tactile presentation device

Abstract

To appropriately control a position of giving a tactile sensation in a tactile sensation presentation region on a surface of a panel.SOLUTION: A tactile sensation presentation device comprises: a panel; a first support part that fixes and supports a first end part of the panel; a vibration generation device arranged on the panel at a position facing the first support part across a target region to be touched by a user; and a drive control device that provides a drive signal to the vibration generation device. The drive control device vibrates only the vibration generation device to form a standing wave in a region between the vibration generation device including the target region and the first end part. A first vibration reflectance at the first end part of a propagating wave from the vibration generation device is negative. A second vibration reflectance of the propagating wave from the vibration generation device at a second end part of the panel opposite to the first end part across the vibration generation device is larger than the first vibration reflectance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tactile presentation device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices equipped with touch panels, such as smartphones and car navigation systems, have become widespread. When a user operates an object, such as an icon, included in a user interface displayed via the touch panel, the electronic device activates a function corresponding to the object.

[0003] Because the surface of a touch panel is uniformly hard, the user's finger feels the same no matter where it touches the touch panel. Therefore, there are known technologies that provide feedback to the user, such as making the user perceive the presence of an object or, when a function corresponding to an object is activated, making the user perceive that the corresponding operation has been accepted. These technologies vibrate the surface of the touch panel to provide a tactile sensation to the touching finger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0115734 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0081542 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-49829 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A tactile presentation device may be required to present a tactile sensation when specific areas on the panel are touched, but not present a tactile sensation outside of those areas. For example, a display device with a touch panel may display UI (User Interface) components that indicate user options and a background area other than those areas. When a user touches one of the UI components, the system including the display device performs processing according to the touched UI component. In such a configuration, the system presents a tactile sensation in the UI component, but not in the background area.

[0006] In the above example, the UI widget and the background area may be touched by different fingers at the same time. In such a case, the system is required to provide a tactile sensation to the finger touching the UI widget and not to provide a tactile sensation to the finger touching the background area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A tactile presentation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a panel, a first support member that fixes and supports a first end of the panel, a vibration generator disposed on the panel at a position facing the first support member across a target area that is to be touched by a user, and a drive control device that applies a drive signal to the vibration generator. The drive control device vibrates only the vibration generator to form a standing wave in a region between the vibration generator and the first end, including the target area. A first vibration reflectance of a propagating wave from the vibration generator at the first end is negative. A second vibration reflectance of a propagating wave from the vibration generator at a second end of the panel opposite the first end across the vibration generator is greater than the first vibration reflectance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure makes it possible to appropriately control the position at which a tactile sensation is provided in a tactile sensation presentation area on the surface of a panel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a perspective view of a tactile presentation device according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the tactile presentation device taken along the line IB-IB in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a schematic configuration example of a tactile presentation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the drive control of the tactile presentation device 10. FIG. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining generation of a drive signal by a waveform synthesizer and standing waves caused by vibration of a vibration generator. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B show a schematic diagram of standing wave vibrations on the panel surface of a tactile presentation panel. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B show a schematic diagram of the relationship between the frequency of a standing wave and the position of a node of the standing wave. [Figure 7A] 10 shows graphs of experimental results of antinode amplitude and nodal amplitude of standing waves at the free end. [Figure 7B] 10 shows graphs of experimental results of antinode amplitude and nodal amplitude of the standing wave at the fixed end. [Figure 7C] 10 shows graphs of experimental results of antinode amplitude and nodal amplitude of the standing wave at the absorption edge. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the above method by the control circuit. [Figure 9] The position of the vibration generator is shown in a configuration in which the vibration generator end has the characteristics of a free end and its reflectivity is positive. [Figure 10] In the state shown in FIG. 9, the changes in the propagating wave, reflected wave, and composite wave after the vibration generator starts vibrating are shown. [Figure 11] The position of the vibration generator is shown in the configuration where the vibration generator side end has the characteristics of a fixed end and its reflectance is negative. [Figure 12] In the state shown in FIG. 11, the changes in the propagating wave, reflected wave, and composite wave after the vibration generator starts vibrating are shown. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a tactile presentation device including vibration generating devices arranged in series. [Figure 14A]1 illustrates the operation of an exemplary configuration of a tactile presentation device according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 14B] 1 illustrates the operation of an exemplary configuration of a tactile presentation device according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates the operation of an exemplary configuration of a tactile presentation device according to an embodiment of the present specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used to designate common components in the drawings. For ease of understanding, the dimensions and shapes of the objects shown in the drawings may be exaggerated.

[0011] The following describes a tactile presentation device that presents a tactile sensation to an indicator, such as a finger, touching a panel. It is sometimes required that the tactile presentation device presents a tactile sensation when specific regions on the panel are touched, but not outside those regions. For example, a display device with a touch panel may display an option region showing user options and a background region other than the option region.

[0012] When a user touches one of the option areas, the system performs processing according to the touched option. In this configuration, the system presents a tactile sensation in the option area and does not present a tactile sensation in the background area. In the above example, the area showing the option and the other area may be touched simultaneously by different fingers. In such a case, the system is required to provide a tactile sensation to the finger touching the option area and not present a tactile sensation to the finger touching the background area.

[0013] The displayed image is not necessarily constant. When the displayed image changes, the option area that presents the tactile sensation and the background area that does not present the tactile sensation may also change. Furthermore, when multiple fingers simultaneously touch the touch surface, the positions of the fingers that present the tactile sensation and the fingers that do not present the tactile sensation are not always constant. It may be necessary to control the positions that present the tactile sensation and the positions that do not present the tactile sensation depending on the positions of the touching fingers.

[0014] A tactile presentation device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a vibration generator and a support unit on a panel, the vibration generator and the support unit being opposed to each other across a tactile presentation area. No other vibration generators are present between the vibration generator and the support unit. A propagating wave from the vibration generator generates a standing wave in the tactile presentation area, the standing wave having a node near the support unit. The tactile presentation device can control the position of the node of the standing wave by controlling the frequency of the vibration generator. By controlling the position of the node of the standing wave, the tactile presentation device can present a tactile sensation only at a touch position selected from multiple touch positions on the panel.

[0015] <Device configuration> 1A and 1B schematically show an example of the configuration of a tactile presentation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of the tactile presentation device 10, and Fig. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the tactile presentation device 10 taken along the IB-IB section line in Fig. 1A. A drive control device that drives and controls the tactile presentation device 10 is omitted in Figs. 1A and 1B.

