Input system

Abstract

To provide an input system that reduces touch misdetection due to vibration of tactile feedback.SOLUTION: An input system A1 comprises a first vibrator 10, a monitor 30, a determination part 60, a second vibrator 20, and a control part 50. The first vibrator 10 vibrates an input part. The motor 30 converts vibration of the first vibrator 10 into a monitor signal S5. The determination part 60, on the basis of a change in the monitor signal S5, determines whether or not human operation is in the input part. The second vibrator 20 imparts tactile feedback due to vibration to a human. The control part 50 controls the first vibrator 10 and the second vibrator 20. The control part 50 outputs a first signal S1 to the first vibrator 10 and also, when it is determined by the determination part 60 that the operation is in the input part, outputs a second signal S2 to the second vibrator 20. The control part 50 superimposes a cancellation signal S3 onto the first signal S1, the cancellation signal being configured to cancel vibration to the monitor 30 from the second vibrator 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to input systems, and more particularly to input systems that include vibrators. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional example, the display input device (input system) described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The display input device described in Patent Document 1 includes a display input section in which a plurality of display input modules, each having a push button switch function, are arranged continuously in a plane. Furthermore, this display input device presents an explanation of the display input module when a person presses down on the display input module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-282433 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional input systems, when a user presses down on a display input module, the user is given the sensation of having performed an operation, known as haptic feedback. However, because conventional input systems use pushbutton switches for input, they require a movable mechanism or elastic deformation mechanism for pressing down the pushbutton switch, making their structure complex. Therefore, an input system can be considered that uses vibrations from a vibrator to detect human contact (touch) and then uses vibrations from another vibrator to provide haptic feedback to the user. In such an input system, for example, even if human contact has disappeared (no touch) after detecting a touch, the vibrations from the haptic feedback may erroneously detect that the user is still touching (touch false detection).

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an input system that reduces false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An input system according to one aspect of the present disclosure determines whether a human operation is being performed on an input unit, and if the operation is being performed on the input unit, provides tactile feedback to the human via the input unit by vibration. The input system includes a first vibrator, a monitor, a determination unit, a second vibrator, and a control unit. The first vibrator vibrates the input unit. The monitor converts the vibration of the first vibrator into a monitor signal, which is an electrical signal. The determination unit determines whether the operation is being performed on the input unit based on a change in the monitor signal converted by the monitor. The second vibrator provides tactile feedback to the human via vibration. The control unit controls the first vibrator and the second vibrator. The control unit outputs a first signal to the first vibrator to cause the first vibrator to vibrate, and when the determination unit determines that the operation is being performed on the input unit, outputs a second signal to the second vibrator to cause the second vibrator to vibrate. The control unit superimposes a cancellation signal on the first signal to cancel vibration from the second vibrator to the monitor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to an input system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback is reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an input system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the input system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing a first signal, an interference signal, a cancellation signal, a signal in which the cancellation signal is superimposed on the first signal, and a monitor signal in the input system of the same. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram showing a monitor signal in relation to the operation of the level adjustment unit and the phase adjustment unit of the input system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram schematically showing a monitor signal in relation to the operation of the phase adjustment unit of the input system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram schematically showing a monitor signal in relation to the operation of the phase adjustment unit of the input system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, input systems according to embodiments 1 to 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) (1) Input system First, the configuration of an input system A1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the input system A1 includes a first vibrator 10, a second vibrator 20, a monitor 30, a processing unit 70, a driving unit 80, a storage unit 90 (see FIG. 2 ), and an input unit 100 (see FIG. 2 ). The input system A1 is used, for example, in an operation panel of a vehicle. When a human operation is performed on the input unit 100, the vibration of the monitor 30 changes, and the input system A1 uses this change in vibration to determine whether the operation is performed on the input unit 100. The input system A1 is also an input system with a so-called haptic feedback function that provides tactile feedback to the user through vibration via the input unit 100 when the operation is performed on the input unit 100. Note that in this embodiment, the human operation is assumed to be an operation using a human finger, but is not limited to an operation using a human finger, and may also be an operation using, for example, a touch pen. In short, the human operation includes not only a direct operation by a human but also an indirect operation.

[0012] (2) Components of the input system Next, each component of the input system A1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] (2.1) Oscillator The first oscillator 10 vibrates the input unit 100. The first oscillator 10 is, for example, a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric body. The first oscillator 10 is electrically connected to the processing unit 70. The vibration frequency of the first oscillator 10 is, for example, a frequency of 20 kHz or higher (a frequency in the ultrasonic band).

[0014] The second vibrator 20 provides tactile feedback to a person (a person's finger) by vibration. The second vibrator 20 is, for example, a piezoelectric element. The second vibrator 20 is electrically connected to the processing unit 70. The vibration frequency of the second vibrator 20 is, for example, a frequency of 1 kHz or less. In other words, the frequency of the second vibrator 20 is a frequency lower than the frequency of the first vibrator 10.

[0015] (2.2) Monitor The monitor 30 converts the vibration of the first vibrator 10 into an electric signal. The monitor 30 outputs an analog signal (monitor signal) S5 corresponding to the vibration of the first vibrator 10. The monitor 30 is, for example, a piezoelectric element. The monitor 30 is electrically connected to the processing unit 70 via a filter 110. The filter 110 is configured to remove a signal component of a cancellation signal S3 (described later) contained in the monitor signal S5, which is an electric signal converted by the monitor 30. The filter 110 is, for example, a high-pass filter. Note that the filter 110 is not essential.

[0016] (2.3) Processing section The processing unit 70 includes a setting unit 40, a control unit 50, and a determination unit 60. The processing unit 70 is realized, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the functions of the processing unit 70 are realized by the one or more processors executing a program recorded in the memory. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0017] (2.3.1) Setting section The setting unit 40 is configured to be able to change various settings of the processing unit 70. The setting unit 40 may be configured, for example, with mechanical components or a touch-operable panel, etc., as long as it is able to change various settings of the processing unit 70. The setting unit 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 50.

[0018] (2.3.2) Control Unit The control unit 50 controls the first vibrator 10, the second vibrator 20, the monitor 30, the setting unit 40, the driving unit 80, and the storage unit 90. The control unit 50 also outputs a first signal S1 from the driving unit 80 to the first vibrator 10 via an adder 140 (described later) and a first DAC 151 (described later). The first signal S1 is a digital signal for vibrating the first vibrator 10. The first signal S1 also includes a burst signal S30 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the burst signal S30 is a signal that repeats a sinusoidal signal at a constant cycle. Therefore, the first signal S1 is a signal that alternates between a period in which the burst signal S30 is output and a period in which the burst signal S30 is not output. In other words, the first signal S1 is a signal that repeats intermittent operation. Note that the digital signal in this embodiment is a signal obtained by quantizing a discrete signal, and is not a signal coded into binary digits of "0" and "1." However, the digital signal during transmission (for example, the digital signal when transmitted from the driver 80 to the adder 140) is not a signal obtained by quantizing a discrete signal, but a signal coded into binary numbers. Here, the first signal S1 and the cancellation signal S3 in Fig. 3 are described as analog signals to facilitate understanding of the description of the embodiment.

