Haptic feedback system

Abstract

This invention provides a tactile feedback system that can achieve tactile feedback effects with a simple structure. [Solution] The tactile feedback system comprises a signal input unit into which a user can input a signal, an actuator that vibrates an object different from the signal input unit, and a control device that controls the actuator. The control device is configured to include a receiving unit that receives a signal input from the signal input unit, and an excitation unit that activates the actuator to vibrate the object when the receiving unit receives a signal input.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tactile feedback system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a haptic expression system including an actuator configured to output a haptic effect (tactile feedback). In the haptic expression system described in Patent Document 1, when a signal is input to the device, the vibration actuator mounted on the device is operated to vibrate the location where the user touches.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when vibrating the location where the user touches as in the system described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to mount an actuator on each part that the user touches, which may make the structure complicated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tactile feedback system capable of obtaining a tactile feedback effect with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A tactile feedback system according to the first embodiment includes a signal input unit into which a user can input a signal, an actuator that vibrates an object to be vibrated different from the signal input unit, and a control device that controls the actuator, wherein the control device includes a receiving unit that receives a signal input from the signal input unit, and a vibration unit that, when the receiving unit receives a signal input, operates the actuator to vibrate the object to be vibrated.

[0007] In the above embodiment, the signal input unit allows the user to input a signal. The actuator is configured to vibrate an object different from the signal input unit and is controlled by the control device. Here, the receiving unit of the control device receives the signal input from the signal input unit. When the vibration unit of the control device receives the signal input from the receiving unit, it activates the actuator to vibrate the object. As a result, even if there are multiple signal input units in different locations, tactile feedback is provided by vibrating the object, thus enabling a simpler structure compared to a configuration in which the actuator is located at the signal input unit. Furthermore, reducing the number of actuators reduces costs and manufacturing man-hours.

[0008] In the second embodiment of the tactile feedback system, in the first embodiment, the signal input unit is configured to include at least one of a contact operation unit provided in the vehicle interior that can be operated by the occupant by contact, and a non-contact operation unit that can be operated by the occupant without contact, and the vibration unit vibrates the object to be vibrated when a predetermined signal is input to either the contact operation unit or the non-contact operation unit.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the vibration unit vibrates the object to be vibrated when a predetermined signal is input to either the contact operation unit or the non-contact operation unit. This allows tactile feedback to be obtained regardless of whether the signal input unit is the contact operation unit or the non-contact operation unit. The term "contact operation unit" here is not limited to push-button switches and toggle switches, but broadly includes touch panels and the like. The term "non-contact operation unit" broadly includes operation units operated by voice recognition, gaze recognition, gesture recognition, etc.

[0010] The third embodiment of the tactile feedback system, in the first or second embodiment, includes a steering control unit located in front of the driver's seat, and the vibration unit vibrates the steering control unit by operating the actuator.

[0011] In the above embodiment, by vibrating the steering control unit, the driver can understand that a signal input has been received, even while driving, as long as they are holding the steering control unit.

[0012] The fourth embodiment of the tactile feedback system is one of the first to third embodiments in which the object to be vibrated includes a vehicle seat, and the vibration unit vibrates the vehicle seat by operating the actuator.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the driver can be notified that a signal input has been received, even when the vehicle is stopped and the driver is not touching the steering wheel, because the vehicle seat in which the driver is seated vibrates.

[0014] The fifth embodiment of the tactile feedback system is such that, in any one embodiment of the first to fourth embodiments, the vibration unit vibrates the object to be vibrated with different vibration patterns depending on the type of input signal received by the receiving unit.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the user can easily understand the type of input signal received by the reception unit based on the vibration pattern of the object being vibrated.