[0016] The tactile presentation device 10 presents a UI (user interface) including at least one object (image) to a user and accepts operations via the UI. The tactile presentation device 10 also provides the user with a tactile sensation that allows the user to perceive operations on objects included in the UI. The components of the tactile presentation device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be stored in, for example, any housing.

[0017] The tactile presentation device 10 includes a tactile presentation panel 100 and a display device 103. As shown in FIG. 1A , a touch target area 104 exists on the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100. The touch target area 104 is an area that is targeted for touch by a user and is a tactile presentation area where a tactile sensation is presented. In the touch target area 104, positions where a tactile sensation is actually presented (tactile presentation partial areas) and positions where a tactile sensation is not presented (tactile non-presentation partial areas) can change dynamically.

[0018] In the following, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that a finger is used as the indicator touching the tactile presentation panel 100. In Fig. 1A, two fingers 111 and 112 are touching different positions within the touch target area 104 at the same time.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1B , the tactile presentation panel 100 includes an insulating substrate 102 made of glass or resin and a touch electrode pattern 101 formed on the insulating substrate 102. The tactile presentation panel 100 is both a tactile presentation panel and a touch panel. The touch electrode pattern 101 makes it possible to detect the position of a user's finger touching its front surface, which is the touch surface. A part or all of the touch electrode pattern 101 is present within a touch target area 104.

[0020] The touch electrode pattern 101 makes it possible to detect a touch position on the tactile presentation panel 100 by an indicator. Touch detection by the touch electrode pattern 101 can be realized by any method, and for example, a resistive film method, a surface capacitance method, or a projected capacitance method can be used.

[0021] A display device 103 is disposed on the rear side (back side) of the tactile presentation panel 100. Hereinafter, the side on which a user using the tactile presentation panel 100 is positioned will be referred to as the front side. The side opposite the front side will be referred to as the rear side or back side.

[0022] The display device 103 displays a UI image including an object in the touch target area 104. The display device 103 may be any type of display device, for example, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display device, a liquid crystal display device, or a micro LED display device.

[0023] The tactile presentation device 10 includes a fixing member 107 that fixes a first end of the tactile presentation panel 100, and a vibration absorbing member 108 attached to a second end opposite the first end. The fixing member 107 directly contacts the first end and fixes and supports the first end so that propagating waves (propagating vibrations) on the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 at the first end are substantially reflected by the fixed end. The fixing member 107 can be made of, for example, but is not limited to, resin or metal.

[0024] The vibration absorbing member 108 contacts the second end and has viscoelasticity so that it can absorb more of the propagating waves on the surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 at the second end and attenuate more of the reflected waves. The absorption rate of the propagating waves in the vibration absorbing member 108 is greater than that of the fixing member 107, and the absolute value of the reflectance of the propagating waves at the second end is less than that of the first end. The elastic modulus of the vibration absorbing member 108 is less than that of the fixing member 107, and the viscosity of the vibration absorbing member 108 is also less than that of the fixing member 107. The second end is supported by a support member (not shown) via the vibration absorbing member 108.

[0025] The vibration absorbing member 108 may be made of, but is not limited to, rubber, elastomer, or resin. The vibration absorbing member 108 may be made of a viscoelastic material or may have viscoelastic properties due to its structure.

[0026] A vibration generator 105 is disposed between the vibration absorbing member 108 and the touch target area 104. The vibration generator 105 vibrates the surface of the touch target area 104, thereby making it possible to present a tactile sensation to the touching indicator.

[0027] 1A and 1B, the only vibration generating device that vibrates the tactile presentation panel 100 to present a tactile sensation is the vibration generating device 105. Vibrating elements (vibration generating elements) are excluded from the touch target area 104 and the area between the fixed member 107 and the touch target area 104. Note that the vibration generating device 105 may include one or more vibration generating elements.

[0028] In this configuration example, the tactile presentation panel 100 is rectangular, the fixing member 107 is attached to one linear side of the tactile presentation panel 100, and the vibration absorbing member 108 is attached to the opposing side. The vibration generating device 105 is composed of one vibration generating element and extends along the side of the touch target area 104. The vibration generating device 105 is disposed in a position opposite the fixing member 107, with the touch target area 104 in between.

[0029] The vibration generator 105 is, for example, a piezoelectric device, and vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the tactile presentation panel 100. As will be described later, the vibration mode of the vibration generator 105 is arbitrary as long as a standing wave can be formed between the vibration generator 105 and a fixed member. The vibration generator 105 may be mounted by placing a pre-formed device on the insulating substrate 102, or may be formed directly on the insulating substrate 102 by a thin film formation process.

[0030] As will be described later, when the vibration generator 105 vibrates, a striped standing wave can be formed between the vibration generator 105 and the fixed member 107. The end fixed by the fixed member 107 is the fixed end and becomes a node of the standing wave. The fixed end is also a reflecting end that reflects the propagating wave. The amplitude of the standing wave is in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the tactile presentation panel (the Z-axis direction in FIG. 1B). For example, nodes and antinodes appear alternately in the direction from the fixed member 107 toward the vibration generator 105 (the X-axis direction in FIG. 1A). The antinodes and nodes extend along the direction in which the fixed member 107 extends (the Y-axis direction in FIG. 1A). The pattern of the standing wave can be determined by design.

[0031] When the vibration frequency of the vibration generator 105 changes, the positions of the nodes and antinodes of the standing wave change. Therefore, by controlling the vibration frequency of the vibration generator 105, it is possible to control the positions (areas) in the touch target area 104 where a tactile sensation is presented and the positions (areas) in which a tactile sensation is not presented.

[0032] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary configuration of a tactile presentation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present specification. The difference from the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A is the structure of the vibration generating device 115. In the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, the vibration generating device 115 is composed of a plurality of vibration generating elements arranged between and along the vibration absorbing member 108 and the touch target area 104. This makes it possible to form a desired standing wave over the entire touch target area 104 even when only small vibration generating elements are available. The plurality of vibration generating elements are driven to vibrate in the same manner (with the same frequency, amplitude, and phase), for example.

[0033] As described above, by fixing and supporting one end of the tactile presentation panel with a fixing member, placing a vibration absorbing member at the opposite end, and placing a vibration generating device near the opposite end, it is possible to generate a stable standing wave of any wavelength corresponding to the frequency of the vibration generating device in the area on the surface of the tactile presentation panel between the vibration generating device and the fixing member.

