Touch detection mechanism, touch determination system, electronic device, touch determination method, program, and manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a touch detection mechanism configured to reduce power consumption, a touch determination system, an electronic device, a touch determination method, a program, and a manufacturing method.SOLUTION: A touch detection mechanism A1 is configured to detect a contact by a person 100. The touch detection mechanism A1 includes a plurality of vibrators 20 including a first vibrator 21 and a second vibrator 22. The first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged so that their vibrations are cancelled with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a touch detection mechanism, a touch determination system, an electronic device, a touch determination method, a program, and a manufacturing method, and more particularly to a touch detection mechanism including a vibrator, a touch determination system including a touch detection mechanism, an electronic device including a touch determination system, a touch determination method for determining whether or not a touch has been made by a person, a program for executing the touch determination method, and a manufacturing method for manufacturing the touch determination system. [Background technology]

[0002] The touch input detection system (touch determination system) described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The touch input detection system described in Patent Document 1 includes a first transmitter, a second transmitter, a receiver, and a processor that determines a touch input. The first transmitter transmits a first propagation signal to the receiver via a first propagation path. The second transmitter transmits a second propagation signal to the receiver via a second propagation path. The processor analyzes the first propagation signal and the second propagation signal, and determines the touch input based on a determination that the first propagation path of the first propagation signal is obstructed by the touch input and the second propagation path of the second propagation signal is not obstructed by the touch input. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,296,144 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the touch input detection system described in Patent Document 1, for example, the signal level of the second propagation signal propagating through the second propagation path may be attenuated. Therefore, the touch input detection system described in Patent Document 1 requires, for example, an amplifier circuit that amplifies the signal level of the second propagation signal, making it difficult to reduce power consumption.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a touch detection mechanism, a touch determination system, an electronic device, a touch determination method, a program, and a manufacturing method that can reduce power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A touch detection mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a touch detection mechanism for detecting human contact. The touch detection mechanism includes a plurality of vibrators, including a first vibrator and a second vibrator. The first vibrator and the second vibrator are arranged to cancel each other's vibrations.

[0007] A touch determination system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the touch detection mechanism, a drive unit, a receiver, and a determiner. The drive unit drives the first vibrator and the second vibrator of the touch detection mechanism. The receiver receives vibrations from the first vibrator and the second vibrator. The determiner determines whether or not there is contact by the person based on a change in a state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator are canceled out by each other.

[0008] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the touch determination system and a medium. The medium is provided with the first vibrator and the second vibrator of the touch detection mechanism of the touch determination system. The touch detection mechanism has a plurality of pairs of vibrators including the first vibrator and the second vibrator. The plurality of pairs of vibrators are arranged side by side along one direction on one surface of the medium.

[0009] A touch determination method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a touch determination method for determining whether or not a touch has been made by a person. The touch determination method includes a drive process, a reception process, and a determination process. The drive process drives a plurality of vibrators including a first vibrator and a second vibrator. The reception process receives vibrations from the first vibrator and the second vibrator. The determination process determines whether or not a touch has been made by the person based on a change in a state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator are canceled out by each other.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the touch determination method.

[0011] A manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a touch determination system that determines whether or not a touch has been made by a person. The manufacturing method includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step. The first step is attaching a plurality of vibrators, including a first vibrator and a second vibrator, to a medium. The second step is connecting a driving unit, a receiving unit, and a determining unit to the first vibrator and the second vibrator. The third step is causing the first vibrator and the second vibrator to vibrate, and then receiving the vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator. The fourth step is removing a portion of an electrode of either the first vibrator or the second vibrator to adjust the first vibrator and the second vibrator to a state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator are canceled out. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, power consumption can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a touch determination system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram of a first drive signal and a second drive signal in the touch determination system. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram of a signal received by a receiving unit in the touch determination system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the phase difference between the first drive signal and the second drive signal and the drive level resulting from the phase difference between the first drive signal and the second drive signal in the touch determination system of the same. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of an electronic device including the touch determination system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part of an electronic device including the touch determination system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of use of another electronic device including the touch determination system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of another electronic device including the touch determination system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a touch determination system according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a touch determination system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a waveform diagram of a signal received by a receiving unit in the touch determination system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a touch determination system according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a touch determination system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a touch determination system according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, touch determination systems including touch detection mechanisms according to embodiments 1 to 4 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.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) A touch determination system B1 including a touch detection mechanism A1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0016] (1) Touch detection system As shown in FIG. 1, the touch determination system B1 determines whether or not a contact (touch) by a person 100 is made on an input unit (in the example of FIG. 1, a mounting plate 30, which will be described later). The touch determination system B1 includes a touch detection mechanism A1 and a control device 10. Note that in this embodiment, the contact by the person 100 is assumed to be made by a finger of the person 100, but is not limited to a contact by a finger of the person 100, and may also be made by using a touch pen or the like, for example. In short, the contact by the person 100 includes not only a direct contact by the person 100, but also an indirect contact.

[0017] (2) Components of the touch detection system (2.1) Touch detection mechanism The touch detection mechanism A1 is a touch detection mechanism for detecting a touch by the person 100. The touch detection mechanism A1 includes a plurality of vibrators 20 (two in the example of FIG. 1) and a mounting plate 30.

[0018] The multiple vibrators 20 include a first vibrator 21 and a second vibrator 22. The first vibrator 21 is, for example, a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric body. The first vibrator 21 has a pair of electrodes 23 (only one electrode 23 is shown in the example of FIG. 1). The second vibrator 22 is, for example, a piezoelectric element. The second vibrator 22 has a pair of electrodes 24 (only one electrode 24 is shown in the example of FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 form a pair of vibrators 20.

[0019] The mounting plate 30 is, for example, plate-shaped (e.g., rectangular plate-shaped). The mounting plate 30 is, for example, rectangular in plan view. The material of the mounting plate 30 is, for example, metal. The first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged (mounted) on one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 via, for example, an insulating sheet (not shown). The insulating sheet has electrical insulation properties. The first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged on the one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 so that their polarizations are the same. The first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged horizontally on the one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30, for example. More specifically, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged side by side along one direction of the one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 (the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate 30 in the example of FIG. 1).

[0020] (2.2) Control device The control device 10 is realized, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In other words, the functions of the control device 10 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.

[0021] The control device 10 includes a plurality of (two in the example of FIG. 1) driving units 1, a plurality of (two in the example of FIG. 1) receiving units 4, and a determination unit 7. The plurality of driving units 1 include a first driving unit 2 and a second driving unit 3. The plurality of receiving units 4 include a first receiving unit 5 and a second receiving unit 6.

[0022] The first driving unit 2 drives the first vibrator 21. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the first driving unit 2 outputs a first driving signal S1 to the first vibrator 21. The first driving signal S1 is a signal for driving the first vibrator 21. The first driving signal S1 is a sinusoidal signal, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The first driving signal S1 also includes, for example, a burst signal. The burst signal is a signal that alternately repeats, at a constant interval, a period in which a sinusoidal signal is output and a period in which the sinusoidal signal is not output (a period in which the output of the sinusoidal signal is stopped). In other words, the burst signal is a signal that intermittently vibrates the first vibrator 21. The frequency of the first driving signal S1 is, for example, within a range of 18 kHz to 1 MHz. In other words, the vibration frequency of the first vibrator 21 is, for example, within a range of 18 kHz to 1 MHz.

