Input device

Abstract

To provide an input device capable of making a user sensuously recognize how operation is being performed to an operation surface.SOLUTION: An input device 1 to be mounted on a vehicle includes an electrostatic sensor 40 for detecting a contact position of an operation body in an operation surface 2, a pressing detection part 41 for detecting pressing to the operation surface 2, an exciter 90 for vibrating the operation surface 2, and a control unit 65. Then, the control unit 65 outputs at least one of sound and vibration from the exciter 90 by controlling the exciter 90 on the basis of a signal corresponding to detection of the electrostatic sensor 40 and a signal corresponding to detection of the pressing detection part 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a pressure-sensitive haptic human-machine interface comprising a touch plate having a touch surface, an actuator connected to the touch plate and configured to transmit a mechanical output to the touch plate, at least one pressure sensor configured to detect pressure applied to the touch surface, and a processing device that detects vibrations of at least a portion of the human-machine interface based on the pressure detected by the at least one pressure sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-64649 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, when an acoustic actuator is used as the actuator, both mechanical vibration and auditory output can be provided simultaneously, but no measures are taken to provide mechanical vibration and auditory output based on the operation performed on the operating surface.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an input device that allows a user to intuitively recognize what operation is being performed on the operation surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an input device mounted on a vehicle, and includes an electrostatic sensor that detects the contact position of an operating object on an operation surface, a pressure detection unit that detects pressure on the operation surface, an exciter that vibrates the operation surface, and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the exciter based on a signal corresponding to detection by the electrostatic sensor and a signal corresponding to detection by the pressure detection unit, thereby causing the exciter to output at least one of sound and vibration. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the input device of the present disclosure, it is possible for a user to intuitively recognize what operation he or she is performing on the operation surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an input device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exciter side of the input device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the input device taken along line AA in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the input device taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a composite signal that is a signal obtained by combining a vibration signal and a sound signal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an input signal and a G value of the input device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is another diagram showing the input signal and the G value of the input device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0010] In the following embodiments, expressions such as X-axis direction, approximately parallel, and plate-like are used. For example, X-axis direction, approximately parallel, and plate-like do not only mean completely X-axis direction, parallel, or plate, but also mean substantially X-axis direction, parallel, or plate, that is, including an error of about several percent. Furthermore, X-axis direction, approximately parallel, and plate-like mean X-axis direction, parallel, or plate within the range in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "direction," "approximately," and "shape."

[0011] In the following embodiments, the direction from the circuit board to the electrostatic sensor is defined as the X-axis positive direction, one of the longitudinal directions on the circuit board is defined as the Y-axis positive direction, one of the directions perpendicular to the X-axis positive direction and the Y-axis positive direction is defined as the Z-axis positive direction, the direction opposite to the X-axis positive direction is defined as the X-axis negative direction, the direction opposite to the Y-axis positive direction is defined as the Y-axis negative direction, and the direction opposite to the Z-axis positive direction is defined as the Z-axis negative direction.

[0012] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> First, the configuration of the input device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an input device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exciter 90 side of the input device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the input device 1 on the AA line in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the input device 1 on the BB line in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the input device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a composite signal which is a signal obtained by combining a vibration signal and a sound signal. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an input signal and a G value of the input device 1. FIG. 8(a) shows a relationship between a vibration signal (first vibration signal and second vibration signal) input to the exciter 90 and time. FIG. 8(b) shows a relationship between a G value at the movable part and time. FIG. 9 is another diagram showing an input signal and a G value of the input device 1. Note that the cover 11 is omitted from FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5. FIG. 9(a) shows a relationship between a vibration signal (first vibration signal) input to the exciter 90 and time. FIG. 9(b) shows the relationship between the G value and time in the movable part.

[0016] 1, the input device 1 detects an operation, which is an input operation to an operation surface 2 by an operating object, and vibrates the operation surface 2 or outputs a sound in response to the detected operation. Here, the operation surface 2 is a single operation surface. The input device 1 is disposed, for example, on the spokes of a steering wheel, a center console in a vehicle cabin, or the like.

[0017] The operating object is, for example, a finger of a user who boards a vehicle, a touch pen operated by a user, etc. The operations include a push operation and a tracing operation. The tracing operation includes a swipe operation and a flick operation. The push operation is an operation in which the operating object is pressed against the operating surface 2 of the input device 1. The swipe operation is an operation in which the operating object is moved along the operating surface 2 while in contact with the operating surface 2. The flick operation is an operation in which the operating object is moved along the operating surface 2 more vigorously than in the swipe operation while in contact with the operating surface 2, and then the operating object is removed from the operating surface 2. Note that, in the input device 1, whether a swipe operation or a flick operation has been performed can be determined based on the distance and time that the operating object is moved on the operating surface 2.

[0018] The specific configuration of the input device 1 will now be described.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the input device 1 includes a main body 10, a cover 11, a slider 20, a light diffusion sheet 30, an electrostatic sensor 40, a panel 50, a circuit board 60, a holder 70, a leaf spring 80, and an exciter 90.

