Input device and control method for input device

Abstract

To provide an input device in which an operation unit includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and the input device appropriately determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface.SOLUTION: An input device ID includes an operation unit OU and a control unit CU. The operation unit OU includes an operation surface operated by an operating object and a plurality of piezoelectric elements 14 arranged on the back side of the operation surface, and outputs a signal corresponding to the charge generated in each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 14. The control unit CU determines, from among the plurality of piezoelectric elements 14, a piezoelectric element 14 corresponding to an operated portion of the operation surface, on the basis of the signal output from the operation unit OU. The control unit CU determines the piezoelectric element 14 corresponding to the operated portion of the operation surface, on the basis of information regarding the timing at which a value based on the signal transitions from a state where the value is less than the rising threshold to a state where the value is equal to or greater than the rising threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device or a method for controlling an input device. [Background technology]

[0002] A known input device includes an operation unit including an operation surface operated by an operation object and a piezoelectric element disposed on the back side of the operation surface. When the operation object operates the operation surface, the piezoelectric element is displaced in response to an external force applied to the operation surface. When the piezoelectric element is displaced, an electric charge is generated in the piezoelectric element. The operation unit outputs a signal in response to the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-059607 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the operation unit includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements, the following problems may occur. For example, when an operating object operates an operating surface, an external force may be applied not only to the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operating surface, but also to piezoelectric elements other than the operated portion. The piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operating surface is sometimes referred to as a "corresponding piezoelectric element," and piezoelectric elements other than the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operating surface are sometimes referred to as "non-corresponding piezoelectric elements." When an external force is transmitted to the non-corresponding piezoelectric element, the non-corresponding piezoelectric element is displaced, and an electric charge is generated in the non-corresponding piezoelectric element. The operation unit outputs not only a signal corresponding to the electric charge generated in the corresponding piezoelectric element, but also a signal corresponding to the electric charge generated in the non-corresponding piezoelectric element. When a signal corresponding to the electric charge generated in the non-corresponding piezoelectric element is output from the operation unit, it is difficult for the input device to appropriately determine which of the multiple piezoelectric elements is the corresponding piezoelectric element.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an input device that appropriately determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface, even if the operation unit includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements. Another aspect of the present invention aims to provide a control method for an input device having an operation unit including a plurality of piezoelectric elements, the control method appropriately determining the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An input device according to one aspect includes an operation unit and a control unit. The operation unit includes an operation surface operated by an operation object and a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged on the back side of the operation surface, and outputs a signal corresponding to an electric charge generated in each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The control unit determines, based on the signal output from the operation unit, a piezoelectric element among the plurality of piezoelectric elements that corresponds to an operated portion of the operation surface. The control unit determines the piezoelectric element that corresponds to the operated portion of the operation surface based on information regarding the timing at which a value based on the signal transitions from a state where it is less than a rising threshold to a state where it is equal to or greater than the rising threshold.

[0007] In the above-mentioned one aspect, the control unit determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface based on information regarding the timing at which a value based on a signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric element changes from a state where it is smaller than the increasing threshold to a state where it is equal to or larger than the increasing threshold. Therefore, in the above-mentioned one aspect, even if the operation unit is configured to include multiple piezoelectric elements, the control unit appropriately determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface.

[0008] The control unit may set a flag on the piezoelectric element among the plurality of piezoelectric elements corresponding to the signal whose value becomes equal to or exceeds the rising threshold value earliest, based on the timing when the value becomes equal to or exceeds the rising threshold value earliest, and may acquire the state of the flag as information, and may determine that the piezoelectric element for which the flag is set is the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operating surface. As described above, the control unit is configured to determine the piezoelectric element for which a flag is set as the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface, thereby appropriately and reliably determining the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface.

[0009] The control unit may set the flag when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold. In a configuration in which the control unit sets a flag when the value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold, the following problems may occur. Even when an external force due to a disturbance is applied to multiple piezoelectric elements, electric charges are generated in the piezoelectric elements, and the operation unit outputs a signal corresponding to the electric charges generated in the piezoelectric elements. If a value based on the signal output from the operation unit is greater than the rising threshold, the control unit sets a flag. Therefore, even if an external force due to a disturbance is applied to multiple piezoelectric elements, the control unit determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface. The disturbance may include, for example, an unintended momentary touch on the operation surface or mechanical vibration transmitted from outside. The control unit sets a flag when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the value reaches or exceeds the rising threshold, which makes it difficult to set a flag when an external force due to a disturbance is transmitted to multiple piezoelectric elements. Therefore, this configuration more appropriately determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface.

[0010] The control unit may stop processing based on the signal output from the operation unit until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface was determined. As described above, the control unit stops processing based on the signal output from the operation unit, and the control unit does not re-determine the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface until a predetermined period has elapsed since determining the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface. Therefore, this configuration more appropriately determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface.

[0011] The operation unit may include a plurality of piezoelectric elements, each of which may include a corresponding one of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies. The operation unit may include a panel having a first main surface including an operation surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, and the plurality of piezoelectric elements may be disposed on the second main surface.

