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

Abstract

To provide a touch determination system configured to reduce power consumption, an electronic device, a touch determination method, a program, and a manufacturing method.SOLUTION: A touch determination system B1 is configured to determine whether a person 100 has touched or not. The touch determination system B1 includes a plurality of vibrators 20 including a first vibrator 21 and a second vibrator 22, a driving unit 1, a detection unit 80, and a determination unit 7. The driving unit 1 drives the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. The detection unit 80 detects a drive current which is output from the driving unit 1 to drive the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. The determination unit 7 determines whether the person 100 has touched or not, in accordance with the change in the drive current detected by the detection unit 80. 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 determination system, an electronic device, a touch determination method, a program, and a manufacturing method, and more particularly to a touch determination system including a vibrator, an electronic device including the 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 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 determination system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a touch determination system that determines whether or not a touch has been made by a person. The touch determination system includes a plurality of vibrators including a first vibrator and a second vibrator, a driver, a detector, and a determiner. The driver drives the first vibrator and the second vibrator. The detector detects a drive current output from the driver for driving the first vibrator and the second vibrator. The determiner determines whether or not a touch has been made by the person based on a change in the drive current detected by the detector. The first vibrator and the second vibrator are arranged so as to cancel each other's vibrations.

[0007] 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 determination system. The touch determination system 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.

[0008] 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 detection process, and a determination process. In the drive process, a plurality of vibrators including a first vibrator and a second vibrator are driven. In the detection process, a drive current for driving the first vibrator and the second vibrator is detected. In the determination process, the presence or absence of a touch by the person is determined according to a change in the drive current.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the touch determination method.

[0010] A manufacturing method according to one embodiment 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 human. The manufacturing method includes a first step, a second step, a third step, a fourth step, and a fifth step. In the first step, a plurality of vibrators, including a first vibrator and a second vibrator, are attached to a medium. In the second step, a drive unit, a detection unit, and a determination unit are connected to the first vibrator and the second vibrator. In the third step, the drive unit drives the first vibrator and the second vibrator. In the fourth step, the detection unit detects a drive current for driving the first vibrator and the second vibrator. In the fifth step, a portion of an electrode of either the first vibrator or the second vibrator is removed to adjust the first vibrator and the second vibrator to a state in which their vibrations are canceled out. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, power consumption can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [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 first driving current detected by a first detection unit and a second driving current detected by a second detection unit in the touch determination system according to the first embodiment. [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 an explanatory diagram illustrating a touch determination system according to a modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, touch determination systems according to embodiments 1 and 2 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.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) A touch determination system B1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0015] (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.

[0016] (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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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).

[0019] (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.

[0020] 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) detecting units 80, and a determining unit 7. The plurality of driving units 1 include a first driving unit 2 and a second driving unit 3. The plurality of detecting units 80 include a first detecting unit 81 and a second detecting unit 82.

[0021] The first driving unit 2 drives the first vibrator 21. More specifically, the first driving unit 2 outputs a first driving signal S1 (see FIG. 1) 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, for example, a sinusoidal signal. 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.

[0022] The second drive unit 3 drives the second vibrator 22. More specifically, the second drive unit 3 outputs a second drive signal S2 (see FIG. 1) 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, for example, a sinusoidal signal. As shown in FIG. 2, the second drive signal S2 is a signal with the same signal level as the first drive signal S1. 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 (first predetermined value), and also includes, 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.

[0023] The first detection unit 81 detects the current (first drive current) I1 (see FIG. 3 ) of the first drive signal S1 output from the first drive unit 2. In other words, the first detection unit 81 detects the first drive current I1 for driving the first vibrator 21. The first detection unit 81 is configured to be able to measure the first drive current I1 from the first drive unit 2. The first detection unit 81 includes, for example, a current probe. The first detection unit 81 is disposed in an electrical path between the first drive unit 2 and the first vibrator 21. Note that the first detection unit 81 is not limited to a current probe and may include, for example, a shunt resistor, an IC (Hall IC) utilizing the Hall effect, or a current detection circuit using a CT (Current Transformer). In this case, the first detection unit 81 detects a voltage (first drive voltage) proportional to the first drive current I1. That is, the first detection unit 81 indirectly detects the first drive current I1 by detecting the first drive voltage.