[0016] The sixth embodiment of the tactile feedback system, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, includes a signal input unit which includes a microphone installed in the vehicle cabin for collecting the voice of an occupant, and the object to be vibrated which includes at least one of a vehicle seat and a steering wheel operating unit installed in the vehicle cabin, and the control device vibrates at least one of the vehicle seat and the steering wheel operating unit when the voice collected by the microphone satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0017] In the above embodiment, when an occupant speaks into the microphone, at least one of the vehicle seat and the steering wheel controls vibrates if the voice meets predetermined conditions, allowing the occupant to easily understand that the voice recognition has been accepted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the tactile feedback system of the present invention, a tactile feedback effect can be obtained with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the haptic feedback system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of tactile feedback processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This block diagram shows the hardware configuration of the haptic feedback system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing an example of tactile feedback processing in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] <First Embodiment> The haptic feedback system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the haptic feedback system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the haptic feedback system 10 includes a touch panel 12 and switches 14 as signal input units through which a user can input signals, and a steering wheel 16 and a vehicle seat 18 as objects to be vibrated.

[0021] The touch panel 12 is provided in the vehicle interior and constitutes a contact operation unit that can be operated by a passenger's contact. In particular, it is configured to be operable by the passenger's touch. For example, the touch panel 12 may be a center display provided on the instrument panel at the front of the vehicle interior.

[0022] The switches 14 are provided in the vehicle interior and constitute a contact operation unit that can be operated by a passenger's contact. In particular, the switches 14 are constituted by push-type switches and toggle switches that can be pressed by a passenger provided in the vehicle interior. Further, the switches 14 may include touch switches that can be detected by an electrostatic sensor.

[0023] The steering wheel 16 is provided in front of the driver's seat and is configured to be gripped by a driver seated on the vehicle seat 18 which is the driver's seat. Note that the steering wheel 16 is not limited to a general annular steering wheel, and an irregular-shaped steering wheel may also be used.

[0024] The steering wheel 16 is equipped with a first actuator 36. The first actuator 36 is an actuator that vibrates the steering wheel 16, and in this embodiment, the first actuator 36 is, as an example, a vibrator equipped with a voice coil motor that includes a coil section and a magnetic circuit. Therefore, the first actuator 36 is configured to generate vibration through the interaction between the coil section and the magnetic circuit when current is passed through the coil section. Note that the first actuator 36 is not limited to a configuration equipped with a voice coil motor, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as it is an actuator capable of vibrating the steering wheel 16. For example, a configuration equipped with an eccentric motor or a piezo type may also be used. Furthermore, multiple first actuators 36 may be mounted on the steering wheel 16.

[0025] The first actuator 36 is electrically connected to the control device 20, which will be described later, and vibrates in a predetermined vibration pattern based on a signal from the control device 20 to excite the steering wheel 16. In other words, the first actuator 36 is an actuator that excites an object different from the signal input section, the touch panel 12 and switches 14.

[0026] The vehicle seat 18 comprises a seat cushion that supports the driver's lower limbs from below, a seat back that supports the driver's upper body, and a headrest that supports the driver's head. The vehicle seat 18 is also equipped with a second actuator 38.

[0027] The second actuator 38 is an actuator that vibrates the vehicle seat 18. In this embodiment, the second actuator 38 is, as an example, a vibrator equipped with a voice coil motor similar to that of the first actuator 36. However, the second actuator 38 is not limited to a configuration equipped with a voice coil motor; other configurations are also acceptable as long as the actuator is capable of vibrating the vehicle seat 18. For example, a configuration equipped with an eccentric motor or a piezo type may be used, but since voice coil motors have higher responsiveness and lower operating noise, it is preferable to use voice coil motors for both the first actuator 36 and the second actuator 38.

[0028] In this embodiment, the second actuator 38 is, for example, mounted inside the seat cushion of the vehicle seat 18 and is electrically connected to the control device 20, which will be described later. The second actuator 38 vibrates in a predetermined vibration pattern based on a signal from the control device 20, thereby exciting the seat cushion (vehicle seat 18). In other words, the second actuator 38 excites an object different from the signal input unit, the touch panel 12 and switches 14. In this embodiment, one second actuator 38 is mounted in the seat cushion, but this is not limited to this, and multiple second actuators 38 may be mounted, or the second actuator 38 may be mounted on the seat back and headrest, etc.

