Control apparatus and vibration presentation apparatus

Abstract

To provide a control apparatus and a vibration presentation apparatus configured to suppress false detection of depression of an operation device or false detection of release from depression.SOLUTION: In a vibration presentation apparatus, a control apparatus includes: a press-down detection unit which is a depression detection unit that outputs a first depression detection signal when detecting depression of an operation device based on a first detection signal obtained from a strain detection sensor that detects displacement of the operation device, such as a touch panel, and prevents the first depression detection signal from being output during receiving a first drive period signal indicating a drive period of an electromagnetic actuator; and a drive signal generation unit which generates a first drive signal for driving the actuator based on a drive start signal obtained externally in response to external output of the first depression detection signal, generates a second drive signal for driving the electromagnetic actuator based on the first detection signal obtained from the sensor according to vibration of the operation device using the first drive signal, and outputs the first drive period signal during driving the actuator with the first and second drive signals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

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 gives a user a tactile sensation by driving an actuator based on contact with an operating device such as a touch panel to vibrate the operating device. This type of tactile interface performs feedback control to generate a drive pulse signal output to the actuator based on contact with the operating device to vibrate the operating device, and then generate a subsequent drive pulse signal to continue or attenuate the vibration, thereby providing a mechanical click feeling to the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A control device incorporated in this type of tactile interface has, for example, a detection unit that detects that vibration detected by a sensor connected to an operating device is a press or hold (release from press) of the operating device, and a pulse generation unit that generates a drive pulse signal based on the detection by the detection unit. The sensor detects not only vibration due to operation of the operating device but also vibration of the operating device due to the drive pulse signal. In this case, the detection unit may erroneously detect vibration of the operating device due to the drive pulse signal as vibration due to pressing or holding of the operating device. If the detection unit makes an erroneous detection, a normal drive pulse signal is not generated, so there is a risk that vibrations that feel uncomfortable to the user operating the operating device will be transmitted.

[0005] The disclosed technology aims to suppress false detection of pressing or false detection of holding down an operating device in a control device mounted on a vibration presenting device that applies vibration to the operating device based on detection of contact with the operating device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] To solve the above technical problem, a control device according to an aspect of the present invention is a control device that controls an actuator that applies vibration to the operating device based on an operation of the operating device, and detects displacement of the operating device due to pressing, holding down, or vibration of the operating device. When detecting the pressing of the operating device based on a first detection signal output from a sensor, a first pressing detection signal is output, and while receiving a first driving period signal indicating a driving period of the actuator, a pressing detection unit that suppresses the output of the first pressing detection signal; generating a first driving signal for driving the actuator based on a driving start signal received from the outside in response to the output of the first pressing detection signal to the outside, and generating a second driving signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor in response to the vibration of the operating device caused by the first driving signal, and a driving signal generation unit that outputs the first driving period signal while driving the actuator with the first driving signal and the second driving signal.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] In a control device mounted on a vibration presenting device that applies vibration to an operating device based on detection of contact with the operating device, false detection of pressing or false detection of holding down the operating device can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals as the signal names may be used for signal lines, signal terminals, signal nodes, and signal values through which signals are transmitted. In each drawing, the same components may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0010] (Example of a Vibration Presentation Device Having a Control Device) FIG. 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 FIG. 1, some elements of the vibration presentation device 100 are shown transparently. The vibration presentation device 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes 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 may operate with electric power supplied from a battery.

[0011] The electromagnetic actuator 300 is disposed between the touch panel 400 and the base 102 facing the touch panel 400, and is fixed to the base 102. The touch panel 400 is supported by a movable plate 104 that is movably disposed in the Z direction on the electromagnetic actuator 300. The movable plate 104 is connected to a plate-shaped fixed body 106 attached to the base 102 via a plate-shaped elastic portion 108. For example, the strain detection sensor 500 is attached to the movable plate 104 and detects the displacement of the touch panel 400 that moves together with the movable plate 104 due to the pressing or vibration of the touch panel 400.

[0012] The plate-shaped elastic portion 108 is deformed by the pulling force of the movable plate 104 toward the electromagnetic actuator 300 due to the magnetic force generated by the driving of the electromagnetic actuator 300, and moves the movable plate 104 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. When the plate-shaped elastic portion 108 returns to its original shape, the movable plate 104 and the touch panel 400 return to their original positions.

