Device enabling non-contact operation of an object

Abstract

To provide a device to enable a person to operate a target without touching it directly.SOLUTION: A device which enables touchless operation of a target through a squeeze film includes: actuators 12 for vibrating the target to generate a squeeze film; a controller for controlling the actuators 12; and a distance detector 23 which detects a distance between the target and an object to operate the target. The controller starts vibrating stopped actuators 12 after the distance detected by the distance detector 23 reaches a first threshold, continues vibrating the actuators 12 until the distance detected by the distance detector 23 reaches a second threshold larger than the first threshold after the first threshold is reached, and stops the vibration of the actuators 12 after the distance detected by the distance detector 23 reaches the second threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology that enables non-contact operation of an object.

Background Art

[0002] In order to prevent fingerprint adhesion and the spread of contact infectious diseases, an input device that enables input without contacting the touch surface is known. For example, by measuring the capacitance between a finger and a touch panel, a finger located several centimeters away can be detected.

[0003] As another example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-072901 proposes a tactile presentation device that controls the floating force applied by a squeeze film to an operating finger to present the operating feeling of a push operation. The technology of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-072901 stops the vibration of the touch surface and touches the finger to the touch surface when the distance between the finger and the touch surface becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. By controlling the floating force by such a squeeze film, a more natural operating feeling of a push operation is presented.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A general input device that enables input without contacting the touch surface has poor operability. For example, it is necessary to keep the fingertip stationary for a certain period of time at a position several centimeters above the displayed button position. In this case, time is required to keep the finger stationary, and furthermore, the user may become fatigued by the operation of keeping the finger stationary, which may reduce the efficiency of the input task.

[0006] Therefore, a technology is desired that can determine input by touching with a finger like a normal touch panel, has good operability due to the presence of tactile operation feedback, and can prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Alternatively, from the perspective of preventing the spread of contagious diseases, not limited to touch panels, a technology is desired that can operate an object that many people may touch without directly touching it.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus that enables non-contact operation of an object. The apparatus includes an actuator that vibrates the object, a control device that controls the actuator, and a distance detection device that detects the distance between the object and an object that operates the object. The control device starts the vibration of the actuator that has stopped after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches a first threshold value, continues the vibration of the actuator until the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches the first threshold value, and stops the vibration of the actuator after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches the second threshold value.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus that enables non-contact operation of an object. The apparatus includes an actuator that vibrates the object, a control device that controls the actuator, and a distance detection device that detects the distance between the object and an object that operates the object. The control device starts the vibration of the actuator that has stopped after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches a first threshold value, continues the vibration of the actuator until the elapsed time from the previous operation of the object reaches a time threshold value after starting the vibration of the actuator, and stops the vibration of the actuator after the elapsed time reaches the time threshold value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an object can be manipulated without direct human contact. In addition, since tactile feedback as if directly touched is obtained by the resistance force generated on the finger by the buoyancy pressure, the user's fatigue is reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that this embodiment is merely an example for realizing the present disclosure and does not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. For the sake of clarity in the description, the dimensions and shapes of the illustrated objects may be exaggerated in some cases.

[0012] [Schematic] The device according to an embodiment of the present specification disclosed below enables a person to operate an object without directly touching it. The device vibrates the object at a high frequency to form a squeeze film between the object and the body that operates the object. The squeeze film enables the object to be operated without directly touching the object. Thereby, the spread of infection and the attachment of fingerprints can be prevented. Examples of the object to be operated include touch sensors, push buttons for elevators and automatic doors, doorknobs, etc. A typical example of the body that operates the object is a part of the human body such as a finger or a hand.

[0013] As described above, the device according to an embodiment of the present specification vibrates the object at a high frequency. Therefore, it is required to reduce the power consumption of the device and the possibility of failure of the device and the object. The device detects that a body that operates the object, for example, a finger, is close to the touch surface of the object, and before the finger touches the touch surface, vibrates the touch surface at a high frequency to enable operation without contact between the finger and the touch surface. The vibration at a high frequency may continue while the finger is close to the touch surface, or may continue until a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous operation.

[0014] One embodiment of this specification measures the distance between an object and an operating object, and controls vibration based on the measured distance. For example, when the distance between the object and the operating object reaches a first threshold value, the device starts the vibration of the object. Further, after the distance reaches the first threshold value and then increases to a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, the vibration stops. The vibration continues until it stops. In this way, the vibration is started after the measured distance reaches the first threshold value, and then the vibration is stopped after the measured distance reaches a larger second threshold value. This control enables non-contact operation and can reduce power consumption and the possibility of failure.

[0015] Another embodiment of this specification controls vibration based on the elapsed time since the previous operation of the object. For example, when the distance between the object and the operating object reaches a threshold value, the device starts the vibration of the object. When the elapsed time since the last operation reaches the threshold value, the device stops the vibration. In this way, the vibration is stopped after the elapsed time since the previous operation reaches the time threshold value. This control enables non-contact operation and can reduce power consumption and the possibility of failure. The device can use one or both of the second distance threshold value and the elapsed time threshold value. Also, the use of both can be either an AND condition or an OR condition.

[0016] As described above, one embodiment of this specification enables non-contact operation of an object by forming a squeeze film between the object and the object that operates the object. Hereinafter, the squeeze film will be described.

