Input device and method of manufacturing input device

Abstract

To provide an input device and a method for manufacturing the input device capable of setting a threshold value matched with the operation function or muscular strength of an operator, and allowing the operator whose body motion function is limited to easily operate a computer.SOLUTION: The input device of the present invention includes the pressure sensor 10 that detects the pressure by the pressing operation, and the control means 20 that inputs the signal from the pressure sensor 10 and outputs the operation instruction signal, and the control means 20 includes the pressure detection unit 21 that detects the magnitude of the pressure from the signal from the pressure sensor 10, and the pressure determination unit 22 that determines whether the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 21 is equal to or more than the threshold value. When the pressure determination unit 22 determines that the pressure is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the operation instruction signal is output, and when the pressure determination unit 22 determines that the pressure is lower than the threshold value, the operation instruction signal is not output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device that detects a pressing operation by an operator and outputs an operation instruction signal to a computer, and a method for manufacturing the input device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a result of measures to prevent infectious diseases, working from home has become commonplace, and ICT environments such as video calls and cloud-based file sharing are being put in place. Even for people with severe disabilities who have limited mobility due to intractable illnesses and other factors, these ICT environments are expanding opportunities for social participation, including employment, which was previously considered difficult. In order for people with severe disabilities to use ICT environments, devices such as PCs and tablets are essential, and it has been shown that these devices can be operated if they can turn switches on and off as input devices (Non-Patent Document 1).Non-Patent Document 1 also shows that the difficulty of operating a PC interface changes depending on whether or not the switch can be pressed for a long or short on time. Switches that can be used by severely disabled people are exemplified in, for example, Non-Patent Document 2 as input devices (switches) for communication devices for severely disabled people, and FIG. 5 shows the classification and characteristics of such switches. According to the Textbook on Communication Support for People with Intractable Diseases (Non-Patent Document 3), the parts of the body that severely disabled people can move and the strength to operate them vary from person to person, and therefore adaptation is necessary in order to use a switch. Specifically, when operating a switch with the hand, the fingertip muscle strength must be confirmed by palpation at the fingertip where the maximum muscle strength is achieved, and adjustments must be made to maximize the strength reflected on the switch's operating surface. Examples of adjustments using towels, cushions, etc. are given as a way to optimize switch selection and the position of the forearm and wrist. As shown in Figure 5, switches that do not need to be attached to the body and that can be used to distinguish between long and short presses are limited to contact and pneumatic types, but both types of switches are only a few centimeters in size, which limits the storage location and placement of the switch. In addition, when adapting the switch, the position of towels or cushions, etc., which are used to optimize the position of the forearm and wrist, must be adjusted each time the switch is used, and with pneumatic types, the shape itself is not fixed, so the state is prone to change, and a threshold must also be set, which creates the issue of time required to prepare the switch to function. Therefore, aiming to eliminate the need for adaptation during use, the inventor decided to use a 3D scanner to capture the position of the limb that makes it easy to operate the switch, and when creating the switch body with a 3D printer, to use that 3D data to create uneven surfaces on the switch body that make it easy to hold.He then combined this with a thin-film pressure sensor, which requires little installation space and allows for a high degree of freedom in installation, to create a prototype switch that can be switched on and off with low pressure and does not require a stroke. Incidentally, Patent Document 1 discloses an input device that includes a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of contact with an object and a vibration device that provides tactile sensation. In Patent Document 2, a pressure sensor such as a pressure-sensitive sheet that detects pressure applied by a user's finger or the like is provided inside or on the surface of an operation button of a mouse serving as an input unit. Patent Document 3 discloses a vibration control device that vibrates an operation mechanism that moves a cursor that points to an object image displayed on a screen. The operation mechanism also includes a pressure detection unit that detects the force applied to the operation mechanism. Patent Document 4 discloses a pointing device such as a mouse that is equipped with a pressure detection means for detecting the magnitude of pressure applied, and outputs a signal based on the detected amount. Patent Document 5 discloses a mouse equipped with a pressure sensor that detects pressure, and outputs a signal based on the detected pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-104105 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-118477 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-26297 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-56746 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-39092

