a first pressing detection signal, and the low-level push-in detection signal PUSH is an example of a second pressing detection signal.

[0159] In response to the rising edge and falling edge of the push-in detection signal PUSH, the microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG to the vibration presentation device 100. In addition, the push-in detection signal PUSH may also be notified to the microcomputer 600 as an interrupt signal. The details of the operation of the push-in detection unit 700 are described using Figure 10 to illustrate.

[0160] Based on the above, the vibration presentation device 100 generates the main drive signal MDRV based on the trigger signal TRG output from the microcomputer 600 by detecting the pressing operation or the holding pressure operation of the touch panel 400, and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300. The main drive signal MDRV generated during the detection of the pressing operation is an example of the first drive signal. The main drive signal MDRV generated during the detection of the holding pressure operation is an example of the third drive signal.

[0161] After that, the vibration presentation device 100 detects the strain amount (vibration) of the touch panel 400 based on the main drive signal MDRV through the strain detection sensor 500. Then, the vibration presentation device 100 generates the sub-drive signal SDRV based on the detection signal DET indicating the detected strain amount, and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300. The sub-drive signal SDRV generated during the detection of the pressing operation is an example of the second drive signal. The sub-drive signal SDRV generated during the detection of the holding pressure operation is an example of the fourth drive signal. The sub-drive signal SDRV has an amplitude corresponding to the strain amount indicated by the detection signal DET and can be generated multiple times. Thus, it is possible to give the user operating the touch panel 400 the touch feeling for each use of the touch panel 400.

[0162] ( Figure 9 The operation timing of the control device)

[0163] Figure 10 is a timing chart showing an example of detecting the pressing operation and the holding pressure operation of the touch panel 400 by the control device 200 based on Figure 9 . In the example shown in Figure 10 , the pressing detection unit 700 detects the pressing operation of the touch panel 400 when the level of the detection signal DDET received from the strain detection sensor 500 exceeds the detection level of the pressing operation. In addition, the pressing detection unit 700 detects the holding pressure operation of the touch panel 400 when the level of the detection signal DDET received from the strain detection sensor 500 is lower than the detection level of the holding pressure operation. In this way, the detection level of the pressing operation and the detection level of the holding pressure operation have hysteresis.

[0164] Generally, by having hysteresis, the pressing detection unit 700 can suppress the false detection of the holding pressure operation even if the detection level of the pressing operation moves back and forth when the detection signal DDET has a small change smaller than the hysteresis width. Similarly, the pressing detection unit 700 can suppress the false detection of the holding pressure operation even if the detection level of the holding pressure operation moves back and forth when the detection signal DDET has a small change smaller than the hysteresis width.

[0165] However, Figure 9The control device 200 shown drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 based on the reception of the trigger signal TRG, causing the touch panel 400 to vibrate. In this case, as described below, when the touch panel 400 is pressed, the level of the detection signal DDET output from the strain detection sensor 500 may be lower than the detection level of the pressure stop operation, and when the touch panel 400 stops being pressed, the level of the detection signal DDET output from the strain detection sensor 500 may exceed the detection level of the pressing-in operation.

[0166] Before the touch panel 400 is pressed, the strain detection sensor 500 outputs a detection signal DDET indicating that the touch panel 400 has not been displaced, and the pressing-in detection unit 700 outputs a low-level pressing-in detection signal PUSH( Figure 10 as shown in (a)). When the pressing of the touch panel 400 by a finger or the like starts, the level of the detection signal DDET gradually rises( Figure 10 as shown in (b)). The detection signal DDET is supplied to the analog front end 220 of the control device 200 and the pressing-in detection unit 700.

[0167] When the level of the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the pressing-in operation, the pressing-in detection unit 700 detects the pressing-in operation and changes the pressing-in detection signal PUSH to a high level( Figure 10 as shown in (c)). In response to the rising edge of the pressing-in detection signal PUSH, the microcomputer 600 outputs the trigger signal TRG( Figure 10 as shown in (d)). The control device 200 that has received the trigger signal TRG generates the main drive signal MDRV.

[0168] The drive unit 270 receives the drive signal DRV corresponding to the main drive signal MDRV and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 to vibrate the touch panel 400. The vibration of the touch panel 400 is maximum when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive signal DRV, and then gradually decreases. The strain detection sensor 500 outputs a detection signal DDET with a gradually decreasing amplitude according to the vibration of the touch panel 400( Figure 10 as shown in (e)).

[0169] When the level of the detection signal DDET is lower than the detection level of the pressure stop operation due to the vibration of the touch panel 400, the pressing-in detection unit 700 detects the pressure stop operation and changes the pressing-in detection signal PUSH to a low level. After that, when the level of the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the pressing-in operation again, the pressing-in detection unit 700 detects the pressing-in operation and changes the pressing-in detection signal PUSH to a high level( Figure 10 as shown in (f)).

[0170] The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG every time the push detection signal PUSH from the push detection unit 700 changes to a high level ( Figure 10 in (g) of the figure). The control device 200 generates a main drive signal MDRV based on the trigger signal TRG. Since the main drive signal MDRV is generated again after the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive signal DRV, the drive unit 270 drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 during the period when the vibration gradually decreases. Therefore, the vibration when the touch panel 400 is pressed is different from the vibration corresponding to the waveform of the ideal detection signal DDET whose amplitude gradually decreases as shown in Figure 10 the figure. As a result, the vibration with discomfort is transmitted to the user pressing the touch panel 400.

[0171] On the other hand, when the pressing of the touch panel 400 by a finger or the like stops, the level of the detection signal DDET gradually decreases ( Figure 10 in (h) of the figure). The push detection unit 700 detects the release operation when the level of the detection signal DDET is lower than the detection level of the release operation, and changes the push detection signal PUSH to a low level ( Figure 10 in (i) of the figure). The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG in response to the falling edge of the push detection signal PUSH ( Figure 10 in (j) of the figure).

[0172] Thus, similarly to when the touch panel 400 is pressed, the drive unit 270 receives the drive signal DRV corresponding to the main drive signal MDRV and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 to vibrate the touch panel 400. The vibration of the touch panel 400 is the largest when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive signal DRV, and then gradually decreases. The strain detection sensor 500 outputs a detection signal DDET whose amplitude gradually decreases according to the vibration of the touch panel 400 ( Figure 10 in (k) of the figure).

[0173] When the push detection unit 700 detects a push operation when the level of the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the push operation due to the vibration of the touch panel 400, it changes the push detection signal PUSH to a high level. After that, when the level of the detection signal DDET is lower than the detection level of the release operation again, the push detection unit 700 detects the release operation and changes the push detection signal PUSH to a low level ( Figure 10 in (l) of the figure).