[0017] It is known that when a flat plate is placed on a surface vibrating at a high frequency, the flat plate floats. This phenomenon is explained by squeeze film pressure or acoustic radiation pressure. The pressure (floating pressure) W / S received by the floating plate is expressed by the following formula according to the theory of acoustic radiation pressure. W / S=(1 / 4)(ρc 2 )(ζ 2 / h 2 ) W is the weight [N], S is the area of the plate [m 2 , ρ is the density of air [kg / m 3, c is the speed of sound in air [m / s], and ζ is the vibration amplitude of the surface [m 0-P , and h is the floating distance [m].

[0018] For example, when the vibration amplitude ζ of the surface is 5 μm and the floating distance is 5 μm, the floating pressure is 35.6 kPa. Assuming the area of the fingertip is 1 cm 2 , a force of 363 gf acts on the finger as a resistance, preventing the finger from contacting the touch surface.

[0019] [Device Configuration] Hereinafter, the embodiments of this specification will be described using a touch input panel as an example of an object to be operated, and a finger as an example of an object that operates the touch panel. FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration example of an input device according to an embodiment of this specification. The input device includes a touch input panel 10, an actuator 12, a main control device 21, a distance detection device 23, an actuator drive circuit 25, and a touch detection circuit 27. The main control device 21, the distance detection device 23, the actuator drive circuit 25, and the touch detection circuit 27 are included in the control device of the input device.

[0020] The actuator 12 vibrates the touch input panel 10 in the normal direction of its touch surface (main surface). In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the actuator 12 is disposed on the front or back surface of the touch input panel 10 on the left and right sides of the touch input panel 10, respectively. Here, the side where the user touches is called the front side, and the opposite side is called the back side. The actuator 12 may be directly formed on the substrate of the touch input panel 10 using a semiconductor process, or an actuator formed separately from the substrate may be fixed to the substrate.

[0021] For example, by coupling a plate-shaped piezoelectric body and a touch input panel and utilizing the extensional vibration mode or thickness vibration mode of the piezoelectric body, the touch input panel can be vibrated in the normal direction of its touch surface. The number, shape, and arrangement position of the actuator 12 are determined by design so that the touch input panel 10 vibrates in a predetermined vibration mode.

[0022] The actuator drive circuit 25 drives the actuator 12. The actuator 12 can be composed of any type of material and can have any structure. For example, the actuator 12 is a thin-film actuator on a substrate and can be any of a piezoelectric material actuator, a macro fiber composite actuator, a smart material actuator, an electro-polymer actuator, etc. Also, the plurality of actuators 12 may have the same or different materials or the same or different structures.

[0023] The actuator drive circuit 25 can vibrate the actuator 12 at a desired vibration frequency by applying a drive signal (drive voltage) of a predetermined frequency to the actuator 12. The touch input panel 10 vibrates in response to the vibration of the actuator 12 and generates a squeeze film.

[0024] The touch input panel 10 outputs a signal indicating the position (touch position or operation position) on the touch surface touched by a finger via the squeeze film or directly, for example, using pressure or capacitance, to the touch detection circuit 27. The input method of the touch input panel 10 can use any method according to the design. The touch detection circuit 27 drives the touch detection electrodes of the touch input panel 10 and detects the operation position of the user on the touch surface from the touch detection signal from the touch input panel 10.

[0025] The distance detection device 23 detects a finger approaching the touch surface of the touch input panel 10 and measures the distance between the finger and the touch surface. The distance detection device 23 can use any type of existing technology. The distance detection device 23 can use, for example, the hover detection function of a capacitive touch panel, a visible light camera, an infrared camera, a pyroelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.

[0026] For example, the distance detection device 23 can measure the distance by photographing the light irradiated on the finger with a camera. In one example, a random dot pattern is irradiated from an infrared projector, and the amount of change when the dot pattern hits the finger is read by an infrared camera to measure the distance. In another example, the distance may be measured by analyzing the time until the irradiated infrared light hits the finger and returns. The distance detection device 23 may measure the distance by photographing the reflection of the light irradiated on the finger with a plurality of cameras and analyzing the images from those cameras.

[0027] In another configuration example, the distance detection device 23 may measure the distance between the finger and the touch surface from the capacitance between the electrodes formed on the touch panel. The distance detection device 23 is incorporated into the touch detection circuit 27. For example, the touch input panel 10 includes a plurality of transmission electrodes, a plurality of reception electrodes, and four peripheral electrodes. To detect the proximity of the finger, the touch detection circuit 27 emits an electric field from all the transmission electrodes and opens all the reception electrodes. The touch detection circuit 27 sequentially detects the reception signal with the four outer circumference electrodes. The touch detection circuit 27 determines the distance and direction of the finger based on the level value of the reception signal.

[0028] In another configuration example, the distance detection device 23 can use a pyroelectric sensor. The pyroelectric sensor outputs a pulse signal when a temperature change occurs in the vicinity. That is, when a human body enters within a predetermined distance or when the human body moves within a predetermined distance, a pulse signal is output. When the pyroelectric sensor outputs the first response signal, the main control device 21 controls the actuator drive circuit 25 to drive the actuator. The main control device 21 maintains the vibration of the actuator until the non-response time of the pyroelectric sensor elapses for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds).