[0029] The haptic feedback system 10 includes a control unit 20. The control unit 20 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 22, ROM (Read Only Memory) 24, RAM (Random Access Memory) 26, storage 28, a communication interface (communication I / F) 30, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 32. Each component is connected to the others via an internal bus 34 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0030] The CPU 22 is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls each component. Specifically, the CPU 22 reads programs from the ROM 24 or storage 28 and executes them using the RAM 26 as a working area. The CPU 22 also controls the above components and performs various calculations according to the programs recorded in the ROM 24 or storage 28.

[0031] ROM24 stores various programs and data. RAM26 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage28 is a non-temporary recording medium consisting of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. In this embodiment, ROM24 or storage28 stores programs for performing various processes.

[0032] The communication interface 30 is a interface through which the control device 20 communicates with external servers and other devices, and standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used.

[0033] The input / output interface 32 is electrically connected to the touch panel 12, switches 14, steering wheel 16, and vehicle seat 18.

[0034] (Functional configuration of the control device 20) The control device 20 implements various functions using the above-mentioned hardware resources. The functional configuration implemented by the control device 20 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 20 in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the control device 20 is configured to include, as a functional configuration, a reception unit 52, a vibration necessity determination unit 54, a vibration target determination unit 56, a vibration pattern determination unit 58, and a vibration unit 60.

[0035] The reception unit 52 receives signals from the touch panel 12 and the switches 14. For example, if the driver touches a predetermined location on the touch panel 12, the reception unit 52 receives a signal corresponding to the touched location. Also, for example, if the driver operates one of the switches 14, the reception unit 52 receives a signal corresponding to the operated switch.

[0036] The vibration necessity determination unit 54 determines whether tactile feedback is necessary when it receives a signal input from the reception unit 52. In other words, in this embodiment, tactile feedback is provided when a specific signal is input, and not provided when other signals are input.

[0037] The vibration necessity determination unit 54 determines, for example, whether tactile feedback is necessary when it receives an operation request for in-vehicle equipment from the reception unit 52. In-vehicle equipment here includes, for example, air conditioning systems, audio systems, navigation systems, and seat heaters.

[0038] Furthermore, the vibration necessity determination unit 54 may determine that tactile feedback is necessary when, for example, the reception unit 52 receives an operation request for the side window, sliding door, back door, shift lever, door lock, handbrake, and parking brake. In addition, the vibration necessity determination unit 54 may determine that tactile feedback is necessary when, for example, the reception unit 52 receives an operation request for the vehicle's driving assistance functions.

[0039] The vibration target determination unit 56 determines whether to vibrate the steering wheel 16 or the vehicle seat 18. Alternatively, the vibration target determination unit 56 may decide to activate both the steering wheel 16 and the vehicle seat 18.

[0040] The method for determining the target of vibration is not particularly limited. For example, in the case of tactile feedback for input to in-vehicle equipment, the vehicle seat 18 may be determined as the target of vibration, and in the case of tactile feedback for input related to vehicle driving, such as driver assistance functions, the steering wheel 16 may be determined as the target of vibration. Also, for example, when input for a particularly important operation is received, the steering wheel 16 and the vehicle seat 18 may be determined as the targets of vibration, but this is not limited to this.

[0041] The vibration pattern determination unit 58 determines the vibration pattern when vibrating the first actuator 36 and the second actuator 38. In other words, in this embodiment, the system is configured to vibrate the object to be vibrated with different vibration patterns depending on the type of input signal received by the reception unit 52. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system is configured to vibrate the object to be vibrated with different vibration patterns depending on the type of tactile feedback. For example, the vibration pattern determination unit 58 may set different vibration patterns depending on whether the operation input by the driver is accepted or rejected.