[0023] The second drive unit 3 drives the second vibrator 22. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the second drive unit 3 outputs a second drive signal S2 to the second vibrator 22. The second drive signal S2 is a signal for driving the second vibrator 22. The second drive signal S2 is a sinusoidal signal, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The second drive signal S2 includes, for example, a burst signal. The second drive signal S2 is a signal with the same signal level as the first drive signal S1, as shown in FIG. 2. The phase difference between the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2 is, for example, 180 degrees. The frequency of the second drive signal S2 is, for example, within a range of 18 kHz to 1 MHz. In other words, the vibration frequency of the second vibrator 22 is, for example, within a range of 18 kHz to 1 MHz. Note that "the same signal level as the first drive signal S1" does not necessarily mean that the signal level is exactly the same as the first drive signal S1, but also includes the case where the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the signal level of the first drive signal S1 and the signal level of the second drive signal S2 is less than a predetermined value, for example, the case where the difference between the signal level of the first drive signal S1 and the signal level of the second drive signal S2 is approximately 10% of the signal level of the first drive signal S1.

[0024] The first receiving unit 5 receives the vibration of the first vibrator 21. More specifically, the first receiving unit 5 receives a signal (first received signal) R1 corresponding to the vibration of the first vibrator 21. The second receiving unit 6 receives the vibration of the second vibrator 22. More specifically, the second receiving unit 6 receives a signal (second received signal) R2 corresponding to the vibration of the second vibrator 22.

[0025] The first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the first driving unit 2. More specifically, one electrode (first electrode) 23 of the pair of electrodes 23 of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the first driving unit 2. The remaining electrode (second electrode) of the pair of electrodes 23 of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 10. Furthermore, the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the first receiving unit 5. More specifically, the first electrode 23 of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the first receiving unit 5. That is, the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to both the first driving unit 2 and the first receiving unit 5.

[0026] The second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the second driving unit 3. More specifically, one electrode (first electrode) 24 of the pair of electrodes 24 of the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the second driving unit 3. The remaining electrode (second electrode) of the pair of electrodes 24 of the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 10. In addition, the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the second receiving unit 6. More specifically, the first electrode 24 of the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the second receiving unit 6. That is, the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to both the second driving unit 3 and the second receiving unit 6.

[0027] The control device 10 has a function (level adjustment function) of adjusting the signal level of at least one of the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2, and a function (phase adjustment function) of adjusting the phase of at least one of the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2.

[0028] Incidentally, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged on one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 so as to cancel out the vibrations of each other. A method for canceling out the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 will be described below.

[0029] The control device 10, for example, outputs a first drive signal S1 from the first drive unit 2 to the first vibrator 21, and outputs a second drive signal S2 from the second drive unit 3 to the second vibrator 22. The control device 10 also receives a first reception signal R1 corresponding to the vibration of the first vibrator 21 at the first reception unit 5, and receives a second reception signal R2 corresponding to the vibration of the second vibrator 22 at the second reception unit 6.

[0030] Here, the control device 10 adjusts the signal level of at least one of the first drive signal S1 output from the first drive unit 2 and the second drive signal S2 output from the second drive unit 3 so that the amplitudes of both the first received signal R1 received by the first receiving unit 5 and the second received signal R2 received by the second receiving unit 6 become zero. More specifically, the control device 10 adjusts the signal level of at least one of the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2 so that the amplitudes of both the first received signal R1 and the second received signal R2 fall within a specified range H1 (see FIG. 3). This enables the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 to cancel each other's vibrations. Note that the waveform in FIG. 3 represents, for example, the waveform of the first received signal R1 received by the first receiving unit 5. Furthermore, the phrase "the amplitude of the received signal becomes zero" is not limited to the case where the amplitude of the received signal is completely zero, but also includes, for example, a case where the amplitude is approximately 5%. In short, "the amplitude of the received signal becomes zero" includes the case where the amplitude of the received signal is within the specified range H1.

[0031] The first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 (see FIG. 1) are preferably arranged on one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 so that the distance W1 between the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is less than a specified value. The specified value is preferably, for example, ¼ of the wavelength of the vibration frequency of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. For example, if the mounting plate 30 is made of aluminum, the speed of sound propagating through the mounting plate 30 is 6320 m / s. Therefore, if the vibration frequency of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is 100 kHz, the wavelength is 63.2 mm. Therefore, the specified value is preferably 15.8 mm. In this case, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are preferably arranged on one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 so that the distance W1 is less than 15.8 mm. In short, it is preferable that the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged on one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 without leaving much of a gap between them, which enables the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 to cancel out each other's vibrations more effectively.

[0032] The control device 10 determines whether or not the person 100 has made contact with the mounting plate 30 based on a change in at least one of the first reception signal R1 received by the first receiving unit 5 and the second reception signal R2 received by the second receiving unit 6. More specifically, the determination unit 7 determines whether or not the person 100 has made contact based on a change in the state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are cancelled out. Specifically, the determination unit 7 determines that the person 100 has made contact if, for example, the signal level of at least one of the first reception signal R1 and the second reception signal R2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value Vt1 (see FIG. 3 ) after the first driving unit 2 and the second driving unit 3 stop driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. On the other hand, if, for example, the signal level of at least one of the first reception signal R1 and the second reception signal R2 is less than the threshold value Vt1 after the first driver 2 and the second driver 3 have stopped driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, the determination unit 7 determines that there has been no contact by the person 100. In other words, when the driver 1 has vibrated the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 and then stopped driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, the determination unit 7 determines that there has been contact by the person 100 if the vibration level of the reverberation caused by at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vt1. On the other hand, when the drive unit 1 stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 after vibrating them, if the vibration level of the reverberation caused by at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is less than the threshold value Vt1, the judgment unit 7 judges that there is no contact by the person 100.

[0033] 3 indicate the times when the first driver 2 and the second driver 3 start driving the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. Time points t2 and t4 in FIG. 3 indicate the times when the first driver 2 and the second driver 3 stop driving the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. That is, the period from time point t1 to time point t2 in FIG. 3 is the driving period of the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. The period from time point t2 to time point t3 in FIG. 3 is the reverberation period of the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. The period from time point t3 to time point t4 in FIG. 3 is the driving period of the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. The period from time point t4 to time point t5 in FIG. 3 is the reverberation period of the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22.

[0034] In the touch determination system B1, for example, when the person 100 makes contact with the mounting plate 30, the mutual cancellation state of the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is broken, and the vibration of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 becomes larger. In other words, in the touch determination system B1, for example, when the person 100 makes contact with the mounting plate 30, the signal level (or amplitude) of the signal (received signal) corresponding to the vibration of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 becomes larger (see FIG. 3). More specifically, in the touch determination system B1, for example, when the person 100 makes contact with the mounting plate 30, the phases of the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2 are shifted, and the phase difference between the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2 is no longer 180 degrees. 4, in the touch determination system B1, the excitation level caused by the phase difference between the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2 increases, and therefore the signal level (or amplitude) of the signal (received signal) corresponding to the vibration of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 increases. Note that in the touch determination system B1, as shown in FIG. 4, when the phase difference between the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2 is 180 degrees, the excitation level caused by the phase difference between the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2 reaches a minimum value.

[0035] Therefore, in the touch determination system B1, when the person 100 touches the mounting plate 30, the vibration of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 becomes large, so that, for example, an amplifier circuit (signal processing circuit) that amplifies the signal levels of the first reception signal R1 and the second reception signal R2 is not required to determine whether or not there is contact by the person 100, thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, since the touch determination system B1 does not require the signal processing circuit, it can be made smaller.