[0024] The second detection unit 82 detects the current (second drive current) I2 (see FIG. 3) of the second drive signal S2 output from the second drive unit 3. In other words, the second detection unit 82 detects the second drive current I2 for driving the second vibrator 22. The second detection unit 82 is configured to be able to measure the second drive current I2 from the second drive unit 3. The second detection unit 82 includes, for example, a current probe. The second detection unit 82 is disposed in an electrical path between the second drive unit 3 and the second vibrator 22. Note that the second detection unit 82 is not limited to a current probe and may include, for example, a current detection circuit using a shunt resistor, a Hall IC, or a CT. In this case, the second detection unit 82 detects a voltage (second drive voltage) proportional to the second drive current I2. That is, the second detection unit 82 indirectly detects the second drive current I2 by detecting the second drive voltage.

[0025] The first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the first driving unit 2 via the first detection unit 81. More specifically, one electrode (first electrode) 23 of the pair of electrodes 23 in the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the first driving unit 2 via the first detection unit 81. The other electrode (second electrode) of the pair of electrodes 23 in the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the ground of the control device 10, for example.

[0026] The second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the second driving unit 3 via the second detection unit 82. More specifically, one electrode (first electrode) 24 of the pair of electrodes 24 in the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the second driving unit 3 via the second detection unit 82. The other electrode (second electrode) of the pair of electrodes 24 in the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the ground of the control device 10, for example.

[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. The control device 10 also has 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 detects the current (first drive current) I1 of the first drive signal S1 with a first detection unit 81, and detects the current (second drive current) I2 of the second drive signal S2 with a second detection unit 82.

[0030] Here, 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 current value of the first drive current I1 detected by the first detection unit 81 and the current value of the second drive current I2 detected by the second detection unit 82 are the same. This allows the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 to cancel each other's vibrations. Note that the phrase "the current value of the first drive current I1 detected by the first detection unit 81 and the current value of the second drive current I2 detected by the second detection unit 82 are the same" does not necessarily mean that the current values ​​of the first drive current I1 and the second drive current I2 are exactly the same. For example, this includes cases where the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the current value of the first drive current I1 and the current value of the second drive current I2 is less than a predetermined value (second predetermined value), and also includes cases where the difference between the current value of the first drive current I1 and the current value of the second drive current I2 is approximately 10% of the current value of the first drive current I1.

[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 mounting plate 30 is being touched by the person 100 based on a change in at least one of the first drive current I1 detected by the first detection unit 81 and the second drive current I2 detected by the second detection unit 82. More specifically, the determination unit 7 determines whether or not the mounting plate 30 is being touched by the person 100 based on a change in at least one of the first drive current I1 detected by the first detection unit 81 and the second drive current I2 detected by the second detection unit 82. Specifically, the determination unit 7 determines that the person 100 is touching the mounting plate 30 when, for example, the current value of at least one of the first drive current I1 and the second drive current I2 is equal to or greater than a threshold Vt1 (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, the determination unit 7 determines that the person 100 is not touching the mounting plate 30 when, for example, the current value of at least one of the first drive current I1 and the second drive current I2 is less than the threshold Vt1.

[0033] In the touch determination system B1, 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 at least one of the first drive current I1 and the second drive current I2 increases (see FIG. 3). 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. As a result, in the touch determination system B1, as shown in FIG. 4, the excitation level caused by the phase difference between the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2 increases, and the signal level (or amplitude) of at least one of the drive signals of the first drive signal S1 and the second drive signal S2 increases. Therefore, in the touch determination system B1, the drive current of at least one of the first drive current I1 and the second drive current I2 increases. 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 becomes the minimum value.

[0034] Therefore, in the touch determination system B1, whether or not the person 100 has touched the mounting plate 30 is determined in accordance with changes in the drive current for driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. This eliminates the need for, for example, a receiving circuit for receiving a signal (received signal) corresponding to the vibration of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. Furthermore, in the touch determination system B1, when the person 100 has touched the mounting plate 30, the drive current of at least one of the first drive current I1 and the second drive current I2 becomes large. Therefore, for example, an amplifier circuit for amplifying the signal level of the received signal is not required to determine whether or not the person 100 has touched the mounting plate 30. In other words, the touch determination system B1 does not require the above-mentioned receiving circuit and the above-mentioned amplifier circuit (signal processing circuit), thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, the touch determination system B1 does not require the above-mentioned signal processing circuit, thereby enabling miniaturization.