[0174] The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG every time the push detection signal PUSH from the push detection unit 700 changes to a low level ( Figure 10In this way, the main drive signal MDRV is generated in the same manner as when the touch panel 400 is pressed. Since the main drive signal MDRV is generated again after the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive signal DRV, the drive unit 270 drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 during the period when the vibration gradually decreases. Therefore, the vibration of the touch panel 400 when the pressure is stopped is similar to that of the touch panel 400. Figure 10 The waveform of the ideal detection signal DDET in which the amplitude gradually decreases is different from the vibration corresponding to the waveform of the ideal detection signal DDET. As a result, an uncomfortable vibration is transmitted to the user who presses the touch panel 400.

[0175] (Block Diagram of Vibration Presentation Device According to Third Embodiment)

[0176] Figure 11 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device 100A having a control device 200A according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 The same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Figure 11 The appearance and structure of the vibration presentation device 100A shown in FIG. Figure 1 The appearance and structure of the vibration presentation device 100A are the same as those of the vibration presentation device 100. The vibration presentation device 100A can be operated by power supplied from a battery.

[0177] Figure 11 The vibration presentation device 100A shown in the figure replaces Figure 9 The control device 200 has a control device 200A and a Figure 9 The control device 200A has the same structure as the vibration presentation device 100. For example, the control device 200A is manufactured as a semiconductor chip and mounted on a substrate (not shown) mounted on the vibration presentation device 100A. In addition, the control device 200A operates synchronously with a clock signal, but the description of the clock signal is omitted.

[0178] Control device 200A replaces Figure 9 The control device 200 includes a drive signal generating unit 250 and a drive signal generating unit 250A, and also includes a press detection unit 280A. Figure 9 The drive signal generating unit 250A has the same structure as the control device 200. In addition to generating the drive period signal DRVP, the drive signal generating unit 250A has the same structure as the control device 200. Figure 9 The function of the driving signal generating unit 250 is the same as that of the driving signal generating unit 250.

[0179] The push detection unit 280A outputs a push detection signal PUSH to the microcomputer 600. The microcomputer 600 receives the push detection signal PUSH from the push detection unit 280A, so the system 10 does not have Figure 9The pressing detection unit 700 shown. The pressing detection unit 280A is an example of a pressing detection unit.

[0180] The pressing detection unit 280A receives the detection signal LPFDET from the detection signal processing unit 240 and the driving period signal DRVP from the driving signal generation unit 250. The driving signal generation unit 250 makes the driving period signal DRVP effective during the period of generating the driving signal DRV based on the detection signal DET, and makes the driving period signal DRVP ineffective when the detection signal DET is less than a certain amplitude. For example, the amplitude of the detection signal DET for determining the ineffectiveness of the driving signal DRVP can be set in the register unit 210.

[0181] When the driving period signal DRVP is effective, the pressing detection unit 280A stops the detection of the pressing operation based on the comparison between the detection signal LPFDET and the detection level of the pressing operation and the detection of the holding pressure operation based on the comparison between the detection signal LPFDET and the detection level of the holding pressure operation. Thus, during the period when the control device 200A drives the electromagnetic actuator 300, it is possible to suppress the situation where the pressing detection signal PUSH changes due to the change of the detection signals DDET and LPFDET. The details of the operation of the pressing detection unit 280A are described using Figure 12 for illustration.

[0182] ( Figure 11 The operation timing of the control device)

[0183] Figure 12 is a timing chart showing an example of detecting the pressing operation and the holding pressure operation of the touch panel 400 of the control device 200A based on Figure 11 . For the same operation as Figure 10 , detailed description is omitted. The waveform of the detection signal DDET, the detection level of the pressing operation, and the detection level of the holding pressure operation are the same as Figure 10 . In addition, the waveforms of the detection signals LPFDET and DET received by the pressing detection unit 280A are the same as the waveform of the detection signal DDET. The waveforms of the periods P1 and P2 shown in Figure 12 are enlarged and shown in Figure 13 . Furthermore, Figure 12 shows an example of driving the electromagnetic actuator 300 only once based on the main driving signal MDRV when the pressing operation and the holding pressure operation are detected. Examples of driving the electromagnetic actuator 300 multiple times based on the main driving signal MDRV and the sub-driving signal SDRV for braking or accelerating when the pressing operation is detected are shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 .

[0184] When a finger or the like starts pressing on the touch panel 400 and the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeds the detection level of the pressing operation, the pressing detection unit 280A detects the pressing operation and changes the pressing detection signal PUSH to a high level ( Figure 12 as shown in (a)). The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG in response to the rising edge of the pressing detection signal PUSH ( Figure 12 as shown in (b)).

[0185] When the drive signal generation unit 250A that has received the trigger signal TRG starts generating the drive signal DRV, it makes the drive period signal DRVP effective at a high level, and makes the drive period signal DRVP ineffective at a low level when the detection signal DET (not shown) is less than a certain amplitude ( Figure 12 as shown in (c)). For example, the drive period signal DRVP is set to a high level synchronously with the generation of the main drive signal MDRV. The drive period signal DRVP that is set to a high level during the detection of the pressing operation is an example of the first drive period signal.

[0186] The drive unit 270 receives the drive signal DRV corresponding to the main drive signal MDRV and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 to vibrate the touch panel 400. Then, similarly to Figure 10 the above, the strain detection sensor 500 outputs a detection signal DDET (LPFDET) with a gradually decreasing amplitude according to the gradually decreasing vibration in the touch panel 400 ( Figure 12 as shown in (d)). The detection signal DDET (LPFDET) has an upward trend due to the pressing operation of the touch panel 400.

[0187] During the period when the drive period signal DRVP is at a high level, the pressing detection unit 280A stops detecting the pressing operation and the release pressure operation based on the detection signal DDET (LPFDET). Therefore, during the period when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven, even when the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) is lower than the detection level of the release pressure operation, it is possible to prevent the pressing detection signal PUSH from changing to a low level ( Figure 12 as shown in (e)). That is, the control device 200A can suppress false detection of the pressing of the touch panel 400.

[0188] After the microcomputer 600 receives the rising edge of the push detection signal PUSH, it does not receive the falling edge of the detection signal PUSH until the pressing of the touch panel 400 stops. Therefore, even when the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) is lower than the detection level of the pressure stop operation due to the driving of the electromagnetic actuator 300, the situation where the microcomputer 600 outputs an incorrect trigger signal TRG can be suppressed. As a result, the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) during the pressing of the touch panel 400 can be made into an ideal waveform, and the situation where vibrations that cause discomfort are transmitted to the user pressing the touch panel 400 can be suppressed.

[0189] On the other hand, when the pressing of the touch panel 400 by a finger or the like stops and the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) is lower than the detection level of the pressure stop operation, the push detection unit 280A detects the pressure stop operation and changes the push detection signal PUSH to a low level ( Figure 12 in (f)). The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG in response to the falling edge of the push detection signal PUSH ( Figure 12 in (g)).