[0019] The control unit 50 outputs the second signal S2 from the drive unit 80 to the second vibrator 20 via a second DAC 152 (described later). The second signal S2 is a digital signal for vibrating the second vibrator 20. The second signal S2 is a periodic signal. The control unit 50 also superimposes a cancellation signal S3 on the first signal S1. The cancellation signal S3 is a signal that cancels vibrations from the second vibrator 20 to the monitor 30. More specifically, the cancellation signal S3 is a signal that cancels (offsets) the signal component of a signal (interference signal) S7 (see FIG. 3) corresponding to vibrations from the second vibrator 20 at the monitor 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the cancellation signal S3 is a signal that has the same signal level and opposite phase as the interference signal S7 during the period in which the burst signal S30 of the first signal S1 is output. The interference signal S7 is a signal corresponding to the vibration from the second oscillator 20, and is, for example, a signal in which the vibration of the second oscillator 20 is propagated to the monitor 30 via the plate portion 105 of the propagation member 104 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the vibration from the second oscillator 20 to the monitor 30 refers to the vibration transmitted to the monitor 30 due to the vibration of the second oscillator 20, and includes, for example, the vibration transmitted directly from the second oscillator 20 to the monitor 30 and the vibration transmitted from the second oscillator 20 to the monitor 30 via the propagation member 104.

[0020] The control unit 50 also receives an input of a monitor signal S5 from the monitor 30. The monitor signal S5 includes a signal component resulting from a signal (superimposed signal) S4 in which the cancellation signal S3 is superimposed on the first signal S1. Note that the cancellation signal S3 is not limited to a signal that has the same signal level and opposite phase as the interference signal S7 during the period in which the burst signal S30 is output, and may also be a signal that has the same signal level and opposite phase as the interference signal S7 during the period in which the burst signal S30 is not output.

[0021] The control unit 50 includes a control circuit 160 , a filter 130 , an adder 140 , a converter 150 , and an adjustment unit 120 .

[0022] The control circuit 160 performs main control in the control unit 50. The control circuit 160 has a detection unit 6, which will be described later. The control circuit 160 is electrically connected to the setting unit 40. The control circuit 160 is also electrically connected to the determination unit 60. The control circuit 160 is also electrically connected to the drive unit 80. The control circuit 160 is also electrically connected to the memory unit 90. The control circuit 160 is also electrically connected to the converter 150. The control circuit 160 is also electrically connected to the adjustment unit 120.

[0023] The filter 130 is, for example, a high-pass filter. The input terminal of the filter 130 is electrically connected to the adjustment unit 120. The output terminal of the filter 130 is electrically connected to the adder 140.

[0024] The adder 140 superimposes the cancellation signal S3 on the first signal S1. A first input terminal of the adder 140 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the filter 130. A second input terminal of the adder 140 is electrically connected to the driver 80. An output terminal of the adder 140 is electrically connected to the converter 150.

[0025] The converter 150 includes a first DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) 151, a second DAC 152, and an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) 153.

[0026] Each of the first DAC 151 and the second DAC 152 converts a digital signal into an analog signal. The ADC 153 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. An input terminal of the first DAC 151 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the adder 140. An output terminal of the first DAC 151 is electrically connected to the first vibrator 10. An input terminal of the second DAC 152 is electrically connected to the driving unit 80. In addition, an input terminal of the second DAC 152 is electrically connected to the adjustment unit 120. An output terminal of the second DAC 152 is electrically connected to the second vibrator 20.

[0027] The adjustment unit 120 includes a phase adjustment unit 121 and a level adjustment unit 122 .

[0028] The phase adjustment unit 121 generates a signal having an opposite phase to the phase of the interference signal S7 at the monitor 30 (a signal obtained by inverting the phase of the interference signal S7) based on the second signal S2, and outputs the signal to the level adjustment unit 122. An input terminal of the phase adjustment unit 121 is electrically connected to the drive unit 80. An output terminal of the phase adjustment unit 121 is electrically connected to the level adjustment unit 122.

[0029] The level adjustment unit 122 adjusts the signal level of the signal from the phase adjustment unit 121 so that the signal level of the signal from the phase adjustment unit 121 becomes the same as the signal level of the signal component of the interference signal S7 at the monitor 30. In this embodiment, during the period (burst period) in which the burst signal S30 is output, the signal obtained by adjusting the signal level of the signal from the phase adjustment unit 121 to the same signal level as the signal component of the interference signal S7 at the monitor 30 is the cancellation signal S3 (see FIG. 3). That is, the phase adjustment unit 121 and the level adjustment unit 122 of the control unit 50 generate the cancellation signal S3 that cancels the signal component of the interference signal S7 at the monitor 30. In other words, the phase adjustment unit 121 and the level adjustment unit 122 generate the cancellation signal S3 that cancels the vibration from the second vibrator 20 to the monitor 30. Furthermore, the level adjustment unit 122 outputs the cancellation signal S3 to the filter 130. An input terminal of the level adjustment unit 122 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the phase adjustment unit 121. The output terminal of the level adjustment unit 122 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the filter 130 .

[0030] (2.3.3) Judgment part The determination unit 60 determines whether or not a human operation is being performed on the input unit 100 based on a change in the vibration of the first vibrator 10. More specifically, the determination unit 60 detects, for example, a monitor signal S5 output from the monitor 30, and determines whether or not the above operation is being performed on the input unit 100 based on a change in the monitor signal S5 during a burst period. For example, the determination unit 60 determines that the above operation is being performed on the input unit 100 when the signal level (voltage value) of the monitor signal S5 from the monitor 30 is equal to or greater than a reference value. On the other hand, the determination unit 60 determines that the above operation is not being performed on the input unit 100 when the signal level of the monitor signal S5 is less than the reference value. The determination unit 60 is electrically connected to the control circuit 160 of the control unit 50.

[0031] Incidentally, when the determination unit 60 determines that the above operation is performed on the input unit 100, the control unit 50 outputs the second signal S2 to the second oscillator 20 via the second DAC 152. That is, the control unit 50 outputs the first signal S1 to the first oscillator 10, and when the determination unit 60 determines that the above operation is performed on the input unit 100, the control unit 50 outputs the second signal S2 to the second oscillator 20.

[0032] (2.4) Drive unit The driver 80 outputs a first signal S1 and a second signal S2. The driver 80 has a first driver 81 and a second driver 82. The first driver 81 outputs the first signal S1. The second driver 82 outputs the second signal S2. The first driver 81 is electrically connected to a second input terminal of the adder 140. The second driver 82 is electrically connected to an input terminal of the second DAC 152. The second driver 82 is also electrically connected to an input terminal of the phase adjuster 121.

[0033] (2.5) Storage section The storage unit 90 stores various settings of the input system A1. The storage unit 90 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). Note that the storage unit 90 is not limited to a semiconductor memory.