[0035] Furthermore, the determination unit 7 (see FIG. 1 ) compares the current value of the first drive current I1 detected by the first detection unit 81 with the current value of the second drive current I2 detected by the second detection unit 82 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 current value of the first drive current I1 detected by the first detection unit 81 with the current value of the second drive current I2 detected by the second detection unit 82, 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, when the current value of the first drive current I1 is greater than the current value of the second drive current I2, 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, the determination unit 7 determines that the position of contact by the person 100 is close to the second vibrator 22 when the current value of the second drive current I2 is greater than the current value of the first drive current I1.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] (3) Effects The touch determination system B1 includes a plurality of vibrators 20 including a first vibrator 21 and a second vibrator 22, a driver 1, a detector 80, and a determiner 7. The first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are arranged so as to cancel each other's vibrations. The determiner 7 determines whether or not a person 100 has made a touch based on a change in the drive current (e.g., the first drive current I1 and the second drive current I2) detected by the detector 80. As a result, in the touch determination system B1, for example, when the person 100 has made a touch on the mounting plate 30, at least one of the first drive current I1 and the second drive current I2 from the driver 1 increases (changes), making it possible to determine whether or not a person 100 has made a touch. Therefore, the touch determination system B1 does not require, for example, a receiver circuit for receiving a reception signal corresponding to the vibration of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. Furthermore, in the touch determination system B1, when the person 100 touches the mounting plate 30, at least one of the first drive current I1 and the second drive current I2 becomes large, so that, for example, an amplifier circuit for amplifying the signal level of the received signal is not required. In short, the touch determination system B1 does not require the above-mentioned signal processing circuit, so power consumption can be reduced.

[0041] Furthermore, the touch determination system B1 does not require the signal processing circuit, thereby enabling miniaturization. Furthermore, the touch determination system B1 detects drive currents (first drive current I1 and second drive current I2) for driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, thereby eliminating the need for, for example, a monitor element for detecting (monitoring) the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. Therefore, the touch determination system B1 is less susceptible to external noise than a system that detects the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 using the monitor element, thereby reducing false touch detection.

[0042] Furthermore, in the touch determination system B1, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 of the touch detection mechanism A1 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 determination system B1, 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 determination system B1, 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. As a result, in the touch determination system B1, multiple touch detection mechanisms A1 can be arranged close to each other.

[0043] Moreover, 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. As a result, in the touch determination system B1, the touch detection mechanism A1 can be made smaller than in a system in which, for example, 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.

[0044] The determination unit 7 compares the current value of the first drive current I1 detected by the first detection unit 81 with the current value of the second drive current I2 detected by the second detection unit 82 to determine 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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 detection 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 detection process, drive currents (e.g., a first drive current I1 and a second drive current I2) for driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are detected. In the determination process, whether or not there has been contact by the person 100 is determined according to changes in the drive currents. 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] (4) Variations The first drive signal S1 may include, for example, a burst signal. The burst signal is a signal that alternately repeats, at a constant cycle, a period in which a sine wave signal is output and a period in which the sine wave signal is not output (a period in which the output of the sine wave signal is stopped). In short, the burst signal is a signal that intermittently vibrates the first vibrator 21. Similarly to the first drive signal S1, the second drive signal S2 may include, for example, a burst signal. As a result, in the touch determination system B1, the power consumption can be further reduced by limiting the period in which the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 are vibrated.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 fifth steps.

[0054] 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).

[0055] In the second step, the control device 10 (drive unit 1, detection unit 80, 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 is connected to the first oscillator 21 via the first detection unit 81, and the second drive unit 3 is connected to the second oscillator 22 via the second detection unit 82.

[0056] In the third step, the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22 are driven by the driving unit 1. In the example of Fig. 9, the first oscillator 21 is driven by the first driving unit 2, and the second oscillator 22 is driven by the second driving unit 3.

[0057] In a fourth step, the detection unit 80 detects the drive currents (first drive current I1 and second drive current I2) for driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. In the example of Fig. 9, the first detection unit 81 detects the first drive current I1, and the second detection unit 82 detects the second drive current I2.

[0058] In the fifth 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The first embodiment and the modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0063] (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.

[0064] A touch determination system B2 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0065] (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).

[0066] (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. In other words, 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. The control device 11 includes a drive unit 1 and a determination unit 7.

[0067] The driver 1 drives the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. More specifically, 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 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.