[0190] When the drive signal generation unit 250A that has received the trigger signal TRG generates a drive signal DRV, it makes the drive period signal DRVP effective at a high level, and makes the drive period signal DRVP ineffective at a low level when the detection signal DET (not shown) is less than a certain amplitude ( Figure 12 in (h)). For example, the drive period signal DRVP is set to a high level for a given period synchronously with the generation of the main drive signal MDRV. The drive signal generation unit 250A generates a drive signal DRV in response to the main drive signal MDRV generated synchronously with the trigger signal TRG. The vibration of the touch panel 400 is maximum when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive signal DRV, and then gradually decreases. The drive period signal DRVP, which is set to a high level during the detection of the pressure stop operation, is an example of a second drive period signal.

[0191] The drive unit 270 receives the drive signal DRV corresponding to the main drive signal MDRV and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 to vibrate the touch panel 400. The vibration of the touch panel 400 is maximum when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive signal DRV, and then gradually decreases. Then, similar to Figure 10 the above, the strain detection sensor 500 outputs a detection signal DDET with a gradually decreasing amplitude according to the vibration of the touch panel 400 ( Figure 12 in (i)). The detection signal DDET shows a downward trend due to the pressure stop operation of the touch panel 400.

[0192] During the period when the signal DRVP is high during the drive of the press-in detection unit 280A, the detection of the press-in operation and the detection of the pressure holding operation based on the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) are stopped. Therefore, during the period when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven, even if the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeds the detection level of the press-in operation, it is possible to prevent the press-in detection signal PUSH from changing to high level ( Figure 12 in (j)). That is, the control device 200A can suppress the false detection during the pressure holding of the touch panel 400.

[0193] (Details during the detection of the press-in operation and the pressure holding operation)

[0194] Figure 13 is a timing chart showing Figure 12 the details during the detection of the press-in operation and the pressure holding operation. During the period P1, when the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeds the detection level of the press-in operation continuously for 10 cycles, the press-in detection unit 280A detects the press-in operation and sets the press-in detection signal PUSH to high level. For example, the number of cycles is counted by a counter provided in the press-in detection unit 280A. When the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) becomes below the detection level of the press-in operation before 10 cycles have elapsed since the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeded the detection level of the press-in operation, the counter value is reset to "0". The period of 10 cycles for determining the detection of the press-in operation is an example of the first period.

[0195] By detecting the press-in operation and setting the press-in detection signal PUSH to high level only when the period during which the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeds the detection level of the press-in operation is longer than a given period, it is possible to suppress, for example, the change of the press-in detection signal PUSH to high level when the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeds the detection level of the press-in operation due to noise or the like. As a result, it is possible to suppress the false detection of the pressing of the touch panel 400 caused by noise or the like, and it is possible to suppress the situation of transmitting an uncomfortable vibration to the user pressing the touch panel 400.

[0196] During period P2, when the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) is lower than the detection level for the pressure release operation for 10 consecutive cycles, the pressure release operation is detected and the press-in detection signal PUSH is set to a low level. When the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) becomes higher than the detection level for the pressure release operation before 10 cycles have elapsed since the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) was lower than the detection level for the pressure release operation, the counter value is reset to "0". The period of 10 cycles for determining the detection of the pressure release operation is an example of the second period.

[0197] By detecting the pressure release operation and setting the press-in detection signal PUSH to a low level only when the period during which the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) is lower than the detection level for the pressure release operation is longer than a given period, it is possible to suppress, for example, the press-in detection signal PUSH from changing to a low level when the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) is lower than the detection level for the pressure release operation due to noise or the like. As a result, it is possible to suppress false detection during the pressure release of the touch panel 400 caused by noise or the like, and it is possible to suppress a situation where an uncomfortable vibration is transmitted to the user who stops pressing the touch panel 400.

[0198] ( Figure 12 Details during the detection of the press-in operation)

[0199] Figure 14 is a timing chart showing Figure 12 the details during the detection of the press-in operation. Regarding the same operation as Figure 12 the same, detailed description is omitted. In addition, the detailed operation during the detection of the pressure release operation is also the same as Figure 14 the same.

[0200] When the detection signal LPFDET exceeds the detection level for the press-in operation while the drive period signal DRVP is invalid, a trigger signal TRG is output from the microcomputer 600 ( Figure 14 (a), (b) in). The drive signal generation unit 250A generates the main drive signal MDRV and the drive signal DRV based on the trigger signal TRG and makes the drive period signal DRVP valid ( Figure 14 (c), (d), (e) in). In addition, when the detection of the press-in operation does not include a braking operation or an acceleration operation, the sub-drive signal SDRV is not generated ( Figure 14 (f) in).

[0201] The drive unit 270 receives the drive signal DRV and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 to vibrate the touch panel 400. The strain detection sensor 500 outputs a detection signal DDET with a gradually decreasing amplitude according to the gradually decreasing vibration in the touch panel 400. Figure 14(g)). The detection signal processing unit 240 generates a detection signal LPFDET and DET whose amplitudes gradually decrease based on the detection signal DET0 generated by the demodulation unit 230 corresponding to the detection signal DDET. Figure 14 (h)). The drive signal generation unit 250A invalidates the drive period signal DRVP when the amplitude of the detection signal DET is less than a preset threshold value. Figure 14 (i)).

[0202] ( Figure 12 (Braking operation during detection of the pressing operation))

[0203] Figure 15 is a timing chart showing an example in the case of a braking operation including suppressing the vibration of the touch panel 400 during detection of the pressing operation. Regarding the same operations as Figure 12 and Figure 14 , detailed descriptions are omitted. The operations from when the trigger signal TRG is output from the microcomputer 600 until the drive signal DRV is generated are the same as Figure 14 . In addition, the braking operation during detection of the holding pressure operation is also the same as Figure 15 .

[0204] In Figure 15 , as an example, the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 outputs the sub-drive signal SDRV aligned with the third trough of the amplitude of the detection signal DET. Figure 15 (a)). The output unit 252 of the drive signal generation unit 250A outputs the drive signal DRV to the drive unit 270 in response to the sub-drive signal SDRV. Figure 15 (b)). Then, the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive unit 270 to vibrate the touch panel 400. At this time, by outputting the sub-drive signal SDRV aligned with the trough of the amplitude, braking is applied to the vibration of the touch panel 400, and the convergence of the signal is accelerated. As a result, the period during which the detection signals DDET, LPFDET, and DET have amplitudes is shorter than Figure 14 (c), (d) in Figure 15 . In addition, the effective period of the drive period signal DRVP is shorter than Figure 14 (e) in Figure 15 .

[0205] ( (Acceleration operation during detection of the pressing operation)) Figure 12 (Acceleration operation during detection of the pressing operation))

[0206] Figure 16 is a timing chart showing an example in the case of an acceleration operation including accelerating the vibration of the touch panel 400 during detection of the pressing operation. Regarding the same operations as Figure 12 and Figure 14The same operations are omitted for detailed description. The operations from when the trigger signal TRG is output from the microcomputer 600 until the drive signal DRV is generated are the same as those of Figure 14 Also, the acceleration operation during the detection of the pressure holding operation is the same as that of Figure 16 the same.