[0036] Furthermore, the determination unit 7 (see FIG. 1 ) compares the vibration level of the vibration of the first vibrator 21 received by the first receiving unit 5 with the vibration level of the vibration of the second vibrator 22 received by the second receiving unit 6 to determine whether the position of contact by the person 100 is closer to the first vibrator 21 or the second vibrator 22. More specifically, the determination unit 7 compares the signal level of the first receiving signal R1 received by the first receiving unit 5 with the signal level of the second receiving signal R2 received by the second receiving unit 6, and determines whether the position of contact by the person 100 is closer to the first vibrator 21 or the second vibrator 22 based on the comparison result. For example, if the signal level of the first receiving signal R1 is greater than the signal level of the second receiving signal R2, the determination unit 7 determines that the position of contact by the person 100 is closer to the first vibrator 21. On the other hand, if the signal level of the second reception signal R2 is greater than the signal level of the first reception signal R1, the determination unit 7 determines that the position of contact by the person 100 is close to the second vibrator 22.

[0037] The touch determination system B1 is used in an electronic device C1 (see FIG. 5) such as a mobile device (for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal).

[0038] The electronic device C1 includes, for example, a touch determination system B1 having a plurality of touch detection mechanisms A1 (six in the example of FIG. 5), and a housing 40. The plurality of touch detection mechanisms A1 are attached to the housing 40. Note that the control device 10 is not shown in FIG. 5. The number of control devices 10 may be multiple or may be one.

[0039] The housing 40 is, for example, in the shape of a box (for example, a rectangular box) with one side open. The housing 40 is rectangular in plan view. The material of the housing 40 is, for example, metal. The housing 40 has a plurality of openings 41a (six in the example of FIG. 5) for attaching a plurality of touch detection mechanisms A1. In other words, a side wall 41 of the housing 40 is provided with a plurality of openings 41a. The plurality of touch detection mechanisms A1 are arranged on the side wall 41 of the housing 40, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. More specifically, the plurality of touch detection mechanisms A1 are arranged side by side along one direction (the longitudinal direction of the housing 40 in the example of FIG. 5) of one surface (the inner surface of the side wall 41) of the side wall 41 of the housing 40. A touch determination system B1 having a plurality of touch detection mechanisms A1 is used, for example, to adjust the volume of the sound of an electronic device C1.

[0040] The electronic device C1 is not limited to a mobile device, and may be, for example, an operation panel of a vehicle as shown in Figures 7 and 8. That is, the touch determination system B1 may be used in, for example, an electronic device C1 such as an operation panel of a vehicle.

[0041] (3) Effects The touch detection mechanism A1 includes a plurality of vibrators 20 including a first vibrator 21 and a second vibrator 22, and the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged so as to cancel each other's vibrations. As a result, in the touch detection mechanism A1, for example, when the person 100 touches the mounting plate 30, it is possible to increase the vibration of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. Therefore, in the touch detection mechanism A1, for example, an amplifier circuit (signal processing circuit) that amplifies the signal levels of the first reception signal R1 and the second reception signal R2 in order to determine whether the person 100 has touched the mounting plate 30 is not required, and power consumption can be reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, in the touch detection mechanism A1, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged so as to cancel each other's vibrations, so that, for example, when the person 100 does not touch the mounting plate 30, the vibrations are small. Therefore, in the touch detection mechanism A1, for example, the vibrations are less likely to be transmitted to the housing 40 of the electronic device C1, and the impact on the electronic device C1 can be reduced. Furthermore, in the touch detection mechanism A1, the vibrations are small, so that, for example, interference with the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 of another adjacent touch detection mechanism A1 can be reduced. This allows the touch detection mechanism A1 to be arranged close to another touch detection mechanism A1.

[0043] The first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are each connected to both the driving unit 1 and the receiving unit 4. This allows the touch detection mechanism A1 to vibrate the first vibrator 21 and receive the vibration of the first vibrator 21 using only one vibrator 20 (for example, the first vibrator 21). Therefore, the touch detection mechanism A1 can be made smaller than when, for example, a vibrator for vibration and a vibrator for monitoring (monitor element) are used separately.

[0044] Furthermore, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged, for example, side by side along one direction of one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30. This allows the touch detection mechanism A1 to be more compact than, for example, a case in which the first vibrator 21 is arranged on one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 and the second vibrator 22 is arranged on the surface (for example, back surface) opposite to the one surface (for example, front surface) 30a of the mounting plate 30.

[0045] The touch determination system B1 includes a touch detection mechanism A1, a drive unit 1, a receiving unit 4, and a determination unit 7. As a result, in the touch determination system B1, for example, when a person 100 touches the mounting plate 30, the vibration of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 increases. Therefore, the touch determination system B1 does not require the signal processing circuit, and power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, because the touch determination system B1 does not require the signal processing circuit, it can be made smaller.

[0046] The first driving unit 2 and the second driving unit 3 intermittently drive the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. After the first driving unit 2 and the second driving unit 3 stop driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, the determination unit 7 determines that there has been contact by the person 100 if the vibration level of the reverberation caused by at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vt1 (see FIG. 3 ). This allows the touch determination system B1 to consume less power than, for example, a case in which the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are constantly driven. That is, the touch determination system B1 can further reduce power consumption.

[0047] The determination unit 7 compares the vibration level of the vibration of the first vibrator 21 received by the first receiving unit 5 with the vibration level of the vibration of the second vibrator 22 received by the second receiving unit 6, and determines whether the position of contact by the person 100 is closer to the first vibrator 21 or the second vibrator 22. This improves the detection accuracy of the touch determination system B1 for the position of contact (touch position) on the mounting plate 30 by the person 100.

[0048] The vibration frequencies of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are each within a range of 18 kHz to 1 MHz. As a result, in the touch determination system B1, the vibration sounds (noise sounds) of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 become sounds (ultrasound) outside the audible range, so that, for example, a user of the electronic device C1 cannot hear the noise sounds.

[0049] The electronic device C1 includes a touch determination system B1 and a housing 40. The touch determination system B1 has a plurality of pairs of vibrators 20. The plurality of pairs of vibrators 20 are arranged side by side along one direction on one surface of the housing 40. This enables the electronic device C1 to determine, for example, an operation such as a slide operation (swipe operation) on the one surface of the housing 40. Furthermore, the electronic device C1 can also detect, for example, a position (horizontal position) on the one surface of the housing 40.

[0050] The housing 40 is included in the mobile device or operation panel that is the electronic device C1. As a result, in the electronic device C1, for example, a portion other than the display unit (display in the example of FIG. 8) 8 of the mobile device or operation panel can be used as an input device.

[0051] The touch determination system B1 is used to adjust the volume of the sound of the electronic device C1, which allows, for example, the sound volume to be finely adjusted (fine volume adjustment is possible).

[0052] The touch determination method according to the first embodiment is a touch determination method for determining whether or not there has been contact (touch) by the person 100, and includes a drive process, a reception process, and a determination process. In the drive process, a plurality of vibrators 20 including a first vibrator 21 and a second vibrator 22 are driven. In the reception process, vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are received. In the determination process, whether or not there has been contact by the person 100 is determined according to a change in the state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are cancelled out by each other. In other words, the above touch determination method is a touch determination method that realizes the above touch determination system B1. Therefore, according to the above touch determination method, power consumption can be reduced, similar to the touch determination system B1.

[0053] The above touch determination method is realized by one or more processors executing a program (computer program). This program is, for example, a program for causing one or more processors of the control device 10 to execute the above touch determination method. Therefore, according to the above program, power consumption can be reduced, similar to the above touch determination method.