[0034] (2.6) Input section The input unit 100 accepts input of operations by a person. As shown in FIG. 2, the input unit 100 includes a case 101, a lid 102, and a propagation member 104. The case 101 is box-shaped with one side (front) open. The case 101 is made of, for example, metal. The lid 102 has a panel 103. The lid 102 is flat. The lid 102 is made of, for example, metal. The lid 102 is attached to the case 101 so as to cover the front of the case 101. The propagation member 104 propagates vibrations of the first vibrator 10 and the second vibrator 20. The propagation member 104 includes a flat plate portion 105 and a columnar connecting portion 106. The first vibrator 10, the second vibrator 20, and the monitor 30 are directly attached to the plate portion 105. Furthermore, plate portion 105 propagates vibrations of first vibrator 10 and second vibrator 20. The material of plate portion 105 is, for example, metal. Linking portion 106 connects plate portion 105 and lid 102. Furthermore, linking portion 106 propagates vibrations propagated from plate portion 105 to lid 102. The material of linking portion 106 is, for example, metal.

[0035] (3) Input system operation The control unit 50 outputs a first signal S1 to the first vibrator 10. Furthermore, when the determination unit 60 determines that the above operation is performed on the input unit 100, the control unit 50 outputs a second signal S2 to the second vibrator 20. Thus, in the input system A1, when a human operation is performed on the input unit 100, tactile feedback is given to the human in the form of vibration.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 50 superimposes a cancellation signal S3 on the first signal S1. After superimposing the cancellation signal S3 on the first signal S1, the control unit 50 outputs a signal (superimposed signal) S4 obtained by superimposing the cancellation signal S3 on the first signal S1 to the first vibrator 10. Therefore, in the input system A1, when a human operation is performed on the input unit 100 (particularly when the operation is continued), even if the vibration of the first vibrator 10 on the monitor 30 is affected by interference from the vibration of the second vibrator 20, the control unit 50 outputs the superimposed signal S4 to the first vibrator 10, thereby reducing the influence of interference from the vibration of the second vibrator 20. Therefore, in the input system A1, erroneous detection of a human touch operation due to the vibration of the haptic feedback is reduced. In short, the input system A1 reduces erroneous detection of a touch due to the vibration of the haptic feedback.

[0037] Furthermore, the input system A1 reduces the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator 20, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in selecting the frequency of the second vibrator 20. For example, the input system A1 can select a frequency close to 20 kHz (e.g., a frequency of 10 kHz) as the frequency of the second vibrator 20. In short, the input system A1 can widen the frequency range (frequency band) of the second vibrator 20. Therefore, the input system A1 can provide various haptic feedback to a person by, for example, changing the frequency (changing the vibration) of the second vibrator 20.

[0038] Furthermore, the input system A1 reduces the influence of interference on the monitor 30 due to vibrations from the second vibrator 20 by outputting the superimposed signal S4 to the first vibrator 10. Therefore, the input system A1 can realize the process of reducing the influence of interference with a simpler configuration than when the influence of interference due to vibrations from the second vibrator 20 is reduced inside the control unit 50. Note that when the cancellation process is performed inside the control unit 50, it is necessary to perform the process of reducing the influence of interference taking into consideration, for example, the characteristics of the first vibrator 10, the second vibrator 20, and the monitor 30, variations in the characteristics, and the like.

[0039] The phase adjustment unit 121 adjusts the phase of the cancellation signal S3. During adjustment, the control unit 50 detects the phase of the signal component of the monitor signal S5 from the monitor 30 during a period T10 (see FIG. 4) other than the burst signal S30. More specifically, during adjustment, the control unit 50 detects the phase of the signal component (first signal component) S31 before the burst signal S30 is output or the signal component (second signal component) S32 after the burst signal S30 is output in the monitor signal S5. In this embodiment, during adjustment, the control unit 50 detects the phase of the first signal component S31 in the monitor signal S5. Specifically, during adjustment, the detection unit 6 of the control circuit 160 in the control unit 50 detects the phase of the first signal component S31 in the monitor signal S5. The phase adjustment unit 121 synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal S3 with the phase detected by the control unit 50.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the period T10 in the monitor signal S5 other than the burst signal S30 is a combined period consisting of periods T11 and T12. Period T11 is the period from time t1 when the previous burst signal is no longer output to time t2 when the burst signal S30 is output. Period T12 is the period from time t3 when the burst signal S30 is no longer output to time t4 when the next burst signal is output. In other words, the period T10 in the monitor signal S5 other than the burst signal S30 is the period in which the burst signal S30 is not output in the monitor signal S5. Note that, for convenience of explanation, the waveform of the burst signal S30 in FIG. 4 is trapezoidal, but the actual waveform is not necessarily trapezoidal.

[0041] In the input system A1, the control unit 50 detects the phase of the signal component of the monitor signal S5 during a period T10 other than the burst signal S30, and the phase adjustment unit 121 synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal S3 with the phase detected by the control unit 50. Therefore, in the input system A1, the influence of interference due to vibrations from the second vibrator 20 is reduced and the accuracy of touch detection is improved, thereby further reducing erroneous touch detection due to vibrations of the haptic feedback.

[0042] The level adjustment unit 122 adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal S3. During adjustment, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of the signal components in the monitor signal S5 from the monitor 30 during the period T10 other than the burst signal S30. More specifically, during adjustment, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of the first signal component S31 or the signal level of the second signal component S32 in the monitor signal S5. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of the first signal component S31 in the monitor signal S5. Specifically, the detection unit 6 of the control circuit 160 in the control unit 50 detects the signal level of the first signal component S31 in the monitor signal S5.

[0043] Furthermore, after the phase adjustment by the phase adjustment unit 121 is completed, the level adjustment unit 122 adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 so that the signal level (voltage value) of the signal component detected by the control unit 50 is equal to or less than a specified value. The specified value is a value that reduces the influence of interference due to vibration from the second oscillator 20. For example, the specified value is equal to or less than 1 / 10 of the signal level of the signal at the monitor 30 that is caused by vibration from the first oscillator 10.

[0044] In the input system A1, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of the signal component of the monitor signal S5 during the period T10 other than the burst signal S30. This allows the input system A1 to eliminate the influence of the superimposed signal S4 when adjusting the signal level of the cancellation signal S3. That is, the input system A1 can accurately detect the signal level of the interference signal S7 corresponding to the vibration from the second vibrator 20 on the monitor 30. In other words, the input system A1 can accurately detect the vibration from the second vibrator 20 to the monitor 30. Furthermore, in the input system A1, the level adjustment unit 122 adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 so that the signal level of the signal component detected by the control unit 50 is equal to or lower than a specified value. Therefore, the input system A1 reduces the influence of interference due to the vibration from the second vibrator 20 and improves the accuracy of touch detection, further reducing erroneous touch detection due to the vibration of the haptic feedback.

[0045] (4) Variations As a modification of the first embodiment, each of the first vibrator 10, the second vibrator 20, and the monitor 30 is not limited to a piezoelectric element, and may be, for example, a small vibrator that generates vibration (e.g., an ultrasonic vibrator). The material of the case 101 is not limited to metal, and may be, for example, resin. The material of the lid 102 is not limited to metal, and may be, for example, resin, glass, etc. The material of the plate portion 105 is not limited to metal, and may be, for example, resin. The material of the connecting portion 106 is not limited to metal, and may be, for example, resin. The input system A1 according to the above modification also achieves the same effects as the input system A1 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] When adjusting the phase of the cancellation signal S3, the control unit 50 may detect the phase of the second signal component S32 (see FIG. 4) in the monitor signal S5 after the burst signal S30 is output. Even in this case, the input system A1 can adjust the phase of the cancellation signal S3, reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator 20 and improving the accuracy of touch detection. Therefore, the input system A1 of this modified example also further reduces erroneous touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback.