[0020] The main body 10 is a flat container, and is disposed so as to be in a position substantially parallel to the ZY plane. The main body 10 accommodates a slider 20, a light diffusion sheet 30, an electrostatic sensor 40, and a panel 50 therein.

[0021] The cover 11 is disposed on the negative X-axis side of the main body 10 so as to be in a position substantially parallel to the ZY plane. The cover 11 is connected to the main body 10. The cover 11 is a flat container, and houses the circuit board 60, the holder 70, the leaf spring 80, and the exciter 90.

[0022] The slider 20 has a plate shape and is disposed within the main body 10 so as to be in a position substantially parallel to the ZY plane. The slider 20 holds a light diffusion sheet 30 on the surface opposite to the main body 10 side.

[0023] The light diffusion sheet 30 is a light guide held by the slider 20 on the X-axis positive side of the slider 20 so as to be in a position approximately parallel to the ZY plane. The light diffusion sheet 30 is disposed such that a part of it faces the light source 61 of the circuit board 60 via the slider 20 and the main body 10. Therefore, the light diffusion sheet 30 can guide the light emitted by each of the multiple light sources 61 mounted on the circuit board 60, and emit the light from the surface on the X-axis positive side.

[0024] The electrostatic sensor 40 is disposed so as to cover the light diffusion sheet 30. The electrostatic sensor 40 is disposed on the surfaces of the light diffusion sheet 30 and the slider 20 on the X-axis positive direction side so as to be in a posture approximately parallel to the ZY plane, and is sandwiched between the panel 50, the slider 20, and the light diffusion sheet 30, and is held by the slider 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sliding operation of the operating body, which is the above-mentioned tracing operation, can be detected by the electrostatic sensor 40, so the part that holds the electrostatic sensor 40 is called the slider 20.

[0025] The electrostatic sensor 40 is a sensor that can detect the contact position of an operating object on the operation surface 2. The electrostatic sensor 40 is electrically connected to the circuit board 60. Therefore, when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects an operation from the operating object to the operation surface 2, it outputs the detection result to the control unit 65 in the circuit board 60 shown in FIG.

[0026] The panel 50 covers the electrostatic sensor 40, the light diffusion sheet 30, and the slider 20, and is fixed to the slider 20 so as to be in a position approximately parallel to the ZY plane. The panel 50 is in a frame shape with an opening 51 formed therein. A light-transmitting member 52 is fitted into the opening 51. The light-transmitting member 52 forms an operation surface 2 on the surface on the positive side of the X-axis. The opening 51 and the light-transmitting member 52 are located on the surface of the panel 50 so as to face the electrostatic sensor 40. This allows the electrostatic sensor 40 to detect an operation on the operation surface 2 by an operating object.

[0027] The circuit board 60 is disposed on the surface of the main body 10 on the negative X-axis direction side so as to be in a position substantially parallel to the ZY plane, and is connected to the main body 10. A plurality of light sources 61 and a control unit 65 shown in Fig. 6, which is composed of a processor and the like, are mounted on the circuit board 60. The control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 to cause the exciter 90 to output at least one of sound and vibration.

[0028] The holder 70 is a plate-shaped holding member for holding the exciter 90. The holder 70 is disposed on the negative X-axis side of the circuit board 60 so as to be oriented substantially parallel to the ZY plane.

[0029] 4 and 5, the holder 70 is connected to the slider 20 by a plurality of first bolts 81. Specifically, the first bolts 81, which pass through the insertion holes 71 formed in the holder 70, are fastened to the connecting portions 21 of the slider 20, which pass through the insertion holes 12 formed in the main body 10 and the insertion holes 63 of the circuit board 60, thereby connecting the holder 70 to the slider 20 by the first bolts 81. In this manner, the slider 20 and the holder 70 are connected by the first bolts 81, whereby the slider 20 and the holder 70 are fixed together. The first bolts 81 are included in the components of the input device 1.

[0030] 2, in this embodiment, the four corners of the holder 70 are connected to the slider 20 by four first bolts 81. Note that the number of connected locations is not limited to four, and the number of first bolts 81 is not limited to four. For example, the number of connected locations may be three or less, or five or more, and the number of first bolts 81 may be three or less, or five or more.

[0031] 4 and 5, one end of a long leaf spring 80 is sandwiched between the first bolt 81 and the insertion hole 71 of the holder 70. The leaf spring 80 is arranged such that one end of the leaf spring 80 is connected to the first bolt 81 and the holder 70 and is in a position substantially parallel to the operation surface 2. The other end of the leaf spring 80 is connected to the main body 10 by a second bolt 82. Specifically, the second bolt 82 is fastened to the connection portion 14 of the main body 10 that is inserted through the insertion hole 62 formed in the circuit board 60, so that the other end of the leaf spring 80 is connected to the main body 10 by the second bolt 82. That is, the leaf spring 80 connects the holder 70 and the main body 10. The second bolt 82 is included in the components of the input device 1.