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kazuyuki Ito, Yoshinori Tanaka, "Function Selection and Supporter Support Tool, Manual Consideration of Implementation Approach", Internet<URL:http: / / www.rehab.go.jp / ri / kaihatsu / itoh / ishiden_H27houkoku.pdf> (Retrieved October 30, 2023) [Non-patent document 2] Prosthetic Device Provision Administration Guidebook (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation), Techno Aid Association, Internet<URL:https: / / www.mhlw.go.jp / content / 12200000 / 000307895.pdf> (Retrieved October 30, 2023) [Non-patent document 3] Communication support text for incurable diseases, ICT rescue team under the Act on Specified Nonprofit Activities, Internet<URL:https: / / www.rescue-ict.com / pool / nanbyoucommuWEB.pdf> (Retrieved October 30, 2023) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 aims to reproduce the tactile sensation (feeling of touch) of vibrations transmitted from a pen to the hand when writing characters on paper with a pen. Therefore, the pressure sensor detects the pressure applied from the pen to the paper, and does not detect the pressure applied by the operator to the input device. Furthermore, the vibration device is intended to reproduce the tactile sensation (feel) of vibration transmitted from the pen to the hand, and does not vibrate to determine that an operation instruction signal has been output to the computer. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a device that slows down the speed of a display range that is being moved by a movement operation input from an operator in accordance with the pressure detected by a pressure sensor. In other words, in Patent Document 2, by applying pressure from an operation input unit, it is possible to obtain an operational feeling as if a brake is being applied to the movement by a frictional force corresponding to the pressure. Therefore, although the pressure sensor in Patent Document 2 detects the pressure applied by the operator to the input device, Patent Document 2 does not control the output of an operation instruction signal based on whether the pressure is above a threshold value. In Patent Document 3, when a cursor moves over an object image, vibrations corresponding to the surface condition of the real object are output, allowing the operator to feel as if they are touching the real object via the operating unit, and for example, be able to appropriately purchase clothing or other products that suit their skin from a wide range of products sold over the Internet.The vibration control device transmits vibrations corresponding to the "surface roughness" of the real object corresponding to the object image to the operating mechanism. Furthermore, the pressure detection unit in Patent Document 3 is used to reproduce the hardness of the cloth corresponding to the object image (here, an image of hard cloth A and an image of cloth B softer than cloth A). Therefore, although the pressure detection unit in Patent Document 3 detects the pressure applied by the operator to the operating mechanism, Patent Document 3 does not control the output of an operation instruction signal based on whether the pressure is above a threshold value. Patent Document 4 adjusts the amount of movement of a display area according to the amount of pressure detected by a pressure sensor, thereby reducing the strain on the fingers associated with scrolling operations. Therefore, although the pressure detection means in Patent Document 4 detects the magnitude of the pressure applied by the operator to the mouse, Patent Document 4 does not control the output of an operation instruction signal based on whether the pressure is above a threshold value. In Patent Document 5, when a weak force is applied, the position of a window on a display is moved slowly, and conversely, when a strong force is applied, the position of a window on a display is moved quickly. Therefore, although the pressure sensor in Patent Document 5 detects the magnitude of pressure applied by the operator to the mouse, Patent Document 5 does not control the output of an operation instruction signal based on whether the pressure is above a threshold value.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an input device and a method for manufacturing an input device that can set thresholds that are tailored to the operator's motor functions and muscle strength, making it easier for operators with limited physical motor functions to operate a computer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The input device 1 of the present invention described in claim 1 is an input device 1 that detects a pressing operation by an operator and outputs an operation instruction signal to a computer 2, and is equipped with a pressure sensor 10 that detects the pressure caused by the pressing operation, and a control means 20 that inputs a signal from the pressure sensor 10 and outputs the operation instruction signal, and the control means 20 has a pressure detection unit 21 that detects the magnitude of the pressure from the signal from the pressure sensor 10, and a pressure judgment unit 22 that judges whether the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 21 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and is characterized in that the pressure judgment unit 22 outputs the operation instruction signal when it judges that the pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and does not output the operation instruction signal when it judges that the pressure is below the threshold value. The present invention as set forth in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the input device 1 as set forth in claim 1, the control means 20 further has a judgment result output unit 24, and when the pressure judgment unit 22 judges that the operation instruction signal should be output, the judgment result output unit 24 outputs an operation signal to the judgment output means 30. The present invention as set forth in claim 3 is the input device 1 as set forth in claim 2, wherein the determination output means 30 is at least one of a vibration unit, a speaker, and a display element. The present invention as set forth in claim 4 is characterized in that in the input device 1 as set forth in claim 1, the control means 20 further comprises a threshold setting section 25, and the threshold setting section 25 is capable of changing the threshold. The present invention as set forth in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the input device 1 as set forth in claim 4, the threshold setting unit 25 sets the threshold from the pressure detected by the time-series pressing operation at a predetermined time stored in the memory unit 26. The present invention as set forth in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the input device 1 as set forth in claim 1, the control means 20 further has an operation content conversion unit 27 that changes the operation content of the operation instruction signal, and the operation content conversion unit 27 changes the operation content to be output to the computer 2 depending on the order of the operation instruction signals determined and output by the pressure determination unit 22. The present invention described in claim 7 is a method for manufacturing an input device 1 described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the body part that performs the pressing operation is identified, the body shape including the body part is obtained as 3D data, the 3D data is used to design a device body of the input device 1 that matches the body shape, and the position on the device body that the body part comes into contact with is set as the installation position of the pressure sensor 10. The present invention described in claim 8 is a manufacturing method of the input device 1 described in claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the body part that performs the pressing operation is identified, the body shape including the body part is obtained as 3D data, the 3D data is used to design a device body of the input device 1 that matches the body shape, the position on the device body where the body part comes into contact is set as the installation position of the pressure sensor 10, and after determining the installation position of the pressure sensor 10, the positioning of the judgment output means 30 on the device body is performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the input device of the present invention, the threshold value can be set to match the operator's movement function and muscle strength, making it easier for operators with limited physical motor function to operate a computer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention in terms of function realization means; [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the switch operation by the pressure sensor according to the present embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an input device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] Photographs showing manufacturing steps of the input device according to this embodiment [Figure 5] A diagram showing the classification and characteristics of input devices (switches) for communication devices for people with severe disabilities. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of a pressing operation, and control means that receives a signal from the pressure sensor and outputs an operation instruction signal, the control means having a pressure detection unit that detects the magnitude of the pressure from the signal from the pressure sensor, and a pressure determination unit that determines whether the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit is equal to or greater than a threshold, and the pressure determination unit outputs an operation instruction signal when it determines that the pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold, and does not output an operation instruction signal when it determines that the pressure is below the threshold. According to this embodiment, the threshold can be set to match the operator's movement function and muscle strength, making it possible to provide an input device that makes it easy for operators with limited physical motor function to operate a computer.