[0207] In Figure 16 the example shown, the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 outputs the sub-drive signal SDRV in alignment with the third peak of the amplitude of the detection signal DET as an example ( Figure 16 in (a) of ). The output unit 252 of the drive signal generation unit 250A outputs the drive signal DRV to the drive unit 270 in response to the sub-drive signal SDRV ( Figure 16 in (b) of ). Then, the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive unit 270 to vibrate the touch panel 400. At this time, by outputting the sub-drive signal SDRV in alignment with the peak of the amplitude, the vibration of the touch panel 400 is accelerated and it is difficult for the vibration to converge. As a result, the periods during which the detection signals DDET, LPFDET, and DET have amplitudes are longer than those of Figure 14 compared ( Figure 16 in (c) and (d) of ). In addition, the effective period of the drive period signal DRVP is longer than that of Figure 14 compared ( Figure 16 in (e) of ).

[0208] As described above, in the present embodiment, the press-in detection unit 280A stops the detection of the press-in operation and the detection of the pressure holding operation based on the detection signal DDET during the period when the drive period signal DRVP is at a high level. Therefore, during the period when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven, even when the level of the detection signal DDET is lower than the detection level of the pressure holding operation, it is possible to suppress the case where the press-in detection signal PUSH changes to a low level.

[0209] Similarly, even when the level of the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the press-in operation, it is possible to suppress the case where the press-in detection signal PUSH changes to a high level. Therefore, the control device 200A can suppress the false detection of the pressing and pressure holding of the touch panel 400. As a result, it is possible to suppress the case of transmitting a vibration with a discomfort feeling to the user who presses or stops pressing the touch panel 400.

[0210] By detecting the press-in operation and setting the press-in detection signal PUSH to a high level only when the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the press-in operation for a given period or more, it is possible to suppress, for example, the case where the press-in detection signal PUSH changes to a high level when the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the press-in operation due to noise or the like.

[0211] Similarly, by detecting the pressing stop operation only when the detection signal DDET is below the detection level of the pressing stop operation for a period longer than a given period and setting the push detection signal PUSH to a low level, for example, when the detection signal DDET is below the detection level of the pressing stop operation due to noise or the like, the change of the push detection signal PUSH to a low level can be suppressed. As a result, false detection of pressing or pressing stop of the touch panel 400 caused by noise or the like can be suppressed, and the situation of transmitting an uncomfortable vibration to the user who presses or stops pressing the touch panel 400 can be suppressed.

[0212] By providing the push detection unit 280A inside the control device 200A manufactured as a semiconductor chip, for example, the push detection unit 700 as a single component does not have to be provided outside the vibration presentation device 100A. Therefore, an increase in the size of the substrate on which the microcomputer 600 is mounted can be suppressed, and an increase in the cost of the system 10 can be suppressed.

[0213]

Aspect 3

[0214] (Block diagram of vibration presentation device)

[0215] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing Figure 1 an example of the vibration presentation device 100. Figure 17 The structure of the system 10 equipped with the vibration presentation device 100 is also shown. The system 10 has a vibration presentation device 100 and a microcomputer 600. The microcomputer 600 is an example of an external device arranged outside the vibration presentation device 100. For example, the microcomputer 600 may also be mounted on a system board provided in the system 10. Figure 17 The shown vibration presentation device 100 was proposed by the inventors of the present invention and is not publicly known. The problems of the vibration presentation device 100 are explained using Figure 18 as follows.

[0216] The vibration presentation device 100 has a control device 200, an electromagnetic actuator 300 including a coil 310, a touch panel 400, and a strain detection sensor 500. The strain detection sensor 500 supported together with the touch panel 400 on Figure 1 the movable plate 104 detects the displacement of the touch panel 400 in response to the pressing of the touch panel 400, the release from the pressing, or the vibration based on the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0217] The control device 200 includes a register unit 210, an analog front end 220, a demodulation unit 230, a detection signal processing unit 240, a drive signal generation unit 250, a drive unit 270, and a depression detection unit 280. The analog front end 220 includes an offset cancellation unit 221, a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) 222, and a ΔΣ ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) 223. The detection signal processing unit 240 includes a low-pass filter (LPF) 241 and a high-pass filter (HPF) 242.

[0218] The drive signal generation unit 250 includes a main drive signal generation unit 251, a sub-drive signal generation unit 260, and an output unit 252. The sub-drive signal generation unit 260 includes a timing detection unit 261, an amplitude setting unit 262, a cycle counting unit 263, a first sub-drive signal generation unit 264, a second sub-drive signal generation unit 265, and a synthesis unit 266. In addition, the control device 200 operates in synchronization with a clock signal that is the system clock of the vibration presentation device 100, but the description of the clock signal is omitted.

[0219] The register unit 210 includes a plurality of registers that can be read and written by the microcomputer 600. For example, one of the plurality of registers is used to hold vibration data indicated by the detection signal DET0 output from the demodulation unit 230. Although not particularly limited, the microcomputer 600 can access the register unit 210 via an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) interface, for example. The state of the control device 200 can be set by various control signals output from each register according to the setting values of the register unit 210 written by the microcomputer 600.

[0220] In the analog front end 220, the offset cancellation unit 221 cancels the offset of the detection signal DDET (analog signal) representing the amount of strain detected by the strain detection sensor 500 and outputs it to the programmable gain amplifier 222. The programmable gain amplifier 222 amplifies the detection signal DDET with the offset canceled. The ΔΣ ADC generates a serial data signal DT based on the change in the voltage of the amplified detection signal DDET and outputs the generated serial data signal DT to the demodulation unit 230.

[0221] The demodulation unit 230 demodulates the serial data signal DT received from the ΔΣ ADC while shifting the position of the bit group in sequence to generate a plurality of detection signals DET0 respectively representing the strain amounts of the touch panel 400. The demodulation unit 230 outputs the generated detection signals DET0 to the detection signal processing unit 240 in sequence. That is, the demodulation unit 230 periodically converts the detection signal DDET output from the strain detection sensor 500 into a digital detection signal DET0. In addition, during the learning of the vibration presentation device 100, the demodulation unit 230 sequentially stores the generated detection signals DET0 in given registers of the register unit 210. Hereinafter, the detection signal DET0 is also referred to as vibration data.

[0222] During the learning of the vibration presentation device 100, for example, the microcomputer 600 controls the control device 200 by executing a calibration program. Then, the microcomputer 600 calibrates the drive signal DRV for driving the electromagnetic actuator 300 based on the vibration data VDT obtained when a specific plurality of vibrations are applied to the touch panel 400. Information such as the amplitude of the drive signal DRV determined by calibration is stored, for example, in a data table used in the amplitude setting unit 262.

[0223] Through learning, it is possible to prevent the behavior of the vibration of the touch panel 400 from being different for each vibration presentation device 100 due to the deviation of the natural frequencies of the touch panel 400 and the electromagnetic actuator 300. As a result, even when there is a deviation in the natural frequencies of the touch panel 400 and the electromagnetic actuator 300, it is possible to suppress the transmission of uncomfortable vibrations to the user pressing the touch panel 400. In addition, the learning can also be implemented by connecting the vibration presentation device 100 to an evaluation device for learning instead of connecting the vibration presentation device 100 to the microcomputer 600.