[0034] Since standing waves have positions where the amplitude is large and positions where the amplitude is small, by generating a standing wave with a large amplitude at the tactile sensation presentation position and a small amplitude at the tactile sensation non-presentation position, it is possible to present a tactile sensation to only one of the fingers touching at the same time. Note that the opposing end may not be provided with a vibration absorbing member, and the opposing end may be an open, free end. As will be described later, by providing an absorbing member at the opposing end or leaving it open, it is possible to generate a more stable standing wave than in a configuration in which the opposing end is directly supported by a fixed member like the other end.

[0035] <Drive control configuration> 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the drive control of the tactile presentation device 10. The drive control device of the tactile presentation device 10 includes a control device 201 and a waveform synthesis device 203, which is a driving device. The control device 201 controls the display device 103 to present a desired image to the user via the transparent insulating substrate 102 of the tactile presentation panel.

[0036] The control device 201 may include one or more arithmetic devices that execute programs and one or more storage devices. The arithmetic devices may include, for example, a processor, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The storage device stores programs and data used by the control device 201. The storage device may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The storage device includes a work area used by the programs.

[0037] The control device 201 operates as a functional unit (module) for controlling the display device 103 and the tactile presentation panel 100. Specifically, the control device 201 performs touch detection, display control, and tactile control. The display control controls the display of the UI on the display device 103. Specifically, the display control acquires UI setting information from a storage device, and controls the display device 103 based on the information so that a UI including at least one object is displayed.

[0038] The control device 201 drives the touch electrode pattern 101 and detects positions on the insulating substrate 102 that are touched by one or more fingers based on signals received from the touch electrode pattern 101. The control device 201 controls an image to be displayed on the display device 103 based on the detected finger touch positions, and also controls the vibration generating device 105.

[0039] For example, suppose that finger 112 touches a position corresponding to a specific object image, and finger 111 touches a background area. The control device 201 controls the vibration generator 105 to generate a standing wave whose amplitude is large at finger 112 and small at finger 111.

[0040] The control device 201 controls the waveform synthesizer 203 to generate a drive signal V so as to vibrate the vibration generator 105 at a desired frequency. The waveform synthesizer 203 includes a carrier wave oscillator 211 and a modulating wave generator 212. The carrier wave oscillator 211 outputs a sine wave of a frequency specified by the control device 201 as a carrier wave W. The modulating wave generator 212 outputs a modulating wave S that modulates the carrier wave W. The modulating wave has a predetermined window function. synthesis The wave is the drive signal V that drives the vibration generator 105 .

[0041] The tactile presentation panel 100 (insulating substrate 102) is supported at both ends by support members 231 and 232. Support member 231 is made up of a fixing member 107, and support member 232 is made up of a vibration absorbing member 108 and a support member 235. Support member 235 may be made of, for example, the same material as fixing member 107. Support member 232 supports the end of insulating substrate 102 by support member 235 via vibration absorbing member 108.

[0042] As described above, the first end of insulating substrate 102 supported by support portion 231 functions as a fixed end of the transmitted wave. On the other hand, the second end of insulating substrate 102 supported by support portion 232 functions as an absorbing end that absorbs the transmitted wave to a greater extent than the fixed end. Vibration generator 105 is disposed at a position closer to support portion 232 than to support portion 231.

[0043] In the region between the vibration generator 105 and the support 231, a standing wave 251 is generated with the end supported by the support 231 as a node. The standing wave 251 indicates the maximum amplitude of the standing wave. The frequency of the standing wave 251 depends on the frequency of the vibration generator 105. By changing the frequency of the vibration generator 105, a standing wave of a desired frequency can be generated.

[0044] When multiple fingers are touching the touch target area 104, a tactile sensation, for example, a click sensation, can be selectively presented to specific fingers by selecting the frequency of the standing wave. Specifically, a standing wave is generated in which the finger that gives the click sensation is positioned near the pad, and the finger that does not give the click sensation is positioned near the node.

[0045] The tactile presentation panel 100 may further include a force sensor. The force sensor detects a force applied by a user in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the tactile presentation panel 100. The tactile control unit 113 vibrates the vibration generating device 105, for example, when a specific area on the touch electrode pattern 101 is touched and the value detected by the force sensor exceeds a threshold. Regarding the functional units of the control device 201, multiple functional units may be combined into one functional unit, or one functional unit may be divided into multiple functional units for each function.

[0046] <Generation of driving waveform> 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the generation of the drive signal V by the waveform synthesizer 203 (see FIG. 3) and the standing wave caused by the vibration of the vibration generator 105. The control device 201 (see FIG. 3) determines the frequency of the vibration of the vibration generator 105 so that the position of the finger that does not cause tactile sensation, of two adjacent fingers that have detected a touch, is located near a node of the standing wave. This makes it possible to cause only one of the two adjacent fingers to perceive tactile sensation.

[0047] The control device 201 detects the touch positions of two fingers simultaneously touching the insulating substrate 102 based on signals from the touch electrode pattern 101. According to the settings, the control device 201 determines which of the two fingers will not provide a tactile sensation. For example, the finger touching the background area is selected.

[0048] The control device 201 stores in advance information relating the frequency of the drive signal provided to the vibration generator 105 to the position of the node of the standing wave to be generated. For example, the control device 201 selects a standing wave in which the position of one detected finger is within a predetermined distance from the node and the position of the other finger is further away from the node than the predetermined distance. The control device 201 controls the waveform synthesizer 203 to generate a drive signal V corresponding to that standing wave. In this way, the control device 201 can transmit vibration to only one of two closely spaced fingers. In other words, it is possible to generate vibration at any location and simultaneously eliminate vibration at any location.

[0049] 4, carrier wave oscillator 211 generates a sine wave W with a frequency fc in accordance with instructions from control device 201. The frequency fc is, for example, within the range of several hundred Hz to several kHz.

[0050] The modulated wave generator 212 generates and outputs a preset modulated wave S. The modulated wave S has a window function waveform that gradually increases and decreases. The window function waveform is a waveform composed of frequency components between 2 Hz and 100 Hz that characterize the tactile stimulus. This enables more appropriate and selective presentation of tactile sensations to the fingers.

[0051] A sine wave W with a frequency fc is modulated by a modulation wave S having a waveform that causes a tactile sensation to be perceived, to generate a drive signal, a composite waveform V. The drive signal V is provided to a vibration generator 105, which vibrates in response to the drive signal V.