[0047] Furthermore, when adjusting the phase of the cancellation signal S3, the control unit 50 may detect the phases of both the first signal component S31 and the second signal component S32 in the monitor signal S5. In this case, when the first signal component S31 and the second signal component S32 detected by the control unit 50 are out of phase with each other, the phase adjustment unit 121 may synchronize the phase of the cancellation signal S3 with the average phase (reference phase) of the first signal component S31 and the second signal component S32. Therefore, in the input system A1, the control unit 50 can detect the phase shift of the signal components of the interference signal S7 more accurately than when the control unit 50 detects the phase of either the first signal component S31 or the second signal component S32 in the monitor signal S5. That is, in the input system A1 of the modified example, the accuracy of the phase adjustment by the phase adjustment unit 121 can be improved, further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback. Note that the detection signals are not limited to two signals, and may be three or more signals. In this case, the input system A1 can further improve detection accuracy, which in turn can further improve the accuracy of phase adjustment by the phase adjustment unit 121, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0048] On the other hand, in the input system A1, the control unit 50 detects the phase of the first signal component S31 or the second signal component S32 in the monitor signal S5, thereby making it possible to shorten the phase detection time compared to detecting the phases of both signal components. Therefore, in the input system A1 of the first embodiment, the phase adjustment unit 121 can adjust the phase of the cancellation signal S3 early, and erroneous touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback can be reduced more quickly.

[0049] Furthermore, when adjusting the phase of the cancellation signal S3, the control unit 50 may detect the phase of a signal component (third signal component) different from the first signal component S31. However, the third signal component is a signal component in the monitor signal S5 during a period T10 other than that of the burst signal S30.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may detect the signal level of the second signal component S32 in the monitor signal S5 after the burst signal S30 is output. Even in this case, the input system A1 can adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal S3, reducing the influence of interference due to vibrations from the second vibrator 20 and improving the accuracy of touch detection. Therefore, the input system A1 of this modified example also further reduces erroneous touch detection due to vibrations of the haptic feedback.

[0051] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may detect the signal levels of both the first signal component S31 and the second signal component S32 in the monitor signal S5. In this case, for example, if the signal levels of the first signal component S31 and the second signal component S32 detected by the control unit 50 are different, the level adjustment unit 122 may adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 so that the average value of the signal levels of the first signal component S31 and the second signal component S32 is equal to or less than a specified value. Therefore, in the input system A1, the control unit 50 can detect fluctuations in the signal level of the interference signal S7 more accurately than when the control unit 50 detects the signal level of either the first signal component S31 or the second signal component S32 in the monitor signal S5. That is, in the input system A1 of the modified example, the accuracy of signal level adjustment by the level adjustment unit 122 can be improved, further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback. Note that the detected signal components are not limited to two signal components, and may be three or more signal components. In this case, the input system A1 can further improve detection accuracy, which in turn can further improve the accuracy of signal level adjustment by the level adjustment unit 122, further reducing false touch detection due to vibrations of haptic feedback.

[0052] On the other hand, in the input system A1, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of the first signal component S31 or the second signal component S32 in the monitor signal S5, thereby making it possible to shorten the signal level detection time compared to detecting the signal levels of both signal components. Therefore, in the input system A1 of the first embodiment, the level adjustment unit 122 can adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 early, thereby more quickly reducing false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback.

[0053] The phase adjustment unit 121 has a function of adjusting the phase of the cancellation signal S3, but may not have the function of adjusting the phase of the cancellation signal S3. The level adjustment unit 122 has a function of adjusting the signal level of the cancellation signal S3, but may not have the function of adjusting the signal level of the cancellation signal S3. The control unit 50 includes a filter 130, but may not have the filter 130. The adjustment unit 120 is located inside the control unit 50, but may be located outside the control unit 50. The drive unit 80 is located outside the processing unit 70, but may be located inside the processing unit 70. The first signal S1 includes a burst signal S30, but may not include the burst signal S30. If the first signal S1 does not include the burst signal S30, the first signal S1 may be a sinusoidal signal. However, including the burst signal S30 in the first signal S1 enables the first vibrator 10 to operate intermittently, thereby reducing the power consumption of the input system A1.

[0054] The connection order of the phase adjustment unit 121 and the level adjustment unit 122 is not limited to the order of phase adjustment unit 121, level adjustment unit 122, and may be the order of level adjustment unit 122, phase adjustment unit 121. In other words, the connection order of the phase adjustment unit 121 and the level adjustment unit 122 may be reversed. In this case, the input terminal of the level adjustment unit 122 is electrically connected to the driver 80 and the second DAC 152. The output terminal of the level adjustment unit 122 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the phase adjustment unit 121. The output terminal of the phase adjustment unit 121 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the filter 130.

[0055] Furthermore, although the order of adjusting the phase of the cancellation signal S3 and adjusting the level of the cancellation signal S3 is described as follows: the phase of the cancellation signal S3 is adjusted first, and then the level of the cancellation signal S3 is adjusted; however, the order may be reversed. In this case, the control unit 50 separately measures the signal level of the monitor signal S5 when only the second oscillator 20 is vibrated and the signal level of the monitor signal S5 when only the first oscillator 10 is vibrated. The control unit 50 then adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 so that the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 is the same as the signal levels of both signals. Furthermore, after adjusting the level of the cancellation signal S3, the control unit 50 separately measures the phase of the monitor signal S5 when only the second oscillator 20 is vibrated and the phase of the monitor signal S5 when only the first oscillator 10 is vibrated. The control unit 50 then adjusts the phase of the cancellation signal S3 so that the phase of the cancellation signal S3 is the same as the phase of both signals. The phase adjustment and level adjustment of the cancellation signal S3 (adjustment of the cancellation signal S3) may be performed during a calibration period set aside solely for adjustment (for example, at the time of factory shipment), and may not be performed during normal operation (for example, while the vehicle is moving). Furthermore, to improve the adjustment accuracy of the cancellation signal S3, adjustment of the cancellation signal S3 may be performed during normal operation, for example, every time a burst signal S30 is output in the first signal S1.

[0056] The first embodiment and the modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0057] (Embodiment 2) The input system A1 according to the second embodiment differs from the input system A1 according to the first embodiment in that the functions of the control unit 50, the drive unit 80, and the adjustment unit 120 are different.

[0058] (1) Input system The input system A1 according to the embodiment 2 has almost the same configuration as the input system A1 according to the embodiment 1. Note that, regarding the input system A1 according to the embodiment 2, the same components as those of the input system A1 according to the embodiment 1 (see FIGS. 1 to 4) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] (2) Components of the input system (2.1) Drive unit The first signal S1 is, for example, a sinusoidal signal, that is, the first signal S1 does not include the burst signal S30.