[0054] (4) Variations The determination unit 7 determines that there has been contact by the person 100 if the signal level of at least one of the first reception signal R1 and the second reception signal R2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vt1 after the drive unit 1 stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, but may also determine that there has been contact by the person 100 if the amplitude of at least one of the reception signals, the first reception signal R1 and the second reception signal R2, is outside the specified range H1. In this case, the determination unit 7 determines that there has been no contact by the person 100 if the amplitude of at least one of the reception signals, the first reception signal R1 and the second reception signal R2, is within the specified range H1 after the drive unit 1 stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22.

[0055] Furthermore, the determination unit 7 determines that there has been contact by the person 100 if the vibration level of the reverberation caused by at least one of the vibrators 20 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vt1 after the drive unit 1 stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, but may also determine that there has been contact by the person 100 if the vibration time of the reverberation caused by at least one of the vibrators 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. In this case, the determination unit 7 determines that there has been no contact by the person 100 if the vibration time of the reverberation caused by at least one of the vibrators 20 is less than the predetermined time after the drive unit 1 stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22.

[0056] In the touch determination system B1, in order to cancel out the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, a part of an electrode (e.g., electrode 23) of one of the vibrators 20 of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 may be scraped off using a laser beam irradiated from a laser device 50, as shown in FIG. 9 . In other words, in the touch determination system B1, in order to cancel out the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, one of the vibrators 20 of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 may have a scraped mark 51 on a part of an electrode (electrode 23 in the example of FIG. 9 ). This eliminates the need for the control device 10 to have a function (level adjustment function) of adjusting the signal level of at least one of the first drive signal S1 output from the first drive unit 2 and the second drive signal S2 output from the second drive unit 3. In other words, the control device 10 does not need to adjust the signal level of at least one of the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2 in order to cancel out the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. Therefore, in the touch determination system B1, the control device 10 does not need to perform the level adjustment described above, and therefore power consumption can be further reduced.

[0057] The touch determination system B1 may be manufactured by the following manufacturing method: The touch determination system B1 is manufactured by, for example, the first to fourth steps.

[0058] In the first step, a plurality of vibrators 20 including a first vibrator 21 and a second vibrator 22 are attached to a medium (for example, a mounting plate 30) (see FIG. 9).

[0059] In the second step, the control device 10 (drive unit 1, receiver 4, and determination unit 7) is connected to the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. In the example of Fig. 9, the first drive unit 2 and the first receiver 5 are connected to the first oscillator 21, and the second drive unit 3 and the second receiver 6 are connected to the second oscillator 22.

[0060] In the third step, the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22 are vibrated by the driving unit 1, and then the vibrations of the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22 are received by the receiving unit 4. In the example of Fig. 9, the first oscillator 21 is vibrated by the first driving unit 2, and then the vibrations of the first oscillator 21 are received by the first receiving unit 5. In addition, the second oscillator 22 is vibrated by the second driving unit 3, and then the vibrations of the second oscillator 22 are received by the second receiving unit 6.

[0061] In a fourth step, a part of the electrode (electrode 23 in the example of FIG. 9) of one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 (first vibrator 21 in the example of FIG. 9) is removed to adjust the state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are cancelled out. This makes it possible to cancel the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. Note that the above manufacturing method is an example of a method for manufacturing the touch determination system B1, and the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, or other steps may be added.

[0062] The electronic device C1 has six touch detection mechanisms A1, but may have two or more touch detection mechanisms A1. In other words, the number of touch detection mechanisms A1 may be any number. The number of vibrators 20 is not limited to two, and may be, for example, four or six. In short, the number of vibrators 20 may be an even number. The control device 10 may be, for example, a control device for the electronic device C1.

[0063] The first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are not limited to piezoelectric elements, and may be, for example, small vibrators that generate vibrations (such as ultrasonic vibrators). The material of the mounting plate 30 is not limited to metal, and may be, for example, resin, glass, etc. The material of the housing 40 is not limited to metal, and may be, for example, resin, glass, etc.

[0064] The touch detection mechanism A1 includes a mounting plate 30, but may not include the mounting plate 30. That is, the multiple (two in the example of FIG. 1) vibrators 20 in the touch detection mechanism A1 may be directly attached to a medium of the target (for example, electronic device C1 such as a mobile device or an operation panel) instead of being attached to a mounting plate 30 included in the target.

[0065] The first embodiment and the modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0066] (Embodiment 2) 10, the touch determination system B2 according to the second embodiment differs from the touch determination system B1 according to the first embodiment in that the configuration of the control device 11 is different. Note that, in the touch determination system B2 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the touch determination system B1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5) are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0067] A touch determination system B2 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0068] (1) Touch detection system 10, the touch determination system B2 includes a touch detection mechanism A1 and a control device 11. Similar to the touch determination system B1 of the first embodiment, the touch determination system B2 determines whether or not a contact (touch) by a person 100 is made on an input unit (the mounting plate 30 in the example of FIG. 10).

[0069] (2) Control device The control device 11 is realized, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the functions of the control device 11 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.

[0070] The control device 11 includes a drive unit 1, a plurality of (two in the example of FIG. 10) receiving units 4, and a determination unit 7. The plurality of receiving units 4 include a first receiving unit 5 and a second receiving unit 6.

[0071] The driver 1 drives the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the driver 1 outputs a third drive signal S3 to the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. The third drive signal S3 is a signal for driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. The third drive signal S3 is, for example, a sinusoidal signal. The third drive signal S3 also includes, for example, a burst signal. The frequency of the third drive signal S3 is, for example, within a range of 18 kHz to 1 MHz. In other words, the vibration frequency of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is, for example, within a range of 18 kHz to 1 MHz.

[0072] The first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1 via, for example, a switch SW1. More specifically, a first electrode 23 of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1 via the switch SW1. A second electrode of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 11. Furthermore, the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to, for example, the first receiving unit 5. More specifically, the first electrode 23 of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the first receiving unit 5. That is, the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to both the driving unit 1 and the first receiving unit 5.

[0073] The second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to, for example, the driving unit 1. More specifically, a first electrode 24 of the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1. A second electrode of the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 11. Furthermore, the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the second receiving unit 6. More specifically, the first electrode 24 of the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the second receiving unit 6. That is, the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to both the driving unit 1 and the second receiving unit 6.

[0074] The switch SW1 is a switching element such as a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). The switch SW1 has a first main terminal (e.g., a drain terminal), a second main terminal (e.g., a source terminal), and a control terminal (e.g., a gate terminal). The first main terminal of the switch SW1 is electrically connected to the drive unit 1. The second main terminal of the switch SW1 is electrically connected to the first vibrator 21. The control terminal of the switch SW1 is electrically connected to the control device 11.

[0075] The control device 11 controls the switch SW1. More specifically, the control device 11 switches the switch SW1 to either an on state or an off state. When the drive unit 1 outputs a third drive signal S3 to the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, the control device 11 controls the switch SW1 to be in the on state. Furthermore, when the control device 11 receives, for example, a second reception signal R2 corresponding to the vibration of the second vibrator 22, the control device 11 controls the switch SW1 to be in the off state.

[0076] The first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged on one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 so that their polarizations are opposite to each other. As a result, in the touch determination system B2, when the switch SW1 is in the on state, the phase difference between the third drive signal S3 output from the drive unit 1 to the first vibrator 21 and the third drive signal S3 output from the drive unit 1 to the second vibrator 22 is 180 degrees. Therefore, in the touch determination system B2, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 can cancel each other's vibrations. Therefore, unlike the touch determination system B1 of the first embodiment, the touch determination system B2 only requires one drive unit 1, and can be made more compact than the touch determination device B1. Furthermore, in the touch determination system B2, for example, the control device 11 does not need to adjust the signal level of the third drive signal S3, and therefore power consumption can be reduced more than in the touch determination system B1. In other words, the touch determination system B2 can further reduce power consumption.