[0042] The vibration unit 60 activates the first actuator 36 and the second actuator 38 to vibrate the steering wheel 16 and the vehicle seat 18. Specifically, the vibration unit 60 activates at least one of the first actuator 36 and the second actuator 38 to vibrate the vibration target determined by the vibration target determination unit 56.

[0043] Furthermore, the vibration unit 60 transmits a signal to at least one of the first actuator 36 and the second actuator 38 to cause vibration according to the vibration pattern determined by the vibration pattern determination unit 58.

[0044] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

[0045] An example of haptic feedback processing by the haptic feedback system 10 of this embodiment will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 3. These display processes are performed by the CPU 22 reading a predetermined program from the ROM 24 or storage 28, loading it into the RAM 26, and executing it.

[0046] (Haptic feedback processing) As shown in Figure 3, the CPU 22 accepts a signal input in step S102. Specifically, the CPU 22 accepts input when the touch panel 12 and switches 14 are operated by the function of the reception unit 52.

[0047] In step S104, the CPU 22 determines whether or not vibration is necessary. Specifically, if the input signal received by the reception unit 52 is of a type that requires vibration, based on the function of the vibration necessity determination unit 54, the CPU 22 proceeds from step S104 to step S106. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines in step S104 that vibration is not necessary, no processing feedback is given, and the process ends.

[0048] In step S106, the CPU 22 determines the vibration target and vibration pattern. Specifically, the CPU 22 determines, using the function of the vibration target determination unit 56, whether to vibrate only the steering wheel 16, only the vehicle seat 18, or both the steering wheel 16 and the vehicle seat 18. The CPU 22 also determines the vibration pattern using the function of the vibration pattern determination unit 58.

[0049] In step S108, the CPU 22 determines whether or not to vibrate the steering wheel 16. Based on the decision made in step S106, if the steering wheel 16 is to be vibrated, the CPU 22 proceeds to the process in step S110. If the steering wheel 16 is not to be vibrated, the CPU 22 proceeds to the process in step S116. The processes from step S110 onward will be described below, followed by the processes from step S116 onward.

[0050] In step S110, the CPU 22 determines whether or not to vibrate the vehicle seat 18. If, based on the decision made in step S106, the vehicle seat 18 is to be vibrated, the CPU 22 proceeds to the process in step S112. In step S112, the CPU 22 operates both the first actuator 36 and the second actuator 38 in a predetermined vibration pattern using the function of the vibration unit 60.

[0051] If the vehicle seat 18 is not vibrated in step S110, the CPU 22 proceeds to step S114. In step S114, the CPU 22 uses the function of the vibration unit 60 to operate only the first actuator 36 in a predetermined vibration pattern.

[0052] On the other hand, if the process moves from step S108 to step S116, the CPU 22 determines in step S116 whether or not to vibrate the vehicle seat 18. If the vehicle seat 18 is to be vibrated based on the decision made in step S106, the CPU 22 moves to step S118. In step S118, the CPU 22 operates only the second actuator 38 in a predetermined vibration pattern using the function of the vibration unit 60.

[0053] If the vehicle seat 18 is not vibrated in step S116, the CPU 22 will terminate this process by not operating either the first actuator 36 or the second actuator 38.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, the first actuator 36 and the second actuator 38 are configured to vibrate the steering wheel 16 and the vehicle seat 18, which are different from the touch panel 12 and switches 14 that serve as signal input units, and are controlled by the control device 20. As a result, even if there are multiple touch panels 12 and switches 14 in different locations, tactile feedback is provided by vibrating at least one of the steering wheel 16 and the vehicle seat 18. This results in a simpler structure compared to a configuration in which actuators are individually provided for the touch panel 12 and switches 14. Furthermore, the number of actuators to be installed can be reduced, thereby lowering costs and manufacturing man-hours.