[0011] In a second embodiment of the present invention, in the input device according to the first embodiment, the control means further includes a determination result output unit, which outputs an operation signal to the determination output means when the pressure determination unit determines that an operation instruction signal should be output. According to this embodiment, the feeling of operation can be improved by providing feedback to the operator as to whether or not an input has been made by a pressing operation.

[0012] A third embodiment of the present invention is an input device according to the second embodiment, in which the determination output means is at least one of a vibration unit, a speaker, and a display element. According to this embodiment, feedback can be provided as vibration, sound, or light.

[0013] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the input device according to the first embodiment, the control means further includes a threshold setting unit that can change the threshold. According to this embodiment, the threshold can be set by actually pressing the input device, so that a threshold that makes it easy for an operator with limited physical function to operate a computer can be set.

[0014] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the input device according to the fourth embodiment, the threshold setting unit automatically sets the threshold from pressure detected by time-series pressing operations over a predetermined period of time stored in the storage unit. This embodiment can also accommodate medium- to long-term changes in the operator's motor function and muscle strength.

[0015] In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in the input device according to the first embodiment, the control means further includes an operation content conversion unit that changes the operation content of the operation instruction signal, and the operation content conversion unit changes the operation content to be output to the computer depending on the order of the operation instruction signals determined and output by the pressure determination unit. According to this embodiment, an operation instruction such as changing the cursor movement direction can be given by a simple pressing operation, so that an operator with limited physical functions can operate a computer.