[0077] The control device 11 determines whether or not the person 100 is touching the mounting plate 30 based on a change in the second reception signal R2 received by the second receiving unit 6. More specifically, the determination unit 7 determines that the person 100 is touching the mounting plate 30 if the signal level of the second reception signal R2 is equal to or greater than the threshold Vt1 (see FIG. 11 ) after the driving unit 1 stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. On the other hand, the determination unit 7 determines that the person 100 is not touching the mounting plate 30 if the signal level of the second reception signal R2 is less than the threshold Vt1 after the driving unit 1 stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. In other words, when the drive unit 1 vibrates the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 and then stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, if the vibration level of the reverberation caused by at least one vibrator 20 of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 (the second vibrator 22 in the example of FIG. 10) is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vt1, the determination unit 7 determines that there is contact by the person 100. On the other hand, when the drive unit 1 vibrates the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 and then stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, if the vibration level of the reverberation caused by at least one vibrator 20 of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is less than the threshold value Vt1, the determination unit 7 determines that there is no contact by the person 100.

[0078] 11 represents, for example, the waveform of the second reception signal R2 received by the second receiving unit 6. Time points t6, t8, and t10 in FIG. 11 represent the time points at which the driver 1 starts driving the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. Time points t7 and t9 in FIG. 11 represent the time points at which the driver 1 stops driving the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. That is, the period from time point t6 to time point t7 in FIG. 11 is the drive period of the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. The period from time point t7 to time point t8 in FIG. 11 is the reverberation period of the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. The period from time point t8 to time point t9 in FIG. 11 is the drive period of the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22. The period from time point t9 to time point t10 in FIG. 11 is the reverberation period of the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22.

[0079] In the touch determination system B2, for example, when the person 100 makes contact with the mounting plate 30, the mutual vibration cancellation state of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is broken, and the vibration of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 becomes larger. In other words, in the touch determination system B2, for example, when the person 100 makes contact with the mounting plate 30, the signal level (or amplitude) of the signal (received signal) corresponding to the vibration of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 becomes larger (see FIG. 11). Therefore, the touch determination system B2 also does not require the above-mentioned signal processing circuit, and therefore power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, the touch determination system B2 can also be made smaller.

[0080] The touch determination system B2 is used in an electronic device C1 (see FIG. 5) similarly to the touch determination system B1 of the first embodiment. The touch determination system B2 may also include a plurality of touch detection mechanisms A1. The plurality of touch detection mechanisms A1 are attached to a housing 40 (see FIG. 5) of the electronic device C1.

[0081] (3) Effects In the touch determination system B2, similar to the touch determination system B1 of the first embodiment, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are vibrated intermittently, and when the vibration level of the reverberation by at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold value Vt1 (see FIG. 11 ), it is determined that there has been contact by the person 100. Therefore, similar to the touch determination system B1, the touch determination system B2 can reduce power consumption more than, for example, when the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are constantly driven. That is, the touch determination system B2 can also reduce power consumption further.

[0082] The first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged so that their polarizations are opposite to each other. As a result, in the touch detection mechanism A1, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 can be vibrated by the same signal (the third drive signal S3 in the example of FIG. 10), and the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 vibrate in opposite phases, so that the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 can be canceled out from each other.

[0083] (4) Variations The first oscillator 21 is electrically connected to the driver 1 and the first receiver 5 via the switch SW1, but may also be electrically connected to the driver 1 and the first receiver 5 without via the switch SW1. In other words, the first oscillator 21 may be electrically connected directly to the driver 1 and the first receiver 5. In this case, the second oscillator 22 is electrically connected to the driver 1 via the switch SW1. The second oscillator 22 is also electrically connected to the second receiver 6. In short, either the first oscillator 21 or the second oscillator 22 is electrically connected to the driver 1 via the switch SW1.

[0084] Furthermore, either one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the drive unit 1 via the switch SW1, but for example, each vibrator 20 may be electrically connected to the drive unit 1 via a switch. Specifically, the first vibrator 21 may be electrically connected to the drive unit 1 via a first switch, and the second vibrator 22 may be electrically connected to the drive unit 1 via a second switch. In other words, at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 may be electrically connected to the drive unit 1 via a switch. When each vibrator 20 is electrically connected to the drive unit 1 via a switch, the control device 11 determines whether or not the person 100 is touching the mounting plate 30 based on a change in at least one of the first received signal received by the first receiving unit 5 and the second received signal R2 received by the second receiving unit 6.

[0085] 12, the mounting plate 30 may have a recess 31 at a location where the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are attached. In other words, one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 may be provided with a recess 31 for attaching the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. This makes it difficult for the touch determination system B2 to transmit, for example, vibrations caused by the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 to portions of the mounting plate 30 other than the recess 31. In other words, the touch determination system B2 can limit the vibrations caused by the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 to within the area of ​​the recess 31, that is, the vibration area can be limited, thereby improving the accuracy of touch detection. Furthermore, the touch determination system B2 can limit the vibration area, thereby improving the accuracy of touch position detection.

[0086] The recess 31 is provided in the mounting plate 30, but may be provided in, for example, the housing 40 of the electronic device C1 (in the example of FIG. 5, the side wall 41 of the housing 40, etc.).

[0087] Furthermore, as a modification of the second embodiment, modifications similar to those of the touch determination system B1 according to the modification of the first embodiment are possible. Therefore, the touch determination system B2 according to the modification of the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as those of the touch determination system B2 according to the second embodiment.

[0088] The second embodiment and the modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0089] (Embodiment 3) 13, the touch determination system B3 according to the third embodiment differs from the touch determination system B1 according to the first embodiment in that the configuration of the control device 12 is different. Note that, in the touch determination system B3 according to the third embodiment, the same components as those in the touch determination system B1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] A touch determination system B3 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0091] (1) Touch detection system The touch determination system B3 includes a touch detection mechanism A1 and a control device 12. Similar to the touch determination system B1 of the first embodiment, the touch determination system B3 determines whether or not a contact (touch) by the person 100 is made on the input unit (the mounting plate 30 in the example of FIG. 13).

[0092] (2) Control device The control device 12 is realized, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the functions of the control device 12 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.

[0093] The control device 12 includes a driver 1, a receiver 4, and a determiner 7. The driver 1 drives the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the driver 1 outputs a fourth drive signal S4 to the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. The fourth drive signal S4 is a signal for driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. The fourth drive signal S4 is, for example, a sinusoidal signal. The fourth drive signal S4 includes, for example, a burst signal. The frequency of the fourth drive signal S4 is, for example, within a range of 18 kHz to 1 MHz. In other words, the vibration frequency of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is, for example, within a range of 18 kHz to 1 MHz.

[0094] The first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1. More specifically, a first electrode 23 of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1. A second electrode of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 12. Furthermore, the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to, for example, the receiving unit 4. More specifically, the first electrode 23 of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the receiving unit 4. That is, the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to both the driving unit 1 and the receiving unit 4.

[0095] The second oscillator 22 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1. More specifically, the first electrode 24 of the second oscillator 22 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1. The second electrode of the second oscillator 22 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 12. In other words, the second oscillator 22 is electrically connected only to the driving unit 1.

[0096] The first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22 are arranged on one surface 30a of the mounting plate 30 so that their polarizations are opposite to each other.