[0012] Another aspect is a control method for an input device. The input device includes an operation unit including an operation surface operated by an operation object and a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged on a back surface of the operation surface, the operation unit outputting a signal based on an electric charge generated in each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The control method for the input device includes acquiring the signal output from the operation unit, acquiring information regarding the timing at which a value based on the acquired signal transitions from a state where it is smaller than a rising threshold to a state where it is equal to or greater than the rising threshold, and determining, based on the acquired information, a piezoelectric element among the plurality of piezoelectric elements that corresponds to the operated portion of the operation surface.

[0013] In the above-mentioned another aspect, the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface is determined based on information regarding the timing at which a value based on a signal corresponding to an electric charge generated in the piezoelectric element transitions from a state in which it is greater than the lower threshold to a state in which it is equal to or less than the lower threshold. Therefore, in the above-mentioned another aspect, even if the operation unit is configured to include multiple piezoelectric elements, the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface is appropriately determined.

[0014] The acquiring of the information may include setting a flag for a piezoelectric element among the plurality of piezoelectric elements corresponding to a signal whose value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold earliest based on the timing when the value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold earliest, and acquiring the state of the flag as information. The determining of the piezoelectric element may include determining the piezoelectric element for which the flag is set as the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface. As described above, the process of determining the piezoelectric body includes determining the piezoelectric body for which the flag is set as the piezoelectric body corresponding to the operated portion on the operating surface, thereby appropriately and reliably determining the piezoelectric body corresponding to the operated portion on the operating surface.

[0015] Setting the flag may include setting the flag after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold. The process of setting the flag after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the value of the flag reached or exceeded the rising threshold makes it difficult to set the flag when an external force due to a disturbance is transmitted to multiple piezoelectric elements, and therefore more appropriately determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion of the operating surface.

[0016] The above-mentioned another aspect may include stopping processing based on the signal output from the operation unit until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface was determined. When the above-mentioned another aspect includes the step of stopping the processing based on the signal output from the operation unit, the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface is not determined again until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface was determined. Therefore, this step more appropriately determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] One aspect of the present invention provides an input device in which an operation unit includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and the input device appropriately determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to an operated portion on the operation surface. Another aspect of the present invention provides a control method for an input device in which an operation unit includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements, the control method appropriately determining the piezoelectric element corresponding to an operated portion on the operation surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an input device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the input device. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the input device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process in the input device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control process in the input device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0020] The configuration of an input device ID according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a plan view of an input device according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the input device. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the input device. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the input device ID includes an operation unit OU and a control unit CU. The input device ID is included in, for example, an electric device (not shown). The input device ID is used, for example, to control the operation of the electric device. The operation unit OU includes an operation panel 1 and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10.

[0021] The operation panel 1 includes a pair of principal surfaces 1a and 1b facing each other. The principal surface 1a is operated by an operating object. That is, the principal surface 1a includes an operating surface. The operating object includes, for example, a part of a living body, an object covering a part of a living body, or an object held by a living body. The part of a living body includes, for example, a fingertip of a human body. The object covering a part of a living body includes, for example, a glove worn on a human hand. The object held by a living body includes, for example, an operating member. The operation panel 1 may be made of metal or resin. For example, the operation panel 1 may be made of stainless steel. The operation panel 1 may include, for example, a housing included in an electrical device. The operation panel 1 may be a plate-shaped member. The thickness of the operation panel 1 is, for example, 0.8 mm.

[0022] The main surface 1a includes a plurality of operation areas 3 that are operated by an operating body. The operating body can come into contact with each of the plurality of operation areas 3. Each of the plurality of operation areas 3 includes a portion of the operation surface that can be operated by the operating body. When the operating body comes into contact with an operation area 3, a force is applied to the operation area 3 from the operating body. The plurality of operation areas 3 are positioned at a predetermined pitch along a predetermined direction. The plurality of operation areas 3 may be positioned in a line in a one-dimensional direction. The plurality of operation areas 3 may be positioned in a matrix in a two-dimensional direction. The plurality of operation areas 3 may be positioned in a staggered pattern. The multiple operation areas 3 include, for example, five operation areas 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E. That is, in the operation panel 1, the main surface 1a includes, for example, five operation areas 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E. The number of operation areas 3 is not limited to five. The number of operation areas 3 may be two or more. The five operation areas 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E are positioned, for example, in a line. The five operation areas 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E are positioned, for example, at intervals of 20 mm.

[0023] The plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 are arranged on the main surface 1b of the operation panel 1. The plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 are arranged on the back side of the main surface 1a. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 is fixed to the main surface 1b. Each piezoelectric sensor 10 and the main surface 1b are fixed, for example, by a joining member 7. The joining member 7 includes, for example, a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or an adhesive. Fixing each piezoelectric sensor 10 to the main surface 1b includes, for example, bonding each piezoelectric sensor 10 to the main surface 1b. The number of piezoelectric sensors 10 corresponds to the number of operation areas 3. The number of piezoelectric sensors 10 is, for example, the same as the number of operation areas 3. For example, when the main surface 1a includes a first main surface, the main surface 1b includes a second main surface.