[0013] By repeatedly driving and stopping the driving of the electromagnetic actuator 300 by the control device 200, the touch panel 400 can be vibrated. Also, by changing the driving force and driving period of the electromagnetic actuator 300, the amplitude and period of the vibration can be freely changed.

[0014] The touch panel 400 may have a function of detecting a 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 operating device operated by the user. The touch panel 400 may have a screen such as a liquid crystal type, an organic EL type, an electronic paper type, or a plasma type.

[0015] For example, a system such as an electronic device including the vibration presentation device 100 is a car navigation system, a smartphone, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an image display device such as a television, a game machine with a touch panel, or a game controller with a touch panel. The touch panel 400 may be mounted overlaid on the display screen in these systems, or may be mounted as a touch pad.

[0016] The vibration presentation device 100 gives a vibration to the touch panel 400 in response to a contact operation of the user on the touch panel 400, thereby imparting a contact operation feeling (hereinafter also referred to as a tactile sensation) to the user operating the touch panel 400. The control device 200 sets the amplitude of the vibration applied to the touch panel 400 according to the pressing, pressing force, and release (release from pressing) of the touch panel 400 by the user, and outputs a drive signal to the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0017] In addition, when the control device 200 can detect the contact position of the user's finger or the like on the touch panel 400, the control device 200 may change the characteristics of the vibration applied to the touch panel 400 according to the contact position. The contact position may be detected by the control device 200, or may be detected by a microcomputer mounted on a system such as an electronic device including the vibration presentation device 100.

[0018] (Block diagram of the vibration presentation device) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the vibration presentation device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 also shows the configuration of the system 10 in which the vibration presentation device 100 is mounted. The system 10 includes a vibration presentation device 100, a microcomputer 600, and a push detection unit 700. For example, the microcomputer 600 and the push detection unit 700 may be mounted on a system board provided in the system 10. For example, the push detection unit 700 is mounted on the system board as a single component. The vibration presentation device 100 shown in FIG. 2 was proposed by the present inventor and is not known. The problem of the vibration presentation device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0019] 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 the movable plate 104 in FIG. 1 detects the displacement of the touch panel 400 in response to the pressing, holding, or vibration by the electromagnetic actuator 300 of the touch panel 400.

[0020] 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 delta-sigma 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.

[0021] 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 period count unit 263, a first sub-drive signal generation unit 264, a second sub-drive signal generation unit 265, and a synthesis unit 266. Note that 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.

[0022] The register unit 210 includes a plurality of registers that are read and written by a 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 may 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.

[0023] In the analog front end 220, the offset cancellation unit 221 cancels the offset of the detection signal DDET (analog signal) indicating the amount of distortion detected by the distortion 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 delta-sigma ADC generates a serial data signal DT in response 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.

[0024] The demodulation unit 230 sequentially demodulates the serial data signal DT received from the delta-sigma ADC while shifting the positions of the bit groups to generate a plurality of detection signals DET0 each indicating the amount of distortion of the touch panel 400. The demodulation unit 230 sequentially outputs the generated detection signals DET0 to the detection signal processing unit 240.

[0025] 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 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. 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The timing detection unit 261 of the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 detects the peak timing and bottom timing of the waveform of the detection signal DET from the detection signal processing unit 240, or the peak timing, bottom timing, and zero-crossing timing, and outputs them to the amplitude setting unit 262 as a timing signal. Note that the timing signal is also output to the period counting unit 263.

[0028] 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. The amplitude setting unit 262 may refer to, for example, a data table stored in the storage unit of the control device 200A using the information indicated by the timing signal from the timing detection unit 261 to set the amplitude of the sub-drive signal.

[0029] 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, it instructs the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 to generate the sub-drive signal SDRV.

[0030] 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 sine wave sub-drive signal SDRV for one period 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 sine wave sub-drive signal SDRV for one period based on the instruction from the period counting unit 263 and outputs it to the synthesis unit 266. Thereby, at the switching point of the period of the sub-drive signal SDRV, it is possible to suppress the sub-drive signal SDRV from being interrupted or changing abruptly, and a smoothly changing sub-drive signal SDRV can be generated. Note that the first sub-drive signal generation unit 264 and the second sub-drive signal generation unit 265 may be cosine wave generators.