[0224] The low-pass filter 241 of the detection signal processing unit 240 performs noise removal processing on the detection signal DET0 received from the demodulation unit 230 and outputs it to the high-pass filter 242 and the press-in detection unit 280 as the detection signal LPFDET. The high-pass filter 242 performs offset removal processing on the detection signal LPFDET from which the noise received from the low-pass filter 241 has been removed and outputs it to the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 as the detection signal DET.

[0225] The main drive signal generation unit 251 of the drive signal generation unit 250 generates a main drive signal MDRV in response to the trigger signal TRG received from the microcomputer 600 and outputs the generated main drive signal MDRV to the output unit 252. Although not particularly limited, for example, the main drive signal MDRV may be a rectangular wave. The trigger signal TRG is an example of a drive start signal.

[0226] The timing detection unit 261 of the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 detects the peak timing and trough timing of the waveform of the detection signal DET from the detection signal processing unit 240, or the peak timing, trough timing, and zero-crossing timing, and outputs them as timing signals to the amplitude setting unit 262. In addition, the timing signals are also output to the period counting unit 263.

[0227] The amplitude setting unit 262 sets the amplitude of the sub-drive signal based on the timing signal from the timing detection unit 261, and outputs amplitude information indicating the set amplitude to the period counting unit 263. For example, the amplitude setting unit 262 can use the information indicated by the timing signal from the timing detection unit 261 and refer to the data table stored in the storage unit of the control device 200 to set the amplitude of the sub-drive signal.

[0228] The period counting unit 263 counts the period of the sub-drive signal SDRV based on the timing signal from the timing detection unit 261. Then, for example, in the case of the odd-numbered periods, the period counting unit 263 instructs the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 to generate the sub-drive signal SDRV, and in the case of the even-numbered periods, it instructs the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 to generate the sub-drive signal SDRV.

[0229] For example, the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 and the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 are sine wave generators. The first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 generates a sub-drive signal SDRV of one period of sine wave based on the instruction from the period counting unit 263 and outputs it to the synthesis unit 266. The second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 generates a sub-drive signal SDRV of one period of sine wave based on the instruction from the period counting unit 263 and outputs it to the synthesis unit 266. Thus, when switching the period of the sub-drive signal SDRV, it is possible to suppress the interruption or sharp change of the sub-drive signal SDRV, and a smoothly changing sub-drive signal SDRV can be generated. In addition, the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 and the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 can also be cosine wave generators.

[0230] The synthesis unit 266 synthesizes the sub-drive signal OSDRV of the odd-numbered periods generated by the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 and the sub-drive signal ESDRV of the even-numbered periods generated by the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265, and outputs them as a wave train of the sub-drive signal SDRV to the output unit 252. The output unit 252 outputs the main drive signal MDRV from the main drive signal generation unit 251 or the sub-drive signal SDRV from the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 as the drive signal DRV to the drive unit 270.

[0231] When starting to generate the drive signal DRV, the drive signal generation unit 250 makes the drive period signal DRVP valid, and makes the drive period signal DRVP invalid when the detection signal DET is less than a certain amplitude. For example, the amplitude of the detection signal DET for determining the invalidation of the drive signal DRVP can be set in the register unit 210. The drive period signal DRVP is output to the depression detection unit 280. By generating the drive period signal DRVP, as will be described later, it is possible to suppress the case where the depression detection unit 280 detects a depression operation when the touch panel 400 vibrates due to the drive of the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0232] The drive unit 270 drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 according to the drive signal DRV from the output unit 252. Then, during the period when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven, the touch panel 400 and the strain detection sensor 500 move toward the electromagnetic actuator 300 side according to the magnetic force generated by the coil 310 mounted on the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0233] The depression detection unit 280 detects the vibration of the touch panel 400 based on the detection signal DDET indicating the amount of strain detected by the strain detection sensor 500. When the depression detection unit 280 detects a depression operation of the touch panel 400 based on the detected vibration, it outputs a depression signal PUSH to the microcomputer 600. For example, the depression detection unit 280 stops detecting the depression operation of the touch panel 400 based on the detection signal LPFDET when the drive period signal DRVP is valid. The depression detection unit 280 detects the depression operation of the touch panel 400 based on the detection signal LPFDET from the detection signal processing unit 240 when the drive period signal DRVP is invalid. Here, the depression operation is detected based on the touch panel 400 being pressed by a user's finger or the like. For example, the depression detection unit 280 can generate a pulse signal by temporarily making the depression detection signal PUSH valid when detecting a depression operation.

[0234] In response to the validity of the depression detection signal PUSH, the microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG to the vibration presentation device 100. In addition, the depression detection signal PUSH can also be notified to the microcomputer 600 as an interrupt signal.

[0235] Based on the above, the vibration presentation device 100 generates a main drive signal MDRV based on the trigger signal TRG output from the microcomputer 600 due to the detection of the depression operation of the touch panel 400, and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300. After that, the vibration presentation device 100 detects the amount of strain (vibration) of the touch panel 400 based on the main drive signal MDRV through the strain detection sensor 500.

[0236] Then, the vibration presentation device 100 generates a sub-drive signal SDRV based on the detection signal DET indicating the detected strain amount, and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300. The sub-drive signal SDRV has an amplitude corresponding to the strain amount indicated by the detection signal DET, and can be generated multiple times. Thereby, it is possible to give the user operating the touch panel 400 the touch feeling for each use of the touch panel 400.

[0237] (Transmission of vibration data from the control device to the microcomputer)

[0238] Figure 18 is a timing chart showing an example of transmitting vibration data VDT from the Figure 17 control device 200 to the microcomputer 600. Figure 18 (A) of shows an example in which the frequency at which the microcomputer 600 reads the vibration data VDT from the register unit 210 is about the same as the frequency at which the demodulation unit 230 stores the vibration data VDT in the register unit 210. Figure 18 (B) of shows an example in which the frequency at which the microcomputer 600 reads the vibration data VDT from the register unit 210 is lower than the frequency at which the demodulation unit 230 stores the vibration data VDT in the register unit 210. Figure 18 (C) of shows an example in which the frequency at which the microcomputer 600 reads the vibration data VDT from the register unit 210 is even lower than the frequency at which the demodulation unit 230 stores the vibration data VDT in the register unit 210.

[0239] The frequency at which the microcomputer 600 reads the vibration data VDT from the register unit 210 decreases, for example, when the communication speed of the communication interface (in this example, the I2C interface) connecting the vibration presentation device 100 and the microcomputer 600 is low. In addition, the frequency at which the microcomputer 600 reads the vibration data VDT from the register unit 210 also decreases, for example, when the analysis speed of the microcomputer 600 for the vibration data VDT is low.

[0240] In Figure 18 , a write signal REGWR is output from the demodulation unit 230 to the register unit 210. The vibration data VDT (VDT1, VDT2, VDT3, VDT4, VDT5) is the signal value indicated by the detection signal DET0. A read request REQ is output from the demodulation unit 230 to the microcomputer 600. A data line REGDT is connected between the register unit 210 and the microcomputer 600 for information transmission.