[0024] Each of the multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 is arranged to correspond to a corresponding operation area 3 among the multiple operation areas 3. Each of the multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 is arranged on the back side of the corresponding operation area 3. In a configuration in which the multiple operation areas 3 are arranged at a predetermined pitch along a predetermined direction, the multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 are also arranged at a predetermined pitch along the predetermined direction, corresponding to the multiple operation areas 3. In a configuration in which the multiple operation areas 3 are arranged in a line in a one-dimensional direction, the multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 are also arranged in a line in the one-dimensional direction, corresponding to the multiple operation areas 3. In a configuration in which the multiple operation areas 3 are arranged in a matrix in a two-dimensional direction, the multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 are also arranged in a matrix in the two-dimensional direction, corresponding to the multiple operation areas 3. In a configuration in which the multiple operation areas 3 are arranged in a staggered pattern, the multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 are also arranged in a staggered pattern, corresponding to the multiple operation areas 3.

[0025] The plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 includes, for example, five piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E. That is, the operation unit OU includes, for example, five piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E. Piezoelectric sensor 10A is arranged to correspond to operation area 3A. Piezoelectric sensor 10A is arranged on the back side of operation area 3A. Piezoelectric sensor 10B is arranged to correspond to operation area 3B. Piezoelectric sensor 10B is arranged on the back side of operation area 3B. Piezoelectric sensor 10C is arranged to correspond to operation area 3C. Piezoelectric sensor 10C is arranged on the back side of operation area 3C. Piezoelectric sensor 10D is arranged to correspond to operation area 3D. Piezoelectric sensor 10D is arranged on the back side of operation area 3D. Piezoelectric sensor 10E is arranged to correspond to operation area 3E. Piezoelectric sensor 10E is arranged on the back side of operation area 3E. The five piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are positioned, for example, in a line. The five piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are arranged, for example, at a pitch of 20 mm.

[0026] Each of the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E) includes, for example, a base plate 11, a piezoelectric element 13, and a wiring member 15. The operation unit OU includes the plurality of piezoelectric elements 13. The plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E) have the same configuration. Each of the piezoelectric sensors 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E) may include, for example, a pressure sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0027] The base plate 11 is fixed to the main surface 1b. Fixing the base plate 11 to the main surface 1b realizes fixing of the piezoelectric sensor 10 to the main surface 1b. Fixing the base plate 11 to the main surface 1b may include bonding the base plate 11 to the main surface 1b. The base plate 11 is electrically insulated from the operation panel 1. The base plate 11 is made of, for example, a conductive metal material. The base plate 11 is made of, for example, a Ni-Fe alloy, Ni, brass, or stainless steel. The base plate 11 has, for example, a rectangular shape in a plan view. The base plate 11 may have, for example, a square shape in a plan view. The base plate 11 may have, for example, a circular shape in a plan view. The base plate 11 may be configured as a vibration plate. The base plate 11 includes a pair of main surfaces facing each other. One of the main surfaces is fixed to the main surface 1b. A piezoelectric element 13 is disposed on the other main surface.

[0028] The piezoelectric element 13 includes a piezoelectric body 14 and a pair of external electrodes (not shown). Each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 13 includes a corresponding piezoelectric body 14 from the plurality of piezoelectric bodies 14. The piezoelectric body 14 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rectangular parallelepiped shape includes a shape with chamfered corners and ridges, or a shape with rounded corners and ridges. The piezoelectric element 13 is disposed on the other main surface of the base plate 11, for example, with the center of the piezoelectric body 14 and the center of the base plate 11 approximately aligned. The base plate 11 and the piezoelectric element 13 are fixed together, for example, by double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or adhesive. Fixing the base plate 11 and the piezoelectric element 13 includes, for example, bonding the base plate 11 and the piezoelectric element 13 together.

[0029] The piezoelectric body 14 includes a pair of principal surfaces that face each other. One of the pair of principal surfaces included in the piezoelectric body 14 faces the base plate 11. The pair of principal surfaces included in the piezoelectric body 14 have the same shape as each other in a plan view of the piezoelectric element 13. The pair of principal surfaces included in the piezoelectric body 14 have, for example, a square shape with the length of one side shorter than the length of one side of the base plate 11. The piezoelectric body 14 has, for example, a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the base plate 11. In a plan view of the piezoelectric element 13, the center of the piezoelectric body 14 approximately coincides with the center of the base plate 11. In a plan view of the piezoelectric element 13, each side of the piezoelectric body 14 is approximately parallel to a corresponding one of the multiple sides of the base plate 11.