[0031] The synthesizing unit 266 synthesizes the sub-driving signal OSDRV of odd-numbered periods generated by the first sub-driving signal generating unit 264 and the sub-driving signal ESDRV of even-numbered periods generated by the second sub-driving signal generating unit 265, and outputs them to the output unit 252 as a train of sub-driving signals SDRV. 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 to the driving unit 270 as a driving signal DRV.

[0032] The driving unit 270 drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 according to the driving signal DRV from the output unit 252. While the electromagnetic actuator 300 is being driven, the touch panel 400 moves toward the electromagnetic actuator 300 together with the strain detection sensor 500 according to the magnetic force generated by the coil 310 mounted on the electromagnetic actuator 300.

[0033] The push 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 detection unit 700 detects a push operation or the release of a push operation on the touch panel 400 based on the detected vibration, it outputs a push signal PUSH to the microcomputer 600.

[0034] Here, the push operation is detected based on the touch panel 400 being pressed by a user's finger or the like. The release of the push operation is detected based on the user's finger or the like being separated from the touch panel 400 and the touch panel 400 being released from the pressing operation (from pressing to releasing).

[0035] For example, when the push detection unit 700 detects a push operation, it changes the push detection signal PUSH to a high level, and when it detects a release operation, it changes the push detection signal PUSH to a low level. The high-level push detection signal PUSH is an example of a first pressing detection signal, and the low-level push detection signal PUSH is an example of a second pressing detection signal.

[0036] The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG to the vibration presentation device 100 in response to the rising edge and falling edge of the push detection signal PUSH. Note that the push detection signal PUSH may be notified to the microcomputer 600 as an interrupt signal. Details of the operation of the push detection unit 700 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0037] As described above, the vibration presentation device 100 generates a main drive signal MDRV based on the trigger signal TRG output from the microcomputer 600 by detecting a push operation or a hold operation of the touch panel 400, and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300. The main drive signal MDRV generated when detecting a push operation is an example of a first drive signal. The main drive signal MDRV generated when detecting a hold operation is an example of a third drive signal.

[0038] Thereafter, the vibration presentation device 100 detects the amount of distortion (vibration) of the touch panel 400 due to the main drive signal MDRV by the distortion detection sensor 500. Then, the vibration presentation device 100 generates a sub-drive signal SDRV according to the detection signal DET indicating the detected amount of distortion, and drives the electromagnetic actuator 300. The sub-drive signal SDRV generated when detecting a push operation is an example of a second drive signal. The sub-drive signal SDRV generated when detecting a hold operation is an example of a fourth drive signal. The sub-drive signal SDRV has an amplitude corresponding to the amount of distortion indicated by the detection signal DET and may be generated multiple times. Thereby, the user who operates the touch panel 400 can be given the tactile sensation for each use of the touch panel 400.

[0039] (Operation Timing of the Control Device in FIG. 2) FIG. 3 is a timing diagram showing an example of detecting a pressing operation and a holding operation of the touch panel 400 by the control device 200 of FIG. 2. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the pressing detection unit 700 detects a 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. Further, the pressing detection unit 700 detects a holding operation of the touch panel 400 when the level of the detection signal DDET received from the strain detection sensor 500 falls below the detection level of the holding operation. Thus, the detection level of the pressing operation and the detection level of the holding operation have hysteresis.

[0040] Normally, by providing hysteresis, the pressing detection unit 700 can suppress false detection of the holding operation even if the detection level of the pressing operation fluctuates when the detection signal DDET changes slightly within the hysteresis width. Similarly, the pressing detection unit 700 can suppress false detection of the holding operation even if the detection level of the holding operation fluctuates when the detection signal DDET changes slightly within the hysteresis width.

[0041] However, the control device 200 shown in FIG. 2 drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 based on the reception of the trigger signal TRG to vibrate the touch panel 400. In this case, as described below, the level of the detection signal DDET output from the strain detection sensor 500 when the touch panel 400 is pressed may fall below the detection level of the holding operation, and the level of the detection signal DDET output from the strain detection sensor 500 when the touch panel 400 is held may exceed the detection level of the pressing operation.