[0032] In this embodiment, the four leaf springs 80 are connected to the holder 70 in one-to-one correspondence with the four first bolts 81, and are connected by the four second bolts 82 in one-to-one correspondence with the four connecting portions 14 in the main body 10. Note that the number of leaf springs 80, first bolts 81, and second bolts 82 is not limited to four. For example, the number of leaf springs 80, first bolts 81, and second bolts 82 may be three or less, or five or more.

[0033] The exciter 90 is controlled by the control unit 65 in FIG. 6 so as to output at least one of sound and vibration.

[0034] The exciter 90 is disposed on the positive side of the X-axis of the holder 70 so as to be in a position substantially parallel to the ZY plane. The exciter 90 is connected to the holder 70 by three third bolts 83, and is thereby fixed integrally to the holder 70. The third bolts 83 are included in the components of the input device 1. Note that the number of third bolts 83 is not limited to three, and may be four or more, or two or less.

[0035] In this manner, the main body 10, the circuit board 60, and the cover 11 are fixed together. Therefore, the main body 10, the circuit board 60, and the cover 11 form a fixed portion of the input device 1.

[0036] Moreover, the exciter 90 and the holder 70 are fixed together by a third bolt 83, and the holder 70 and the slider 20 are fixed together by a first bolt 81. Furthermore, the light diffusion sheet 30 and the electrostatic sensor 40 are held by the slider 20, and the panel 50 is fixed to the slider 20. Therefore, the exciter 90, the holder 70, the slider 20, the light diffusion sheet 30, the electrostatic sensor 40, and the panel 50 form a movable part in the input device 1.

[0037] The fixed part is a part that is fixed to the vehicle. The movable part is a part that moves relative to the fixed part due to vibration of the exciter 90. Specifically, a gap is formed between the insertion hole 12 formed in the main body 10 and the insertion hole 63 of the circuit board 60 and the connecting part 21 of the slider 20. As described above, the leaf spring 80 connects the holder 70 and the main body 10, that is, connects the fixed part and the movable part. Therefore, the leaf spring 80 can tolerate vibration of the movable part relative to the fixed part due to vibration of the exciter 90.

[0038] Specifically, the exciter 90 is mechanically connected to the electrostatic sensor 40 and the panel 50 at least via the holder 70. In this embodiment, the exciter 90 is mechanically connected to the electrostatic sensor 40 and the panel 50 via the holder 70 and the slider 20. For this reason, when the control unit 65 in FIG. 6 vibrates the exciter 90, the vibration is transmitted to the electrostatic sensor 40 and the panel 50 via the holder 70 and the slider 20. As a result, when the operation surface 2 is operated with the operation object, the vibration can be transmitted to the operation object by vibrating the operation surface 2.

[0039] Next, specific functions of the input device 1 will be described.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to output at least one of sound and vibration in response to an operation on the operation surface 2 from the operating object.

[0041] Specifically, in the case of a push operation, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to output at least one of sound and vibration so that the G value is about 9 Gpp, the vibration frequency is 200 to 300 Hz, the time-average sound pressure is 40 to 60 dB, and the sound frequency is 2 to 5 kHz.

[0042] The vibration frequency is preferably around 250Hz due to the frequency characteristics of the user's sensory receptors, and is expected to increase the user's awareness of the operation. If the time-average sound pressure is 40 to 60dB, the user can hear the sound and is unlikely to feel uncomfortable. If the sound frequency is 2 to 5kH, it is in a frequency band with high hearing sensitivity according to the equal loudness curve, which is the user's hearing characteristics, and is expected to increase the user's awareness of the operation.

[0043] In addition, in the case of a swipe operation, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to output at least one of sound and vibration so that the G value is about 4 Gpp, the vibration frequency is 200 to 300 Hz, the time-average sound pressure is 40 to 60 dB, and the sound frequency is 2 to 5 kHz.

[0044] Furthermore, in the case of a flick operation, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 to output sound so that the time-average sound pressure is 40 to 60 dB and the sound frequency is 2 to 5 kHz. Note that in the case of a flick operation, the operating object is separated from the operating surface 2, so the G value and the vibration frequency are not set.

[0045] In addition, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 based on a signal corresponding to the detection by the electrostatic sensor 40 and a signal corresponding to the detection by the pressure detection unit 41, thereby causing the exciter 90 to output at least one of sound and vibration.

[0046] The pressure detection unit 41 can detect a pressure from the operating object to the operation surface 2. That is, the pressure detection unit 41 can detect a push operation. The pressure detection unit 41 may be configured with the holder 70 and the circuit board 60 of FIG. 4. A pressure sensor capable of detecting a pressure may be separately mounted on the input device 1 as the pressure detection unit 41. In this case, since the movable part moves when the operating object presses the operation surface 2, the pressure detection unit 41 may detect a movable distance between the holder 70 and the circuit board 60 by, for example, a change in capacitance, thereby detecting a pressure from the operating object to the operation surface 2 according to the movable distance.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 to output a composite signal, which is a signal obtained by superimposing a first vibration signal and a first sound signal, which is a control signal for outputting sound from the exciter 90, to the exciter 90, thereby causing the exciter 90 to output sound and vibration. That is, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to output sound and vibration by a composite signal obtained by superimposing a first vibration signal and a first sound signal, which are set in advance based on a signal corresponding to the detection of the electrostatic sensor 40 and a signal corresponding to the detection of the pressure detection unit 41. For example, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to simultaneously output different sounds and vibrations in response to a push operation, a swipe operation, and a flick operation. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the relative intensity of the vibration signal waveform.