[0030] The piezoelectric body 14 may be formed of, for example, a single piezoelectric layer. In other words, the piezoelectric element 13 does not need to include internal electrodes disposed within the piezoelectric body 14. The piezoelectric body 14 is formed of a piezoelectric ceramic material. Examples of the piezoelectric ceramic material include PZT [Pb(Zr,Ti)O3], PT(PbTiO3), PLZT [(Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3], PZN [Pb(Zn,Nb)O3], or barium titanate (BaTiO3). The piezoelectric body 14 may be formed of, for example, a sintered ceramic green sheet containing the above-mentioned piezoelectric ceramic material. An electric charge is generated in the piezoelectric body 14 in response to the displacement of the piezoelectric body 14.

[0031] Each of the pair of external electrodes is disposed on a corresponding one of a pair of principal surfaces of the piezoelectric body 14. Each external electrode is, for example, thin plate-shaped or thin film-shaped. Each external electrode includes a conductive material. The conductive material includes, for example, Ag, Pd, or an Ag-Pd alloy. Each external electrode is formed, for example, from a sintered body of a conductive paste containing the above-described conductive material. One external electrode disposed on one principal surface of the piezoelectric body 14 is in partial direct contact with the base plate 11 when the base plate 11 and the piezoelectric element 13 are fixed together. The direct contact between the base plate 11 and the one external electrode establishes an electrical connection between the base plate 11 and the one external electrode. The base plate 11 and the piezoelectric element 13, i.e., the base plate 11 and the one external electrode, may be fixed together using, for example, a conductive adhesive or a conductive film.

[0032] The wiring member 15 includes a pair of conductors. Each of the pair of conductors is connected to a corresponding one of the pair of external electrodes. Each of the pair of conductors includes one end connected to the corresponding external electrode. One end of each conductor is physically and electrically connected to the corresponding external electrode. The corresponding conductors (one ends) and the external electrode are connected to each other by, for example, a conductive bonding material. The conductive bonding material includes, for example, solder, a conductive paste, or a conductive film. The conductive paste includes, for example, an anisotropic conductive paste. The conductive film includes, for example, an anisotropic conductive film. Each of the pair of conductors is connected to the control unit CU. Each of the pair of conductors includes the other end connected to the control unit CU. The other end of each conductor is electrically connected to the control unit CU. The other end of each conductor may be physically and electrically connected to the control unit CU, for example, via a connecting member. The connecting member includes, for example, a connector.

[0033] The wiring member 15 electrically connects the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric element 13) and the control unit CU. The operation unit OU outputs a signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14. The signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14, output from the operation unit OU, is input to the control unit CU through the wiring member 15. Each conductor is made of, for example, copper. The wiring member 15 may include a base on which the pair of conductors is disposed, and a cover disposed on the base so as to cover the pair of conductors. The base and the cover are made of a non-conductive material. The non-conductive material includes, for example, polyimide resin. The wiring member 15 includes, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit).

[0034] The operation unit OU may include a current / voltage converter. The current / voltage converter converts the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14 into a voltage signal. The operation unit OU outputs, for example, a voltage signal as a signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14. The voltage signal is, for example, an analog signal. The operation unit OU may include an amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit amplifies the voltage signal converted by the current / voltage converter.

[0035] The control unit CU is, for example, configured by a computer system. The computer system physically includes, for example, a processor (arithmetic circuit), a memory, a communication interface, and a data storage unit. The memory includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The data storage unit includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The control unit CU may be, for example, configured by a microcontroller or an integrated circuit.

[0036] The control unit CU, for example, executes a program stored in the memory in the CPU to perform a process of determining the piezoelectric body 14 (piezoelectric sensor 10) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. By this process, the control unit CU includes the functional elements shown in Fig. 3. That is, the control unit CU includes a determination unit 20. The determination unit 20 determines, from among the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10, the piezoelectric sensor 10 that corresponds to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object, based on the signal output from the operation unit OU. That is, the determination unit 20 determines, from among the piezoelectric bodies 14 included in the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10, the piezoelectric body 14 that corresponds to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object, based on the signal output from the operation unit OU.

[0037] The control unit CU includes, for example, an A / D converter ADC. The A / D converter ADC converts an analog signal input to the control unit CU into a digital signal. The A / D converter ADC converts a voltage signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14, which is output as an analog signal from the operation unit OU, into a digital signal. The A / D converter ADC outputs the converted digital signal to the determination unit 20. Therefore, the determination unit 20 acquires voltage data obtained by converting the voltage signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14 into digital data. The voltage data includes, for example, a value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU (the voltage signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14).

[0038] The determination unit 20 compares a value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU with a threshold value. The threshold value includes an increasing threshold value. The determination unit 20 determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object, for example, based on information regarding the timing at which the value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU changes from a state where it is smaller than the increasing threshold value to a state where it is equal to or larger than the increasing threshold value. The control unit CU recognizes the operation area 3 operated by the operating object based on the determination result of the determination unit 20. The control unit CU controls the operation of the electric device so that the electric device performs an operation corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object, for example.