[0042] 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 push detection unit 700 outputs a low-level push detection signal PUSH (Fig. 3(a)). When the pressing of the touch panel 400 by a finger or the like is started, the level of the detection signal DDET gradually rises (Fig. 3(b)). The detection signal DDET is supplied to the analog front end 220 of the control device 200 and the push detection unit 700.

[0043] When the level of the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the push operation, the push detection unit 700 detects the push operation and changes the push detection signal PUSH to a high level (Fig. 3(c)). The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG in response to the rising edge of the push detection signal PUSH (Fig. 3(d)). The control device 200 that has received the trigger signal TRG generates a main drive signal MDRV.

[0044] The drive unit 270 receives a 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 with a gradually decreasing amplitude in response to the vibration of the touch panel 400 (Fig. 3(e)).

[0045] When the level of the detection signal DDET falls below the detection level of the push stop operation due to the vibration of the touch panel 400, the push detection unit 700 detects the push stop operation and changes the push detection signal PUSH to a low level. Thereafter, when the level of the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the push operation again, the push detection unit 700 detects the push operation and changes the push detection signal PUSH to a high level (Fig. 3(f)).

[0046] 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 (FIG. 3(g)). The control device 200 generates a main drive signal MDRV according to 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. For this reason, 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 FIG. 3. As a result, a vibration that feels uncomfortable to the user pressing the touch panel 400 is transmitted.

[0047] 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 (FIG. 3(h)). When the level of the detection signal DDET falls below the detection level of the pressing operation, the push detection unit 700 detects the pressing operation and changes the push detection signal PUSH to a low level (FIG. 3(i)). The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG in response to the falling edge of the push detection signal PUSH (FIG. 3(j)).

[0048] Thereby, 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 (FIG. 3(k)).

[0049] When the level of the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the pressing operation due to the vibration of the touch panel 400, the pressing detection unit 700 detects the pressing operation and changes the pressing detection signal PUSH to a high level. Thereafter, when the level of the detection signal DDET falls below the detection level of the holding operation again, the pressing detection unit 700 detects the holding operation and changes the pressing detection signal PUSH to a low level (FIG. 3(l)).

[0050] The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG every time the pressing detection signal PUSH from the pressing detection unit 700 changes to a low level (FIG. 3(m)). As a result, similar to when the touch panel 400 is pressed, the main drive signal MDRV is generated. 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 a period when the vibration gradually decreases. For this reason, the vibration when the touch panel 400 is held is different from the vibration corresponding to the waveform of the ideal detection signal DDET whose amplitude gradually decreases as shown in FIG. 3. As a result, a vibration that feels uncomfortable to the user pressing the touch panel 400 is transmitted.

[0051] (Block diagram of a vibration presentation device according to an embodiment) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device 100A having a control device 200A according to an embodiment of the present invention. For elements similar to those in FIG. 2, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description is omitted. The appearance and structure of the vibration presentation device 100A shown in FIG. 4 are the same as the appearance and structure of the vibration presentation device 100 in FIG. 1. The vibration presentation device 100A may operate with power supplied from a battery.

[0052] The vibration presentation device 100A shown in FIG. 4 has the same configuration as the vibration presentation device 100 in FIG. 2, except that it has a control device 200A instead of the control device 200 in FIG. 2. 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. Note that the control device 200A operates in synchronization with a clock signal, but the description of the clock signal is omitted.

[0053] The control device 200A has the same configuration as the control device 200 in FIG. 2, except that it has a drive signal generation unit 250A instead of the drive signal generation unit 250 of the control device 200 in FIG. 2 and further has a push-in detection unit 280A. The drive signal generation unit 250A has the same function as the drive signal generation unit 250 in FIG. 2, except that it has a function of generating a drive period signal DRVP.

[0054] The push-in detection unit 280A outputs a push-in detection signal PUSH to the microcomputer 600. Since the microcomputer 600 receives the push-in detection signal PUSH from the push-in detection unit 280A, the system 10 does not have the push-in detection unit 700 shown in FIG. 2. The push-in detection unit 280A is an example of a pressure detection unit.

[0055] The push-in detection unit 280A 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 asserts the drive period signal DRVP during the period when it generates the drive signal DRV in response to the detection signal DET, and negates the drive period signal DRVP when the detection signal DET becomes smaller than a certain amplitude. For example, the amplitude of the detection signal DET for determining the negation of the drive signal DRVP may be set in the register unit 210.