[0052] Vibrations are transmitted from vibration generator 105 to insulating substrate 102, forming standing wave 251. Waves propagating from vibration generator 105, which is the vibration source, on the surface of insulating substrate 102 are reflected at the fixed end supported by fixing member 107, forming standing wave 251. Finger 112 is located away from the node of standing wave 251. In the example of FIG. 4, finger 112 is located near the antinode of standing wave 251. Large vibrations occur at the position of finger 112, and the vibration of the envelope is perceived by the user. Meanwhile, finger 111 is touching a position near the node of standing wave 251. At the node, the propagating waves cancel each other out, so the vibration is very small. Therefore, finger 111 does not feel the vibration on the surface of insulating substrate 102.

[0053] <Panel vibration> FIG. 5 schematically shows standing wave vibrations on the panel surface (touch surface) of the tactile presentation panel 100. FIG. 5 shows different vibration states S11 to S18. In FIG. 5, dashed line 271 indicates the maximum amplitude of the standing wave. Solid line 272 indicates the actual waveform of the standing wave in each vibration state. In FIG. 5, one dashed line and one solid line are indicated by the symbols 271 and 272, for example.

[0054] Vibration states S11 to S18 represent standing wave states of different phases. Specifically, vibration states S11 to S18 represent standing wave states at phases φ=0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, and 315°, respectively. The maximum amplitude of the standing wave is, for example, in the range of 2 μm to 100 μm. The panel surface vibrates significantly at the position of finger 112 but hardly at the position of finger 111. Therefore, the user perceives the vibration only at finger 112.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the relationship between the frequency of a standing wave and the node position of the standing wave. Graphs 300A, 300B, and 300C show the relationship between the position on the panel surface and the maximum amplitude of standing waves with different frequencies. Graphs 300A, 300B, and 300C show waveforms 301A, 301B, and 301C of the maximum amplitude standing waves, respectively. The frequency of standing wave 301A in graph 300A is the smallest, while the frequency of standing wave 301C in graph 300C is the largest. The positions on the panel are, for example, positions on the X-axis shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0056] Dashed lines 303A, 303B, and 303C show the change in node position with respect to the change in frequency of the standing wave. Dashed line 303A shows the position of the node next to the fixed end (first node) in the standing wave of each frequency. Dashed line 303B shows the position of the second node in the standing wave of each frequency. Dashed line 303C shows the position of the third node in the standing wave of each frequency.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the number and positions of the nodes change depending on the frequency of the standing wave. The node positions are independent of the vibration absorption rate of the vibration generating end. The control device 201 holds management information that associates the frequency fc of the drive signal of the vibration generator 105 with the node positions. In generating this management information, the drive signal frequency fc can be associated with the node positions via the frequency of the standing wave.

[0058] <Function of vibration absorbing parts> Next, the effect of the vibration absorbing member 108 will be described. Whether the end on the side where the vibration generator 105 is installed (vibration generator side) is a fixed end, an absorbing end, or a free end, a standing wave can be formed between the vibration generator 105 and the fixed end (fixed member 107) on the opposite side. However, according to research by the inventors, it has been found that the stability of the amplitude of the standing wave varies greatly depending on the state of the vibration generator side end.

[0059] Specifically, it was found that the amplitude of the standing wave was most stable when the vibration generator side end was at the absorption edge, and was most unstable when the vibration generator side end was at the fixed edge. Stable amplitude means that the change in amplitude relative to the vibration frequency of the vibration generator, i.e., the frequency of the standing wave, is small. In other words, the change in amplitude relative to the vibration frequency is smallest when the vibration generator side end is at the absorption edge, and the change in amplitude relative to the vibration frequency is largest when the vibration generator side end is at the fixed edge.

[0060] The absorption edge is configured at the end supported by a vibration absorbing part (vibration absorbing member or vibration absorbing mechanism), and can reduce the absolute value of the reflectance of the propagating wave. An ideal absorption edge has a reflectance of 0 for the propagating wave. The reflectance of the propagating wave at an ideal fixed end is -1, and the reflectance of the propagating wave at an ideal free end is 1. A negative reflectance means that the phase of the reflected wave is opposite to that of the incident wave, i.e., the direction of displacement is reversed.

[0061] 7A shows a graph of experimental results of the antinode amplitude and nodal amplitude of the standing wave at the free end. The horizontal axis shows the frequency of the standing wave, and the vertical axis shows the amplitude. Line 321A shows the change in antinode amplitude with respect to frequency. Line 323A shows the change in nodal amplitude with respect to frequency. The amplitude of the antinode and the nodal point are plotted, with the largest antinode amplitude in the entire frequency band set to 1.

[0062] FIG. 7B shows a graph of the experimental results of the antinode amplitude and nodal amplitude of the standing wave at the fixed end. The horizontal axis represents the frequency of the standing wave, and the vertical axis represents the amplitude. Line 321B shows the change in antinode amplitude versus frequency. Line 323B shows the change in nodal amplitude versus frequency. The amplitudes of the antinode and nodal points are plotted, with the largest antinode amplitude in the entire frequency band set to 1.

[0063] FIG. 7C shows a graph of experimental results for the antinode amplitude and node amplitude of the standing wave at the absorption edge. The horizontal axis represents the frequency of the standing wave, and the vertical axis represents the amplitude. Line 321C shows the change in antinode amplitude with respect to frequency. Line 323C shows the change in node amplitude with respect to frequency. The amplitude of the antinode and node are plotted, with the largest antinode amplitude in the entire frequency band set to 1.

[0064] Referring to Figures 7A to 7C, there is a considerable difference between the antinode amplitude and the node amplitude under all conditions. In all cases of the free end, fixed end, and absorbing end, the difference in amplitude between the antinode and the node is 20 dB or more in the frequency range where tactile localization by standing waves is possible. Comparing the graph for the free end in Figure 7A with the graph for the fixed end in Figure 7B, the variation with frequency of the antinode amplitude and the node amplitude at the free end is smaller than the variation with frequency of the antinode amplitude and the node amplitude at the fixed end. Therefore, a configuration in which the vibration generator side is the free end can generate a standing wave that is more stable over frequency than a configuration in which the vibration generator side is the fixed end.

[0065] Also, comparing the graph of the absorption edge in Fig. 7C with the graph of the free edge in Fig. 7A or the graph of the fixed edge in Fig. 7B, the variation of the antinode amplitude and the nodal amplitude of the absorption edge with respect to frequency is smaller than the variation of the antinode amplitude and the nodal amplitude of the fixed edge with respect to frequency. Furthermore, the variation of the antinode amplitude and the nodal amplitude of the absorption edge with respect to frequency is smaller than the variation of the antinode amplitude and the nodal amplitude of the free edge with respect to frequency.