[0039] An example of the operation of the control unit CU will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control processing in the input device. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of control processing in the input device. The control processing shown in Fig. 4 is periodically executed, for example, when the power of the electrical equipment is turned on. This control processing includes executing a flag setting process. The determination unit 20 acquires voltage data of each piezoelectric sensor 10 at a predetermined sampling period in a routine separate from the control process shown in FIG. 4. That is, the determination unit 20 acquires voltage data of all piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E at the predetermined sampling period. The predetermined sampling period is, for example, 1000 / 3 μsec. The predetermined sampling period may be 1000 / 3 μsec or longer. The predetermined sampling period may be 1000 / 3 μsec or shorter.

[0040] The determination unit 20 compares the acquired voltage data with the rising threshold for each piezoelectric sensor 10, i.e., for each piezoelectric body 14. As a result of the comparison, the determination unit 20 determines whether any one of the acquired voltage data has transitioned from a state where it is smaller than the rising threshold to a state where it is equal to or greater than the rising threshold (S11 in FIG. 4). When the determination unit 20 determines that any one of the voltage data will transition from a state where it is less than the rising threshold to a state where it is equal to or greater than the rising threshold, the determination unit 20 sets a predetermined period and determines whether the predetermined period has elapsed since the timing when any one of the voltage data becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold (S12 in FIG. 4). The predetermined period is, for example, 1 msec.

[0041] When the determination unit 20 determines that a predetermined period has elapsed since any one of the voltage data items became equal to or greater than the rising threshold, the determination unit 20 executes a flag setting process (S13 in FIG. 4). In the flag setting process, the determination unit 20 sets a flag for the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) for which a predetermined period has elapsed since the voltage data item became equal to or greater than the rising threshold. Therefore, the determination unit 20 sets a flag for the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) that outputs a voltage signal whose voltage data becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold earliest among the multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric body 14). The piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) for which the flag is set is the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the voltage signal whose voltage data becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold earliest. The flag setting process may be executed, for example, as a routine separate from the control process shown in FIG. 4.

[0042] When the determination unit 20 determines that the flag setting process has been completed, the determination unit 20 executes a piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric body) determination process (S14 in FIG. 4). The piezoelectric sensor determination process includes a piezoelectric body determination process. In the piezoelectric sensor determination process, the determination unit 20 determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. The determination unit 20 determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) for which a flag has been set as the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. In other words, the determination unit 20 determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) that transitions to a state equal to or greater than the rising threshold earliest as the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. The determination unit 20 may determine whether the flag setting process has been completed based on whether a flag has been set. For example, the determination unit 20 may determine whether the flag setting process has been completed based on whether a flag has been set for the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) that output a voltage signal whose voltage data becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value the earliest. The piezoelectric sensor determination process may be executed, for example, as a routine separate from the control process shown in FIG.

[0043] When the determination unit 20 determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object, the determination unit 20 sets a predetermined period and suspends processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU until the predetermined period has elapsed (S15 and S16 in FIG. 4). This predetermined period is a period during which processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU is suspended, and will be hereinafter referred to as the "processing suspension period." The determination unit 20 sets the processing suspension period. Until the processing suspension period has elapsed, the determination unit 20 excludes the signal output from the operation unit OU from signals used to determine the piezoelectric sensor 10 corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. Therefore, the determination unit 20 determines only the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) that outputs a voltage signal whose voltage data becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold earliest as the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. The determination unit 20 may determine that the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object has been determined based on the setting of a flag.

[0044] The processing suspension period is set, for example, to be equal to or longer than the period until all values ​​based on signals corresponding to charges generated in each piezoelectric body 14 by a single operation with the operating body become "0." The processing suspension period is, for example, 3 msec. If the operating object is, for example, a part of a human body, the elasticity of the human body may cause an external force to act on the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) multiple times despite a single operation. In this case, a signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14 is repeatedly output multiple times. The processing suspension period is set to be equal to or longer than the period until all values ​​based on the signals corresponding to the charge generated in each piezoelectric body 14 become "0", even when signals corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14 are output multiple times.

[0045] Stopping the processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU includes, for example, not comparing the acquired voltage data with the rising threshold value. For example, the determination unit 20 does not compare the acquired voltage data with the rising threshold value for the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric bodies 14). Stopping the processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU includes, for example, not setting flags for the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric bodies 14). For example, even if a predetermined period has elapsed since the voltage data changed from a state where it was less than the rising threshold to a state where it was equal to or greater than the rising threshold, the decision unit 20 does not set flags for the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric bodies 14). Stopping the processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU includes, for example, not determining the piezoelectric sensor 10 corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. For example, even if a flag is set, the determination unit 20 does not determine the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) for which the flag is set as the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object.

[0046] The decision unit 20, for example, clears the set flag when stopping the processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU. Therefore, the decision unit 20 clears the flag set in the flag setting process when stopping the processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU. In a configuration in which the decision unit 20 does not clear the set flag when stopping the processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU, the decision unit 20 may separately execute a process to clear the flag set in the flag setting process.