[0029] The main control device 21 controls the distance detection device 23, the actuator drive circuit 25, and the touch detection circuit 27. The main control device 21 controls the actuator drive circuit 25 to generate a squeeze film based on the measured distance between the finger and the touch surface by the distance detection device 23. Further, the main control device 21 transmits the position information detected on the touch input panel 10 to an external host device. Details of the control method of the actuator 12 by the main control device 21 will be described later.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an input device according to an embodiment of the present specification. A storage box 17 is fixed to the cover glass 13, and a display 15 is disposed in the storage box 17. A touch sensor 11 is disposed between the cover glass 13 and the display 15. The touch sensor 11 is fixed to the back surface of the cover glass 13. For the adhesion between the touch sensor 11 and the cover glass 13, for example, an optically elastic resin can be used.

[0031] In this example, the touch sensor 11 and the cover glass 13 constitute the touch input panel 10. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the touch sensor 11 detects the presence or absence of a touch of an indicator such as a finger and the touch coordinates. The touch sensor 11 may further have a function of proximity detection and distance measurement of the indicator. The distance detection may be executed by a distance detection device 23 (not shown) in FIG. 2.

[0032] The front surface of the cover glass 13 is the touch surface. The actuator 12 is fixed to the back surface of the cover glass 13. In the configuration example of FIG. 2, the actuator 12 exists outside the touch sensor 11 on the back surface of the cover glass 13. The actuator 12 may exist on the surface of the touch sensor 11.

[0033] In FIG. 2, an actuator drive circuit 25 (not shown) applies a voltage signal of a predetermined frequency to an actuator 12 to vibrate a cover glass 13. The actuator 12 may be disposed at a position deviated from a position that becomes a node of displacement in the vibration of the cover glass 13. That is, the actuator 12 may be disposed at a position that does not contact the node. Thereby, the cover glass 13 can be effectively vibrated by the vibration of the actuator 12.

[0034] On the other hand, the cover glass 13 and the storage box 17 may be joined in a region including a position that becomes a node of displacement of the cover glass 13. Thereby, the cover glass 13 can be vibrated more appropriately. A node of displacement of the touch surface is a position where the amplitude is 0 in the vibration mode of the touch surface.

[0035] By providing a gap between the cover glass 13 and the display 15, the cover glass 13 can be efficiently vibrated. The space between the cover glass 13 and the display 15 may be filled with an optically elastic resin.

[0036] [Vibration Control] Hereinafter, the vibration control of the actuator 12 will be described. The main control device 21 controls the vibration of the actuator 12 via the actuator drive circuit 25 based on the measured distance by the distance detection device 23.

[0037] FIG. 3 schematically shows the time change of the measured value of the distance between the finger and the touch surface by the distance detection device 23 and the time change of the drive signal from the actuator drive circuit 25 to the actuator 12. A graph 31 shows the time change 35 of the measured value of the distance between the finger and the touch surface. A graph 32 shows the time change 36 of the drive signal from the actuator drive circuit 25 to the actuator 12.

[0038] In Graph 31, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the measured distance (device output) by the distance detection device 23. In Graph 32, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the output from the actuator drive circuit 25. The actuator 12 is a piezoelectric material actuator, and it is assumed that the actuator 12 vibrates at the same frequency as the output from the actuator drive circuit 25.

[0039] As shown in Graph 31, when the finger approaches the touch surface from a distance, at time T1, the measured value by the distance detection device 23 reaches a preset first threshold value. As shown in Graph 32, in response to the measured distance reaching the first threshold value, the main control device 21 starts outputting a drive signal from the actuator drive circuit 25. Thereby, the actuator 12 starts vibrating, and accordingly, the touch surface of the touch input panel 10 starts vibrating. Thus, the touch surface starts vibrating after the measured distance decreases to the first threshold value.

[0040] The distance detection device 23 outputs a signal corresponding to the distance between the touch surface of the touch input panel 10 and the user's finger. When the signal (measured distance) from the distance detection device 23 decreases and becomes less than or equal to the first threshold value, the main control device 21 controls the actuator drive circuit 25 to start the vibration of the actuator 12 and vibrates the touch surface of the touch input panel 10 in a specific frequency band.

[0041] After time T1, at time T2, the measured distance between the finger and the touch surface reaches a second threshold value. The second threshold value is a preset value larger than the first threshold value. Before the measured distance reaches the second threshold value at time T2, the measured distance is maintained below the second threshold value. As shown in Graph 32, in response to the measured distance reaching the second threshold value, the main control device 21 stops outputting the drive signal from the actuator drive circuit 25. Thereby, the actuator 12 stops vibrating, and accordingly, the vibration of the touch surface of the touch input panel 10 stops. Thus, the touch surface stops vibrating after the measured distance increases to the second threshold value.

[0042] The touch input panel 10 is vibrated at a frequency at which a squeeze film is generated between the finger and the touch surface, and the finger can perform a touch operation (input operation) without directly contacting the touch surface. The vibration frequency of the touch input panel 10 is included in a frequency band of, for example, 10 kHz to 150 kHz or 15 kHz to 100 kHz. The first threshold value and the second threshold value are appropriately set according to the configuration of the input device. For example, the first threshold value may be from 5 cm to 10 cm, and the second threshold value may be from 1.5 times to 2 times the first threshold value.

[0043] As described above, the vibration of the actuator 12 is maintained until the measurement distance decreases to the first threshold value and then increases to the second threshold value. Therefore, in the touch operation by the finger, it is possible to effectively avoid or reduce the finger directly touching the touch surface.

