Touch input device, vibration adjustment method, and vibration adjustment device

Abstract

To allow a user to perceive in an aimed sense of touch a touch operation being accepted.SOLUTION: A touch input device comprises: an oscillation target; a voice coil actuator for oscillating the oscillation target; and a control unit which obtains the oscillation data to obtain an aimed sense of touch, generated based on oscillation feature data to obtain any sense of touch, for controlling the voice coil actuator. The any sense of touch is represented in various sense of touch elements. The oscillation feature data is data where a weighting of a feature amount is analyzed based on the sense of touch elements of an existing assessment target, and the feature amount of behavior for the assessment target. The control unit obtains desired oscillation data which is generated based on various sense of touch elements representing the aimed sense of touch and the oscillation feature data, and controls the voice coil actuator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a touch input device, a vibration adjustment method, and a vibration adjustment device.

Background Art

[0002] There is a touch input device as a user interface. The touch input device is a pointing device that receives a touch operation. The touch input device detects a touch position where the user's finger touches on the touch panel by a capacitance method, a resistive film method, an infrared scanning method, an ultrasonic method, or a combination of them. This touch input device is overlaid with a display such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL, and is provided in various devices as a component of the touch panel display. On the device side, when it is determined that the touch position is an icon display location, processing according to the touch event of the icon is executed.

[0003] The design of a switch using a touch input device only requires software design to display an icon of a desired image and size at a desired position on the display. Therefore, when using a touch input device, the design becomes simpler compared to a mechanical push switch. In addition, the touch input device can flexibly respond to changes in the position, shape, size, etc. of the icon. Due to such merits, in recent years, there have been many cases of replacing the mechanical push switch with a touch input device.

[0004] However, there is no physically moving part when touching the touch input device. Therefore, the touch input device cannot give the user the operating feeling like a mechanical push switch. Thus, the touch input device includes a vibrator and responds to the user with vibration when a touch is detected. However, if the vibration pattern in the touch input device is single, although it is known that the touch input device has detected a touch, it cannot be recognized whether an icon has been touched or a location not associated with any event other than the icon has been touched.

[0005] Therefore, in some touch input devices, multiple vibration patterns are provided by appropriately combining vibration waveforms, vibration amplitudes, and vibration frequencies (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the example in Patent Document 1, the vibrator vibrates with a vibration pattern corresponding to the difference between the position where the user is touching and the home position. The user can determine whether or not they have touched the home position by the difference in vibration. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-135529 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the vibration patterns used so far do not provide users with an intuitive sense of operation when they touch an icon. Users learn the vibration pattern that occurs when they touch an icon from the difference between the vibration patterns that occur when they touch an icon and those that do not, but they do not intuitively perceive that they have touched an icon from the tactile sensation produced by the vibration pattern. Therefore, until users become accustomed to the touch input device, changes in the vibration pattern can even cause them confusion.

[0008] Instead of providing tactile feedback through touch input devices, when users can focus on the display, additional information is added through screen changes, such as blinking icons or displaying animations indicating that an icon has been pressed, allowing users to intuitively understand the action of touching an icon. However, there are times when it is difficult for users to focus on the display, or when their fingers get in the way.

[0009] Thus, there is no established method for touch input devices to intuitively convey to the user that a touch has been made, such as when an icon has been touched. The present invention was proposed to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a touch input device, a vibration adjustment method, and a vibration adjustment device that can allow the user to feel that a touch operation has been accepted with a desired tactile sensation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, the touch input device of the present invention comprises a vibrating object, a voice coil actuator for vibrating the vibrating object, and a control unit that acquires vibration data for obtaining a target tactile sensation, generated based on vibration feature data for obtaining an arbitrary tactile sensation, and controls the voice coil actuator. The arbitrary tactile sensation is represented by various tactile elements, the vibration feature data is data in which the weights of the feature quantities are analyzed based on the tactile elements of an existing object to be evaluated and the feature quantities of the behavior of the object to be evaluated, and the control unit acquires desired vibration data generated based on the various tactile elements representing the target tactile sensation and the vibration feature data, and controls the voice coil actuator.

[0011] Tactile elements refer to tactile sensations that can be shared by a large, unspecified group of people. Ideally, these tactile sensations should be verbalized, quantified, and shared in common understanding.

[0012] The vibration characteristic data may also be partial regression coefficients for each characteristic of the tactile element, obtained by multiple regression analysis using the evaluation of the tactile elements of an existing object as the dependent variable and the characteristic quantities of the behavior of the object as the independent variables.

[0013] The feature quantities include at least one of time-domain feature quantities and frequency-domain feature quantities, and the control unit may generate the desired vibration data by adjusting at least one of the time-domain feature quantities and frequency-domain feature quantities of pre-prepared basic vibration data based on various tactile elements representing the target tactile sensation and the vibration feature data.

[0014] The aforementioned tactile element may be at least one of click sensation, stroke sensation, certainty sensation, elasticity sensation, smoothness sensation, and pleasant sensation.

[0015] The aforementioned feature quantities may be at least one of the following: peak load, bottom load, the difference between the peak load and the bottom load, click rate, peak displacement, bottom displacement, the difference between the peak displacement and the bottom displacement, peak acceleration, bottom acceleration, the difference between the peak acceleration and the bottom acceleration, rise time of the peak acceleration, waveform duration, waveform area, and amplitude for each frequency.

[0016] The control unit may further correct the desired vibration data using inverse transmission characteristics generated based on the vibration transmission characteristics of the object to be vibrated, which have been measured in advance.

[0017] The aforementioned reverse transmission characteristics are a plurality of such reverse transmission characteristics generated according to the touch position. The control unit may correct the desired vibration data using the inverse transmission characteristics corresponding to the touch position.