[0055] In particular, when the tactile feedback system 10 is applied to a vehicle as in this embodiment, even if the touch panel 12 and switches 14 are vibrated, sufficient tactile feedback may not be obtained due to vibrations during vehicle operation. In contrast, the tactile feedback system 10 according to this embodiment is configured to vibrate the steering wheel 16 and vehicle seat 18, which the driver constantly touches while driving. Therefore, it is easy to distinguish from vibrations during driving, and effective tactile feedback can be provided.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by vibrating the steering wheel 16, the driver can understand that a signal input has been received even while driving, as long as they are holding the steering wheel 16. In addition, by vibrating the vehicle seat 18, the driver can understand that a signal input has been received even when they are not touching the steering wheel 16. For example, by simply changing the target of vibration—vibrating the steering wheel 16 while the vehicle is moving and vibrating the vehicle seat 18 when the vehicle is stopped—effective tactile feedback can be provided to the driver.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steering wheel 16 and vehicle seat 18 are vibrated with different vibration patterns depending on the type of input signal received by the reception unit 52. Therefore, the user can easily understand the type of input signal received by the reception unit 52 based on the vibration pattern. For example, by changing the vibration pattern depending on whether the driver's request has been approved or not, the driver can easily understand whether the request has been approved or not, even while looking straight ahead. In addition, since notifications are made during driving via haptic feedback, it is possible to reduce the annoyance felt by other passengers compared to notifying approval content by voice or display.

[0058] <Second Embodiment> Next, the tactile feedback system 70 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0059] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the haptic feedback system 70 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the haptic feedback system 70 of this embodiment includes a microphone 72 as a signal input unit into which the user can input signals, and a steering wheel 16 and a vehicle seat 18 as objects to be vibrated.

[0060] The microphone 72 is a device installed inside the vehicle to collect the voices of the occupants. In this embodiment, the microphone 72 is positioned around the driver's seat to collect the voice of the driver. Alternatively, the microphone 72 may be a directional microphone to collect only the driver's voice.

[0061] The control device 20, steering wheel 16, and vehicle seat 18 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0062] (Functional configuration of the control device 20) The control device 20 implements various functions using the above-mentioned hardware resources. The functional configuration implemented by the control device 20 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 20 in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the control device 20 is configured to include, as a functional configuration, a reception unit 52, a voice recognition unit 74, a vibration necessity determination unit 54, a vibration target determination unit 56, a vibration pattern determination unit 58, and a vibration unit 60.

[0063] The speech recognition unit 74 recognizes the driver's instructions from the voice collected by the microphone 72. For example, the speech recognition unit 74 may extract the driver's voice from the sound data collected by the microphone 72 and perform speech recognition by pattern matching with pre-registered words. Alternatively, the speech recognition unit 74 may use known techniques to perform speech recognition by inputting voice into a pre-trained model that has been trained using machine learning.

[0064] The vibration necessity determination unit 54 determines that vibration of the object to be vibrated is necessary if the voice recognized by the voice recognition unit 74 meets predetermined conditions. For example, the vibration necessity determination unit 54 may determine that vibration of at least one of the steering wheel 16 and the vehicle seat 18 is necessary if the driver's voice relates to the operation of a predetermined vehicle device or to a predetermined driving support function.

[0065] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

[0066] An example of tactile feedback processing by the tactile feedback system 70 of this embodiment will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 6. These display processes are performed by the CPU 22 reading a predetermined program from the ROM 24 or storage 28, loading it into the RAM 26, and executing it. Furthermore, steps S206 to S218 of the tactile feedback processing described below are the same as steps S106 to S118 of the tactile feedback processing in the first embodiment.

[0067] (Haptic feedback processing) As shown in Figure 6, the CPU 22 receives the audio in step S202. Specifically, the CPU 22 receives the audio collected by the microphone 72 through the function of the receiving unit 52.

[0068] In step S204, the CPU 22 determines whether the excitation conditions are met. Specifically, if the voice received by the reception unit 52 and recognized by the voice recognition unit 74, based on the function of the excitation necessity determination unit 54, meets the predetermined conditions, the CPU 22 proceeds from step S204 to step S206. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines in step S204 that the voice does not meet the predetermined conditions, no processing feedback is given, and the process ends.