[0097] The control device 12 determines whether or not the person 100 is touching the mounting plate 30 based on a change in the reception signal (first reception signal) R1 received by the receiving unit 4. More specifically, the determination unit 7 determines that the person 100 is touching the mounting plate 30 if the signal level of the first reception signal R1 is equal to or greater than the threshold Vt1 after the driving unit 1 stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. On the other hand, the determination unit 7 determines that the person 100 is not touching the mounting plate 30 if the signal level of the first reception signal R1 is less than the threshold Vt1 after the driving unit 1 stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22.

[0098] In the touch determination system B3, for example, when the person 100 makes contact with the mounting plate 30, the state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are cancelled out by each other is broken, and the vibration of the first vibrator 21 increases. In other words, in the touch determination system B3, for example, when the person 100 makes contact with the mounting plate 30, the signal level (or amplitude) of the signal (received signal) corresponding to the vibration of the first vibrator 21 increases.

[0099] Therefore, the touch determination system B3 also does not require the signal processing circuit, so power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, the touch determination system B3 can also be made smaller. Furthermore, the touch determination system B3 only needs to be provided with one drive unit 1, as with the touch determination system B2 of embodiment 2, so power consumption can be reduced more than the touch determination system B1 of embodiment 1. Furthermore, the touch determination system B3 can be made smaller than the touch determination system B1.

[0100] Moreover, unlike the touch determination system B2 of the second embodiment, the touch determination system B3 only needs to include one receiving unit 4, and can be made smaller in size than the touch determination system B2. Furthermore, the touch determination system B3 does not require, for example, the second receiving unit 6 (see FIG. 10) of the touch determination system B2, and therefore can consume less power than the touch determination system B2. In short, the touch determination system B3 can further reduce power consumption. Furthermore, the touch determination system B3 can be made even smaller in size.

[0101] The touch determination system B3 is used in the electronic device C1, similar to the touch determination system B1 of the first embodiment. The touch determination system B3 may also have a plurality of touch detection mechanisms A1. The plurality of touch detection mechanisms A1 are attached to the housing 40 of the electronic device C1.

[0102] (3) Effects The touch determination system B3 includes one drive unit 1 and one receiver 4. The control device 12 determines whether or not the person 100 has touched the mounting plate 30 based on, for example, a change in the first reception signal R1 received by the receiver 4. This allows the touch determination system B3 to further reduce power consumption. In addition, the touch determination system B3 can be further miniaturized.

[0103] (4) Variations As a modification of the third embodiment, modifications similar to those of the touch determination system B1 according to the modification of the first embodiment are possible. Furthermore, as a modification of the third embodiment, modifications similar to those of the touch determination system B2 according to the modification of the second embodiment are possible. Therefore, the touch determination system B3 according to the modification of the third embodiment also achieves the same effects as those of the touch determination system B1 according to the first embodiment and the touch determination system B2 according to the second embodiment.

[0104] The first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the receiving unit 4, but the second vibrator 22 may also be electrically connected. In this case, the control device 12 determines whether or not the person 100 is touching the mounting plate 30 based on a change in the second received signal received by the receiving unit 4.

[0105] The third embodiment and the modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0106] (Embodiment 4) 14, the touch determination system B4 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the touch determination system B1 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a plurality of monitor elements 60 (two in the example of FIG. 14). Note that, in the touch determination system B4 according to the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the touch determination system B1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, a recess 31 is provided in the mounting plate 30, and a plurality of vibrators 20 (two in the example of FIG. 14) are attached to the recess 31.

[0107] A touch determination system B4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0108] (1) Touch detection system The touch determination system B4 includes a plurality of vibrators 20, a mounting plate 30, a plurality of monitoring elements 60, and a control device 10. In this embodiment, the plurality of vibrators 20, the mounting plate 30, and the plurality of monitoring elements 60 configure a touch detection mechanism A2. In other words, the touch detection mechanism A2 includes a plurality of vibrators 20, the mounting plate 30, and a plurality of monitoring elements 60. The plurality of vibrators 20 include a first vibrator 21 and a second vibrator 22. The first vibrator 21 has a pair of electrodes 23 (a first electrode 23a and a second electrode 23b). The second vibrator 22 has a pair of electrodes 24 (a first electrode 24a and a second electrode 24b). Similar to the touch determination system B1 of the first embodiment, the touch determination system B4 determines whether or not a contact (touch) by a person 100 is made on the input unit (the mounting plate 30 in the example of FIG. 14 ).

[0109] (2) Monitor element The multiple monitoring elements 60 include a first monitoring element 61 and a second monitoring element 62. The first monitoring element 61 is, for example, a piezoelectric element. The first monitoring element 61 has a pair of electrodes 63a, 63b. The second monitoring element 62 is, for example, a piezoelectric element. The second monitoring element 62 has a pair of electrodes 64a, 64b.

[0110] The first monitoring element 61 monitors the vibration of the first vibrator 21. The first monitoring element 61 converts the vibration of the first vibrator 21 into an electrical signal (first monitoring signal) M1 and outputs the first monitoring signal M1 to the first receiving unit 5. The first monitoring element 61 is electrically connected to the first receiving unit 5. More specifically, one electrode (first electrode) 63a of a pair of electrodes 63a, 63b of the first monitoring element 61 is electrically connected to the first receiving unit 5. The other electrode (second electrode) 63b of the pair of electrodes 63a, 63b of the first monitoring element 61 is electrically connected to the ground of the control device 10, for example.

[0111] The first monitoring element 61 is disposed above the first vibrator 21. More specifically, the first monitoring element 61 is disposed above the first vibrator 21 such that, for example, the second electrode 63b of the first monitoring element 61 is located on the upper surface of the first electrode 23a of the first vibrator 21 via an insulating sheet (first insulating sheet) 71. The first insulating sheet 71 has electrical insulating properties.

[0112] The second monitoring element 62 monitors the vibration of the second vibrator 22. The second monitoring element 62 converts the vibration of the second vibrator 22 into an electrical signal (second monitoring signal) M2 and outputs the second monitoring signal M2 to the second receiving unit 6. The second monitoring element 62 is electrically connected to the second receiving unit 6. More specifically, a first electrode 64a of the second monitoring element 62 is electrically connected to the second receiving unit 6. A second electrode 64b of the second monitoring element 62 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 10.

[0113] The second monitoring element 62 is disposed above the second vibrator 22. More specifically, the second monitoring element 62 is disposed above the second vibrator 22 such that, for example, the second electrode 64b of the second monitoring element 62 is disposed on the upper surface of the first electrode 24a of the second vibrator 22 via an insulating sheet (second insulating sheet) 72. The second insulating sheet 72 has electrical insulating properties.

[0114] The first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the first driving unit 2. More specifically, the first electrode 23a of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the first driving unit 2. The second electrode 23b of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 10. The first vibrator 21 is disposed on one surface 31a of the recess 31 of the mounting plate 30, for example, via an insulating sheet (third insulating sheet) 73. The third insulating sheet 73 has electrical insulation properties. The second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the second driving unit 3. More specifically, the first electrode 24a of the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the second driving unit 3. The second electrode 24b of the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 10. The second vibrator 22 is disposed on one surface 31a of the recess 31 of the mounting plate 30, for example, via an insulating sheet (fourth insulating sheet) 74. The fourth insulating sheet 74 has electrical insulating properties.

[0115] The first receiving unit 5 receives the vibration of the first vibrator 21 monitored by the first monitoring element 61. More specifically, the first receiving unit 5 receives the first monitoring signal M1 output from the first monitoring element 61. The second receiving unit 6 receives the vibration of the second vibrator 22 monitored by the second monitoring element 62. More specifically, the second receiving unit 6 receives the second monitoring signal M2 output from the second monitoring element 62.