[0060] (2.2) Control Unit As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 50 detects the phase of a signal component having a frequency within a certain frequency band F10 other than the peak frequency f1 of the first signal S1 in the monitor signal S5 from the monitor 30. More specifically, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of a signal component (high-frequency signal component) S33 having a frequency higher than the peak frequency f1 of the first signal S1 or a signal component (low-frequency signal component) S34 having a frequency lower than the peak frequency f1 in the monitor signal S5. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 detects the phase of the high-frequency signal component S33 in the monitor signal S5. Specifically, the detection unit 6 of the control circuit 160 in the control unit 50 detects the phase of the high-frequency signal component S33 in the monitor signal S5. The certain frequency band F10 other than the peak frequency f1 of the first signal S1 is a frequency band that combines a frequency band F11 and a frequency band F12, as shown in FIG. 5. The frequency band F11 is a frequency band from (peak frequency f1 - 20% of the peak frequency f1) to (peak frequency f1 - 0.01% of the peak frequency f1). The frequency band F12 is a frequency band from (peak frequency f1 + 0.01% of the peak frequency f1) to (peak frequency f1 + 20% of the peak frequency f1). Note that the peak frequency refers to, for example, the frequency at which the signal level of the detected signal (monitor signal S5) is greatest when the monitor 30 detects the vibration of the first vibrator 10. Also, for convenience of explanation, the waveform of the first signal S1 in FIG. 5 is triangular, but the actual waveform is not necessarily triangular.

[0061] (2.3) Adjustment section The phase adjuster 121 of the adjuster 120 synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal S3 with the phase detected by the controller 50.

[0062] (3) Input system operation In the input system A1 according to the second embodiment, the control unit 50 detects the phase of a signal component in the monitor signal S5 that has a frequency within a certain frequency band F10 other than the peak frequency f1 of the first signal S1. More specifically, the control unit 50 detects the phase of a high-frequency signal component S33 in the monitor signal S5. Furthermore, in the input system A1 according to the second embodiment, the phase adjustment unit 121 synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal S3 with the phase detected by the control unit 50. Therefore, the input system A1 according to the second embodiment also reduces the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator 20 and improves the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing erroneous touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0063] (4) Variations As a modification of the second embodiment, the same modifications as those of the input system A1 according to the modification of the first embodiment are possible. The input system A1 according to the above modification also achieves the same effects as those of the input system A1 according to the second embodiment.

[0064] The control unit 50 may detect the phase of the low-frequency signal component S34 in the monitor signal S5. Even in this case, the input system A1 can adjust the phase of the cancellation signal S3, thereby reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator 20. Therefore, the input system A1 of this modified example also further reduces false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback.

[0065] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may detect the phases of both the high-frequency signal component S33 and the low-frequency signal component S34 in the monitor signal S5. In this case, when the high-frequency signal component S33 and the low-frequency signal component S34 detected by the control unit 50 are out of phase with each other, the phase adjustment unit 121 may synchronize the phase of the cancellation signal S3 with the average phase (reference phase) of the high-frequency signal component S33 and the low-frequency signal component S34. Therefore, in the input system A1 of the modified example, the control unit 50 can detect the phase shift of the signal components of the interference signal S7 more accurately than when the control unit 50 detects the phase of either the high-frequency signal component S33 or the low-frequency signal component S34 in the monitor signal S5. In other words, in the input system A1 of the modified example, the accuracy of the phase adjustment by the phase adjustment unit 121 can be improved, further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback.

[0066] On the other hand, in the input system A1, the control unit 50 detects the phase of the high-frequency signal component S33 or the low-frequency signal component S34 in the monitor signal S5, thereby making it possible to shorten the phase detection time compared to detecting the phases of both signal components. Therefore, in the input system A1 of the second embodiment, the phase adjustment unit 121 can adjust the phase of the cancellation signal S3 early, and erroneous touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback can be reduced more quickly.

[0067] The second embodiment and the modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0068] (Embodiment 3) The input system A1 according to the third embodiment differs from the input system A1 according to the second embodiment in that the functions of the control unit 50 and the adjustment unit 120 are different.

[0069] (1) Input system The input system A1 according to the embodiment 3 has almost the same configuration as the input system A1 according to the embodiment 2. Note that, regarding the input system A1 according to the embodiment 3, the same components as those of the input system A1 according to the embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] (2) Components of the input system Each component of the input system A1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] (2.1) Control Unit The control unit 50 adds a synchronization signal having a frequency within a certain frequency band F10 other than the peak frequency f1 of the first signal S1 to either the second signal S2 or the cancellation signal S3. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 adds the synchronization signal to the second signal S2 output from the second drive unit 82. More specifically, the control unit 50 adds a synchronization signal (first synchronization signal) having a frequency higher than the peak frequency f1 of the first signal S1, or a synchronization signal (second synchronization signal) having a frequency lower than the peak frequency f1, to the second signal S2 from the second drive unit 82. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 adds the first synchronization signal to the second signal S2 from the second drive unit 82. Specifically, the control circuit 160 of the control unit 50 adds the first synchronization signal to the second signal S2.

[0072] (2.2) Adjustment section The phase adjuster 121 of the adjuster 120 synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal S3 with the phase of the signal component (first synchronization signal component) S61 (see FIG. 6) of the first synchronization signal included in the monitor signal S5.

[0073] (3) Input system operation In the input system A1 according to the third embodiment, the control unit 50 adds a first synchronization signal to the second signal S2 from the second drive unit 82. Furthermore, in the input system A1 according to the third embodiment, the phase adjustment unit 121 synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal S3 with the phase of the first synchronization signal component S61 included in the monitor signal S5. Therefore, the input system A1 according to the third embodiment also reduces the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator 20 and improves the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing erroneous touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0074] (4) Variations As a modification of the third embodiment, modifications similar to those of the input system A1 according to the modification of the first embodiment are possible. The input system A1 according to the above modification also achieves the same effects as the input system A1 according to the third embodiment.

[0075] Although the control unit 50 adds the first synchronization signal to the second signal S2, it may also add the second synchronization signal to the second signal S2. In this case, the phase adjustment unit 121 synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal S3 with the phase of the signal component (second synchronization signal component) S62 (see FIG. 6) of the second synchronization signal included in the monitor signal S5. Even in this case, the input system A1 is able to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal S3, reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator 20 and improving the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback. Therefore, the input system A1 of this modified example also further reduces false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback.

[0076] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may add both the first and second synchronization signals to the second signal S2. In this case, for example, when the first synchronization signal component S61 and the second synchronization signal component S62 detected by the control unit 50 are out of phase with each other, the phase adjustment unit 121 may synchronize the phase of the cancellation signal S3 with the average phase (reference phase) of the first synchronization signal component S61 and the second synchronization signal component S62. Therefore, the input system A1 can detect the phase shift of the signal components of the interference signal S7 more accurately than when the control unit 50 adds only one of the first and second synchronization signals to the second signal S2. That is, the input system A1 of the modified example can improve the accuracy of the phase adjustment by the phase adjustment unit 121, further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback. The number of synchronization signals is not limited to two, but may be three or more. In this case, the input system A1 can further improve detection accuracy, which in turn can further improve the accuracy of phase adjustment by the phase adjustment unit 121, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0077] On the other hand, in the input system A1 of the third embodiment, the control unit 50 adds the first synchronization signal or the second synchronization signal to the second signal S2, which shortens the time required to detect the phase of the signal component of the synchronization signal compared to when both synchronization signals are added. Therefore, in the input system A1, the phase adjustment unit 121 can adjust the phase of the cancellation signal S3 early, which more quickly reduces false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback.