[0044] As described above, in this example, the vibration of the actuator 12 is stopped until the measurement distance decreases to the first threshold value, and when the measurement distance reaches the first threshold value, the vibration of the actuator 12 is started. Also, when the measurement distance reaches the second threshold value, the vibration of the actuator 12 is stopped.

[0045] By maintaining the vibration while the measurement distance is such that the finger is near the touch surface, it is possible to effectively avoid or reduce the finger directly touching the touch surface. Also, when the finger moves away from the touch surface and the measurement distance is determined to be a distance where a touch operation is not intended, by stopping the vibration, the power consumption and the possibility of device failure can be reduced.

[0046] As described above, the second threshold value, which is the condition for stopping the vibration, is larger than the first threshold value. The user can move the finger up and down during the touch operation. Since the second threshold value for stopping the vibration is larger than the first threshold value for starting the vibration, it is possible to avoid the vibration of the actuator 12 being frequently started / stopped during the user's touch operation. Note that the second threshold value may be the same as the first threshold value.

[0047] In the above example, based on the measured distance, the vibration of the actuator 12 is stopped. In other examples, instead of or in addition to the measured distance, the vibration of the actuator 12 may be stopped based on the elapsed time since the previous operation.

[0048] The main control device 21 measures the elapsed time since the previous user operation on the touch input panel 10. When the elapsed time reaches a preset time threshold, the main control device 21 stops the vibration of the actuator 12. In this way, by stopping the vibration based on the elapsed time since the last operation of the touch input panel 10, it is possible to stop the vibration when the user operation is finished and the possibility of the finger contacting the touch surface is small. Thereby, the power consumption and the possibility of failure can be reduced.

[0049] Since the touch detection unit has the function of detecting a touch (touch on) such as a finger on the touch input panel and also detecting that a finger or the like has left the touch panel (touch off), the elapsed time since the touch off was detected can be used as the elapsed time since the previous operation described above.

[0050] The main control device 21 stops the vibration of the actuator 12 when at least one of, for example, the measured distance reaching the second threshold value and the elapsed time since the last operation reaching the time threshold value is satisfied. In other examples, the main control device 21 may stop the vibration of the actuator 12 when the measured distance is greater than or equal to the second threshold value and the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the time threshold value.

[0051] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the amplitude and frequency of the output from the actuator drive circuit 25 are constant. As described above, the levitation force by the squeeze film increases as the distance between the finger and the touch surface decreases. Therefore, in the operation by the finger, it is possible to effectively avoid or reduce the finger directly touching the touch surface. In other examples, one or both of the vibration frequency and amplitude may change during the vibration period from time T1 to T2.

[0052] Next, an example of a method for driving the actuator 12 will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the output signal from the actuator drive circuit 25 may be a sine wave of a single frequency. When the actuator 12 vibrates at a single frequency, at a specific frequency, the touch surface vibrates in a vibration mode (resonance mode) corresponding to the actuator vibration.

[0053] FIGS. 4A to 4C schematically show the resonance modes of the cover glass 13 in different resonance modes. FIG. 4A schematically shows the displacement of the resonance mode at 15.7 kHz. FIG. 4B schematically shows the displacement of the resonance mode at 19.4 kHz. FIG. 4C schematically shows the displacement of the resonance mode at 17.8 kHz. In each resonance mode, a standing wave is formed in the cover glass, and its antinodes and nodes occur at specific positions in the plane.

[0054] In FIG. 4A, the black band indicates the node of the standing wave. In FIG. 4A, one node is indicated by reference numeral 41. The node 41 extends in the Y-axis direction. The node 41 appears at a predetermined interval only in the X-axis direction. The X-axis and the Y-axis are perpendicular within the plane of the touch surface.

[0055] In FIG. 4B, the black band indicates the node of the standing wave. In FIG. 4B, one node is indicated by reference numeral 42. The node 42 extends in the X-axis direction. The node 42 appears at a predetermined interval only in the Y-axis direction. In FIG. 4C, the black region indicates the node of the standing wave. In FIG. 4C, a grid-like node 43 is formed.

[0056] The nodal portion of the vibrating cover glass 13 does not displace in the normal direction of the touch surface (main surface). Therefore, a squeeze film does not occur on the node, the levitation force on the finger becomes small, and it may not be possible to apply a sufficient levitation force to the finger to realize a non-contact operation.

[0057] [Frequency Control] The main control device 21 according to an embodiment of the present specification vibrates the touch surface using a plurality of frequencies (resonant modes). In the following, two methods of vibrating the touch surface using a plurality of frequencies (resonant modes) will be described.

[0058] The first method is to drive the actuator 12 with a plurality of superimposed frequencies. In response to the vibration in a state where the vibrations of the plurality of frequencies of the actuator 12 are superimposed, the touch surface vibrates in a state where a plurality of resonant modes are superimposed. Thereby, the region of the nodes on the touch surface can be reduced.

[0059] The second method is to drive the actuator 12 with a plurality of frequencies in a time-division manner. That is, this method cyclically vibrates the actuator 12 at different frequencies. In response to the vibration of the actuator 12, the touch surface periodically changes the resonant mode. Thereby, any one of the resonant modes can give an appropriate floating force to the finger.

[0060] An example of the superimposed drive (the first method) will be described. FIG. 5 shows an example of applying drive signals of three different frequencies superimposed on the actuator 12. The actuator drive circuit 25 superimposes signals of 15.7 kHz, 17.8 kHz, and 19.4 kHz to generate an output drive signal, and gives the output drive signal to the actuator 12. The actuator 12 performs vibrations similar to the applied drive signal.