[0047] When the processing suspension period has elapsed, the determination unit 20 cancels the suspension of processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU (S17 in FIG. 4). The determination unit 20 resumes processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU. Therefore, after the processing suspension period has elapsed, if the determination unit 20 determines that a predetermined period has elapsed since any one of the voltage data became equal to or greater than the rising threshold, the determination unit 20 executes the flag setting process and the piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric element) determination process as described above. The decision unit 20 may clear the set flag when restarting the processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU.

[0048] The control unit CU determines that the operation area 3 corresponding to the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) for which the flag is set is the operation area 3 operated by the operating object, based on the determination result of the determination section 20. Setting of the flag corresponds to, for example, information regarding the timing at which the value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU changes from a state in which it is smaller than the rising threshold to a state in which it is equal to or larger than the rising threshold.

[0049] 5 shows an example of a control process in the input device ID when the operation area 3C is operated by the operating object. In this example, the threshold is set to the rising threshold Sh. When the operation area 3C is operated by the operation object, an external force is applied to the piezoelectric sensor 10C corresponding to the operation area 3C. The external force is caused by the force applied to the operation area 3C by the operation object. When the external force is applied to the piezoelectric sensor 10C corresponding to the operation area 3C, the piezoelectric element 14 included in the piezoelectric sensor 10C corresponding to the operation area 3C is displaced, and an electric charge is generated in the piezoelectric element 14 of the piezoelectric sensor 10C. The operation unit OU outputs a signal corresponding to the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric element 14 of the piezoelectric sensor 10C. The change in voltage data corresponding to the signal corresponding to the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric element 14 of the piezoelectric sensor 10C is shown by profile P1.

[0050] The external force may also be applied to piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10D, and 10E other than piezoelectric sensor 10C. When the external force is applied to piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10D, and 10E other than piezoelectric sensor 10C, the piezoelectric elements 14 included in each of piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10D, and 10E are displaced, and an electric charge is generated in each piezoelectric element 14. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation unit OU outputs a signal corresponding to the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric element 14 of each piezoelectric sensor 10A, 10B, 10D, and 10E. Profile P2 shows the change in voltage data corresponding to the signal corresponding to the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric element 14 of piezoelectric sensors 10B and 10D. Profile P3 shows the change in voltage data corresponding to the signal corresponding to the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric element 14 of piezoelectric sensors 10A and 10E. The external force tends to decrease the farther away from the operation area 3. The magnitude of the voltage data corresponding to the piezoelectric element 14 of piezoelectric sensor 10C is greater than the magnitude of the voltage data corresponding to the piezoelectric element 14 of each of piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10D, and 10E. The magnitude of the voltage data corresponding to the piezoelectric element 14 of each of piezoelectric sensors 10A and 10E is smaller than the magnitude of the voltage data corresponding to the piezoelectric element 14 of each of piezoelectric sensors 10B and 10D.

[0051] When the operating object is part of a human body, as described above, signals corresponding to the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14 of each of the piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E tend to be output multiple times. Therefore, each of the profiles P1, P2, and P3 tends to have multiple peaks. In the example shown in FIG. 5, signals corresponding to the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14 of each of the piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are output twice. Each of the profiles P1, P2, and P3 has two peaks. In each of profiles P1, P2, and P3, the maximum values ​​of the second and subsequent peaks tend to decrease compared to the maximum value of the first peak. In the second and subsequent peaks, the signals corresponding to the charges generated in the piezoelectric body 14 of each of piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10D, and 10E tend to rise earlier than the signal corresponding to the charges generated in the piezoelectric body 14 of piezoelectric sensor 10C.

[0052] 5, the signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14 of the piezoelectric sensor 10C shifts from a state below the rising threshold Sh to a state equal to or greater than the rising threshold Sh at the earliest, and a predetermined period Tp1 elapses from the time when the signal becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold Sh. Therefore, the determination unit 20 sets a flag for the piezoelectric sensor 10C at the time when the predetermined period Tp1 elapses from the time when the signal becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold Sh. The determination unit 20 sets the flag based on the first peak. The determination unit 20 determines the piezoelectric sensor 10C (piezoelectric body 14) as the piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric body) corresponding to the operation area 3C operated by the operating object.

[0053] After setting the flags, the determination unit 20 sets a processing stop period Tp2. In the example shown in FIG. 5, each of the profiles P1, P2, and P3 has two peaks for each peak generated by the operating object. Therefore, the processing stop period Tp2 is set to be equal to or longer than the period until the value based on the signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric body 14 of each of the piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E becomes "0" for the second time. The determination unit 20 does not set flags for the piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10D, and 10E, except for the piezoelectric sensor 10C, until the processing stop period Tp2 has elapsed. In other words, the flags for the piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10D, and 10E are maintained in the cleared state. The determination unit 20 does not set a flag for the piezoelectric sensor 10C again until the processing stop period Tp2 has elapsed. The determination unit 20 does not determine the piezoelectric sensors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E other than the piezoelectric sensor 10C (piezoelectric body 14) as the piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric body) corresponding to the operation area 3C operated by the operating object until the processing stop period Tp2 has elapsed. The control unit CU determines that the operation area 3C corresponding to the piezoelectric sensor 10C (piezoelectric body 14) has been operated by the operating object.