[0116] (3) Control device The control device 10 determines that contact by the person 100 has occurred when the vibration level of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, vibrator 20, is equal to or greater than the threshold Vt1 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the determination unit 7 determines that contact by the person 100 has occurred when the vibration level of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, vibrator 20, is equal to or greater than the threshold Vt1. More specifically, the determination unit 7 determines that contact by the person 100 has occurred when the signal level of at least one of the first monitor signal M1 and the second monitor signal M2 is equal to or greater than the threshold Vt1. On the other hand, the determination unit 7 determines that contact by the person 100 has not occurred when the signal level of at least one of the first monitor signal M1 and the second monitor signal M2 is less than the threshold Vt1.

[0117] That is, the determination unit 7 does not compare the signal level of at least one of the first monitor signal M1 and the second monitor signal M2 with the threshold value Vt1 only during the period after the driver 1 stops driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 (the reverberation period in the example of FIG. 3). In other words, the determination unit 7 compares the signal level of at least one of the first monitor signal M1 and the second monitor signal M2 with the threshold value Vt1 not only during the reverberation period but also during the period when the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are vibrating (the drive period in the example of FIG. 3).

[0118] (4) Effects The touch determination system B4 further includes two monitor elements 60. The determination unit 7 determines that there has been contact by the person 100 when the vibration level of at least one of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold value Vt1. In other words, the touch determination system B4 determines that there has been contact by the person 100 when the vibration level of at least one of the vibrators 20 is equal to or higher than the threshold value Vt1 during the drive period and the reverberation period. This makes it possible for the touch determination system B4 to detect that there has been contact by the person 100 on the mounting plate 30 earlier than, for example, the touch determination system B1 of the first embodiment.

[0119] (5) Variations The determination unit 7 determines that there is contact by the person 100 when the signal level of at least one of the first monitor signal M1 and the second monitor signal M2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vt1, but may also determine that there is contact by the person 100 when the amplitude of at least one of the monitor signals is outside a specified range H1 (see FIG. 3). In this case, the determination unit 7 determines that there is no contact by the person 100 when the amplitude of at least one of the monitor signals, the first monitor signal M1 and the second monitor signal M2, is within the specified range H1.

[0120] Furthermore, the determination unit 7 determines that there is contact by the person 100 when the signal level of at least one of the first monitor signal M1 and the second monitor signal M2 is equal to or higher than the threshold value Vt1, but may also determine that there is contact by the person 100 when the vibration time of at least one of the vibrators 20 of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. In this case, the determination unit 7 determines that there is no contact by the person 100 when the vibration time of at least one of the vibrators 20 is shorter than the predetermined time.

[0121] In this embodiment, the mounting plate 30 is provided with the recess 31, but the mounting plate 30 does not necessarily have to be provided with the recess 31.

[0122] As a modification of the fourth embodiment, modifications similar to those made to the touch decision system B1 according to the modification of the first embodiment are possible. As a modification of the fourth embodiment, modifications similar to those made to the touch decision system B2 according to the modification of the second embodiment are possible. As a modification of the fourth embodiment, modifications similar to those made to the touch decision system B3 according to the modification of the third embodiment are possible. Therefore, the touch decision system B4 according to the fourth embodiment also achieves the same effects as those achieved by the touch decision system B1 according to the first embodiment, the touch decision system B2 according to the second embodiment, and the touch decision system B3 according to the third embodiment.

[0123] The fourth embodiment and the modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0124] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and at least some of the configurations of the embodiments and modified examples can be combined as appropriate and applied.

[0125] Furthermore, the touch determination system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure does not necessarily need to be integrated into one housing. For example, the components of the touch determination system may be integrated and distributed among multiple housings.

[0126] (Aspect) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0127] The touch detection mechanism (A1) according to the first aspect is a touch detection mechanism for detecting a touch by a person (100). The touch detection mechanism (A1) includes a plurality of vibrators (20) including a first vibrator (21) and a second vibrator (22). The first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are arranged so as to cancel each other's vibrations.

[0128] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0129] In the touch detection mechanism (A1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are connected to both the driving unit (1) and the receiving unit (4), respectively.

[0130] According to this aspect, for example, it is possible to achieve a smaller size than when a vibrator for vibration and a vibrator for monitoring are used separately.

[0131] In the touch detection mechanism (A1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are arranged side by side.

[0132] According to this aspect, miniaturization can be achieved.

[0133] The touch detection mechanism (A1) according to the fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, in which the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are arranged so that their polarizations are opposite to each other.

[0134] According to this embodiment, it is possible to cancel out the vibrations of the first oscillator (21) and the second oscillator (22).

[0135] A touch determination system (B1 to B3; B4) according to a fifth aspect includes a touch detection mechanism (A1; A2), a drive unit (1), a receiver (4), and a determiner (7). The drive unit (1) drives a first vibrator (21) and a second vibrator (22) of the touch detection mechanism (A1; A2). The receiver (4) receives vibrations from the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22). The determiner (7) determines whether or not there is contact by a person (100) according to a change in the state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are cancelled out by each other.

[0136] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce power consumption and also to achieve miniaturization.

[0137] A touch determination system (B4) according to a sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, further including a plurality of monitor elements (60) including a first monitor element (61) that monitors the vibration of the first vibrator (21) and a second monitor element (62) that monitors the vibration of the second vibrator (22). The receiver (4) receives the vibrations of the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) monitored by the first monitor element (61) and the second monitor element (62). The determiner (7) determines that there has been contact by a person (100) when the vibration level of at least one vibrator (20) of the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) is equal to or greater than a threshold value (Vt1) or when the vibration time of at least one vibrator (20) is equal to or greater than a predetermined time.

[0138] According to this embodiment, contact by a person (100) can be detected quickly.

[0139] In a touch determination system (B1 to B4) according to a seventh aspect, in the fifth aspect, the drive unit (1) intermittently drives the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22). When the drive unit (1) stops driving the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) after vibrating the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22), the determination unit (7) determines that there has been contact by a person (100) if the vibration level of reverberation caused by at least one vibrator (20) of the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) is equal to or greater than a threshold value (Vt1) or if the vibration time of reverberation caused by at least one vibrator (20) is equal to or greater than a predetermined time.

[0140] According to this aspect, power consumption can be further reduced.

[0141] A touch determination system (B1; B2; B4) according to an eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, wherein the receiving unit (4) includes a first receiving unit (5) and a second receiving unit (6). The first receiving unit (5) receives vibrations from a first vibrator (21). The second receiving unit (6) receives vibrations from a second vibrator (22). The determining unit (7) compares the vibration level of the vibrations from the first vibrator (21) received by the first receiving unit (5) with the vibration level of the vibrations from the second vibrator (22) received by the second receiving unit (6), and determines whether the position of contact by the person (100) is closer to the first vibrator (21) or the second vibrator (22).

[0142] According to this aspect, the detection accuracy of the position of contact (touch position) by the person (100) is improved.

[0143] A touch determination system (B1 to B4) according to a ninth aspect is any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, wherein the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) of the touch detection mechanism (A1; A2) each have an electrode (23, 24). One vibrator (20) of the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) has a scraped mark (51) on a part of the electrode (23).

[0144] According to this aspect, power consumption can be further reduced.

[0145] A touch determination system (B1 to B3; B4) according to a tenth aspect is any one of the fifth to ninth aspects, in which the vibration frequencies of the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) of the touch detection mechanism (A1; A2) are each within a range of 18 kHz or more and 1 MHz or less.