[0061] When the actuator drive circuit 25 superimposes two signals of 15.7 kHz and 19.4 kHz to generate an output drive signal and gives the output signal to the actuator 12, the displacement generated in the cover glass is, according to the principle of wave superposition, the displacement generated in the cover glass when driven alone at 15.7 kHz and the displacement generated in the cover glass when driven alone at 19.4 kHz added together.

[0062] Therefore, when the actuator drive circuit 25 generates an output drive signal by superimposing two signals of 15.7 kHz and 19.4 kHz and applies the output signal to the actuator 12, the displacement at the position that was a node when driven by 15.7 kHz alone is equal to the displacement generated on the cover glass when driven by 19.4 kHz alone.

[0063] As a result, when the actuator drive circuit 25 generates an output drive signal by superimposing two signals of 15.7 kHz and 19.4 kHz and applies the output signal to the actuator 12, the position where no displacement still occurs, that is, the position that becomes a node, is the logical product position of the node position when driven by 15.7 kHz alone and the node position when driven by 19.4 kHz alone in terms of the figure.

[0064] In other words, when the actuator drive circuit 25 generates an output drive signal by superimposing two signals of 15.7 kHz and 19.4 kHz and applies the output signal to the actuator 12, the position where no displacement still occurs, that is, the position remaining as a node, is the lattice point where the node in FIG. 4A and the node in FIG. 4B intersect graphically.

[0065] The node generated at the lattice point where the node in FIG. 4A and the node in FIG. 4B intersect graphically becomes a position where displacement occurs and it is no longer a node when the actuator is driven by a signal obtained by superimposing a 17.8 kHz signal due to the principle of wave superposition, and the cover glass can be changed in the normal direction. In this way, by generating an output drive signal by superimposing signals of 15.7 kHz, 17.8 kHz, and 19.4 kHz and applying the output signal to the actuator 12, the entire surface of the cover glass can be changed in the normal direction, and sufficient floating force can be applied to the finger to realize non-contact operation.

[0066] As described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the resonance modes at the above three frequencies show different node layouts. Therefore, by the vibration obtained by superimposing these three frequencies, the node region on the touch surface can be effectively reduced.

[0067] As described above, in the resonance mode of 15.7 kHz, nodes are generated at predetermined intervals only in the X-axis direction (the first direction), and in the resonance mode of 19.4 kHz, nodes are generated at predetermined intervals only in the Y-axis direction (the second direction). Also, in the resonance mode of 17.8 kHz, nodes are generated at predetermined intervals in both the X-axis and the Y-axis. These three resonance modes can effectively reduce the area of the nodes.

[0068] Note that the number and values of the frequencies to be superimposed can be appropriately determined according to the configuration of the input device. The number of different frequencies to be superimposed may be 4 or more, and the layout of the nodes in each different resonance mode is not limited either. The frequencies to be superimposed may be preset in the main control device 21 or the actuator drive circuit 25. The actuator drive circuit 25 may output a drive signal in which a plurality of frequencies are superimposed in response to an instruction to start vibration from the main control device 21, or the main control device 21 may instruct the actuator drive circuit 25 about the frequencies to be superimposed.

[0069] Next, an example of time-division driving (the second method) will be described. The actuator drive circuit 25 periodically changes the frequency of the drive signal, for example, every 1 msec. The actuator drive circuit 25 sequentially and cyclically outputs drive signals of predetermined different frequencies. For example, it is assumed that the frequencies of 15.7 kHz, 17.8 kHz, and 19.4 kHz are set. The actuator drive circuit 25 selects the frequencies of the output drive signal in the order of 15.7 kHz, 17.8 kHz, and 19.4 kHz. After 19.4 kHz, the actuator drive circuit 25 selects 15.7 kHz.

[0070] Note that the number and values of the frequencies output sequentially can be appropriately determined according to the configuration of the input device. The frequencies output sequentially may be preset in the main control device 21 or the actuator drive circuit 25. The actuator drive circuit 25 may cyclically output drive signals of different frequencies in response to an instruction to start vibration from the main control device 21, or the main control device 21 may instruct the actuator drive circuit 25 about the frequencies to be output.

[0071] [Amplitude control] Next, an example of a driving method for changing the driving voltage (vibration amplitude) of the actuator 12 over time for squeeze film generation will be described. With this driving method, it is possible to more appropriately apply the levitation force required for the finger, and to reduce power consumption and the possibility of failure.

[0072] When the finger approaches the touch surface, the main control device 21 starts the vibration of the actuator 12 that has been stopped. Thereafter, as the measured distance between the touch surface and the finger further decreases, the main control device 21 increases the output voltage of the actuator drive circuit 25, that is, increases the amplitude of the actuator 12. Conversely, as the measured distance between the touch surface and the finger further increases, the main control device 21 decreases the output voltage of the actuator drive circuit 25.

[0073] FIG. 6 schematically shows the time change of the measured value of the distance between the finger and the touch surface by the distance detection device 23 and the time change of the drive signal from the actuator drive circuit 25 to the actuator 12. Graph 61 shows the time change 65 of the measured value of the distance between the finger and the touch surface. Graph 62 shows the time change 66 of the drive signal from the actuator drive circuit 25 to the actuator 12.