[0048] Also, as shown in (a) of FIG. 8, after the control unit 65 outputs a first vibration signal, which is a control signal for outputting vibration from the exciter 90, to the exciter 90, the control unit 65 can output a second vibration signal, which is a control signal of the opposite phase to the first vibration signal, to the exciter 90. That is, after the control unit 65 inputs an input signal, which is the first vibration signal, to the exciter 90, the control unit 65 can further input an input signal, which is the second vibration signal, to the exciter 90. The control signal of the opposite phase is a signal for converging the vibration of the movable part. Note that the control unit 65 outputs the second vibration signal to the exciter 90 at an appropriate timing after outputting the first vibration signal to the exciter 90 so as not to intensify the vibration of the movable part. Note that this timing may be set in advance.

[0049] For example, after the control unit 65 inputs a one-pulse control signal to the exciter 90, a control signal having an opposite phase to the one-pulse control signal is added.

[0050] As a result, the control unit 65 can cause the exciter 90 to impart vibration of an opposite phase to the movable part that vibrates in response to this one-pulse control signal. The output of vibration of an opposite phase from the exciter 90 acts to cancel out the vibration of the movable part, thereby shortening the convergence time of the vibration in the movable part.

[0051] Here, the control unit 65 inputs a control signal with an opposite phase of only 1 / 2 wavelength to the exciter 90, but this is not limited to this. The control unit 65 may input a control signal with an opposite phase of one wavelength or more to the exciter 90 in order to converge the vibration of the movable part more quickly.

[0052] For example, as shown in (a) of Fig. 9, when the control unit 65 simply inputs the first vibration signal having a basic waveform to the exciter 90, it takes 29.06 (ms) for the G value of the vibration of the movable part to become equal to or lower than a predetermined value, as shown in (b) of Fig. 9. Here, the predetermined value is set to a level at which the user does not feel the vibration.

[0053] On the other hand, when the control unit 65 inputs the second vibration signal including the opposite phase control signal to the exciter 90 as shown in (a) of Fig. 8, it took 19.7 (ms) for the G value of the vibration of the movable part to become equal to or less than the predetermined value as shown in (b) of Fig. 8. By adding the opposite phase control signal, it is possible to shorten the convergence time of the vibration in the movable part, compared to the case where the opposite phase control signal is not added.

[0054] 3 and 6, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 so that the vibration intensity output from the exciter 90 when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects a tracing operation (swipe operation) on the operation surface 2 is smaller than the vibration intensity output from the exciter 90 when the pressure detection unit 41 detects a pressure on the operation surface 2, thereby making it possible to output vibration from the exciter 90. For example, the control unit 65 makes the vibration of the moving part applied during a swipe operation smaller than that during a push operation. This makes it possible to prevent the operational feel during a swipe operation from being impaired.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 65 can also control the exciter 90 so that the period during which the exciter 90 outputs a sound when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects a tracing operation on the operation surface 2 is shorter than the period during which the exciter 90 outputs a sound when the pressure detection unit 41 detects a pressure on the operation surface 2. For example, the control unit 65 makes the period during which the exciter 90 outputs a sound for a swipe operation and a flick operation shorter than the period during which the exciter 90 outputs a sound for a push operation.

[0056] Also, when a tracing operation is being performed on the operation surface 2, if the electrostatic sensor 40 detects that the tracing operation has ended, the control unit 65 can control the exciter 90 to output a sound from the exciter 90 in a state where the exciter 90 that outputs vibrations is stopped. For example, when the control unit 65 detects that the tracing operation has ended, since the operating body is separated from the operation surface 2, the control unit 65 stops the exciter 90 that outputs vibrations. Also, when the tracing operation on the operation surface 2 is ended and the operating body is separated from the operation surface 2, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to output a sound so as to give the user a sense of operation.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 65 can also control the exciter 90 so that the sound pressure output from the exciter 90 when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects a tracing operation on the operation surface 2 is smaller than the sound pressure output from the exciter 90 when the pressure detection unit 41 detects a pressure on the operation surface 2. For example, the control unit 65 controls the sound pressure output from the exciter 90 to be smaller for a swipe operation and a flick operation than the sound pressure output from the exciter 90 for a push operation.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 65 can also control the exciter 90 so that the frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects a tracing operation on the operation surface 2 is higher than the frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 when the pressure detection unit 41 detects a pressure on the operation surface 2. For example, the control unit 65 makes the frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 for a swipe operation and a flick operation higher than the frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 for a push operation.

[0059] When the frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 includes a plurality of frequencies, the control unit 65 increases the frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 based on the average frequency of the sound. Specifically, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 so that the average frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 when the operation surface 2 is traced is higher than the average frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 when the operation surface 2 is pressed.