[0068] The detection unit 80 detects the current (third drive current) of the third drive signal S3 output from the drive unit 1. In other words, the detection unit 80 detects the third drive current for driving the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. The detection unit 80 is configured to be able to measure the third drive current from the drive unit 1. The detection unit 80 includes, for example, a current probe. The detection unit 80 is arranged in an electrical path between the drive unit 1 and the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. Note that the detection unit 80 is not limited to a current probe and may include, for example, a current detection circuit using a shunt resistor, a Hall IC, or a CT. In this case, the detection unit 80 detects a voltage (third drive voltage) proportional to the third drive current. That is, the detection unit 80 indirectly detects the third drive current by detecting the third drive voltage.

[0069] The first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1 via the detection unit 80. More specifically, the first electrode 23 of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1 via the detection unit 80. The second electrode of the first vibrator 21 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 11. The second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1 via the detection unit 80. More specifically, the first electrode 24 of the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to the driving unit 1 via the detection unit 80. The second electrode of the second vibrator 22 is electrically connected to, for example, the ground of the control device 11.

[0070] 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, 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 more compact than the touch determination system 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.

[0071] The control device 11 determines whether or not the person 100 is touching the mounting plate 30, depending on the change in the third drive current detected by the detection unit 80. More specifically, the determination unit 7 determines that the person 100 is touching the mounting plate 30 when the current value of the third drive current is equal to or greater than the threshold Vt1 (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, the determination unit 7 determines that the person 100 is not touching the mounting plate 30 when the current value of the third drive current is less than the threshold Vt1.

[0072] In the touch determination system B2, for example, when the person 100 touches the mounting plate 30, the mutual vibration cancellation state of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 is broken, and the third drive current increases. Therefore, the touch determination system B2 also does not require the signal processing circuit, so power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, the touch determination system B2 can also be made smaller.

[0073] 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.

[0074] (3) Effects In the touch determination system B2, similar to the touch determination system B1 of the first embodiment, for example, when the person 100 touches the mounting plate 30, the third drive current increases (changes), and therefore it is possible to determine whether or not the person 100 has touched the mounting plate 30. Therefore, similar to the touch determination system B1, the touch determination system B2 can reduce power consumption. Moreover, unlike the touch determination system B1, the touch determination system B2 only needs to include one drive unit 1, and can be made more compact than the touch determination system B1. In other words, the touch determination system B2 can be made even more compact. Moreover, 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 that of the touch determination system B1. In other words, the touch determination system B2 can reduce power consumption even more.

[0075] 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 determination system B2, the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 can be driven 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. Therefore, in the touch determination system B2, it is possible to cancel out the vibrations of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22.

[0076] (4) Variations 11 , 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.

[0077] 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.).

[0078] 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.

[0079] The second embodiment and the modifications described above are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] (Aspect) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0083] A touch determination system (B1; B2) according to a first aspect is a touch determination system that determines whether or not a person (100) has made a contact. The touch determination system (B1; B2) includes a plurality of vibrators (20) including a first vibrator (21) and a second vibrator (22), a driver (1), a detector (80), and a determiner (7). The driver (1) drives the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22). The detector (80) detects drive currents (I1, I2) output from the driver (1) and used to drive the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22). The determiner (7) determines whether or not a person (100) has made a contact, depending on changes in the drive currents (I1, I2) detected by the detector (80). The first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are arranged so as to cancel each other's vibrations.

[0084] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0085] In the touch determination system (B1; B2) according to the second aspect, the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are arranged side by side in the first aspect.

[0086] According to this aspect, miniaturization can be achieved.

[0087] A touch determination system (B2) according to a third aspect is the first or second aspect, in which the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are arranged so that their polarizations are opposite to each other.

[0088] According to this embodiment, it is possible to cancel out the vibrations of the first oscillator (21) and the second oscillator (22).

[0089] A touch determination system (B1) according to a fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the detection unit (80) includes a first detection unit (81) and a second detection unit (82). The first detection unit (81) detects a first drive current (I1) for driving a first vibrator (21). The second detection unit (82) detects a second drive current (I2) for driving a second vibrator (22). The determination unit (7) compares the current value of the first drive current (I1) detected by the first detection unit (81) with the current value of the second drive current (I2) detected by the second detection unit (82) to determine whether the position of contact by the person (100) is closer to the first vibrator (21) or the second vibrator (22).

[0090] According to this aspect, the detection accuracy of the position of contact (touch position) by the person (100) is improved.