[0066] The control device 201 changes the vibration frequency of the vibration generator 105 according to the position of the finger touching the panel surface and the displayed image, thereby changing the tactile sensation presentation position and the tactile sensation non-presentation position. Therefore, it is important for more appropriate tactile sensation presentation control that the difference between the antinode and node amplitudes at different vibration frequencies is small.

[0067] As described above, standing waves are affected by reflected waves at the vibration generator side end. By making the vibration generating element side end a free end, or even an absorbing end, it is possible to suppress resonance between the reflected waves and the propagating waves from the vibration generator 105. This reduces fluctuations in the antinode amplitude and node amplitude with respect to the vibration frequency, and allows stable standing waves based on the fixed end to be formed on the tactile presentation panel at any frequency. Note that a configuration in which vibration generators are placed at both ends allows the node positions to be changed, but the conditions for moving the node positions become complicated, making their control extremely difficult.

[0068] <Selection of standing wave frequency> Next, the frequency of the standing wave will be described. The vibration frequency of the vibration generator 105 corresponds to the frequency fc of the drive signal V. The vibration frequency increases or decreases as fc increases or decreases. Furthermore, the frequency of the standing wave increases or decreases as the vibration frequency of the vibration generator 105 increases or decreases. As described above, the tactile presentation device 10 can present a tactile sensation to only one of two adjacent fingers by using a standing wave.

[0069] Since the size of a finger is generally about 1 to 2 cm, if the wavelength of the standing wave is less than four times the minimum distance between two fingers, it becomes difficult to localize the tactile sensation. Furthermore, the frequency of the carrier wave W that generates the standing wave must be sufficiently high relative to the window function (several Hz to 100 Hz) of the modulating wave S that characterizes the tactile sensation. Therefore, the frequency of the carrier wave is selected from values ​​of several hundred Hz or higher, for example.

[0070] As can be seen from the graphs of Figures 7A to 7C, the standing wave becomes unclear when the frequency exceeds 3 kHz. Considering the size of the finger, it is desirable that the wavelength of the standing wave be 8 cm or more. The insulating substrate 102 that provides the touch surface is generally made of glass, and considering the relationship between the wavelength and frequency, the frequency of the standing wave is selected, for example, in the range of 300 Hz to 2 kHz.

[0071] Different frequencies of the standing wave result in different tactile sensations. Therefore, the control device 201 may hold a preset reference frequency. Standing waves of different frequencies with nodes at the same position may exist. When determining a standing wave with a node at a desired position, the control device 201 selects a standing wave with a frequency as close as possible to the reference frequency. This allows a more uniform tactile sensation to be imparted to the finger.

[0072] <Carrier frequency selection> Next, a method for selecting the frequency fc of the carrier wave oscillator 211 for the position of the finger where no tactile sensation is presented, performed by the control device 201, will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the above method performed by the control device 201. The frequency of the standing wave, the frequency of the vibration generator 105, and the frequency fc of the carrier wave are the same.

[0073] 8, the graph shows the relationship between the node positions of the standing wave and the positions on the tactile presentation panel 100. The horizontal axis shows the distance from the fixed end supported by the fixing member 107. 1 This corresponds to the position on the X-axis shown in FIG. 6B. The vertical axis indicates the frequency fc of carrier oscillator 211. The three lines in the graph indicate the relationship between the frequency and the position of nodes in different orders from the fixed end of the standing wave (see FIG. 6).

[0074] Here, the reference frequency of carrier wave oscillator 211 used by control device 201 is assumed to be 800 Hz. When selecting a standing wave having a node at a desired position, control device 201 selects a frequency fc that is closest to the reference frequency of 800 Hz. Vibration generator 105 vibrates at a reference frequency corresponding to the reference frequency.

[0075] Assume that finger 112 is detected at a position of 80 mm and finger 111 is detected at a position of 125 mm, and the control device 201 determines that a tactile sensation is to be presented to finger 112 and not to finger 111. From the graph in Fig. 8, it can be seen that the position of finger 111 is a node in the standing wave with a frequency of 220 Hz and the standing wave with a frequency of 730 Hz.

[0076] The control device 201 selects a carrier frequency of 730 Hz, which is close to the reference frequency of 800 Hz. A standing wave with a node at the position of the finger 111 can provide a tactile sensation only to the finger 112. In the example shown in Fig. 8, by selecting a carrier frequency of 380 Hz to 1350 Hz, a node of the standing wave can be formed at any position in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm.

[0077] <Location of vibration generator> Next, the placement position of the vibration generator 105 will be described. As described above, by attenuating the reflection at the end of the vibration generator side with a vibration absorbing member, it is possible to form a stable standing wave with little change in amplitude in the frequency band being used. In an actual device, it is difficult to completely eliminate reflected waves using a vibration absorbing member.

[0078] Therefore, the end of the vibration generator supported by the vibration absorbing member has characteristics intermediate between those of the free end and the fixed end. When the absorption end characteristics are closer to those of the free end, the reflectance is positive. On the other hand, when the absorption end characteristics are closer to those of the fixed end, the reflectance is negative.

[0079] The absolute value of the reflectance at the vibration generator side end is smaller than the absolute value of the reflectance at the opposite end supported by the fixed member 107. The closer to the ideal absorption end, the closer the reflectance is to 0. As described above, the reflectance at the opposite end supported by the fixed member 107 is negative. The closer to the ideal fixed end, the closer the absolute value of the reflectance is to -1. On the other hand, if the end is not supported in any way and is open, the reflectance at that end is positive. The closer to the ideal free end, the closer the reflectance at that end is to 1.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present specification, the installation position of the vibration generator 105 is determined depending on the characteristics of the vibration generator side end. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of reflected waves at the vibration generator side end on standing waves in the touch target area 104.

[0081] FIG. 9 shows the position of the vibration generator 105 in a configuration in which the vibration generator side end has the characteristics of a free end and its reflectivity is positive. For the sake of explanation, FIG. 9 shows a propagating wave at an ideal free end. In FIG. 9, a solid line 431 indicates a propagating wave from the vibration generator 105. A two-dot chain line 432 indicates a reflected wave at the vibration generator side end (reflection end) 401. A dashed line 433 indicates a composite wave of the propagating wave 431 and the reflected wave 432.