[0241] In Figure 18 (A) to Figure 18 (C) of, the demodulation unit 230 outputs the write signal REGWR together with the vibration data VDT stored in the register unit 210 to the register unit 210 (Figure 18 In (a1), (b1), (c1)). After the demodulation unit 230 saves the vibration data VDT to the register unit 210 synchronously with the write signal REGWR, it makes the read request REQ valid for the microcomputer 600 via the register of the register unit 210 ( Figure 18 In (a2), (b2), (c2)).

[0242] In response to the validity of the read request REQ, the microcomputer 600 outputs the address AD of the register unit 210 storing the vibration data VDT to the register unit 210 via the data line REGDT ( Figure 18 In (a3), (b3), (c3)). Then, the microcomputer 600 reads out the vibration data VDT held in the register unit 210 via the data line REGDT ( Figure 18 (a4), (b4), (c4)).

[0243] After the microcomputer 600 reads out the vibration data VDT from the register unit 210, it outputs the clear notification CLR indicating the completion of the readout of the vibration data VDT to the register unit 210 via the data line REGDT ( Figure 18 In (a5), (b5), (c5)). The register unit 210 invalidates the read request REQ in response to the reception of the clear notification CLR ( Figure 18 In (a6), (b6), (c6)). After that, in response to the situation where new vibration data VDT is saved to the register synchronously with the write signal REGWR, the register unit 210 outputs a read request RREQ to the microcomputer 600 ( Figure 18 In (a7), (b7), (c7)).

[0244] In Figure 18 of (A), the microcomputer 600 can read out the vibration data VDT each time the vibration data VDT is output from the demodulation unit 230, and can normally perform the learning (calibration of the drive signal DRV) of the vibration presentation device 100.

[0245] In Figure 18 of (B), before the clear notification CLR for the vibration data VDT1 reaches the register unit 210, the demodulation unit 230 saves the next vibration data VDT2 to the register unit 210. Therefore, the register unit 210 cannot make the read request RREQ for the vibration data VDT2 valid corresponding to the write signal REGWR, and the microcomputer 600 cannot read out the vibration data VDT2. Due to the absence of the vibration data VDT2 and VDT4, the microcomputer 600 cannot normally perform the learning of the vibration presentation device 100.

[0246] In Figure 18In (C), while the microcomputer 600 reads the vibration data VDT1, the demodulation unit 230 stores the next vibration data VDT2 in the register unit 210. Therefore, the microcomputer 600 receives, for example, incorrect vibration data in which the vibration data VDT1 and VDT2 are mixed. When the incorrect vibration data is received, the microcomputer 600 cannot perform learning of the vibration presentation device 100.

[0247] (Block diagram of the vibration presentation device according to the fourth embodiment)

[0248] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the vibration presentation device 100A having the control device 200A according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Regarding the same elements as Figure 17 the same, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted. Figure 19 The appearance and configuration of the vibration presentation device 100A shown are the same as those of Figure 1 the vibration presentation device 100. The vibration presentation device 100A can operate by electric power supplied from a battery.

[0249] Figure 19 The vibration presentation device 100A shown, except that it has a control device 200A instead of Figure 17 the control device 200, has the same structure as Figure 17 the vibration presentation device 100. For example, the control device 200A is manufactured as a semiconductor chip and mounted on a substrate (not shown) on which the vibration presentation device 100A is mounted. In addition, the control device 200A operates in synchronization with a clock signal, but the description of the clock signal is omitted.

[0250] The control device 200A has a register unit 210A instead of Figure 17 the register unit 210 of the control device 200, and also has a data storage unit 290A, and has the same structure as Figure 17 the structure of the control device 200 otherwise.

[0251] The data storage unit 290A has a buffer 292A in the form of a FIFO (First-In First-Out) that sequentially holds the values of the detection signal DET0 output from the demodulation unit 230 (i.e., vibration data VDT). For example, whenever the buffer 292A holds four sequentially stored vibration data VDTs, it outputs the four held vibration data VDTs in parallel as output data DOUT to the register unit 210A. In the register unit 210A, four registers with consecutive addresses are allocated to separately hold the four vibration data VDTs included in the output data DOUT. Additionally, the number of vibration data VDTs held by the buffer 292A is not limited to four and can be multiple (n: n is an integer of 2 or more).

[0252] (Transfer of Vibration Data from the Control Device to the Microcomputer)

[0253] Figure 20 is a timing diagram showing an example of transferring vibration data VDT from the Figure 19 control device 200A to the microcomputer 600. Detailed description of the same operation as Figure 18 is omitted. Assume that the microcomputer 600 used in the operation shown in Figure 20 can transmit and receive data to and from the data line REGDT at the same timing as Figure 18 (C). For example, the microcomputer 600 can transmit and receive approximately two data in each output cycle of the write signal REGWR from the demodulation unit 230 to the register unit 210.

[0254] In Figure 20 , the vibration data VDT (VDT1 - VDT10) output from the demodulation unit 230 is sequentially stored in the buffer 292A of the data storage unit 290A ( Figure 20 (a) - (j) in Figure 20 ). In the buffer 292A, the latest four vibration data VDTs are held. Whenever the latest four vibration data VDTs are held in the buffer 292A, the data storage unit 290A transfers the four held vibration data VDTs as output data DOUT to the register unit 210A ( (k), (l) in

[0255] Figure 20 ). In other words, whenever the four vibration data VDTs held by the buffer 292A are replaced, the data storage unit 290A saves the four vibration data VDTs held in the buffer 292A to the register unit 210A.

[0255] In response to receiving the output data DOUT from the data storage unit 290A, the register unit 210A enables the read request RREQ to the microcomputer 600 ( Figure 20In (m). In response to the activation of the read request REQ, the microcomputer 600 outputs, via the data line REGDT, the start address AD of the register in the register unit 210 that holds the vibration data VDT to the register unit 210( Figure 20 In (n).