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 65 can also control the exciter 90 to output only vibration from the exciter 90 when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects contact with the operation surface 2 or when the pressure detection unit 41 detects pressure on the operation surface 2. For example, while the operating body is in contact with the operation surface 2 by a push operation or a swipe operation, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to output only vibration.

[0061] Furthermore, when the control unit 65 is causing the exciter 90 to output vibrations, if the electrostatic sensor 40 detects that the operation on the operation surface 2 has ended, the control unit 65 can also control the exciter 90 to stop outputting vibrations and output sound from the exciter 90. For example, when the control unit 65 detects the end of a push operation and a swipe operation, the control unit 65 stops the exciter 90 outputting vibrations. Furthermore, when the push operation, swipe operation, and flick operation on the operation surface 2 are ended and the operating body is separated from the operation surface 2, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to output sound so as to give the user a sense of operation.

[0062] Furthermore, when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects that the operating body has finished operating on the operating surface 2 and is gradually moving away from the operating surface 2, the control unit 65 can also control the exciter 90 to change the sound output from the exciter 90 according to the distance between the operating body and the operating surface 2. For example, when the operating body is moving away from the operating surface 2 after a push operation, a swipe operation, or a flick operation is completed, the control unit 65 reduces the volume or sound pressure output from the exciter 90 as the distance gradually increases so as to give the user a sense of operation. Note that in this case as well, the control unit 65 stops the exciter 90 from outputting vibrations.

[0063] In addition, in the case where the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to output sound when the operating body is not in contact with the operation surface 2, when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects that the operating body has come into contact with the operation surface 2, the control unit 65 can also control the exciter 90 to stop the exciter 90 outputting sound and output vibration from the exciter 90. For example, when the operating body approaches the operation surface 2 to start a push operation or a swipe operation, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to output sound until the operating body comes into contact with the operation surface 2 so as to give the user a sense of operation. Then, when the operating body comes into contact with the operation surface 2, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to stop outputting sound and output vibration from the exciter 90.

[0064] Furthermore, when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects that the operating body is gradually approaching the operation surface 2 while not in contact with the operation surface 2, the control unit 65 can also control the exciter 90 so as to change the sound output from the exciter 90 according to the distance between the operating body and the operation surface 2. For example, when the operating body approaches the operation surface 2 to start a push operation, a swipe operation, or a flick operation, the control unit 65 increases the volume of the sound output from the exciter 90 as the distance gradually decreases, so as to give the user a sense of operation.

[0065] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the input device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0066] As described above, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and includes an electrostatic sensor 40 that detects a contact position of an operating object on the operation surface 2, a pressure detection unit 41 that detects a pressure on the operation surface 2, an exciter 90 that vibrates the operation surface 2, and a control unit 65. The control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 based on a signal corresponding to the detection by the electrostatic sensor 40 and a signal corresponding to the detection by the pressure detection unit 41, thereby causing the exciter 90 to output at least one of a sound and a vibration.

[0067] According to this, when the operating object operates the operating surface 2, the control unit 65 causes the exciter 90 to output at least one of sound and vibration, so that sound and vibration corresponding to the operation on the operating surface 2 are output.

[0068] Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize what operation he or she is performing on the operation surface 2.

[0069] In addition, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, after the control unit 65 outputs a first vibration signal, which is a control signal for causing the exciter 90 to output vibration, to the exciter 90, the control unit 65 outputs a second vibration signal, which is a control signal of opposite phase to the first vibration signal, to the exciter 90.

[0070] According to this, the second vibration signal having the opposite phase is input to the exciter 90 so as to cancel the vibration output from the exciter 90 based on the first vibration signal, so that the vibration of the movable part based on the first vibration signal is cancelled. Therefore, the convergence time of the vibration in the movable part based on the first vibration signal can be shortened.

[0071] In particular, even if input is made to the input device continuously by swiping operations, the vibration of the movable part is cancelled out, so that residual vibration can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the user performs continuous swiping operations, the user is unlikely to feel uncomfortable.

[0072] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 to output to the exciter 90 a signal that is a superimposed combination of a first vibration signal, which is a control signal for causing the exciter 90 to output vibration, and a first sound signal, which is a control signal for causing the exciter 90 to output sound, thereby causing the exciter 90 to output sound and vibration.

[0073] According to this, sound and vibration can be simultaneously output from the exciter 90. This makes it easier for the user to intuitively recognize the operational feel of the input device.

[0074] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 so that the vibration intensity output from the exciter 90 when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects a tracing operation (swipe operation), which is an operation of tracing the operation surface 2, is smaller than the vibration intensity output from the exciter 90 when the pressure detection unit 41 detects a pressure on the operation surface 2, thereby causing the exciter 90 to output vibration.

[0075] For example, if the vibration of the movable part applied during a swipe operation is large, the user may feel uncomfortable. However, according to the present embodiment, the vibration of the movable part applied during a swipe operation can be made smaller than that of an operation by pressing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operational feeling during a swipe operation from being impaired.