[0069] In step S206, the CPU 22 determines the vibration target and vibration pattern. Specifically, the CPU 22, using the function of the vibration target determination unit 56, determines whether to vibrate only the steering wheel 16, only the vehicle seat 18, or both the steering wheel 16 and the vehicle seat 18. The CPU 22 also determines the vibration pattern using the function of the vibration pattern determination unit 58.

[0070] In step S208, the CPU 22 determines whether or not to vibrate the steering wheel 16. Based on the decision made in step S106, if the steering wheel 16 is to be vibrated, the CPU 22 proceeds to the process in step S210. If the steering wheel 16 is not to be vibrated, the CPU 22 proceeds to the process in step S216.

[0071] In step S210, the CPU 22 determines whether or not to vibrate the vehicle seat 18. Based on the decision made in step S206, if the vehicle seat 18 is to be vibrated, the CPU 22 proceeds to the process in step S212. In step S212, the CPU 22 operates both the first actuator 36 and the second actuator 38 in a predetermined vibration pattern using the function of the vibration unit 60.

[0072] If the vehicle seat 18 is not vibrated in step S210, the CPU 22 proceeds to step S214. In step S214, the CPU 22 uses the function of the vibration unit 60 to operate only the first actuator 36 in a predetermined vibration pattern.

[0073] On the other hand, if the process moves from step S208 to step S216, the CPU 22 determines in step S216 whether or not to vibrate the vehicle seat 18. If the vehicle seat 18 is to be vibrated based on the decision made in step S206, the CPU 22 moves to step S218. In step S218, the CPU 22 operates only the second actuator 38 in a predetermined vibration pattern using the function of the vibration unit 60.

[0074] If the vehicle seat 18 is not vibrated in step S216, the CPU 22 will terminate this process by not operating either the first actuator 36 or the second actuator 38.

[0075] As described above, in this embodiment, when the voice meets predetermined conditions, at least one of the vehicle seat 18 and the steering wheel 16 vibrates, allowing the driver to easily understand that voice recognition has been accepted. In other words, the driver can operate the in-vehicle equipment without moving their gaze while holding the steering wheel 16, and can understand from the vibration whether or not the operation of the in-vehicle equipment has been approved by the system. Other functions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0076] 〔supplementary explanation〕 Although the tactile feedback systems 10 and 70 according to the first and second embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, a configuration including both the first and second embodiments may be used. In this case, the signal input section would include a touch panel 12, switches 14, and a microphone 72.

[0077] Furthermore, while the steering wheel 16 and vehicle seat 18 were used as the objects to be vibrated in the above embodiment, the system is not limited to these, and other parts that the user touches may be used as the objects to be vibrated. For example, the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, center console, and armrest may be used as the objects to be vibrated. In addition, at least one of the steering wheel 16 and vehicle seat 18 may be vibrated in the event of an error, such as when the accelerator pedal is operated incorrectly.

[0078] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the tactile feedback systems 10 and 70 are mounted on a vehicle, the system is not limited to this, and the tactile feedback systems 10 and 70 may be applied to other locations. For example, when the tactile feedback systems 10 and 70 are applied to an office, the keyboard and mouse may be used as signal input units, and actuators may be mounted on the office chair in which the worker sits. In this case, the control device may activate the actuators to vibrate the office chair when the worker inputs a signal via the keyboard and mouse and the signal meets predetermined conditions.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the touch panel 12, switches 14, and microphone 72 were used as signal input units, but the system is not limited to these. For example, a remote controller installed in the vehicle cabin or a smartphone carried by the occupant may be used as a signal input unit, which is a contact operation unit that can be operated by the occupant by touch. Alternatively, a gaze recognition device and a gesture recognition device may be used as signal operation units, which are contactless operation units that can be operated by the occupant without contact. The gaze recognition device may be configured, for example, by a camera installed in front of the driver's seat that can recognize the direction of the driver's gaze. The gesture recognition device may also be configured by a camera installed in front of the driver's seat that can recognize the driver's gestures. In this case, the gesture recognition device is not limited to a configuration that recognizes gestures made by the driver's hands, but may also be configured to recognize the driver's neck movements, etc.