[0074] In graph 61, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the measured distance (device output) by the distance detection device 23. The first threshold value and the second threshold value may be the same as those described with reference to FIG. 3. In graph 62, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the output from the actuator drive circuit 25.

[0075] As shown in graph 61, as the finger approaches the touch surface from a distance, at time T11, the measured value by the distance detection device 23 reaches a preset first threshold value. As shown in graph 62, in response to the measured distance reaching the first threshold value, the main control device 21 starts outputting a drive signal from the actuator drive circuit 25. As a result, the actuator 12 starts vibrating, and accordingly, the touch surface of the touch input panel 10 starts vibrating.

[0076] As shown in graph 61, from time T11 to time T12, the measured distance between the finger and the touch surface decreases. As shown in graph 62, the main control device 21 increases the voltage of the drive signal in response to the decrease in the measured distance. As shown in graph 61, from time T12 to time T13, the measured distance is constant. At this time, the finger receives resistance by the squeeze film pressure or the acoustic radiation pressure and floats slightly from the touch surface. As shown in graph 62, from time T12 to time T13, the drive signal voltage is constant.

[0077] As shown in graph 61, from time T13 to time T14, the measured distance between the finger and the touch surface increases. As shown in graph 62, the main control device 21 decreases the voltage of the drive signal in response to the increase in the measured distance.

[0078] As shown in graph 61, from time T14 to time T15, the measured distance between the finger and the touch surface decreases. As shown in graph 62, the main control device 21 increases the voltage of the drive signal in response to the decrease in the measured distance. As shown in graph 61, from time T15 to time T16, the measured distance is constant. As shown in graph 62, from time T15 to time T16, the drive signal voltage is constant.

[0079] As shown in graph 61, from time T16 to time T17, the measured distance between the finger and the touch surface increases. As shown in graph 62, the main control device 21 decreases the voltage of the drive signal in response to the increase in the measured distance.

[0080] As shown in graph 61, at time T17, the measured distance reaches the second threshold value and then further increases. As shown in graph 62, the main control device 21 stops the output of the drive signal at time T17. As a result, the actuator 12 stops vibrating, and accordingly, the vibration of the touch surface of the touch input panel 10 stops.

[0081] The above amplitude control can be combined with any of the above frequency controls. The main control device 21 controls the vibration amplitude based on the measured distance, and can output a drive signal obtained by superimposing a plurality of frequencies or drive signals of different frequencies cyclically from the actuator drive circuit 25 to the actuator 12. The drive signal may be a single-frequency signal.

[0082] Note that the increase rate and decrease rate of the amplitude according to the measured distance may be different, and they may or may not be constant.

[0083] [Other control methods] Hereinafter, other control methods of the input device will be described. The main control device 21 according to an embodiment of the present specification estimates a touch position for finger operation, and determines a drive signal of the actuator 12 based on the estimated value. Specifically, a single frequency of the drive signal or a plurality of frequencies to be superimposed are selected. Specifically, the main control device 21 selects one or more frequencies at which the estimated touch position does not overlap with the nodes in the vibration mode of the touch surface. Thereby, the possibility that the finger directly touches the touch surface for operation can be reduced.

[0084] In addition to the distance between the finger and the touch surface, the distance detection device 23 can detect the position of the finger within the touch surface. As described above, any existing technology for detecting the in-plane position can be used.

[0085] For example, the control information in the main control device 21 includes, for each different vibration mode, one or more frequencies of the drive signal that generates the vibration mode and information on the node region. The main control device 21 acquires information on the position within the touch surface from the distance detection device 23 in addition to the distance between the touch surface and the finger. For example, the main control device 21 may estimate the in-plane position when the distance between the touch surface and the finger reaches a preset threshold value as the touch position. The touch position is the position where the touch input operation is performed by the finger.

[0086] The main control device 21 compares the estimated touch position with a predefined node region of the vibration mode in the control information, and selects a vibration mode in which the estimated touch position is not included in the node region. The main control device 21 determines one or more frequencies associated with the selected vibration mode as one or more frequencies for generating an actuator drive signal.

[0087] The input device according to an embodiment of the present specification displays an object to be touched at a position outside the node region of the vibration mode on the display 15. Since the frequency of the drive signal for vibrating the actuator 12 is preset, the node region in the vibration mode of the touch surface is also known in advance.

[0088] FIG. 7 shows an example of displaying an object to be touched at a position outside the node region of the vibration mode. The touch input panel 10 has a node (also called a node region) 105 indicated by a broken line. In the example of FIG. 7, grid-like nodes are formed on the touch input panel 10. The display 15 displays an object 106 to be user-operated so as to overlap with the nodes in the vibration of the touch input panel 10. Among the four objects in FIG. 7, one is indicated by reference numeral 106 as an example.

[0089] The main control device 21 provides video data to the display 15, and the video based on the video data includes one or more objects to be touched. Each object is arranged in a region that does not overlap with a predefined node region (a region outside the node region). Since each object is located in a region that does not overlap with the node region, it is possible to effectively apply a floating force to a finger approaching to touch the object.

[0090] [Ozone generator] Hereinafter, an example of a touch input panel that generates ozone will be described. Ozone can sterilize the touch surface. When the touch surface is contaminated, sterilization with ozone can suppress the spread of contact infection.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the touch input panel 10. Section 81 shows a plan view of the electrode substrate 101 of the touch input panel. Section 82 shows a partial enlarged view in the plan view 8 shown in 1. Section 83 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of the partial enlarged view 82. The electrode substrate 101 has an X electrode 201, a Y electrode 202, and an insulating film 203 on a transparent support substrate 310.