[0256] The register unit 210 sequentially transfers the vibration data VDT held in four registers starting from the start address AD to the microcomputer 600 via the data line REGDT, and the microcomputer 600 sequentially acquires the transferred vibration data VDT( Figure 20 In (o), (p), (q), (r). In the present embodiment, the register unit 210A invalidates the read request REQ in response to the completion of the transfer of the four vibration data VDTs to the microcomputer 600( Figure 20 In (s). Therefore, there is no need Figure 18 for the output of the clear notification CLR from the microcomputer 600 to the register unit 210A as shown

[0257] The time t2 from the output of the read request RREQ (active) from the register unit 210 until the four vibration data are read into the microcomputer 600 is shorter than the time t1 from the demodulation unit 230 until the four vibration data VDTs are stored in the buffer 292A. Thus, even when the analysis speed of the vibration data VDT by the microcomputer 600 is low, all the vibration data VDTs output from the demodulation unit 230 can be transferred to the microcomputer 600

[0258] As Figure 20 shown, by transferring four vibration data VDTs to the microcomputer 600 in response to one read request signal REQ, the transfer time for each vibration data VDT can be shortened compared to Figure 18 In addition, the larger the number of vibration data VDTs held in the buffer 292A, the more the transfer time for each vibration data VDT can be shortened

[0259] Furthermore, since there is no need to output the clear notification CLR from the microcomputer 600 to the register unit 210A, the transfer time for each vibration data VDT can be further shortened. As a result, for example, even when the processing performance of the microcomputer 600 is low, all the vibration data VDTs output from the demodulation unit 230 can be transferred to the microcomputer 600

[0260] As described above, in the present embodiment, by transferring a plurality of vibration data VDTs to the microcomputer 600 together, all the vibration data VDTs output from the demodulation unit 230 can be transferred to the microcomputer 600. Thus, it is possible to suppress Figure 18In the case of the absence of the vibration data VDT shown and the transmission of incorrect vibration data VDT, the microcomputer 600 can normally perform the learning of the vibration presentation device 100.

[0261] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the behavior of the vibration of the touch panel 400 from differing for each vibration presentation device 100 due to the deviation of the natural frequencies of the touch panel 400 and the electromagnetic actuator 300. As a result, even when there is a deviation in the natural frequencies of the touch panel 400 and the electromagnetic actuator 300, it is possible to suppress the transmission of uncomfortable vibrations to the user pressing the touch panel 400.

[0262] Furthermore, since it is not necessary to output the clear notification CLR from the microcomputer 600 when the reading of the vibration data VDT is completed, it is possible to suppress the absence of the vibration data VDT even when the analysis speed of the microcomputer 600 is low.

[0263] As described above, the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the elements shown in the above embodiments. Regarding these aspects, changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to their application modes. For example, other sensors such as acceleration sensors that can detect the displacement of the touch panel 400 can be used instead of the strain detection sensor 500.

[0264]

Supplementary Note

[0265] The mode of the present invention is as follows, for example.

[0266] <Item 1> A control device that controls an actuator that imparts vibration to an operating device based on an operation of the operating device, and is capable of switching between a stable mode and a low power mode. The control device includes: a conversion unit that converts a detection signal output from a sensor that detects the displacement of the operating device caused by pressing or vibration of the operating device into a first digital signal; a detection signal processing unit that removes noise from the first digital signal to generate a second digital signal; a drive signal generation unit that generates a first drive signal for driving the actuator when it detects pressing of the operating device based on a signal obtained by removing the offset of the second digital signal, and generates a second drive signal for driving the actuator when it detects vibration of the operating device based on the second digital signal after the generation of the first drive signal; and a mode control unit that, based on receiving a release signal indicating the release of the low power mode, sequentially generates a plurality of start control signals for starting the conversion unit, the detection signal processing unit, and the drive signal generation unit that have stopped operating in the low power mode.

[0267] <Item 2> The control device according to <Item 1> above, wherein the detection signal processing unit generates a second digital signal every time a pulse signal is received in the stable mode, and clears the generated second digital signal during the reception of the clear signal. The mode control unit outputs the pulse signal to the detection signal processing unit at a given period in the stable mode, stops the output of the pulse signal to the detection signal processing unit in the low power mode, and stops the output of the clear signal after outputting one or more of the pulse signals based on the reception of the release signal.

[0268] <Item 3> The control device according to <Item 1> above, which has a volatile storage unit that holds parameters for adjusting the waveform of the second drive signal according to the frequency of the actuator connected to the operating device. The storage unit receives the power supply voltage in the low power mode and continuously holds the parameters.

[0269] <Item 4> The control device according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 3> above, comprising: an analog circuit module including the conversion unit; a digital circuit module including the detection signal processing unit, the drive signal generation unit, and the mode control unit; a voltage regulator unit that generates an analog power supply voltage supplied to the analog circuit module based on the power supply voltage and stops operating in the low power mode; and a clock generation unit that generates a second clock signal used in the digital circuit module based on a first clock signal used in the analog circuit module and stops operating in the low power mode. The mode control unit sequentially generates a voltage regulation enable signal for operating the voltage regulator unit and a clock enable signal for operating the clock generation unit before generating the plurality of start control signals based on the reception of the release signal.

[0270] <Item 5> The control device according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 3> above, wherein the conversion unit has: an offset cancellation unit that cancels the offset of the detection signal; an amplifier circuit that amplifies the detection signal after the offset is canceled; a ΔΣ analog-to-digital conversion circuit that converts the amplified detection signal into a serial data signal; and a demodulation unit that demodulates the serial data signal to generate the first digital signal. The mode control unit sequentially generates a first start control signal for starting the amplifier circuit, a second start control signal for starting the ΔΣ analog-to-digital conversion circuit, and a third start control signal for starting the demodulation unit before starting the drive signal generation unit based on the reception of the release signal.

[0271] <Item 6> A vibration presentation device, comprising: an operating device; an actuator that imparts vibration to the operating device based on an operation of the operating device; and a control device that controls the actuator and is capable of switching between a stable mode and a low power mode. The control device includes: a conversion unit that converts a detection signal output from a sensor that detects displacement of the operating device caused by pressing or vibration of the operating device into a first digital signal; a detection signal processing unit that removes noise from the first digital signal to generate a second digital signal; a drive signal generation unit that generates a first drive signal for driving the actuator when the pressing of the operating device is detected based on a signal obtained by removing an offset from the second digital signal, and generates a second drive signal for driving the actuator when vibration of the operating device is detected based on the second digital signal after the generation of the first drive signal; and a mode control unit that, based on reception of a release signal indicating release of the low power mode, sequentially generates a plurality of start control signals for starting the conversion unit, the detection signal processing unit, and the drive signal generation unit that have stopped operating in the low power mode, respectively.

[0272] <Item 7> A control device that controls an actuator that imparts vibration to an operating device based on an operation of the operating device. The control device includes: a pressing detection unit that outputs a first pressing detection signal when the pressing of the operating device is detected based on a first detection signal output from a sensor that detects displacement of the operating device caused by pressing, releasing, or vibration of the operating device, and suppresses output of the first pressing detection signal during a period when a first drive period signal indicating a drive period of the actuator is received; and a drive signal generation unit that generates a first drive signal for driving the actuator based on a drive start signal received from the outside in response to output of the first pressing detection signal to the outside, generates a second drive signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor according to vibration of the operating device caused by the first drive signal, and outputs the first drive period signal during a period when the actuator is driven by the first drive signal and the second drive signal.

[0273] <Item 8> The control device according to <Item 7> above, wherein the pressing detection unit detects pressing of the operating device when a level of the first detection signal exceeds a level indicating a pressing operation of the operating device for a period of a first period or more.