[0078] The control unit 50 adds a synchronization signal to the second signal from the second driving unit 82, but the synchronization signal may also be added to the cancellation signal S3 output from the level adjustment unit 122.

[0079] Furthermore, the first signal S1 does not include the burst signal S30, but may include the burst signal S30. In this case, the synchronization signal is not limited to the first synchronization signal or the second synchronization signal, and may be, for example, simply a signal for adjusting the phase of the cancellation signal S3.

[0080] Although the control unit 50 adds a synchronization signal to the second signal S2, if the second signal S2 is a periodically repeating signal (for example, a sinusoidal signal), the synchronization signal may not be added and the second signal S2 itself may be used as the synchronization signal. This allows the input system A1 to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal S3 more easily than when a synchronization signal is added to the second signal S2.

[0081] The third embodiment and the modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0082] (Embodiment 4) The input system A1 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the input system A1 according to the first embodiment in that the functions of the control unit 50, the drive unit 80, and the adjustment unit 120 are different.

[0083] (1) Input system The input system A1 according to the embodiment 4 has almost the same configuration as the input system A1 according to the embodiment 1. Note that, regarding the input system A1 according to the embodiment 4, the same components as those of the input system A1 according to the embodiment 1 (see FIGS. 1 to 4) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] (2) Components of the input system Each component of the input system A1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0085] (2.1) Drive unit The first signal S1 is, for example, a sinusoidal signal, that is, the first signal S1 does not include the burst signal S30.

[0086] (2.2) Control Unit 5, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of a signal component having a frequency within a certain frequency band F10 other than the peak frequency f1 of the first signal S1 in the monitor signal S5 from the monitor 30. More specifically, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of a high-frequency signal component S33 or a low-frequency signal component S34 in the monitor signal S5. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of the high-frequency signal component S33 in the monitor signal S5. Specifically, the detection unit 6 of the control circuit 160 in the control unit 50 detects the signal level of the high-frequency signal component S33 in the monitor signal S5.

[0087] (2.3) Adjustment section The level adjustment unit 122 of the adjustment unit 120 adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 so that the signal level of the signal component (high-frequency signal component S33) detected by the control unit 50 is equal to or lower than a specified value.

[0088] (3) Input system operation In the input system A1 according to the fourth embodiment, the control unit 50 detects, in the monitor signal S5, the signal level of a signal component having a frequency within a certain frequency band F10 other than the peak frequency f1 of the first signal S1. More specifically, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of a high-frequency signal component S33 in the monitor signal S5. Furthermore, in the input system A1 according to the fourth embodiment, the level adjustment unit 122 adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 so that the signal level detected by the control unit 50 is equal to or lower than a specified value. Therefore, the input system A1 according to the fourth embodiment also reduces the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator 20 and improves the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing erroneous touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0089] (4) Variations As a modification of the fourth embodiment, modifications similar to those of the input system A1 according to the modification of the first embodiment are possible. The input system A1 according to the above modification also achieves the same effects as the input system A1 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0090] The control unit 50 may detect the signal level of the low-frequency signal component S34 in the monitor signal S5. Even in this case, the input system A1 can adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal S3, thereby reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator 20. Therefore, the input system A1 of this modified example also further reduces false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback.

[0091] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may detect the signal levels of both the high-frequency signal component S33 and the low-frequency signal component S34 in the monitor signal S5. In this case, for example, if the high-frequency signal component S33 and the low-frequency signal component S34 have different signal levels, the level adjustment unit 122 may adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 so that the average value of the signal levels of the high-frequency signal component S33 and the low-frequency signal component S34 is equal to or less than a specified value. Therefore, in the input system A1 of the modified example, the control unit 50 can detect fluctuations in the signal level of the interference signal S7 more accurately than when detecting the signal level of either the high-frequency signal component S33 or the low-frequency signal component S34 in the monitor signal S5. That is, in the input system A1 of the modified example, the accuracy of signal level adjustment by the level adjustment unit 122 can be improved, further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback. Note that the detected signal components are not limited to two signal components, and may be three or more signal components. In this case, the input system A1 can further improve detection accuracy, which in turn can further improve the accuracy of signal level adjustment by the level adjustment unit 122, further reducing false touch detection due to vibrations of haptic feedback.

[0092] On the other hand, in the input system A1 of the fourth embodiment, the control unit 50 detects the signal level of the high-frequency signal component S33 or the low-frequency signal component S34 in the monitor signal S5, thereby making it possible to shorten the signal level detection time compared to when detecting the signal levels of both signal components. Therefore, in the input system A1 of the fourth embodiment, the level adjustment unit 122 can adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 early, and erroneous touch detection due to vibration of the haptic feedback can be reduced more quickly.

[0093] The fourth embodiment and the modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0094] (Embodiment 5) The input system A1 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the input system A1 according to the first embodiment in that the functions of the control unit 50 and the adjustment unit 120 are different.

[0095] (1) Input system The input system A1 according to the embodiment 5 has almost the same configuration as the input system A1 according to the embodiment 1. Note that, regarding the input system A1 according to the embodiment 5, the same components as those of the input system A1 according to the embodiment 1 (see FIGS. 1 to 4) are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0096] (2) Components of the input system (2.1) Control Unit The control unit 50 adds an adjustment signal to either the second signal S2 or the cancellation signal S3. The adjustment signal is a signal for adjusting the signal level of the cancellation signal S3. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 adds the adjustment signal to the second signal S2 output from the second drive unit 82. The adjustment signal is, for example, a signal before the burst signal S30 is output. The control unit 50 also detects the signal level of the signal component of the adjustment signal in the monitor signal S5 from the monitor 30.

[0097] (2.2) Adjustment section The level adjustment section 122 of the adjustment section 120 adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 so that the signal level detected by the control section 50 is equal to or lower than a specified value.

[0098] (3) Input system operation In the input system A1 according to the fifth embodiment, the control unit 50 adds an adjustment signal to the second signal S2 from the second drive unit 82. The control unit 50 also detects the signal level of the signal component of the adjustment signal in the monitor signal S5 from the monitor 30. In the input system A1 according to the fifth embodiment, the level adjustment unit 122 also adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 so that the signal level detected by the control unit 50 is equal to or lower than a specified value. Therefore, the input system A1 according to the fifth embodiment also reduces the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator 20 and improves the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing erroneous touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0099] (4) Variations As a modification of the fifth embodiment, the same modifications as those of the input system A1 according to the modification of the first embodiment are possible. The input system A1 according to the above modification also achieves the same effects as those of the input system A1 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0100] The control unit 50 adds the adjustment signal to the second signal from the second driving unit 82, but the adjustment signal may also be added to the cancellation signal S3 output from the level adjustment unit 122.

[0101] The adjustment signal is not limited to a signal before the burst signal S30 is output, but may be, for example, a signal after the burst signal S30 is output. Furthermore, the adjustment signal may be a signal having a frequency higher than the peak frequency f1 of the first signal S1, or may be a signal having a frequency lower than the peak frequency f1 of the first signal S1.