[0092] In Sections 81 and 82, the X electrode 201 and its wiring are shown by dotted lines, and the Y electrode 202 and its wiring are shown by solid lines. The X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 are transparent electrodes and can be formed using, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The planar shapes of these X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 are, for example, quadrilateral.

[0093] The touch detection circuit 27 can drive the electrode substrate 101 as an ozone generation source by applying a predetermined voltage to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202. Due to this voltage application, ozone is generated on the surface of the electrode substrate 101 on the surface and the surface of the electrode substrate 101 is the surface is sterilized.

[0094] The main control device 21 controls the voltage application by the touch detection circuit 27. Specifically, for example, the main control device 21 instructs the touch detection circuit 27 to apply a voltage to the electrode substrate 101 or to stop the voltage application to the electrode substrate 101 in response to an external input such as a sensor (not shown) or a human operation.

[0095] Next, the details of the electrode substrate 101 will be described. In Section 81, the wiring of the X electrode 201 and the wiring of the Y electrode 202 are connected to terminals 301 and 302, respectively. The terminals 301 and 302 are connected to the touch detection circuit 27.

[0096] The shapes of the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 are, for example, quadrilaterals (rhombus or rectangle). The X electrode 201 is connected in a beaded manner in the x-direction via the bridge electrode 311X (see section 82) which is the first connection part. That is, the X electrodes 201 are arranged in the x-direction. In this way, the X electrodes electrically connected in the x-direction are called an X electrode group. The X electrode groups connected in a beaded manner in the x-direction are arranged in the y-direction, for example, at intervals of 2 mm. Each X electrode group extends parallel to each other in the y-direction.

[0097] The Y electrode 202 is connected in a beaded manner in the y-direction via the bridge electrode 311Y (see section 82) which is the second connection part. That is, the Y electrodes 202 are arranged in the y-direction. In this way, the Y electrodes electrically connected in the y-direction are called a Y electrode group. The Y electrode groups connected in a beaded manner in the y-direction are arranged in the x-direction, for example, at intervals of 2 mm. Each Y electrode group extends parallel to each other in the x-direction.

[0098] The X electrode group and the Y electrode group are formed such that when viewed in plan, the first connection part (bridge electrode 311X) and the second connection part (bridge electrode 311Y) overlap with each other via the insulating film 203. As shown in section 83, the bridge electrode 311X and the bridge electrode 311Y are insulated by the insulating film 203. In other words, the X electrode group and the Y electrode group are configured to intersect three-dimensionally via the insulating film 203. Also, the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 are formed so as not to overlap when viewed in plan. That is, the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 have shapes adjacent to each other when viewed in plan.

[0099] Next, the manufacturing procedure will be described using section 83. The support substrate 310 is a transparent insulating substrate such as a glass substrate, for example. First, the bridge electrode 311X is formed on the first surface 310a of the support substrate 310 by a transparent conductive film such as ITO. Next, the insulating film 203 is formed on the bridge electrode 311X by, for example, SiN (silicon nitride film) or the like.

[0100] The insulating film 203 is formed in a shape that covers the bridge electrode 311X so as to insulate the bridge electrode 311X from the Y electrode 202 and the bridge electrode 311Y, and does not cover the bridge electrode 311X so that the bridge electrode 311X contacts the X electrode 201. Next, the X electrode 201, the Y electrode 202, the bridge electrode 311Y, the wiring, and the terminals 301 and 302 are integrally formed by a transparent conductive film. Finally, the insulating film 312 is formed of, for example, SiN (silicon nitride film) or the like, and contact holes are formed in the terminals 301 and 302.

[0101] By applying a voltage to the terminals 301 and 302 of the electrode substrate 101 configured as described above, an electric field is generated between the X electrode group and the Y electrode group. When the generated electric field strength exceeds the dielectric breakdown level of air, ozone is generated by discharge. The location where ozone is generated on the insulating film 312 is, for example, between the single-layer electrodes between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 as shown in the region 321, or between the laminated electrodes between the bridge electrode 311X and the bridge electrode 311Y via the insulating film 203 as shown in the region 322.

[0102] Figs. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing the ozone generation principle. Fig. 9A shows the ozone generation principle in the electric field generation region 321 between the single-layer electrodes shown in section 82, and Fig. 9B shows the ozone generation principle in the electric field generation region 322 between the laminated electrodes shown in section 83. The signal power source 401 is an AC power source that applies a voltage to the X electrode 201, and the signal power source 402 is an AC power source that applies a voltage to the Y electrode 202.

[0103] For example, the output of the signal power source 401 is set to GND, and the output of the signal power source 402 is set to a predetermined AC voltage. In this case, an electric field 410 is generated between the single-layer electrodes in Fig. 9A due to the potential difference between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202, and an electric field 420 is generated between the laminated electrodes in Fig. 9B due to the potential difference between the bridge electrode 311X and the bridge electrode 311Y. When the electric field strengths of the electric fields 410 and 420 in the air on the insulating film 312 reach a predetermined value, dielectric breakdown of the air occurs. When dielectric breakdown of the air occurs, silent discharge occurs and ozone is generated.