[0274] <Item 9> The control device according to <Item 7> above, wherein the pressing detection unit outputs a second pressing detection signal when the operation device is stopped from being pressed based on the first detection signal, and suppresses the output of the second pressing detection signal during the period when the second driving period signal is received. The driving signal generation unit generates a third driving signal for driving the actuator based on a driving start signal received from the outside in response to the output of the second pressing detection signal to the outside, generates a fourth driving signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor according to the vibration of the operation device caused by the third driving signal, and outputs the second driving period signal during the period when the actuator is driven by the third driving signal and the fourth driving signal.

[0275] <Item 10> The control device according to <Item 9> above, wherein the pressing detection unit detects the stop of the operation device from being pressed when the level of the first detection signal is lower than the level indicating the stop of the operation device for a period of the second period or longer.

[0276] <Item 11> The control device according to any one of <Item 7> to <Item 10> above, comprising: an offset elimination unit that eliminates the offset of the first detection signal; an amplifier circuit that amplifies the first detection signal after the offset is eliminated; a ΔΣ analog-to-digital conversion circuit that converts the amplified first detection signal into a serial data signal; a demodulation unit that demodulates the serial data signal to generate a first digital signal; and a detection signal processing unit that removes the noise and offset of the first digital signal to generate a second digital signal. The pressing detection unit receives the second digital signal as the first detection signal, and the driving signal generation unit receives the second digital signal as the first detection signal and generates the second driving signal for driving the actuator.

[0277] <Item 12> A vibration presentation device, comprising: an operating device; an actuator that imparts vibration to the operating device based on an operation of the operating device; and a control device that controls the actuator. The control device includes: a pressing detection unit that outputs a first pressing detection signal when detecting a pressing of the operating device based on a first detection signal from a sensor that detects a displacement of the operating device caused by pressing, releasing, or vibrating the operating device, and suppresses output of the first pressing detection signal during a period when a first driving period signal indicating a driving period of the actuator is received; and a driving signal generation unit that generates a first driving signal for driving the actuator based on a driving start signal received from the outside in response to an output of the first pressing detection signal to the outside, generates a second driving signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor according to vibration of the operating device caused by the first driving signal, and outputs the first driving period signal during a period when the actuator is driven by the first driving signal and the second driving signal.

[0278] <Item 13> A control device that controls an actuator that imparts vibration to an operating device based on an operation of the operating device. The control device includes: a register unit that can be accessed from an external device disposed outside; a conversion unit that periodically converts a detection signal output from a sensor, which is used to detect a displacement of the operating device caused by pressing or vibrating the operating device, into a first digital signal; and a data storage unit that has a buffer in which the latest n (n is an integer of 2 or more) pieces of vibration data indicated by the first digital signal converted by the conversion unit are sequentially stored. Whenever the n pieces of vibration data held in the buffer are replaced, the n pieces of vibration data held in the buffer are stored in the register unit. Whenever the n pieces of vibration data are stored, the register unit outputs a read request to the external device, and waits for storage of the next n pieces of latest vibration data after the n pieces of vibration data are sequentially read by the external device.

[0279] <Item 14> The control device according to the above <Item 13>, wherein a time from output of the read request to when the n pieces of vibration data are read into the external device is shorter than a time from the conversion unit to when the n pieces of vibration data are stored in the buffer.

[0280] <Item 15> The control device according to the above <Item 13> or <Item 14>, wherein whenever the n pieces of vibration data are stored, the register unit makes the read request to the external device valid, and makes the read request invalid in response to a situation where the n pieces of vibration data are read by the external device.

[0281] <Item 16> A vibration presentation device, comprising: an operating device; an actuator that imparts vibration to the operating device based on an operation of the operating device; and a control device that controls the actuator, the control device comprising: a register unit that can be accessed from an external device disposed outside; a conversion unit that periodically converts a detection signal output from a sensor into a first digital signal, the sensor being configured to detect displacement of the operating device caused by pressing or vibration of the operating device; and a data storage unit having a buffer in which the latest n (n is an integer of 2 or more) pieces of vibration data indicated by the first digital signal converted by the conversion unit are sequentially stored. Whenever the n pieces of vibration data held in the buffer are replaced, the n pieces of vibration data held in the buffer are stored in the register unit. Whenever the n pieces of vibration data are stored, the register unit outputs a read request to the external device. After the n pieces of vibration data are sequentially read out by the external device, it waits for the next n pieces of latest vibration data to be stored.

Claims

1. A control device is a control device for controlling an actuator that imparts vibration to the operating device based on an operation of the operating device, and has: a pressing detection unit that outputs a first pressing detection signal when detecting a pressing of the operating device based on a first detection signal output from a sensor, and suppresses output of the first pressing detection signal during a period of receiving a first driving period signal indicating a driving period of the actuator, the sensor being for detecting displacement of the operating device caused by pressing, releasing of pressure, or vibration of the operating device; and a driving signal generation unit that generates a first driving signal for driving the actuator based on a driving start signal received from the outside in response to an output of the first pressing detection signal to the outside, generates a second driving signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor according to vibration of the operating device caused by the first driving signal, and outputs the first driving period signal during a period of driving the actuator by the first driving signal and the second driving signal.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing detection unit detects a pressing of the operating device when a level of the first detection signal exceeds a level indicating a pressing operation of the operating device for a first period or more.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing detection unit outputs a second pressing detection signal based on the first detection signal when the operating device is released from pressure, and suppresses output of the second pressing detection signal during a period of receiving a second driving period signal, the driving signal generation unit generates a third driving signal for driving the actuator based on a driving start signal received from the outside in response to an output of the second pressing detection signal to the outside, generates a fourth driving signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor according to vibration of the operating device caused by the third driving signal, and outputs the second driving period signal during a period of driving the actuator by the third driving signal and the fourth driving signal.

4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the pressing detection unit detects release of pressure of the operating device when a level of the first detection signal is lower than a level indicating release of pressure of the operating device for a second period or more.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having: an offset elimination unit that eliminates an offset of the first detection signal; an amplifier circuit that amplifies the first detection signal after the offset is eliminated; a ΔΣ analog-to-digital conversion circuit that converts the amplified first detection signal into a serial data signal; a demodulation unit that demodulates the serial data signal to generate a first digital signal; and a detection signal processing unit that removes noise and offset of the first digital signal to generate a second digital signal, the pressing detection unit receives the second digital signal as the first detection signal, The drive signal generation unit receives the second digital signal as the first detection signal and generates the second drive signal for driving the actuator.

6. A vibration presentation device having: An operating device; An actuator that imparts vibration to the operating device based on the operation of the operating device; And A control device that controls the actuator, The control device having: A press detection unit that outputs a first press detection signal when detecting a press of the operating device based on a first detection signal output from a sensor, and suppresses the output of the first press detection signal during a period in which a first drive period signal indicating a drive period of the actuator is received, the sensor being configured to detect displacement of the operating device caused by a press, release of pressure, or vibration of the operating device; And A drive signal generation unit that generates a first drive signal for driving the actuator based on a drive start signal received from the outside in response to an output of the first press detection signal to the outside, generates a second drive signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor according to vibration of the operating device caused by the first drive signal, and outputs the first drive period signal during a period in which the actuator is driven by the first drive signal and the second drive signal.

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