[0054] Based on the difference in the magnitude of the voltage data, it is possible to determine the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operation object. However, for example, in a configuration in which the control unit CU includes a microcontroller, it is difficult for the microcontroller to obtain voltage data higher than the power supply voltage of the microcontroller. The upper limit of the voltage data obtained by the microcontroller is restricted by the power supply voltage of the microcontroller. Therefore, in a configuration in which the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating body is determined based on the difference in the magnitude of the voltage data, there is a risk that the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating body will not be determined appropriately.

[0055] In response to this, the control unit CU (determination section 20) determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object, based on information regarding the timing at which a value based on a signal corresponding to the charge generated in the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) transitions from a state where it is smaller than the rising threshold to a state where it is equal to or larger than the rising threshold. Therefore, even if the operation unit OU is configured to include a plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric bodies 14), the input device ID appropriately determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object.

[0056] The control unit CU (determination section 20) may set a flag for the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) among the multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the signal whose value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value the earliest, based on the timing at which the value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value the earliest, and may acquire the state of the flag as information, or may determine the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) for which the flag is set as the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operation body. As described above, the control unit CU (determination section 20) is configured to determine the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) for which a flag is set as the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating body, thereby appropriately and reliably determining the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating body.

[0057] The control unit CU (decision section 20) may set the flag when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold. Even when an external force due to a disturbance is applied to multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric bodies 14), charges are generated in the piezoelectric bodies 14, and the operation unit OU outputs a signal according to the charges generated in the piezoelectric bodies 14. If a value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU is greater than the rising threshold, the control unit CU sets a flag. Therefore, even though an external force due to a disturbance is applied to multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric bodies 14), the control unit CU determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. The disturbance includes, for example, an unintended momentary contact with the main surface 1a or a mechanical vibration transmitted to the operation panel 1 from outside. In contrast, a configuration in which the control unit CU (determination section 20) sets a flag when a predetermined period has elapsed since the value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold makes it difficult to set a flag when an external force due to a disturbance is transmitted to multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric bodies 14). Therefore, this configuration more appropriately determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object.

[0058] The control unit CU (determination section 20) may stop processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU until the processing stop period has elapsed after determining the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. As described above, the configuration in which the control unit CU (determination section 20) stops processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU does not determine again the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object until the processing stop period has elapsed since the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object was determined. Therefore, this configuration more appropriately determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object.

[0059] As described above, the control process in the input device ID includes acquiring a signal output from the operation unit OU, acquiring information regarding the timing at which the value based on the acquired signal transitions from a state where it is smaller than the rising threshold to a state where it is equal to or larger than the rising threshold, and determining, based on the acquired information, the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. Therefore, even if the operation unit OU is configured to include multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric bodies 14), the control process in the input device ID appropriately determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object.

[0060] In the control processing in the input device ID, as described above, acquiring information may include setting a flag for the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) among the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to a signal whose value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold earliest, based on the timing at which the value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold earliest, and acquiring the state of the flag as information. Determining the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object may include determining the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) for which the flag is set as the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object. As described above, the control process includes determining the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) for which a flag is set as the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating body, and appropriately and reliably determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating body.

[0061] In the control process in the input device ID, as described above, setting the flag may include setting the flag after a predetermined period has elapsed from the time when the value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value. The control process including setting the flag after a predetermined period has elapsed since the value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold makes it difficult to set the flag when an external force due to a disturbance is transmitted to multiple piezoelectric sensors 10 (piezoelectric bodies 14). Therefore, the control process including setting the flag after a predetermined period has elapsed since the value based on the signal output from the operation unit OU becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold more appropriately determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object.

[0062] The control processing in the input device ID may include stopping processing based on the signal output from the operation unit OU from the time when the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating body is determined until the processing stop period has elapsed. As described above, in the control process for stopping the process based on the signal output from the operation unit OU, the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object is not determined again until the process stop period has elapsed since the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object was determined. Therefore, the control process for stopping the process based on the signal output from the operation unit OU more appropriately determines the piezoelectric sensor 10 (piezoelectric body 14) corresponding to the operation area 3 operated by the operating object.

[0063] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0064] The operation unit OU does not have to include a plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10, i.e., a plurality of piezoelectric elements 13. The operation unit OU may include a piezoelectric sensor array (piezoelectric element array) including a plurality of piezoelectric bodies 14, instead of a plurality of piezoelectric sensors 10 (a plurality of piezoelectric elements 13). The piezoelectric sensor 10 may include a piezoelectric ceramic sensor or a piezoelectric film sensor.