[0016] A seventh embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing method of an input device according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, in which a body part to be pressed is identified, a body shape including the body part is acquired as 3D data, a device body of the input device is designed to fit the body shape using the 3D data, and a position on the device body where the body part comes into contact is set as an installation position of a pressure sensor. According to this embodiment, an input device can be manufactured that allows an operator with limited physical function to operate a computer.

[0017] The eighth embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing method of an input device according to the second or third embodiment, in which the body part to be pressed is identified, the body shape including the body part is obtained as 3D data, the 3D data is used to design a device body of the input device that matches the body shape, the position on the device body where the body part comes into contact is set as the installation position of the pressure sensor, and after determining the installation position of the pressure sensor, the position of the determination output means on the device body is determined. According to this embodiment, an input device that allows an operator with limited physical function to operate a computer can be manufactured. [Example]

[0018] An input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an input device according to this embodiment in terms of function realization means. The input device 1 according to this embodiment detects a pressing operation by an operator and outputs an operation instruction signal to a computer 2, and is used particularly as a communication device for severely disabled persons. The input device 1 according to this embodiment includes a pressure sensor 10 for detecting pressure due to a pressing operation, The device is equipped with a control means 20 that receives a signal from the pressure sensor 10 and outputs an operation instruction signal, and a judgment output means 30 that is composed of at least one of a vibration unit, a speaker, and a display element. The vibration unit can be, for example, a motor.

[0019] The control means 20 has a pressure detection unit 21 that detects the magnitude of pressure from a signal from the pressure sensor 10, a pressure judgment unit 22 that judges whether the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 21 is above a threshold value, an operation instruction unit 23 that outputs an operation instruction signal, and a judgment result output unit 24 that outputs an operation signal to the judgment output means 30. The operation instruction unit 23 outputs an operation instruction signal when the pressure determination unit 22 determines that the pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and does not output an operation instruction signal when the pressure determination unit 22 determines that the pressure is below the threshold value. When the pressure determination unit 22 determines that an operation instruction signal should be output, the determination result output unit 24 outputs an operation signal to the determination output means 30 .

[0020] The control means 20 further includes a threshold setting unit 25. The threshold setting unit 25 can change the threshold, for example, by input from a threshold input unit 40. In this way, by further including the threshold setting unit 25, the threshold can be set by an actual pressing operation on the input device 1, so that a threshold can be set that makes it easy for an operator with limited physical motor function to operate the computer 2.

[0021] In addition, the control means 20 has a memory unit 26 that stores the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 21, and the threshold setting unit 25 can automatically set the threshold from the pressure detected by the time-series pressing operation at a predetermined time stored in the memory unit 26, so it can also respond to medium- to long-term changes in the operator's motor function and muscle strength.

[0022] The control means 20 further includes an operation content conversion section 27 that changes the operation content of the operation instruction signal. The operation content conversion unit 27 changes the operation content to be output to the computer 2 depending on the order of the operation instruction signals determined and output by the pressure determination unit 22. In this way, by having the operation content conversion unit 27 that changes the operation content of the operation instruction signal, an operator with limited physical functions can operate the computer 2, for example, by simply pressing the operation button, which allows the operator to issue an operation instruction such as changing the direction of cursor movement.

[0023] The switching operation of the pressure sensor will be explained using FIG. In this example, a thin-film pressure sensor 10 was used, which outputs a change in resistance value as a static physical quantity in response to external pressure. In the prototype, a thin-film sensor (RP-C18.3-ST) 10 was used, as it has a wide pressure tolerance range. The main specifications of the thin-film sensor 10 used in the prototype are a thickness of 0.4 mm, a diameter of 18 mm, and a measurement range of 20 g to 6 kg. The resistance value of the thin-film sensor 10 was converted into pressure using an ADC (analog to digital converter) of a microcomputer (Raspberry Pi Pico W).