[0082] In one embodiment of this specification, the distance from the center position of the vibration generator 105 (center position on the X-axis) to the vibration generator side end 401 is (n / 2) times the wavelength of the standing wave generated by vibration of the vibration generator. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 0. This condition can strengthen the wave propagating from the vibration generator 105 to the fixed member 107.

[0083] FIG. 10 shows changes in a propagating wave 431, a reflected wave 432, and a composite wave 433 after the vibration generator 105 starts vibrating in the state shown in FIG. 10. The change in waveform over time is shown from top to bottom in FIG. 10. As in FIG. 9, a solid line 431 indicates a propagating wave from the vibration generator 105. A two-dot chain line 432 indicates a reflected wave at the vibration generator side end 401. A dashed line 433 indicates a composite wave of the propagating wave 431 and the reflected wave 432. In FIG. 10, dashed lines 451A and 451B indicate the leading edge of the propagating wave 431 from the vibration generator 105. A dashed line 453 indicates the leading edge of the reflected wave 432.

[0084] 10, the propagating wave and the reflected wave are combined between the vibration generator 105 and the free end 401 to generate a standing wave with its antinodes at the vibration generator 105 and the free end 401. Between the vibration generator 105 and the fixed member 107, the propagating wave and the reflected wave reinforce each other, generating a propagating wave with a larger amplitude in the direction of the fixed member 107.

[0085] Conversely, if the distance from the center position of vibration generator 105 (center position on the X axis) to vibration generator side end 401 is (n / 2 + 1 / 4) times the wavelength of the standing wave generated by vibration of vibration generator 105, the propagating wave in the direction of fixed member 107 will be weakened. Therefore, by locating vibration generator 105 so as to avoid this position, it is possible to suppress the attenuation of the propagating wave.

[0086] The condition for not weakening the propagating wave toward the fixed member 107 is that the distance range from the center position of the vibration generator 105 (center position on the X axis) to the vibration generator side end 401 is (n / 2-1 / 6 to n / 2+1 / 6) times the wavelength of the standing wave generated by the vibration of the vibration generator. The vibration of the vibration generator changes within a certain range centered on the reference frequency. In one embodiment of this specification, this condition is met at any frequency used.

[0087] 11 shows the position of the vibration generator 105 in a configuration in which the vibration generator side end has the characteristics of a fixed end and its reflectance is negative. fixed The vibration generator side end (reflection end) 411 of the insulating substrate 102 functions as a solid end due to the fixing member 501.

[0088] In FIG. 11, a solid line 511 indicates a propagating wave from the vibration generator 105. A two-dot chain line 512 indicates a propagating wave from the vibration generator side end. 411 The dashed line 513 indicates a composite wave of the propagating wave 511 and the reflected wave 512.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present specification, the distance from the center position of the vibration generator 105 (center position on the X-axis) to the vibration generator side end 411 is (n / 2+1 / 4) times the wavelength of the standing wave generated by vibration of the vibration generator. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 0. This condition can strengthen the wave propagating from the vibration generator 105 to the fixed member 107.

[0090] FIG. 12 shows the changes in the propagating wave 511, the reflected wave 512, and the composite wave 513 after the vibration generator 105 starts vibrating in the state shown in FIG. 11. The changes in the waveforms over time are shown from top to bottom in FIG. 12. As in FIG. 11, the solid line 511 indicates the propagating wave from the vibration generator 105. The two-dot chain line 512 indicates the reflected wave at the vibration generator side end 411. The dashed line 513 indicates the propagating wave 511 and reflected waves 512 12, dashed lines 531A and 531B indicate the leading edge of the propagating wave 511 from the vibration generator 105. A dashed line 533 indicates the leading edge of the reflected wave 512.

[0091] 12, the propagating wave and the reflected wave are combined between vibration generator 105 and fixed end 411 to generate a standing wave with its antinodes at vibration generator 105 and fixed end 411. Between vibration generator 105 and fixed member 107, the propagating wave and the reflected wave reinforce each other, generating a propagating wave with a larger amplitude in the direction of fixed member 107.

[0092] Conversely, from the center position of the vibration generator 105 (center position on the X axis) to the vibration generator side end 411 If the distance to the fixed member 107 is (n / 2) times the wavelength of the standing wave generated by the vibration of the vibration generator, the propagating wave in the direction of the fixed member 107 will be weakened. Therefore, by placing the vibration generator 105 so as to avoid this position, the attenuation of the propagating wave can be suppressed.

[0093] The condition for not weakening the propagating wave in the direction of the fixed member 107 is that the distance from the center position of the vibration generator 105 (the center position on the X axis) to the vibration generator side end 411 The distance range from the reference frequency to the reference point is (n / 2+1 / 12 to n / 2+5 / 12) times the wavelength of the standing wave generated by the vibration of the vibration generator. The vibration of the vibration generator varies within a certain range centered on the reference frequency. In one embodiment of this specification, this condition is met at any frequency used.

[0094] As described above, the end supported by the vibration absorbing part has characteristics intermediate between those of the free end and the fixed end, and its reflectance may be a negative value indicating the properties of the fixed end or a positive value indicating the properties of the free end. By appropriately designing the position of the vibration generator according to these reflectances, it is possible to prevent the reflected waves from the remaining end from attenuating the propagating waves toward the fixed member 107.

[0095] Specifically, when the characteristics of the reflecting end are close to the free end (reflectivity greater than 0% and less than 100%), the distance from the reflecting end to the vibration center of the vibration generator 105 is set to (n / 2-1 / 6 to n / 2+1 / 6) times the wavelength of the standing wave generated by the vibration, so that the propagating wave toward the touch target area is not attenuated.When the characteristics of the reflecting end are close to the fixed end (reflectivity greater than -100% and less than 0%), the distance is set to (n / 2+1 / 12 to n / 2+5 / 12) times the wavelength of the standing wave at the reference frequency.

[0096] This prevents attenuation of waves propagating from the vibration generator 105 (vibration source) in the touch target area. When the reflectance is 0%, no matter where the vibration generator 105 is placed, the waves in the touch target area are not attenuated.

[0097] <Multiplexing of vibration devices> The following describes a configuration in which a standing wave is generated by a propagating wave from multiple vibration generators arranged in series. The multiple vibration generators are arranged in the direction of propagation of the propagating wave, i.e., in the direction in which the antinodes and nodes of the standing wave are arranged. The multiple vibration generators arranged in a multi-layer configuration can increase the amplitude of the standing wave.