[0076] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 so that the period during which sound is output from the exciter 90 when the pressure detection unit 41 detects a pressure on the operation surface 2 is shorter than the period during which sound is output from the exciter 90 when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface 2.

[0077] For example, since a tracing operation has a longer operation period than a pressing operation, the previous tracing operation on the operation surface 2 may cause sound to be continuously output from the exciter 90. In this case, the sound output from the exciter 90 by the previous tracing operation on the operation surface 2 and the sound output from the exciter 90 by the next tracing operation on the operation surface 2 may overlap.

[0078] However, according to this embodiment, the period during which the sound for a tracing operation is output is shorter than the period during which the sound for a push operation is output, so that the sound output from the exciter 90 due to the previous tracing operation on the operation surface 2 and the sound output from the exciter 90 due to the next tracing operation on the operation surface 2 do not overlap.

[0079] In particular, by setting the sound frequency in the range of 2 to 5 kHz, a more comfortable operational feeling can be given to the user.

[0080] In addition, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects that a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface 2, has ended, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 to output a sound from the exciter 90 while stopping the exciter 90 from outputting vibrations.

[0081] According to this, when the tracing operation on the operation surface 2 is completed and the operating body is removed from the operation surface 2, the output of vibration from the exciter 90 is stopped, so that unnecessary vibrations are not output.

[0082] Furthermore, when the operating object is separated from the operation surface 2, the control unit 65 can cause the exciter 90 to output a sound. In other words, when the operating object is not in contact with the operation surface 2, the control unit 65 can cause the exciter 90 not to output a vibration but to output a sound. This allows the user to feel a unity between the operation on the operation surface 2 and the sound corresponding to the operation.

[0083] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 so that the sound pressure output from the exciter 90 is smaller when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface 2, than the sound pressure output from the exciter 90 when the pressure detection unit 41 detects a pressure on the operation surface 2.

[0084] For example, since a tracing operation has a longer operation period than a pressing operation, the previous tracing operation on the operation surface may cause the exciter to continuously output a sound. In this case, the sound output from the exciter due to the previous tracing operation on the operation surface may overlap with the sound output from the exciter due to the next tracing operation on the operation surface.

[0085] However, according to the present embodiment, the sound pressure output from the exciter 90 is smaller when the operation surface 2 is traced than when the operation surface 2 is pressed. This reduces the possibility that the sound output from the exciter 90 by the previous trace operation on the operation surface 2 and the sound output from the exciter 90 by the next trace operation on the operation surface 2 will overlap and be heard.

[0086] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 so that when the pressure detection unit 41 detects a pressure on the operation surface 2, the frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 is higher than the frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface 2.

[0087] According to this, since the frequency of the sound output from the exciter 90 is higher when the operation surface 2 is traced than when the operation surface 2 is pressed, the sound is more likely to attenuate when the operation surface 2 is traced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sound output from the exciter 90 by the previous tracing operation on the operation surface 2 from overlapping with the sound output from the exciter 90 by the next tracing operation on the operation surface 2.

[0088] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects contact with the operation surface 2, or when the pressure detection unit 41 detects pressure on the operation surface 2, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 so that only vibration is output from the exciter 90.

[0089] According to this, while the operating object is in contact with the operating surface 2, the operating surface 2 can be vibrated by the exciter 90. Therefore, while the operating object is in contact with the operating surface 2, the user can feel the operation on the operating surface 2 through the vibration of the operating surface 2.

[0090] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects that an operation on the operation surface 2 has ended while the exciter 90 is outputting vibrations, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 to stop outputting vibrations and to output sound from the exciter 90.

[0091] According to this, vibration is output from the exciter 90 only while the operating body is in contact with the operation surface 2, and when the operating body is separated from the operation surface 2, the exciter 90 that outputs vibration is stopped and sound is output from the exciter 90. In this way, the control unit 65 outputs either vibration or sound from the exciter 90 from the time of contact with the operation surface 2 to the time of non-contact, so that the user can feel a unity between the operation on the operation surface 2 and the sound and vibration corresponding to the operation.

[0092] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects that the operating body has finished operating on the operating surface 2 and is gradually moving away from the operating surface 2, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 so as to change the sound output from the exciter 90 in accordance with the distance between the operating body and the operating surface 2.

[0093] According to this, it is possible to inform the user by sound that the operating object is gradually moving away from the operating surface 2.

[0094] Furthermore, by changing the sound output from the exciter 90 depending on the distance between the operating object and the operation surface 2, the user can recognize that the operation on the operation surface 2 is finished.

[0095] In addition, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, when the control unit 65 is causing the exciter 90 to output sound when the operating body is not in contact with the operating surface 2, when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects that the operating body has come into contact with the operating surface 2, the control unit 65 stops the exciter 90 from outputting sound and controls the exciter 90 to output vibrations.

[0096] This makes it possible to notify the user of a change from a non-contact state to a contact state with respect to the operation surface 2 by sound and vibration.

[0097] Moreover, while the operating object is in contact with the operation surface 2, the user can actually feel the operation on the operation surface 2 through the vibration of the operation surface 2.