[0024] Figure 2(a) shows the internal resistance of the circuit configuration of the pressure detection unit. These internal resistance values ​​are actual measured values. Figure 2(b) shows the relationship between the ADC voltage and the pressure. Figure 2(b) shows the relationship between pressure and ADC voltage in the circuit of Figure 2(a) based on the pressure and resistance characteristics of the thin-film sensor 10 used, and the pressure measurement range can cover several grams to several hundred grams. Figure 2(c) shows the measured values ​​of the pressure applied by the tension gauge. The input voltage value to the ADC is converted into pressure based on the relationship between the ADC voltage and pressure shown in Figure 2(b), and Figure 2(c) shows the measurement value when pressure is applied to the thin-film sensor 10 using a rod-type tension gauge (TK110CN9). This is still in the basic study stage, and confirmation is being made using one pressure sensor 10. Although the measured value is about 10 g lower than the pressure applied by the tension gauge, it has been confirmed that the proportional relationship is maintained. FIG. 2(d) shows the detection result of the pressure detection unit. Figure 2(d) shows a time series of the ADC input voltage and the value converted to pressure (g) by the pressure determination unit 22. The black circles in Figure 2(d) are measurement points, with time intervals of 80 ms. It has been confirmed that by setting a threshold, it is possible to control the on / off switch according to the set threshold.

[0025] To check the overall operation, a contact-type input switch and the input device 1 according to this embodiment were connected to a One-Key Mouse (TY Planning Co., Ltd.: One-Key Mouse. http: / / ty-plan.com / 03_fukushi / 02_onekey / 1keyusb00.htm (November 10, 2021)), which is a mouse substitute device that can be used when it is possible to distinguish between long and short presses for the switch on time, and compared. When the threshold was set to 10g, a comparison was made and it was confirmed that the response time was the same and that the tactile feedback provided by the vibration unit provided a sense of operation as a switch.

[0026] The force with which the operator presses the switch may change in patients with progressive intractable diseases, etc., making it necessary to reset the threshold value periodically. However, by continuously recording the maximum value of the pressure detection unit 21 as shown in Figure 2(d), the threshold value can be automatically reset based on the tendency of changes in the maximum value, making it possible to set the threshold value to match the operator's motor function and muscle strength.

[0027] As described above, the control means 20 has a pressure detection unit 21 that detects the magnitude of pressure from a signal from the pressure sensor 10, and a pressure determination unit 22 that determines whether the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 21 is above a threshold value, and the threshold value is set according to the operator's motor function and muscle strength, and the pressure determination unit 22 outputs an operation instruction signal when it determines that the pressure is above the threshold value, and does not output an operation instruction signal when it determines that the pressure is below the threshold value, thereby providing an input device 1 that makes it easy for operators with limited physical motor functions to operate the computer 2. In addition, the control means 20 further has a judgment result output unit 24, and when the judgment result output unit 24 determines that the pressure judgment unit 22 should output an operation instruction signal, it outputs an operation signal to the judgment output means 30, thereby providing feedback to the operator as to whether or not an input has been made by a pressing operation, thereby improving the sense of operation.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an input device according to this embodiment. In the manufacturing method of the input device 1 according to this embodiment, first, a body part to be pressed is identified (S51), and then a body shape including the identified body part is obtained as 3D data (S52). Using the 3D data acquired in S52, the device body of the input device 1 is designed to fit the body shape (S53). Then, the position on the device body designed in S53 that will come into contact with the body part is determined as the installation position of the pressure sensor 10 (S54). When the determination output means 30 is provided in the device body, after determining the installation position of the pressure sensor 10, the determination output means 30 is positioned in the device body (S55). In this way, an input device 1 can be manufactured that allows an operator with limited physical capabilities to operate a computer 2.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a photograph showing the manufacturing steps of the input device according to this embodiment. In FIG. 4, the body part where the pressing operation is performed is the pad of the second fingertip. Then, 3D data of the body shape including the body parts is captured using a 3D scanner in the position of the limbs when the switch is operated. Note that the 3D data may be acquired using captured images including distance data, or by other methods.

[0030] Figure 4(a) is a 3D captured image of the right hand. Figure 4(a) shows a captured image of the right hand of an operator with limited physical function, including the body part (tip of the second finger), after 3D data was input using a 3D scanner app (Scaniverse) on a multi-function mobile device (iPad (registered trademark)). The position that makes it easy to operate the switch is assumed to be operated with the pad of the tip of the second finger. 3D CAD (Fusion360) was used to design the device body. The switch is made from the top part of a spheroid cut in half, in a shape that maintains the shape of the second finger of the right hand.