[0098] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a tactile presentation device including a vibration generator made up of internal vibration devices arranged in series. The vibration generator 155 is made up of a first internal vibration device 151A and a second internal vibration device 151B arranged in series. The first internal vibration device 151A and the second internal vibration device 151B may be made up of a single vibration generating element like the vibration generator 105 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, or may be made up of multiple vibration generating elements arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. 2. The phase difference between the vibrations generated by the first internal vibration device 151A and the second internal vibration device 151B is adjusted so that the waves propagating from the internal vibration devices 151A and 151B toward the fixed member 107 are in phase.

[0099] 13, solid line 601 indicates a propagating wave from first internal vibration device 151 A. Two-dot chain line 602 indicates a propagating wave from second internal vibration device 151 B. Dashed line 603 indicates a composite wave of propagating wave 601 and propagating wave 602.

[0100] In one embodiment of this specification, the distance between the center position (center position on the X-axis) of first internal vibration device 151A and the center of second internal vibration device 151B is (n / 2+1 / 4) times the wavelength of the standing wave at the reference frequency. When a standing wave at the reference frequency is generated under this condition, only the wave propagating from internal vibration devices 151A and 151B to fixed member 107 can be strengthened. The waves propagating from internal vibration devices 151A and 151B to reflecting end 611 weaken each other.

[0101] In this embodiment, the vibration of the vibration generator varies within a certain range centered on the reference frequency. If the distance from internal vibration devices 151A and 151B to fixed member 107 is within the range of (n / 2+1 / 6) to (n / 2+1 / 3) of the generated standing wave, the propagating wave toward reflecting end 611 on the vibration generator side is weakened, and the generation of unnecessary vibration can be suppressed.

[0102] 13 shows an example of a dual-arrangement vibration generator in which two vibration generators are arranged in series as a multi-arrangement vibration generator. In other configuration examples, three or more vibration generators may be arranged in series. By satisfying the above distance condition for each pair of adjacent vibration generators, it is possible to strengthen only the propagation wave from the multi-arrangement vibration generators to the fixed member 107.

[0103] <Multi-directional standing waves> In the above configuration example, standing waves are generated in the touch target area 104 by a vibration generator in one or more directions that is arranged on only one side of the touch target area 104. In one embodiment of the present specification, a vibration generator is arranged on each of the multiple sides of the touch target area 104. This makes it possible to selectively present tactile sensations to the fingers regardless of the relationship between the touch positions of the multiple fingers.

[0104] 14A and 14B show the operation of an example configuration of a tactile presentation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present specification. The tactile presentation device 10 includes two vibration generators 105A and 105B, two fixing members 107A and 107B, and two vibration absorbing members 108A and 108B. The vibration generator 105A and the fixing member 107A are a first vibration generator and a first support unit. The vibration generator 105B and the fixing member 107B are a second vibration generator and a second support unit.

[0105] The relationship between vibration generator 105A, fixing member 107A, and vibration absorbing member 108A is similar to the relationship between vibration generator 105, fixing member 107, and vibration absorbing member 108 described above. Moreover, the relationship between vibration generator 105B, fixing member 107B, and vibration absorbing member 108B is similar to the relationship between vibration generator 105, fixing member 107, and vibration absorbing member 108 described above.

[0106] 14A and 14B, the insulating substrate 102 is quadrilateral. The vibration generator 105A is disposed near a Y-axis side of the insulating substrate 102 along the Y-axis and extends along that side. The fixing member 107A supports the Y-axis side opposite the Y-axis side and extends along the opposing Y-axis side. The vibration generator 105A and the fixing member 107A face each other in the direction along the X-axis, sandwiching a touch target area (not shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B) therebetween.

[0107] The vibration absorbing member 108A supports the Y-axis side. The vibration absorbing member 108A faces the vibration generator 105A in the direction along the X-axis on the side opposite the fixed member 107A (touch target area). The vibration absorbing member 108A extends along the Y-axis side.

[0108] The vibration generator 105B is disposed near an X-axis side of the insulating substrate 102 along the X-axis and extends along that side. The fixing member 107B supports the X-axis side opposite the X-axis side and extends along the opposing X-axis side. The vibration generator 105B and the fixing member 107B face each other in the direction along the Y-axis, sandwiching the touch target area therebetween.

[0109] The vibration absorbing member 108B supports the X-axis side. The vibration absorbing member 108B faces the vibration generator 105B in the direction along the Y-axis on the side opposite the fixed member 107B (touch target area). The vibration absorbing member 108B extends along the X-axis side.

[0110] The control device 201 selectively vibrates the vibration generator 105A and the vibration generator 105B. FIG. 14A shows a standing wave 651A generated by vibrating the vibration generator 105A, and FIG. 14B shows a standing wave 651B generated by vibrating the vibration generator 105B. In this way, the tactile presentation device 10 can generate two standing waves in which the nodes and antinodes are aligned in different directions. In the state of FIG. 14A, a vertically striped standing wave 651A is generated, and in the state of FIG. 14B, a horizontally striped standing wave 651B is generated.

[0111] The control device 201 vibrates only one of the vibration generators according to, for example, the position of the touching finger or the image to be displayed. Figures 14A and 14B show a control example in which the vibration generator to be vibrated is selected based on the touch positions of the two fingers 111 and 112. The control device 201 vibrates vibration generator 105A when the distance between the fingers 111 and 112 along the X axis is greater than the distance between the fingers 111 and 112 along the Y axis. Conversely, when the distance between the fingers 111 and 112 along the Y axis is greater than the distance between the fingers 111 and 112 along the X axis, the control device 201 vibrates vibration generator 105B.

[0112] 14A, the touch positions of fingers 111 and 112 are approximately the same on the Y axis and slightly shifted on the X axis. The control device 201 vibrates vibration generator 105A to generate vertical stripe standing waves. The antinodes and nodes of the standing waves are aligned along the X axis, so that a tactile sensation can be presented to only one of the fingers 111 and 112, which are at different positions on the X axis.

[0113] 14B, the touch positions of fingers 111 and 112 are approximately the same on the X axis and slightly shifted on the Y axis. The control device 201 vibrates vibration generator 105B to generate horizontal stripe standing waves. The antinodes and nodes of the standing waves are aligned along the Y axis, so that a tactile sensation can be presented to only one of the fingers 111 and 112, which are at different positions on the Y axis.