[0098] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, when the electrostatic sensor 40 detects that the operating body is gradually approaching the operation surface 2 while not in contact with the operation surface 2, the control unit 65 controls the exciter 90 so as to change the sound output from the exciter 90 according to the distance between the operating body and the operation surface 2.

[0099] According to this, it is possible to notify the user by sound that the operating object is gradually approaching the operating surface 2.

[0100] Furthermore, by changing the sound output from the exciter 90 depending on the distance between the operating object and the operation surface 2, it is possible to make the user aware that an operation on the operation surface 2 is about to begin.

[0101] In addition, the input device 1 in this embodiment includes a main body 10, a circuit board 60 fixed to the main body 10, a holder 70 supporting the exciter 90, and a leaf spring 80 connecting the holder 70 and the main body 10, and the pressure detection unit 41 is composed of the holder 70 and the circuit board 60.

[0102] According to this, the pressure detection unit 41 can be constructed, for example, by detecting the movable distance between the holder 70 and the circuit board 60 by a change in capacitance, so there is no need to separately provide a pressure detection unit 41 consisting of a sensor capable of detecting pressure.

[0103] In the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the exciter 90 is mechanically connected to the electrostatic sensor 40 at least via the holder 70 .

[0104] According to this, since the vibration of the exciter 90 can be transmitted to the electrostatic sensor 40, the vibration of the exciter 90 can also be transmitted to the operation surface 2. Therefore, the user can feel the operation on the operation surface 2 through the vibration.

[0105] In the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the leaf spring 80 is disposed so as to be parallel to the operation surface 2.

[0106] According to this, it is possible to prevent the input device 1 from becoming large, and therefore it is expected that the input device 1 can be made thinner.

[0107] (Other variations, etc.) Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0108] For example, the control unit and the like included in the input device according to the above embodiment are typically realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually implemented as single chips, or some or all of them may be included in a single chip.

[0109] The integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of the circuit cells inside the LSI may also be used.

[0110] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by a dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0111] Furthermore, all the numbers used above are merely examples for the purpose of specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplified numbers.

[0112] In addition, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as one functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be transferred to another functional block. Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in a time-sharing manner by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0113] In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art may conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0114] (Additional Note) The features of the input device described based on the above embodiments will be described below.

[0115] <Technology 1> An input device mounted on a vehicle, an electrostatic sensor that detects a contact position of an operating object on an operation surface; A pressure detection unit that detects pressure on the operation surface; an exciter that vibrates the operation surface; A control unit. The control unit controls the exciter based on a signal corresponding to the detection by the electrostatic sensor and a signal corresponding to the detection by the pressure detection unit, thereby causing the exciter to output at least one of sound and vibration. Input device.

[0116] <Technology 2> After the control unit outputs a first vibration signal, which is a control signal for causing the exciter to output vibration, to the exciter, the control unit outputs a second vibration signal, which is a control signal having an opposite phase to the first vibration signal, to the exciter. The input device according to claim 1.

[0117] <Technology 3> The control unit controls the exciter to output a signal in which a first vibration signal, which is a control signal for causing the exciter to output vibration, and a first sound signal, which is a control signal for causing the exciter to output sound, are superimposed on each other to cause the exciter to output sound and vibration. 3. The input device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0118] <Technology 4> The control unit controls the exciter so that a vibration intensity output from the exciter when the electrostatic sensor detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface, is smaller than a vibration intensity output from the exciter when the pressure detection unit detects a pressure on the operation surface, thereby outputting a vibration from the exciter. The input device according to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0119] <Technology 5> The control unit controls the exciter so that a period during which a sound is output from the exciter when the electrostatic sensor detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface, is shorter than a period during which a sound is output from the exciter when the pressure detection unit detects a pressure on the operation surface. The input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0120] <Technology 6> When the electrostatic sensor detects that a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface, has ended, the control unit controls the exciter to output a sound from the exciter while stopping the exciter from outputting a vibration. The input device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0121] <Technology 7> The control unit controls the exciter so that the sound pressure output from the exciter is smaller when the electrostatic sensor detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface, than the sound pressure output from the exciter when the pressure detection unit detects a pressure on the operation surface. The input device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0122] <Technology 8> The control unit controls the exciter so that the frequency of the sound output from the exciter is higher when the electrostatic sensor detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface, than the frequency of the sound output from the exciter when the pressure detection unit detects a pressure on the operation surface. The input device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0123] <Technology 9> The control unit controls the exciter so as to output only vibration from the exciter when the electrostatic sensor detects a touch on the operation surface or when the pressure detection unit detects a pressure on the operation surface. The input device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0124] <Technology 10> When the electrostatic sensor detects that an operation on the operation surface has ended while the exciter is outputting vibration, the control unit stops the exciter outputting vibration and controls the exciter to output a sound from the exciter. The input device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present invention.