[0102] Although the control unit 50 adds an adjustment signal to the second signal S2, if the second signal S2 is a periodically repeating signal (e.g., a sinusoidal signal), the adjustment signal may not be added and the second signal S2 itself may be used as the adjustment signal. This allows the input system A1 to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal S3 more easily than when an adjustment signal is added to the second signal S2.

[0103] The fifth embodiment and modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0104] The input system A1 according to the first to fifth embodiments and the modified examples described above is used in an operation panel of a vehicle, but may be used in an operation panel of an electrical device such as a home appliance, an information device, or an equipment device, not limited to a vehicle. The home appliance is, for example, an audio device. The information device is, for example, a tablet terminal. The equipment is, for example, an air conditioner (air conditioning equipment), a lighting equipment (lighting equipment), etc. Furthermore, the input system A1 according to the first to fifth embodiments and the modified examples described above has a configuration in which all components are integrated into a single housing, but this configuration is not limiting, and for example, the input system A1 may have a configuration in which only the input unit 100 is provided separately.

[0105] (Aspect) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0106] An input system (A1) according to a first aspect is an input system that determines whether or not a human operation is being performed on an input unit (100), and, if the operation is being performed on the input unit (100), provides tactile feedback to the human via the input unit (100) by vibration. The input system (A1) includes a first vibrator (10), a monitor (30), a determination unit (60), a second vibrator (20), and a control unit (50). The first vibrator (10) vibrates the input unit (100). The monitor (30) converts the vibration of the first vibrator (10) into a monitor signal (S5), which is an electrical signal. The determination unit (60) determines whether or not the operation is being performed on the input unit (100) based on a change in the monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30). The second vibrator (20) provides tactile feedback to the human by vibration. The control unit (50) controls the first vibrator (10) and the second vibrator (20). The control unit (50) outputs a first signal (S1) to the first vibrator (10) to vibrate the first vibrator (10), and when the determination unit (60) determines that the operation is on the input unit (100), outputs a second signal (S2) to the second vibrator (20) to vibrate the second vibrator (20). The control unit (50) superimposes a cancellation signal (S3) on the first signal (S1) to cancel vibration from the second vibrator (20) to the monitor (30).

[0107] According to this aspect, even if the vibration of the first vibrator (10) is affected by interference from the vibration of the second vibrator (20) in the monitor (30), the influence of interference from the vibration of the second vibrator (20) is reduced, thereby reducing false touch detection due to the vibration of the tactile feedback.

[0108] The input system (A1) according to the second aspect is the same as that according to the first aspect, and further includes a phase adjustment unit (121) that adjusts the phase of the cancellation signal (S3). The first signal (S1) includes a burst signal (S30). The monitor signal (S5) includes a signal component resulting from a superimposed signal (S4) obtained by superimposing the cancellation signal (S3) on the first signal (S1). The control unit (50) detects the phase of the signal component in a period (T10) other than the burst signal (S30) in the monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30). The phase adjustment unit (121) synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal (S3) with the phase detected by the control unit (50).

[0109] According to this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal (S3), thereby reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0110] In the input system (A1) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the control unit (50) detects the phase of a signal component (S31) before a burst signal (S30) is output or a signal component (S32) after the burst signal (S30) is output in the monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30).

[0111] This embodiment also makes it possible to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal (S3), reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0112] The input system (A1) according to the fourth aspect is the same as that according to the first aspect, and further includes a phase adjustment unit (121) that adjusts the phase of the cancellation signal (S3). The first signal (S1) includes a burst signal (S30). The control unit (50) adds a synchronization signal (S6) to either the second signal (S2) or the cancellation signal (S3) to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal (S3). The monitor signal (S5) includes a signal component resulting from a superimposed signal (S4) obtained by superimposing the cancellation signal (S3) on the first signal (S1). The phase adjustment unit (121) synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal (S3) with the phase of the signal component of the synchronization signal (S6) included in the monitor signal (S5).

[0113] This embodiment also makes it possible to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal (S3), reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0114] The input system (A1) according to a fifth aspect is the input system (A1) according to the second or third aspect, further including a level adjustment unit (122) that adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3). The control unit (50) detects the signal level of the signal component of the monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30) during a period (T10) other than the burst signal (S30). The level adjustment unit (122) adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3) so that the signal level detected by the control unit (50) is equal to or lower than a specified value.

[0115] According to this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3), thereby reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of tactile feedback.

[0116] An input system (A1) according to a sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit (50) detects the signal level of a signal component (S31) before a burst signal (S30) is output or a signal component (S32) after the burst signal (S30) is output in a monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30).

[0117] This embodiment also makes it possible to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3), reducing the influence of interference due to vibrations from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibrations of the tactile feedback.

[0118] The input system (A1) according to a seventh aspect is the fourth aspect, further comprising a level adjustment unit (122) that adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3). The control unit (50) adds an adjustment signal to either the second signal (S2) or the cancellation signal (S3) to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3). The control unit (50) detects the signal level of the signal component of the adjustment signal in the monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30). The level adjustment unit (122) adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3) so that the signal level detected by the control unit (50) is equal to or lower than a specified value.

[0119] This embodiment also makes it possible to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3), reducing the influence of interference due to vibrations from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibrations of the tactile feedback.

[0120] The input system (A1) according to an eighth aspect is the same as that according to the first aspect, and further includes a phase adjustment unit (121) that adjusts the phase of the cancellation signal (S3). The monitor signal (S5) includes a signal component resulting from a superimposed signal (S4) obtained by superimposing the cancellation signal (S3) on the first signal (S1). The control unit (50) detects the phase of a signal component having a frequency within a certain frequency band (F10) other than the peak frequency (f1) of the first signal (S1) in the monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30). The phase adjustment unit (121) synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal (S3) with the phase detected by the control unit (50).

[0121] According to this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal (S3), thereby reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0122] An input system (A1) according to a ninth aspect is the eighth aspect, wherein the control unit (50) detects the phase of a signal component (S33) having a frequency higher than the peak frequency (f1) of the first signal (S1) or a signal component (S34) having a frequency lower than the peak frequency (f1) in the monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30).

[0123] This embodiment also makes it possible to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal (S3), reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0124] The input system (A1) according to a tenth aspect is the same as that of the first aspect, and further includes a phase adjustment unit (121) that adjusts the phase of the cancellation signal (S3). The control unit (50) adds a synchronization signal (S6) having a frequency within a certain frequency band (F10) other than the peak frequency (f1) of the first signal (S1) to one of the second signal (S2) and the cancellation signal (S3). The monitor signal (S5) includes a signal component resulting from a superimposed signal (S4) obtained by superimposing the cancellation signal (S3) on the first signal (S1). The phase adjustment unit (121) synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal (S3) with the phase of the signal component of the synchronization signal (S6) included in the monitor signal (S5).

[0125] This embodiment also makes it possible to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal (S3), reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0126] An input system (A1) according to an eleventh aspect is the tenth aspect, wherein the control unit (50) adds a first synchronization signal (S61) having a frequency higher than the peak frequency (f1) of the first signal (S1) or a second synchronization signal (S62) having a frequency lower than the peak frequency (f1) to either the second signal (S2) or the cancellation signal (S3).