[0091] A touch determination system (B1; B2) according to a fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) 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).

[0092] According to this aspect, power consumption can be further reduced.

[0093] A touch determination system (B1; B2) according to a sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the vibration frequencies of the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are each within a range of 18 kHz or more and 1 MHz or less.

[0094] According to this aspect, for example, the user of the electronic device (C1) will not hear any noise.

[0095] An electronic device (C1) according to a seventh aspect includes the touch determination system (B1; B2) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and a medium (30). The medium (30) is provided with a first vibrator (21) and a second vibrator (22) in the touch determination system (B1; B2). The touch determination system (B1; B2) 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).

[0096] 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.

[0097] An electronic device (C1) according to an eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, in which the medium (30) is included in a mobile device (electronic device C1) or an operation panel (electronic device C1).

[0098] 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.

[0099] An electronic device (C1) according to a ninth aspect is the seventh or eighth 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.

[0100] According to this aspect, the accuracy of touch detection is improved, and also the accuracy of touch position detection is improved.

[0101] An electronic device (C1) according to a tenth aspect is any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the touch determination system (B1; B2) is used for adjusting a volume of a sound.

[0102] According to this aspect, for example, it is possible to finely adjust the volume.

[0103] A touch determination method according to an eleventh aspect is a touch determination method for determining whether or not a touch has been made by a person (100). The touch determination method includes a drive process, a detection 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 detection process, drive currents (I1, I2) for driving the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22) are detected. In the determination process, whether or not a touch has been made by the person (100) is determined according to a change in the drive currents (I1, I2).

[0104] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0105] A program according to a twelfth aspect causes one or more processors to execute the touch determination method according to the eleventh aspect.

[0106] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0107] A manufacturing method according to a thirteenth aspect is a method for manufacturing a touch determination system (B1; B2) 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, a fourth step, and a fifth 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 detecting unit (80), 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) drives the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22). In the fourth step, the detecting unit (80) detects drive currents (I1, I2) for driving the first vibrator (21) and the second vibrator (22). In the fifth 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.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the vibrations of the first oscillator (21) and the second oscillator (22) can be cancelled out. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 Drive 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 80 Detector 81 First detection unit 82 Second detection unit A1 Touch detection mechanism B1~B2 Touch detection system C1 Electronic devices (mobile devices, operation panels) I1 First drive current (drive current) I2 Second drive current (drive current)

Claims

1. A touch determination system for determining whether or not a person has made contact, a plurality of vibrators including a first vibrator and a second vibrator; a driving unit that drives the first vibrator and the second vibrator; a detection unit that detects a drive current output from the drive unit and used to drive 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 the drive current detected by the detection unit, The first vibrator and the second vibrator are arranged so as to cancel each other's vibrations. Touch detection system.

2. The first vibrator and the second vibrator are arranged side by side. The touch determination system according to claim 1 .

3. The first oscillator and the second oscillator are arranged so that their polarizations are opposite to each other. The touch determination system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The detection unit a first detector that detects a first drive current for driving the first vibrator; a second detection unit that detects a second drive current for driving the second vibrator, the determination unit compares the current value of the first drive current detected by the first detection unit with the current value of the second drive current detected by the second detection unit to determine whether the position of contact by the person is closer to the first vibrator or the second vibrator. The touch determination system according to claim 1 .

5. the first vibrator and the second vibrator 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 1 .

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

7. A touch determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a medium for mounting the first vibrator and the second vibrator in the touch determination system; the touch determination system includes 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.

8. The medium is included in a mobile device or an operation panel.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7.

9. 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; 9. The electronic device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The touch determination system is used to adjust the volume of a sound. The electronic device according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. 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 detection process for detecting a drive current for driving the first vibrator and the second vibrator; a determination process for determining whether or not the person has touched the sensor in accordance with a change in the drive current. Touch detection method.

12. 12. A touch determination method according to claim 11, wherein the touch determination method is executed by one or more processors. program.

13. 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 detecting unit, and a determining unit to the first vibrator and the second vibrator; a third step of driving the first vibrator and the second vibrator by the driving unit; a fourth step of detecting a drive current for driving the first vibrator and the second vibrator by the detection unit; a fifth step of adjusting the first vibrator and the second vibrator to a state in which vibrations of the first vibrator and the second vibrator are cancelled out by removing a part of an electrode of either the first vibrator or the second vibrator, Manufacturing method.

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