[0056] When the drive period signal DRVP is asserted, the push detection unit 280A stops detecting a push operation by comparing the detection signal LPFDET with the detection level of the push operation and detecting a hold operation by comparing the detection signal LPFDET with the detection level of the hold operation. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the change of the push detection signal PUSH due to the change of the detection signals DDET and LPFDET while the control device 200A is driving the electromagnetic actuator 300. Details of the operation of the push detection unit 280A will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0057] (Operation Timing of the Control Device in FIG. 4) FIG. 5 is a timing diagram showing an example of detecting a push operation and a hold operation of the touch panel 400 by the control device 200A in FIG. 4. For the same operations as in FIG. 3, detailed descriptions will be omitted. The waveform of the detection signal DDET, the detection level of the push operation, and the detection level of the hold operation are the same as in FIG. 3. Note that the waveforms of the detection signals LPFDET and DET received by the push detection unit 280A are the same as the waveform of the detection signal DDET. The waveforms obtained by expanding the periods P1 and P2 shown in FIG. 5 are shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 5 also shows an example in which the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven only once based on the main drive signal MDRV when a push operation and a hold operation are detected. Examples in which the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven a plurality of times based on the main drive signal MDRV and the sub-drive signal SDRV for braking or acceleration when a push operation is detected are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0058] When the pressing of the touch panel 400 by a finger or the like starts and the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeds the detection level of the push operation, the push detection unit 280A detects the push operation and changes the push detection signal PUSH to a high level (FIG. 5(a)). The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG in response to the rising edge of the push detection signal PUSH (FIG. 5(b)).

[0059] Upon receiving the trigger signal TRG, the drive signal generation unit 250A asserts the drive period signal DRVP to the high level when starting to generate the drive signal DRV, and negates the drive period signal DRVP to the low level when a detection signal DET (not shown) becomes smaller than a certain amplitude (Fig. 5(c)). For example, the drive period signal DRVP is set to the high level in synchronization with the generation of the main drive signal MDRV. The drive period signal DRVP set to the high level upon detection of the push-in operation is an example of the first drive period signal.

[0060] The drive unit 270 receives the drive signal DRV corresponding to the main drive signal MDRV, drives the electromagnetic actuator 300, and vibrates the touch panel 400. Then, similar to Fig. 3, the strain detection sensor 500 outputs a detection signal DDET (LPFDET) whose amplitude gradually decreases in response to the gradually decreasing vibration in the touch panel 400 (Fig. 5(d)). The detection signal DDET (LPFDET) has an upward trend due to the push-in operation of the touch panel 400.

[0061] The push-in detection unit 280A stops detecting the push-in operation and the hold-down operation by the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) during the period when the drive period signal DRVP is at the high level. Therefore, even when the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) falls below the detection level of the hold-down operation during the period when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is being driven, it is possible to prevent the push-in detection signal PUSH from changing to the low level (Fig. 5(e)). That is, the control device 200A can prevent false detection of the pressing of the touch panel 400.

[0062] After receiving the rising edge of the push detection signal PUSH, the microcomputer 600 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) falls below the detection level of the push operation due to the driving of the electromagnetic actuator 300, it is possible to prevent the microcomputer 600 from outputting an incorrect trigger signal TRG. As a result, the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) when the touch panel 400 is pressed can be made into an ideal waveform, and it is possible to prevent vibrations that feel uncomfortable to the user pressing the touch panel 400 from being transmitted.

[0063] 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) falls below the detection level of the push operation, the push detection unit 280A detects the push operation and changes the push detection signal PUSH to the low level (FIG. 5(f)). The microcomputer 600 outputs a trigger signal TRG in response to the falling edge of the push detection signal PUSH (FIG. 5(g)).

[0064] When receiving the trigger signal TRG, the drive signal generation unit 250A asserts the drive period signal DRVP to the high level when generating the drive signal DRV, and negates the drive period signal DRVP to the low level when a detection signal DET (not shown) becomes smaller than a certain amplitude (FIG. 5(h)). For example, the drive period signal DRVP is set to the high level for a predetermined period in synchronization with the generation of the main drive signal MDRV. The drive signal generation unit 250A generates the drive signal DRV in response to the main drive signal MDRV generated in synchronization with the trigger signal TRG. 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 drive period signal DRVP set to the high level at the time of detecting the push operation is an example of the second drive period signal.