[0125] <Technology 11> When the electrostatic sensor detects that the operating body finishes the operation on the operation surface and gradually moves away from the operation surface, the control unit controls the exciter so as to change the sound output from the exciter according to the distance between the operating body and the operation surface. The input device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

[0126] <Technology 12> In a case where the control unit causes the exciter to output a sound when the operating object is not in contact with the operation surface, when the electrostatic sensor detects that the operating object has come into contact with the operation surface, the control unit stops the exciter outputting the sound and controls the exciter to output a vibration from the exciter. The input device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention.

[0127] <Technology 13> When the electrostatic sensor detects that the operating body is gradually approaching the operating surface while the operating body is not in contact with the operating surface, the control unit controls the exciter so as to change the sound output from the exciter according to the distance between the operating body and the operating surface. The input device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects.

[0128] <Technology 14> The main body, A circuit board fixed to the main body; A holder for supporting the exciter; a leaf spring connecting the holder and the main body; The pressure detection unit is configured by the holder and the circuit board. The input device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects.

[0129] <Technology 15> The exciter is mechanically connected to the electrostatic sensor at least via the holder. 15. An input device according to claim 14.

[0130] <Technology 16> The leaf spring is disposed so as to be parallel to the operation surface. 16. The input device according to claim 14 or 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1 Input Device 2 Operation surface 10. Main Unit 40 Electrostatic Sensor 41 Pressure detection unit 60 Circuit Board 65 Control Unit 70 Holder 80 Leaf spring 90 Exciter

Claims

1. An input device mounted on a vehicle, an electrostatic sensor that detects a contact position of an operating object on an operation surface; A pressure detection unit that detects pressure on the operation surface; an exciter that vibrates the operation surface; A control unit. The control unit controls the exciter based on a signal corresponding to the detection by the electrostatic sensor and a signal corresponding to the detection by the pressure detection unit, thereby causing the exciter to output at least one of sound and vibration. Input device.

2. After the control unit outputs a first vibration signal, which is a control signal for causing the exciter to output vibration, to the exciter, the control unit outputs a second vibration signal, which is a control signal having an opposite phase to the first vibration signal, to the exciter. The input device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit controls the exciter to output a signal in which a first vibration signal, which is a control signal for causing the exciter to output vibration, and a first sound signal, which is a control signal for causing the exciter to output sound, are superimposed on each other to cause the exciter to output sound and vibration.

3. An input device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit controls the exciter so that a vibration intensity output from the exciter when the electrostatic sensor detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface, is smaller than a vibration intensity output from the exciter when the pressure detection unit detects a pressure on the operation surface, thereby outputting a vibration from the exciter. The input device according to claim 3 .

5. The control unit controls the exciter so that a period during which a sound is output from the exciter when the electrostatic sensor detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface, is shorter than a period during which a sound is output from the exciter when the pressure detection unit detects a pressure on the operation surface. The input device according to claim 3 .

6. When the electrostatic sensor detects that a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface, has ended, the control unit controls the exciter to output a sound from the exciter while stopping the exciter from outputting a vibration. The input device according to claim 3 .

7. The control unit controls the exciter so that the sound pressure output from the exciter is smaller when the electrostatic sensor detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface, than the sound pressure output from the exciter when the pressure detection unit detects a pressure on the operation surface. The input device according to claim 3 .

8. The control unit controls the exciter so that the frequency of the sound output from the exciter is higher when the electrostatic sensor detects a tracing operation, which is an operation of tracing the operation surface, than the frequency of the sound output from the exciter when the pressure detection unit detects a pressure on the operation surface. The input device according to claim 3 .

9. The control unit controls the exciter so as to output only vibration from the exciter when the electrostatic sensor detects a touch on the operation surface or when the pressure detection unit detects a pressure on the operation surface.

3. An input device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. When the electrostatic sensor detects that an operation on the operation surface has ended while the exciter is outputting vibration, the control unit stops the exciter outputting vibration and controls the exciter to output a sound from the exciter.

10. The input device according to claim 9.

11. When the electrostatic sensor detects that the operating body finishes the operation on the operation surface and gradually moves away from the operation surface, the control unit controls the exciter so as to change the sound output from the exciter according to the distance between the operating body and the operation surface. The input device according to claim 10.

12. In a case where the control unit causes the exciter to output a sound when the operating object is not in contact with the operation surface, when the electrostatic sensor detects that the operating object has come into contact with the operation surface, the control unit stops the exciter outputting the sound and controls the exciter to output a vibration from the exciter. The input device according to claim 10.

13. When the electrostatic sensor detects that the operating body is gradually approaching the operating surface while the operating body is not in contact with the operating surface, the control unit controls the exciter so as to change the sound output from the exciter in accordance with the distance between the operating body and the operating surface. The input device according to claim 10.

14. The main body, A circuit board fixed to the main body; A holder for supporting the exciter; a leaf spring connecting the holder and the main body; The pressure detection unit is configured by the holder and the circuit board.

3. An input device according to claim 1 or 2.

15. The exciter is mechanically connected to the electrostatic sensor at least via the holder.

15. The input device of claim 14.

16. The leaf spring is disposed so as to be parallel to the operation surface.

15. The input device of claim 14.

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