[0080] Furthermore, the flow of tactile feedback processing described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the processing order rearranged, as long as it does not deviate from the main point.

[0081] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above.

[0082] (Note 1) A signal input section where the user can input a signal, An actuator that vibrates an object different from the signal input unit, A control device for controlling the actuator, It has, The control device is A receiving unit that receives signals from the aforementioned signal input unit, The system includes a vibration unit that, upon receiving a signal input from the reception unit, activates the actuator to vibrate the object to be vibrated, and A tactile feedback system. (Note 2) The signal input unit is configured to include at least one of a contact operation unit located inside the vehicle cabin that can be operated by the occupant by contact, and a non-contact operation unit that can be operated by the occupant without contact. The vibration unit vibrates the object to be vibrated when a predetermined signal is input to either the contact operation unit or the non-contact operation unit, as described in Appendix 1 of the tactile feedback system. (Note 3) The object to be vibrated includes the steering control unit located in front of the driver's seat. The vibration-generating unit is a tactile feedback system according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, which vibrates the steering control unit by operating the actuator. (Note 4) The aforementioned object to be vibrated includes a vehicle seat, The vibration excitation unit vibrates the vehicle seat by operating the actuator, as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3 of the tactile feedback system. (Note 5) The vibration unit vibrates the object to be vibrated with different vibration patterns depending on the type of input signal received by the receiving unit, as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4 of the tactile feedback system. (Note 6) The aforementioned signal input unit includes a microphone installed inside the vehicle cabin to collect the voices of the occupants. The object to be vibrated includes at least one of the vehicle's seat and steering wheel, which are installed inside the vehicle's cabin. The control device is a tactile feedback system according to Appendix 1, which vibrates at least one of the vehicle seat and the steering wheel when the sound collected by the microphone satisfies predetermined conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10. Tactile Feedback System 12. Touch panel (signal input section, contact operation section) 14. Switches (signal input section, contact operation section) 16. Steering wheel (object to be vibrated) 18. Vehicle seats (objects subject to vibration) 20 Control device 36. First Actuator 38. Second Actuator 50 Reception Department 60 Vibration section 70. Tactile Feedback System

Claims

1. A signal input section where the user can input a signal, An actuator that vibrates an object different from the signal input unit, A control device for controlling the actuator, It has, The control device is A receiving unit that receives signals from the aforementioned signal input unit, The system includes a vibration unit that, upon receiving a signal input from the reception unit, activates the actuator to vibrate the object to be vibrated, and A tactile feedback system.

2. The signal input unit is configured to include at least one of a contact operation unit located inside the vehicle cabin that can be operated by the occupant by contact, and a non-contact operation unit that can be operated by the occupant without contact. The tactile feedback system according to claim 1, wherein the vibration unit vibrates the object to be vibrated when a predetermined signal is input to either the contact operation unit or the non-contact operation unit.

3. The object to be vibrated includes the steering control unit located in front of the driver's seat. The tactile feedback system according to claim 2, wherein the vibration-generating part vibrates the steering control part by operating the actuator.

4. The aforementioned object to be vibrated includes a vehicle seat, The tactile feedback system according to claim 1, wherein the vibration-generating part vibrates the vehicle seat by operating the actuator.

5. The tactile feedback system according to claim 1, wherein the vibration unit vibrates the object to be vibrated with different vibration patterns depending on the type of input signal received by the receiving unit.

6. The aforementioned signal input unit includes a microphone installed inside the vehicle cabin to collect the voices of the occupants. The object to be vibrated includes at least one of the vehicle's seat and steering wheel, which are installed inside the vehicle's cabin. The tactile feedback system according to claim 1, wherein the control device vibrates at least one of the vehicle seat and the steering wheel when the sound collected by the microphone satisfies predetermined conditions.

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