[0065] The drive unit 270 receives a drive signal DRV corresponding to the main drive signal MDRV, drives the electromagnetic actuator 300, and vibrates the touch panel 400. The vibration of the touch panel 400 is greatest when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive signal DRV, and then gradually decreases. Then, similar to FIG. 3, the strain detection sensor 500 outputs a detection signal DDET whose amplitude gradually decreases in response to the vibration of the touch panel 400 (FIG. 5(i)). The detection signal DDET tends to decrease due to the pressing operation on the touch panel 400.

[0066] The push detection unit 280A stops detecting the push operation and the hold operation by the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) during the period when the drive period signal DRVP is at a high level. For this reason, even when the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeds the detection level of the push operation during the period when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is being driven, it is possible to prevent the push detection signal PUSH from changing to a high level (FIG. 5(j)). That is, the control device 200A can suppress false detection when the touch panel 400 is held down.

[0067] (Details at the time of detecting the push operation and the hold operation) FIG. 6 is a timing diagram showing details at the time of detecting the push operation and the hold operation in FIG. 5. In period P1, when the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) continuously exceeds the detection level of the push operation for 10 cycles, the push detection unit 280A detects the push operation and sets the push detection signal PUSH to a high level. For example, the number of cycles is counted by a counter provided in the push detection unit 280A. If the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) becomes equal to or lower than the detection level of the push operation before 10 cycles have elapsed after the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeds the detection level of the push operation, the counter value is reset to "0". The 10-cycle period for determining the detection of the push operation is an example of the first period.

[0068] When the period during which the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeds the detection level of the pushing operation is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, the pushing operation is detected and the push detection signal PUSH is set to the high level. Thus, for example, when the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) exceeds the detection level of the pushing operation due to noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the push detection signal PUSH from changing to the high level. As a result, it is possible to prevent false detection of the pressing of the touch panel 400 due to noise or the like, and it is possible to prevent a feeling of discomfort from being transmitted to the user pressing the touch panel 400 as vibration.

[0069] During the period P2, when the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) continuously falls below the detection level of the pushing - stopping operation for 10 cycles, the pushing - stopping operation is detected, and the push detection signal PUSH is set to the low level. When the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) becomes equal to or higher than the detection level of the pushing - stopping operation before 10 cycles have elapsed since the level of the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) fell below the detection level of the pushing - stopping operation, the counter value is reset to "0". The 10 - cycle period for determining the detection of the pushing - stopping operation is an example of the second period.

[0070] When the period during which the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) is below the detection level of the pushing - stopping operation is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, the pushing - stopping operation is detected and the push detection signal PUSH is set to the low level. Thus, for example, when the detection signal DDET (LPFDET) falls below the detection level of the pushing - stopping operation due to noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the push detection signal PUSH from changing to the low level. As a result, it is possible to prevent false detection of the touch panel 400 being pushed - stopped due to noise or the like, and it is possible to prevent a feeling of discomfort from being transmitted to the user stopping the pressing of the touch panel 400 as vibration.

[0071] (Details at the time of detecting the pushing operation in FIG. 5) FIG. 7 is a timing diagram showing details at the time of detection of the pushing-in operation in FIG. 5. For operations similar to those in FIG. 5, detailed descriptions are omitted. Note that the detailed operations at the time of detection of the pressing operation are also the same as those in FIG. 7.

[0072] When the detection signal LPFDET exceeds the detection level of the pushing-in operation while the drive period signal DRVP is negated, the trigger signal TRG is output from the microcomputer 600 (FIGS. 7(a), (b)). The drive signal generation unit 250A generates the main drive signal MDRV and the drive signal DRV based on the trigger signal TRG, and asserts the drive period signal DRVP (FIGS. 7(c), (d), (e)). Note that when the braking operation or the accelerator operation is not included at the time of detection of the pushing-in operation, the sub-drive signal SDRV is not generated (FIG. 7(f)).