[0031] Figure 4(b) shows the solid model designed using 3D CAD. As shown in Figure 4(c), by overlapping the designed device body with the body part (right hand), the position on the device body where the body part (the pad of the second fingertip) comes into contact is determined as the installation position of the pressure sensor 10. In this design, a method is adopted in which the device body is fixed with the first finger of the right hand. In this way, the device body is designed by determining the body part (the first finger of the right hand) that will fix (press) the device body. After overlapping the designed device body with the body (right hand) including the body part, the overlapping part of the body (right hand) is deleted from the device body. In this example, the overlapping part of the body part performing the pressing operation (the pad of the second fingertip) and the body part holding the device body (first finger) is deleted. Note that it is also preferable to delete other body parts whose movement is restricted by a disability from the device body. In this way, by removing the part of the device body that overlaps with the body (right hand), the device body is provided with irregularities that reflect the state of the limb position. FIG. 4(d) shows the device body after the overlapping portion of the body (right hand) has been removed from the device body.

[0032] 4(e), the position where the body part performing the pressing operation comes into contact with the device body is set as the installation position of the pressure sensor 10. In other words, the part where the body part performing the pressing operation (the pad of the tip of the second finger) comes into contact is set as the location where the pressure sensor 10 is to be attached, and a cylindrical depression with a diameter of 20 mm is designed to be attached at this location. The device body designed in this way can be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer. FIG. 4(e) shows a state in which the pressure sensor 10 is attached to a device main body formed by a 3D printer. Figure 4(f) shows the state in which the completed device body is held in the right hand and the switch is operated with the pad of the second finger.

[0033] According to this embodiment, it is possible to manufacture an input device 1 that allows an operator with limited physical functions to operate a computer 2. [Industrial Applicability]

[0034] The present invention is particularly suitable as an input device for communication devices for severely disabled people. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 1. Input Devices 2. Computer 10 Pressure sensor (thin film sensor) 20 Control Means 21 Pressure detection unit 22 Pressure determination unit 23 Operation instruction section 24 Judgment result output section 25 Threshold setting unit 26 Memory section 27 Operation content conversion section 30 Judgment output means 40 Threshold input section

Claims

1. An input device that detects a pressing operation by an operator and outputs an operation instruction signal to a computer, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure caused by the pressing operation; a control means for receiving a signal from the pressure sensor and outputting the operation instruction signal; Equipped with The control means a pressure detection unit that detects the magnitude of the pressure from the signal from the pressure sensor; a pressure determination unit that determines whether the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit is equal to or greater than a threshold value; and The pressure determination unit outputs the operation instruction signal when it determines that the pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and does not output the operation instruction signal when it determines that the pressure is less than the threshold value. An input device characterized by:

2. the control means further includes a determination result output unit, When the pressure determination unit determines that the operation instruction signal should be output, the determination result output unit outputs an operation signal to the determination output means.

2. The input device according to claim 1 .

3. The determination output means is at least one of a vibration unit, a speaker, and a display element.

3. The input device according to claim 2.

4. the control means further includes a threshold setting unit, The threshold setting unit can change the threshold.

2. The input device according to claim 1 .

5. The threshold setting unit sets the threshold from the pressure detected by the pressing operation in time series at a predetermined time stored in a storage unit.

5. The input device according to claim 4.

6. the control means further includes an operation content conversion unit that changes the operation content of the operation instruction signal, The operation content conversion unit changes the operation content to be output to the computer depending on the order of the operation instruction signals determined and output by the pressure determination unit.

2. The input device according to claim 1 .

7. A method for manufacturing an input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: Identifying a body part to be subjected to the pressing operation; Acquire a body shape including the body part as 3D data; Using the 3D data, design a device body of the input device that matches the body shape; The position on the device body that comes into contact with the body part is set as the installation position of the pressure sensor.

10. A method for manufacturing an input device comprising the steps of:

8. 4. A method for manufacturing an input device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising: Identifying a body part to be subjected to the pressing operation; Acquire a body shape including the body part as 3D data; Using the 3D data, design a device body of the input device that matches the body shape; a position on the device body that comes into contact with the body part is set as an installation position of the pressure sensor; After determining the installation position of the pressure sensor, the determination output means is positioned in the device body.

10. A method for manufacturing an input device comprising the steps of:

Images