[0114] 15 shows the operation of an exemplary configuration of a tactile presentation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present specification. The tactile presentation device 10 includes two vibration generators 105C and 105D, two fixing members 107C and 107D, and two vibration absorbing members 108C and 108D. The vibration generator 105C and the fixing member 107C are a first vibration generator and a first support unit. The vibration generator 105D and the fixing member 107D are a second vibration generator and a second support unit.

[0115] The relationship between vibration generator 105C, fixing member 107C, and vibration absorbing member 108C is similar to the relationship between vibration generator 105, fixing member 107, and vibration absorbing member 108 described above. Moreover, the relationship between vibration generator 105D, fixing member 107D, and vibration absorbing member 108D is similar to the relationship between vibration generator 105, fixing member 107, and vibration absorbing member 108 described above.

[0116] Insulating substrate 661 The vibration generator 105C is a hexagon. 661 15. The vibration generator 105C and the fixed member 107C are disposed near the first side of the vibration generator 105C and extend along that side. The fixed member 107C supports the side that is parallel to the first side and faces the opposite side, and extends along the opposite side. The vibration generator 105C and the fixed member 107C face each other across a touch target area (not shown in FIG. 15).

[0117] The vibration absorbing member 108C supports the first side. The vibration absorbing member 108C faces the vibration generator 105C on the side opposite to the fixed member 107C (touch target area). The vibration absorbing member 108C extends along the first side.

[0118] The vibration generator 105D is disposed near a second side adjacent to the first side of the insulating substrate 102 and extends along that side. The fixing member 107D supports an opposite side that is parallel to the second side and extends along that opposite side. The vibration generator 105D and the fixing member 107D face each other with the touch target area between them.

[0119] The vibration absorbing member 108D supports the second side. The vibration absorbing member 108D faces the vibration generator 105B on the side opposite to the fixed member 107D (touch target area). The vibration absorbing member 108D extends along the second side.

[0120] The control device 201 selectively vibrates the vibration generator 105C and the vibration generator 105D. By vibrating the vibration generator 105C, a standing wave 651C is generated. By vibrating the vibration generator 105D, a standing wave 651D is generated. The angle between the vectors of the propagating waves from the vibration generators of the two standing waves is smaller than 90 degrees. In this way, the tactile presentation device 10 can generate two planes of standing waves in which the nodes and antinodes are aligned in different directions. The control device 201 controls the vibration generator 105C and the vibration generator 105D as described with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B. C , 105 D can be controlled.

[0121] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily modify, add, or convert each element of the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. It is possible to replace 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10 Tactile presentation device 100 Tactile presentation panel 101 Touch electrode pattern 102 insulating substrate 103 Display device 104 Touch target area 105, 105A-105D, 115 Vibration generator 107, 107A-107D Fixing member 108, 108A-108D Vibration absorbing members 201 Control device 203 Waveform synthesizer 231, 232 Support part 251, 651A-651D standing wave

Claims

1. A tactile presentation device, The panel and a first support portion that fixes and supports a first end portion of the panel; a vibration generating device disposed on the panel at a position facing the first support portion across a target area to be touched by a user; a drive control device that supplies a drive signal to the vibration generating device; Including, the drive control device vibrates only the vibration generator to form a standing wave in a region between the vibration generator and the first end, including the target region; a first vibration reflectance at the first end of the propagating wave from the vibration generator is negative; a second vibration reflection coefficient of a propagation wave from the vibration generator at a second end of the panel opposite to the first end across the vibration generator is greater than the first vibration reflection coefficient; the drive control device determines a touch position where no tactile sensation is presented from among a plurality of simultaneous touch positions detected on the panel, and drives and controls the vibration generating device so that a standing wave is generated with the touch position where no tactile sensation is presented as a node. Tactile presentation device.

2. The tactile presentation device according to claim 1, The absolute value of the second vibration reflectance is smaller than the absolute value of the first vibration reflectance. Tactile presentation device.

3. The tactile presentation device according to claim 2, a second support portion that supports the second end portion; a modulus of elasticity of a portion of the second support portion that contacts the panel is smaller than a modulus of elasticity of a portion of the first support portion that contacts the panel; a viscosity of a portion of the second support portion in contact with the panel is lower than a viscosity of a portion of the first support portion in contact with the panel; Tactile presentation device.

4. A tactile presentation device as described in claim 1, the drive control device selects, from among a plurality of standing waves whose nodes are the touch positions where no tactile sensation is presented, a standing wave whose vibration frequency is closest to a reference frequency of the vibration generator; At the reference frequency, a propagating wave from the vibration generator and a reflected wave at the second end are constructively coupled between the vibration generator and the first end. Tactile presentation device.

5. A tactile presentation device as described in claim 4, the second vibration reflectance is positive; The distance between the center of the vibration generator and the reflecting end at the second end is (n / 2-1 / 6 to n / 2+1 / 6) times the wavelength of the standing wave generated by the vibration generator, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Tactile presentation device.

6. A tactile presentation device according to claim 4, the second vibration reflectance is negative; The distance between the center of the vibration generator and the reflecting end at the second end is (n / 2+1 / 12 to n / 2+5 / 12) times the wavelength of the standing wave generated by the vibration generator, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Tactile presentation device.

7. A tactile presentation device as described in claim 1, the vibration generating device includes a first internal vibration device and a second internal vibration device disposed at positions facing the first support part across the target area, the first internal vibration device is positioned between the second internal vibration device and the target area; the drive control device selects, from among a plurality of standing waves whose nodes are the touch positions where no tactile sensation is presented, a standing wave whose vibration frequency is closest to a reference frequency of the vibration generator; At the reference frequency, the propagating wave from the first internal vibration device and the propagating wave from the second internal vibration device constructively interact with each other between the vibration generating device and the first end. Tactile presentation device.

8. A tactile presentation device as described in claim 7, The distance between the first internal vibration device and the second internal vibration device is (n / 2+1 / 6 to n / 2+1 / 3) times the wavelength of the standing wave generated by the vibration generating device, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Tactile presentation device.

9. A tactile presentation device as described in claim 1, the vibration generator is a first vibration generator, the tactile presentation device further includes a second vibration generating device and a second support part; the first vibration generator is disposed near a first side of the panel; the second vibration generator is disposed near the adjacent side of the panel to the first side, the second support unit is disposed at a position facing the second vibration generator across the target area, the drive control device drives only one selected from the first vibration generator and the second vibration generator. Tactile presentation device.

Images