[0127] This embodiment also makes it possible to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal (S3), reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of haptic feedback.

[0128] The input system (A1) according to a twelfth aspect is the input system (A1) according to the eighth or ninth aspect, further including a level adjustment unit (122) that adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3). The control unit (50) detects the signal level of a signal component having a frequency within a certain frequency band (F10) other than the peak frequency (f1) of the first signal (S1) in the monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30). The level adjustment unit (122) adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3) so that the signal level detected by the control unit (50) is equal to or lower than a specified value.

[0129] According to this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3), thereby reducing the influence of interference due to vibration from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibration of tactile feedback.

[0130] An input system (A1) according to a thirteenth aspect is the twelfth aspect, wherein the control unit (50) detects, in the monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30), the signal level of a signal component (S33) having a frequency higher than the peak frequency (f1) of the first signal (S1) or a signal component (S34) having a frequency lower than the peak frequency (f1).

[0131] This embodiment also makes it possible to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3), reducing the influence of interference due to vibrations from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibrations of the tactile feedback.

[0132] The input system (A1) according to a fourteenth aspect is the tenth or eleventh aspect, further comprising a level adjustment unit (122) that adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3). The control unit (50) adds an adjustment signal to either the second signal (S2) or the cancellation signal (S3) to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3). The control unit (50) detects the signal level of the signal component of the adjustment signal in the monitor signal (S5) converted by the monitor (30). The level adjustment unit (122) adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3) so that the signal level detected by the control unit (50) is equal to or lower than a specified value.

[0133] This embodiment also makes it possible to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal (S3), reducing the influence of interference due to vibrations from the second vibrator (20) and increasing the accuracy of touch detection, thereby further reducing false touch detection due to vibrations of the tactile feedback.

[0134] The configurations according to the second to fourteenth aspects are not essential for the input system (A1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 10 First oscillator 20 Second oscillator 30 monitors 50 control section 60 Judgment section 100 Input section 121 Phase adjustment unit 122 Level adjustment section A1 Input System f1 Peak frequency F10 Fixed frequency band S1 1st signal S2 2nd signal S3 Cancellation signal S4 superimposed signal S5 Monitor Signal S30 Burst signal S31 Signal component before burst signal is output S32 Signal component after burst signal is output S33: Signal components with frequencies higher than the peak frequency S34: Signal components with frequencies lower than the peak frequency S61 First sync signal component S62 Second synchronization signal component T10 Period other than burst signal

Claims

1. An input system that determines whether an operation by a person is performed on an input unit, and provides tactile feedback to the person by vibration via the input unit when the operation is performed on the input unit, a first vibrator that vibrates the input unit; a monitor that converts the vibration of the first vibrator into a monitor signal that is an electrical signal; a determination unit that determines whether the operation is performed on the input unit based on a change in the monitor signal converted by the monitor; a second vibrator that provides tactile feedback to the person by vibration; a control unit that controls the first vibrator and the second vibrator, The control unit outputting a first signal to the first vibrator to vibrate the first vibrator, and when the determination unit determines that the operation is performed on the input unit, outputting a second signal to the second vibrator to vibrate the second vibrator; superimposing a cancellation signal on the first signal so as to cancel vibration from the second vibrator to the monitor; Input system.

2. a phase adjusting unit that adjusts the phase of the cancellation signal; the first signal includes a burst signal; the monitor signal includes a signal component resulting from a superimposed signal obtained by superimposing the cancellation signal on the first signal, the control unit detects a phase of a signal component in a period other than the burst signal in the monitor signal converted by the monitor, the phase adjustment unit synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal with the phase detected by the control unit. The input system according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit detects, in the monitor signal converted by the monitor, a phase of a signal component before the burst signal is output or a signal component after the burst signal is output. The input system according to claim 2 .

4. a phase adjusting unit that adjusts the phase of the cancellation signal; the first signal includes a burst signal; the control unit adds a synchronization signal to one of the second signal and the cancellation signal to adjust the phase of the cancellation signal; the monitor signal includes a signal component resulting from a superimposed signal obtained by superimposing the cancellation signal on the first signal, the phase adjustment unit synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal with the phase of the signal component of the synchronization signal included in the monitor signal. The input system according to claim 1 .

5. a level adjusting unit that adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal; the control unit detects a signal level of a signal component in a period other than the burst signal in the monitor signal converted by the monitor, the level adjustment unit adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal so that the signal level detected by the control unit is equal to or lower than a specified value.

4. The input system according to claim 2 or 3.

6. the control unit detects, in the monitor signal converted by the monitor, a signal level of a signal component before the burst signal is output or a signal component after the burst signal is output. The input system according to claim 5 .

7. a level adjusting unit that adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal; The control unit adding an adjustment signal to either the second signal or the cancellation signal to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal; Detecting a signal level of a signal component of the adjustment signal in the monitor signal converted by the monitor; the level adjustment unit adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal so that the signal level detected by the control unit is equal to or lower than a specified value. The input system according to claim 4 .

8. a phase adjusting unit that adjusts the phase of the cancellation signal; the monitor signal includes a signal component resulting from a superimposed signal obtained by superimposing the cancellation signal on the first signal, the control unit detects a phase of a signal component having a frequency within a certain frequency band other than a peak frequency of the first signal in the monitor signal converted by the monitor; the phase adjustment unit synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal with the phase detected by the control unit. The input system according to claim 1 .

9. the control unit detects, in the monitor signal converted by the monitor, a phase of a signal component having a frequency higher than the peak frequency of the first signal or a signal component having a frequency lower than the peak frequency.

9. The input system according to claim 8.

10. a phase adjusting unit that adjusts the phase of the cancellation signal; the control unit adds a synchronization signal having a frequency within a certain frequency band other than a peak frequency of the first signal to one of the second signal and the cancellation signal; the monitor signal includes a signal component resulting from a superimposed signal obtained by superimposing the cancellation signal on the first signal, the phase adjustment unit synchronizes the phase of the cancellation signal with the phase of the signal component of the synchronization signal included in the monitor signal. The input system according to claim 1 .

11. the control unit adds, to one of the second signal and the cancellation signal, a first synchronization signal having a frequency higher than the peak frequency of the first signal, or a second synchronization signal having a frequency lower than the peak frequency of the first signal. The input system of claim 10.

12. a level adjusting unit that adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal; the control unit detects a signal level of a signal component having a frequency within a certain frequency band other than a peak frequency of the first signal in the monitor signal converted by the monitor, the level adjustment unit adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal so that the signal level detected by the control unit is equal to or lower than a specified value.

10. The input system according to claim 8 or claim 9.

13. the control unit detects, in the monitor signal converted by the monitor, a signal level of a signal component having a frequency higher than the peak frequency of the first signal or a signal component having a frequency lower than the peak frequency.

13. The input system of claim 12.

14. a level adjusting unit that adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal; The control unit adding an adjustment signal to either the second signal or the cancellation signal to adjust the signal level of the cancellation signal; Detecting a signal level of a signal component of the adjustment signal in the monitor signal converted by the monitor; the level adjustment unit adjusts the signal level of the cancellation signal so that the signal level detected by the control unit is equal to or lower than a specified value.

12. An input system according to claim 10 or 11.

Images