[0065] As can be understood from the above description of the embodiments and modifications, the present specification includes disclosure of the following aspects. (Appendix 1) an operation unit including an operation surface operated by an operation body and a plurality of piezoelectric bodies arranged on the back side of the operation surface, and outputting a signal corresponding to an electric charge generated in each of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies; a control unit that determines, based on the signal output from the operation unit, a piezoelectric element that corresponds to an operated portion on the operation surface among the plurality of piezoelectric elements; The control unit determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface based on information regarding the timing at which the value based on the signal transitions from a state where it is less than an increase threshold to a state where it is greater than or equal to the increase threshold. (Appendix 2) The control unit setting a flag for a piezoelectric element among the plurality of piezoelectric elements corresponding to a signal whose value earliest becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value, based on the timing when the value earliest becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value, and acquiring the state of the flag as the information; 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric element for which the flag is set is determined to be the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface. (Appendix 3) 3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sets the flag when a predetermined period has elapsed since the value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold. (Appendix 4) The input device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit stops processing based on the signal output from the operation unit until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since determining the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface. (Appendix 5) the operation unit includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements; 5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements includes a corresponding one of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies. (Appendix 6) the operation unit includes a panel including a first main surface including the operation surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, 6. The input device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged on the second main surface. (Appendix 7) A method for controlling an input device, comprising: the input device is provided with an operation unit including an operation surface operated by an operation body and a plurality of piezoelectric bodies arranged on a back surface of the operation surface, the operation unit outputting a signal based on an electric charge generated in each of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies; acquiring the signal output from the operation unit; acquiring information about a timing at which a value based on the acquired signal transitions from a state in which the value is less than an increasing threshold to a state in which the value is equal to or greater than the increasing threshold; determining, based on the acquired information, a piezoelectric element among the plurality of piezoelectric elements that corresponds to the operated portion on the operation surface. (Appendix 8) acquiring the information includes setting a flag for a piezoelectric element among the plurality of piezoelectric elements corresponding to a signal whose value earliest becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value, based on the timing at which the value earliest becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value, and acquiring the state of the flag as the information; 8. The control method for an input device described in Appendix 7, wherein determining the piezoelectric element includes determining the piezoelectric element for which the flag is set as the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface. (Appendix 9) 9. The method for controlling an input device according to claim 8, wherein setting the flag includes setting the flag after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the time when the value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold. (Appendix 10) 10. The control method for an input device according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising stopping processing based on the signal output from the operation unit until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface was determined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1...operation panel, 1a, 1b...main surface, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E...operation area, 13...piezoelectric element, 14...piezoelectric body, 20...decision section, CU...control unit, ID...input device, OU...operation unit.

Claims

1. an operation unit including an operation surface operated by an operation body and a plurality of piezoelectric bodies arranged on the back side of the operation surface, and outputting a signal corresponding to an electric charge generated in each of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies; a control unit that determines, based on the signal output from the operation unit, a piezoelectric element that corresponds to an operated portion on the operation surface among the plurality of piezoelectric elements; The control unit determines the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface based on information regarding the timing at which the value based on the signal transitions from a state where it is less than an increase threshold to a state where it is greater than or equal to the increase threshold.

2. The control unit setting a flag for a piezoelectric element among the plurality of piezoelectric elements corresponding to a signal whose value earliest becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value, based on the timing when the value earliest becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value, and acquiring the state of the flag as the information; The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric element for which the flag is set is determined to be the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface.

3. The input device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit sets the flag when a predetermined period has elapsed since the value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value.

4. The input device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit stops processing based on the signal output from the operation unit until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface was determined.

5. the operation unit includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements; 5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements includes a corresponding one of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies.

6. the operation unit includes a panel including a first main surface including the operation surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, The input device according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged on the second main surface.

7. A method for controlling an input device, comprising: the input device is provided with an operation unit including an operation surface operated by an operation body and a plurality of piezoelectric bodies arranged on a back surface of the operation surface, the operation unit outputting a signal based on an electric charge generated in each of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies; acquiring the signal output from the operation unit; acquiring information about a timing at which a value based on the acquired signal transitions from a state in which the value is less than an increasing threshold to a state in which the value is equal to or greater than the increasing threshold; determining, based on the acquired information, a piezoelectric element among the plurality of piezoelectric elements that corresponds to the operated portion on the operation surface.

8. acquiring the information includes setting a flag for a piezoelectric element among the plurality of piezoelectric elements corresponding to a signal whose value earliest becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value, based on the timing at which the value earliest becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold value, and acquiring the state of the flag as the information; The control method for an input device according to claim 7 , wherein determining the piezoelectric element includes determining the piezoelectric element for which the flag is set as the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein setting the flag includes setting the flag after a predetermined period has elapsed since the timing at which the value becomes equal to or greater than the rising threshold.

10. 10. The control method for an input device according to claim 8, further comprising: stopping processing based on the signal output from the operation unit until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the piezoelectric element corresponding to the operated portion on the operation surface was determined.

Images