[0073] The drive unit 270 drives the electromagnetic actuator 300 in response to the drive signal DRV, and vibrates the touch panel 400. The strain detection sensor 500 outputs a detection signal DDET whose amplitude gradually decreases in response to the vibration that gradually decreases in the touch panel 400 (FIG. 7(g)). The detection signal processing unit 240 generates detection signals 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 (FIG. 7(h)). The drive signal generation unit 250A negates the drive period signal DRVP when the amplitude of the detection signal DET becomes smaller than a preset threshold (FIG. 7(i))

[0074] (Braking operation at the time of detection of the pushing-in operation in FIG. 5) FIG. 8 is a timing diagram showing an example in the case where a braking operation for suppressing the vibration of the touch panel 400 is included at the time of detection of the pushing-in operation. For operations similar to those in FIGS. 5 and 7, 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 those in FIG. 7. Note that the braking operation at the time of detection of the pressing operation is also the same as that in FIG. 8.

[0075] In FIG. 8, as an example, the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 outputs a sub-drive signal SDRV in accordance with the third bottom of the amplitude of the detection signal DET (FIG. 8(a)). The output unit 252 of the drive signal generation unit 250A outputs a drive signal DRV to the drive unit 270 in response to the sub-drive signal SDRV (FIG. 8(b)). Then, the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive unit 270 and the touch panel 400 vibrates. At this time, by outputting the sub-drive signal SDRV in accordance with the bottom of the amplitude, a brake is applied to the vibration of the touch panel 400, and the convergence of the signal is accelerated. As a result, the periods during which there are amplitudes in the detection signals DDET, LPFDET, and DET become shorter compared to FIG. 7 (FIGS. 8(c) and (d)). Also, the assertion period of the drive period signal DRVP becomes shorter compared to FIG. 7 (FIG. 8(e)).

[0076] (Acceleration operation during detection of the pushing-in operation in FIG. 5) FIG. 9 is a timing diagram showing an example in the case of including an acceleration operation for accelerating the vibration of the touch panel 400 during detection of the pushing-in operation. Detailed descriptions of the same operations as in FIGS. 5 and 7 are omitted. The operation from when the trigger signal TRG is output from the microcomputer 600 until the drive signal DRV is generated is the same as in FIG. 7. Note that the acceleration operation during detection of the pressing-and-holding operation is also the same as in FIG. 9.

[0077] In the example shown in FIG. 9, as an example, the sub-drive signal generation unit 260 outputs a sub-drive signal SDRV in accordance with the third peak of the amplitude of the detection signal DET (FIG. 9(a)). The output unit 252 of the drive signal generation unit 250A outputs a drive signal DRV to the drive unit 270 in response to the sub-drive signal SDRV (FIG. 9(b)). Then, the electromagnetic actuator 300 is driven by the drive unit 270 and the touch panel 400 vibrates. At this time, by outputting the sub-drive signal SDRV in accordance with the peak of the amplitude, the vibration of the touch panel 400 is accelerated and it becomes difficult for the vibration to converge. As a result, the periods during which there are amplitudes in the detection signals DDET, LPFDET, and DET become longer compared to FIG. 7. (FIGS. 9(c) and (d)). Also, the assertion period of the drive period signal DRVP becomes longer compared to FIG. 7 (FIG. 9(e)).

[0078] As described above, in this embodiment, the push detection unit 280A stops detecting the push operation and the hold operation by the detection signal DDET during the period when the drive period signal DRVP is at a high level. Therefore, even when the level of the detection signal DDET falls below the detection level of the hold operation during the period when the electromagnetic actuator 300 is being driven, it is possible to prevent the push detection signal PUSH from changing to a low level.

[0079] Similarly, even when the level of the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the push operation, it is possible to prevent the push detection signal PUSH from changing to a high level. Therefore, the control device 200A can suppress false detection of pressing and holding of the touch panel 400. As a result, it is possible to prevent vibrations that are uncomfortable for the user who presses or stops pressing the touch panel 400 from being transmitted.

[0080] By detecting the push operation and setting the push detection signal PUSH to a high level only when the period during which the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the push operation is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, for example, when the detection signal DDET exceeds the detection level of the push operation due to noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the push detection signal PUSH from changing to a high level.