[0104] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. A person skilled in the art can easily change, add, or convert each element of the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. It is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0105] 10 Touch input panel 11 Touch sensor 12 Actuator 13 Cover glass 15 Display 17 Storage box 21 Main control device 23 Distance detection device 25 Actuator drive circuit 27 Touch detection circuit 41 - 43 Nodes

Claims

1. An apparatus enabling non-contact operation of a touch input panel, comprising: an actuator for vibrating the touch input panel; a control device for controlling the actuator; a distance detection device for detecting the distance between the touch input panel and an object operating the touch input panel; wherein the control device starts the vibration of the actuator that has stopped after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches a first threshold value; continues the vibration of the actuator until the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches a second threshold value after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches the first threshold value; stops the vibration of the actuator after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches the second threshold value. Apparatus.

2. The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the control device vibrates the actuator in a frequency band of 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less. Apparatus.

3. The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the control device drives the actuator so as to vibrate in a state where vibrations of a plurality of frequencies are superimposed. Apparatus.

4. The apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the touch surface of the touch input panel vibrates in a state where a resonance mode in which nodes are generated only in a first direction within the touch surface of the touch input panel, a resonance mode in which nodes are generated only in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction within the touch surface, and a resonance mode in which nodes are generated in both the first direction and the second direction within the touch surface are superimposed in response to the vibration of the actuator. Apparatus.

5. The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the control device cyclically vibrates the actuator at different frequencies. Apparatus.

6. The apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the touch surface of the touch input panel vibrates in one of a resonance mode in which nodes are generated only in a first direction within the touch surface, a resonance mode in which nodes are generated only in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction within the touch surface, or a resonance mode in which nodes are generated in both the first direction and the second direction within the touch surface in response to the vibration of the actuator. Apparatus.

7. The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the control device increases the amplitude of the actuator as the object approaches the touch input panel and decreases the amplitude of the actuator as the object moves away from the touch input panel. Apparatus.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device detects the position of the object within the touch surface of the touch input panel, estimates the touch position of the object based on the detected position, and drives the actuator with a drive signal such that the estimated touch position is a position outside a node of vibration of the touch surface. Apparatus.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it further includes a display for displaying an image, the touch input panel is disposed in front of the display, and the control device displays an object to be touched on the display in a region outside a node of vibration on the touch surface of the touch input panel. Apparatus.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the touch input panel includes an element for generating ozone. Apparatus.

11. An apparatus capable of non-contact operation of an object, comprising an actuator for vibrating the object, a control device for controlling the actuator, and a distance detection device for detecting the distance between the object and an object for operating the object. The control device starts the vibration of the actuator that had stopped after the distance detected by the distance detection device reached a first threshold value, continues the vibration of the actuator until the elapsed time from the previous operation of the object reaches a time threshold value after starting the vibration of the actuator, and stops the vibration of the actuator after the elapsed time reaches the time threshold value. Apparatus.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control device vibrates the actuator in a frequency band of 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less. Apparatus.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the object is a touch input panel, and the control device drives the actuator so as to vibrate in a state where vibrations of a plurality of frequencies are superimposed. Apparatus.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the touch surface of the touch input panel vibrates in a state where a resonance mode in which nodes are generated only in a first direction within the touch surface of the touch input panel, a resonance mode in which nodes are generated only in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction within the touch surface, and a resonance mode in which nodes are generated in both the first and second directions within the touch surface are superimposed in response to the vibration of the actuator. Apparatus. ​

15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control device cyclically vibrates the actuator at different frequencies. Apparatus.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the object is a touch input panel, the touch surface of the touch input panel vibrates in one of a resonance mode in which nodes are generated only in the first direction within the touch surface, a resonance mode in which nodes are generated only in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction within the touch surface, or a resonance mode in which nodes are generated in both the first direction and the second direction within the touch surface in response to the vibration of the actuator. Apparatus.

17. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the object is a touch input panel, the control device detects the position of the object within the touch surface of the touch input panel, estimates the touch position of the object based on the detected position, and drives the actuator with a drive signal such that the estimated touch position is a position deviated from a node of the vibration of the touch surface. Apparatus.

18. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a display for displaying an image, wherein the object is a touch input panel disposed in front of the display, and the control device displays an object to be touched on the display in a region deviated from a node of the vibration on the touch surface of the touch input panel. Apparatus.

19. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the object is a touch input panel including an element for generating ozone. Apparatus.

20. An apparatus capable of non-contact operation of an object, comprising an actuator for vibrating the object, a control device for controlling the actuator, and a distance detection device for detecting the distance between the object and an object for operating the object, wherein the control device starts the vibration of the actuator that has stopped after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches a first threshold value, continues the vibration of the actuator until the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches a second threshold value after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches the first threshold value, and stops the vibration of the actuator when the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches the second threshold value and the elapsed time from the previous operation of the object is equal to or greater than a time threshold value. Apparatus.

21. An apparatus capable of non-contact operation of an object, an actuator that vibrates the object, a control device that controls the actuator, a distance detection device that detects the distance between the object and an object that operates the object, comprising the control device after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches a first threshold value, starts the vibration of the actuator that has stopped, after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches the first threshold value, until the distance reaches a second threshold value that is a value greater than the first threshold value continues the vibration of the actuator, after the distance detected by the distance detection device reaches the second threshold value, stops the vibration of the actuator, device

Images