[0146] According to this aspect, for example, the user of the electronic device (C1) will not hear any noise.

[0147] An electronic device (C1) according to an eleventh aspect includes the touch determination system (B1 to B3; B4) according to any one of the fifth to tenth aspects, and a medium (30). The medium (30) is provided with a first vibrator (21) and a second vibrator (22) in a touch detection mechanism (A1; A2) of the touch determination system (B1 to B3; B4). The touch detection mechanism (A1; A2) has a plurality of pairs of vibrators (20) including the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22). The plurality of pairs of vibrators (20) are arranged side by side along one direction on one surface (30a) of the medium (30).

[0148] According to this aspect, it is possible to determine an operation such as a slide operation (swipe operation), etc. Also, according to this aspect, it is possible to detect, for example, a horizontal position.

[0149] An electronic device (C1) according to a twelfth aspect is the eleventh aspect, wherein the medium (30) is included in a mobile device (electronic device C1) or an operation panel (electronic device C1).

[0150] According to this aspect, a portion of the mobile device or the operation panel other than the display unit (8) can be used as an input device.

[0151] The electronic device (C1) according to a thirteenth aspect is the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein the medium (30) has a recess (31) at a location where at least a first vibrator (21) and a second vibrator (22) of a plurality of pairs of vibrators (20) are attached.

[0152] According to this aspect, the accuracy of touch detection is improved, and also the accuracy of touch position detection is improved.

[0153] An electronic device (C1) according to a fourteenth aspect is any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, wherein the touch determination systems (B1 to B4) are used for adjusting the volume of a sound.

[0154] According to this aspect, for example, it is possible to finely adjust the volume.

[0155] A touch determination method according to a fifteenth aspect is a touch determination method for determining whether or not a person (100) has made contact with the touch panel. The touch determination method includes a drive process, a reception process, and a determination process. In the drive process, a plurality of vibrators (20) including a first vibrator (21) and a second vibrator (22) are driven. In the reception process, vibrations of the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are received. In the determination process, whether or not a person (100) has made contact with the touch panel is determined based on a change in the state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are cancelled out.

[0156] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0157] A program according to a sixteenth aspect causes one or more processors to execute the touch determination method according to the fifteenth aspect.

[0158] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0159] A manufacturing method according to a seventeenth aspect is a method for manufacturing a touch determination system (B1 to B4) that determines whether or not a person (100) has made a touch. The manufacturing method includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step. In the first step, a plurality of vibrators (20) including a first vibrator (21) and a second vibrator (22) are attached to a medium (30). In the second step, a driving unit (1), a receiving unit (4), and a determining unit (7) are connected to the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22). In the third step, the driving unit (1) vibrates the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22), and then the receiving unit (4) receives the vibrations of the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22). In the fourth step, a part of the electrode (23) of either the first oscillator (21) or the second oscillator (22) is removed to adjust the state in which the vibrations of the first oscillator (21) and the second oscillator (22) are cancelled out.

[0160] According to this embodiment, the vibrations of the first oscillator (21) and the second oscillator (22) can be cancelled out. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 1 Drive unit 4. Receiving section 5 First receiving unit 6 Second receiving unit 7 Judgment section 20 oscillators 21 First oscillator 22 Second oscillator 23 electrodes 24 electrodes 30 Mounting plate (medium) 30a one side 31 Depression 51 Traces 60 Monitor element 61 First monitor element 62 Second monitor element A1~A2 Touch detection mechanism B1~B4 Touch detection system C1 Electronic devices (mobile devices, operation panels) Vt1 threshold

Claims

1. A touch detection mechanism for detecting human contact, a plurality of transducers including a first transducer and a second transducer; The first vibrator and the second vibrator are arranged so as to cancel each other's vibrations. Touch detection mechanism.

2. The first transducer and the second transducer are each connected to both a driving unit and a receiving unit. The touch detection mechanism of claim 1 .

3. The first vibrator and the second vibrator are arranged side by side. The touch detection mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first oscillator and the second oscillator are arranged so that their polarizations are opposite to each other. The touch detection mechanism according to claim 1 .

5. A touch detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a driving unit that drives the first vibrator and the second vibrator of the touch detection mechanism; a receiving unit that receives vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator; a determination unit that determines whether or not there is contact by the person in accordance with a change in a state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator are cancelled out. Touch detection system.

6. further comprising a plurality of monitor elements including a first monitor element that monitors the vibration of the first vibrator and a second monitor element that monitors the vibration of the second vibrator; the receiving unit receives the vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator monitored by the first monitoring element and the second monitoring element, the determination unit determines that there has been contact by the person when a vibration level of at least one of the first vibrator and the second vibrator is equal to or greater than a threshold value, or when a vibration time of the at least one vibrator is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. The touch determination system according to claim 5 .

7. the drive unit intermittently drives the first vibrator and the second vibrator, the determination unit determines that there has been contact by the person when, when the drive unit stops driving the first vibrator and the second vibrator after vibrating the first vibrator and the second vibrator, a vibration level of reverberation caused by at least one of the first vibrator and the second vibrator is equal to or greater than a threshold value, or when a vibration time of the reverberation caused by the at least one vibrator is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. The touch determination system according to claim 5 .

8. The receiving unit a first receiving unit that receives vibrations from the first vibrator; a second receiving unit that receives vibrations of the second vibrator, the determination unit compares a vibration level of the vibration of the first vibrator received by the first receiving unit with a vibration level of the vibration of the second vibrator received by the second receiving unit to determine whether a position of contact by the person is closer to the first vibrator or the second vibrator. The touch determination system according to claim 7 .

9. the first vibrator and the second vibrator of the touch detection mechanism each have an electrode; one of the first vibrator and the second vibrator has a scratched mark on a part of the electrode; The touch determination system according to claim 5 .

10. the vibration frequencies of the first vibrator and the second vibrator of the touch detection mechanism are each within a range of 18 kHz to 1 MHz; The touch determination system according to claim 5 .

11. A touch determination system according to any one of claims 5 to 10; a medium for mounting the first vibrator and the second vibrator in the touch detection mechanism of the touch determination system, the touch detection mechanism has a plurality of pairs of vibrators including the first vibrator and the second vibrator; The plurality of pairs of vibrators are arranged side by side along one direction on one surface of the medium. electronic equipment.

12. The medium is included in a mobile device or an operation panel. The electronic device according to claim 11.

13. the medium has a recess at a portion where at least the first vibrator and the second vibrator of the plurality of pairs of vibrators are attached; 13. The electronic device according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The touch determination system is used to adjust the volume of a sound. The electronic device according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. A touch determination method for determining whether or not a person has made contact, a driving process for driving a plurality of vibrators including a first vibrator and a second vibrator; a receiving process for receiving vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator; a determination process of determining whether or not there is contact by the person in accordance with a change in a state in which the vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator are cancelled out from each other, Touch detection method.

16. 16. A touch determination method according to claim 15, wherein the touch determination method is executed by one or more processors. program.

17. A manufacturing method for manufacturing a touch determination system for determining whether or not a human has touched the touch, a first step of attaching a plurality of transducers including a first transducer and a second transducer to a medium; a second step of connecting a driving unit, a receiving unit, and a determining unit to the first transducer and the second transducer; a third step of receiving the vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator by the receiving unit after vibrating the first vibrator and the second vibrator by the driving unit; a fourth step of removing a part of an electrode of one of the first vibrator and the second vibrator to adjust the first vibrator and the second vibrator to a state where vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator are cancelled out. Manufacturing method.

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