[0081] Similarly, by detecting the hold operation and setting the push detection signal PUSH to a low level only when the period during which the detection signal DDET is below the detection level of the hold operation is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, for example, when the detection signal DDET falls below the detection level of the hold operation due to noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the push detection signal PUSH from changing to a low level. As a result, it is possible to suppress false detection of pressing or holding of the touch panel 400 due to noise or the like, and it is possible to prevent vibrations that are uncomfortable for the user who presses or stops pressing the touch panel 400 from being transmitted.

[0082] By providing the push detection unit 280A inside the control device 200A manufactured as a semiconductor chip, for example, it is not necessary to provide the push detection unit 700, which is a single component, outside the vibration presentation device 100A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the substrate on which the microcomputer 600 is mounted and to suppress an increase in the cost of the system 10.

[0083] As described above, the present invention has been described based on each embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. Regarding these points, it can be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention and can be appropriately determined according to the application form. For example, instead of the strain detection sensor 500, other sensors capable of detecting the displacement of the touch panel 400, such as an acceleration sensor, may be used.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0084] 10 System 100, 100A Vibration Presentation Device 200, 200A Control Device 210 Register Unit 220 Analog Front End 221 Offset Cancellation Unit 222 Programmable Gain Amplifier 223 Delta Sigma ADC 230 Demodulation Unit 240 Detection Signal Processing Unit 241 Low Pass Filter 242 High Pass Filter 250, 250A Drive Signal Generation Unit 251 Main Drive Signal Generation Unit 252 Output Unit 260 Sub - Drive Signal Generation Unit 270 Drive Unit 280A Push Detection Unit 300 Electromagnetic Actuator 310 Coil 400 Touch Panel 500 Strain Detection Sensor 600 Microcomputer 700 Push-in Detection Unit DDET Detection Signal DET, DET0 Detection Signals DRV Drive Signal DRVP Drive Period Signal DT Serial Data Signal ESDRV Sub-drive Signal LPFDET Detection Signal MDRV Main Drive Signal OSDRV Sub-drive Signal PUSH Push-in Detection Signal SDRV Sub-drive Signal TRG Trigger Signal

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an actuator that applies vibration to an operating device based on an operation of the operating device, comprising: 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 that detects a displacement of the operating device due to pressing, holding, or vibration of the operating device, and suppresses output of the first pressing detection signal while receiving a first driving period signal indicating a driving period of the actuator; 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 external output of the first pressing detection signal, generates a second driving signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor in response to vibration of the operating device caused by the first driving signal, and outputs the first driving period signal while driving the actuator with the first driving signal and the second driving signal; The control device.

2. The pressing detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the pressing detection unit detects a pressing of the operating device when a period during which a level of the first detection signal exceeds a level indicating a pressing operation of the operating device is equal to or longer than a first period. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The pressing detection unit outputs a second pressing detection signal when the operating device is held based on the first detection signal, and suppresses output of the second pressing detection signal while 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 external output of the second pressing detection signal, generates a fourth driving signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor in response to vibration of the operating device caused by the third driving signal, and outputs the second driving period signal while driving the actuator with the third driving signal and the fourth driving signal; The control device according to claim 1.

4. The pressing detection unit according to claim 3, wherein the pressing detection unit detects a holding of the operating device when a period during which a level of the first detection signal is lower than a level indicating a holding of the operating device is equal to or longer than a second period. The control device according to claim 3.

5. an offset canceling unit that cancels an offset of the first detection signal; an amplification circuit that amplifies the first detection signal with the offset canceled; A delta-sigma 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; A detection signal processing unit that removes noise and offset of the first digital signal to generate a second digital signal; and 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. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An operating device; An actuator that gives vibration to the operating device based on the operation of the operating device; A vibration presentation device having a control device for controlling the actuator, wherein The control device Outputs a first pressing detection signal when detecting the pressing of the operating device based on a first detection signal output from a sensor that detects displacement of the operating device due to pressing, holding, or vibration of the operating device, and suppresses the output of the first pressing detection signal while receiving a first drive period signal indicating a drive period of the actuator; a pressing detection unit; Generates a first drive signal for driving the actuator based on a drive start signal received from the outside in response to the output of the first pressing detection signal to the outside, and generates a second drive signal for driving the actuator based on the first detection signal output from the sensor in response to the vibration of the operating device caused by the first drive signal, and outputs the first drive period signal during the period in which the actuator is driven by the first drive signal and the second drive signal; a drive signal generation unit. A vibration presentation device.

Images