[0018] The vibration adjustment method of the present invention includes a measurement step of measuring the behavior of an existing object to be evaluated; an extraction step of extracting characteristic quantities of the behavior of the object to be evaluated from the measurement results of the measurement step; a tactile element evaluation step of decomposing the tactile feel of the object to be evaluated into various tactile elements and evaluating them; and an analysis step of analyzing the weights of the characteristic quantities based on the tactile elements of the object to be evaluated and the characteristic quantities of the behavior of the object to be evaluated.

[0019] The vibration adjustment method may further include a generation step of generating vibration data for obtaining an arbitrary tactile sensation based on the weights of the analyzed feature amounts.

[0020] The vibration adjustment method may further include a transmission characteristic calculation step of measuring an impulse response for each area of the vibration object and calculating the transmission characteristic of the vibration of the area, and an inverse transmission characteristic calculation step of calculating the inverse transmission characteristic of the transmission characteristic of the vibration of the area for each area of the vibration object.

[0021] The vibration adjustment device of the present invention includes a measurement unit that measures the behavior of an existing evaluation object, an extraction unit that extracts a feature amount of the behavior of the evaluation object from the measurement result of the measurement unit, a tactile element evaluation unit that decomposes and evaluates the tactile sensation of the evaluation object into various tactile elements, and an analysis unit that analyzes the weights of the feature amounts based on the tactile elements of the evaluation object and the feature amounts of the behavior of the evaluation object.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to make the user feel that a touch operation has been received with a target tactile sensation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a touch input device. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing a method for creating vibration data. [Figure 3] It is a schematic graph showing the FS characteristic (Force-Stroke characteristic) of a mechanical push switch. [Figure 4] It is a schematic graph showing the AT characteristic (Acceleration-Time characteristic) of a mechanical push switch. [Figure 5] It is a schematic graph when the AT characteristic (Acceleration-Time characteristic) of a mechanical push switch is converted into a frequency domain. [Figure 6]This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a vibration control device. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a vibration control device. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the GUI screen of the time-domain adjustment unit. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the contents of time-domain adjusted data. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the GUI screen of the frequency domain adjustment unit. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the frequency domain adjustment data. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the detailed process of generating vibration data. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing other GUI screens from the time domain adjustment unit. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing other GUI screens from the time domain adjustment unit. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing other GUI screens from the time domain adjustment unit. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing the operation of a touch input device. [Figure 17] This is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a vibration control device. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart showing the operation of a touch input device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] [First Embodiment] (Touch input device) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a touch input device. Touch input device 1 is a pointing device that accepts user touch operations. Touch input device 1 is provided in various devices as a human-machine interface. For example, touch input device 1 is superimposed on a display such as a liquid crystal or organic EL display and is provided in various devices as a component of a touch panel display.

[0025] This touch input device 1 comprises a touch panel 11, a control unit 12, a vibrator 13, and a memory unit 14. When this touch input device 1 receives a touch operation using a user's finger, it responds to the touch operation by vibrating. The touch panel 11 detects the touch position where the user's finger touches using a capacitive method, a resistive method, an infrared scanning method, an ultrasonic method, or a combination of these methods, and inputs touch position information indicating the coordinates of the touch position to the control unit 12.

[0026] The control unit 12 includes a processor, also known as a CPU or MPU, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a microcontroller. The control unit 12 also includes a servo driver and a servo amplifier for controlling the vibrator 13. This control unit 12 may also serve as a component of the various devices on which the touch input device 1 is mounted. As a component of the various devices, the control unit 12 performs processing in response to input events using the touch panel 11, according to the touch position information.

[0027] The control unit 12, as an element of the touch input device 1, vibrates the vibrator 13 according to the touch position information. The vibrator 13 operates to vibrate the touch panel 11 as the object to be vibrated, and the vibration of the vibrator 13 is transmitted to the touch panel 11. The memory unit 14 stores vibration data Vd generated by the vibration adjustment device 2, which will be described later, based on vibration characteristic data acquired by the analysis device 4, which will be described later. The memory unit 14 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or SSD. The vibration data Vd is vibration waveform data such as WAV data, and the vibration intensity is arranged in chronological order in an uncompressed state. In order to vibrate the vibrator 13, the control unit 12 reads the vibration data Vd from the memory unit 14, converts the vibration data Vd into an electrical signal such as current or voltage, and inputs it to the vibrator 13. The vibrator 13 is driven to vibrate by the electrical signal.

[0028] If the touch position information indicates that an icon has been touched, the control unit 12 reads vibration data Vd to provide the desired tactile sensation, which is the sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch, and vibrates the vibrator 13 according to this vibration data Vd. Hereinafter, the vibration data Vd to provide the desired tactile sensation, which is the sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch, will simply be referred to as vibration data Vd.

[0029] This vibration data Vd includes vibration changes that approximate the behavior of the mechanical push switch when the mechanical push switch is pressed. For example, the vibration data Vd includes at least one of the waveforms that approximate the time variation of the load applied to the mechanical push switch and the waveform that approximates the time variation of the amplitude applied to the mechanical push switch. Alternatively, the vibration data Vd includes at least one of the waveforms that approximate the time variation of the acceleration of the mechanical push switch and the waveform that approximates the time variation of the amplitude of the mechanical push switch.

[0030] In other words, when the vibration data Vd is shown as a waveform with time on the horizontal axis and amplitude on the vertical axis, that waveform is based on, for example, the waveform when the behavior of a mechanical push switch is represented as a waveform with time on the horizontal axis and load on the vertical axis, or as a waveform when time on the horizontal axis and acceleration on the vertical axis.

[0031] The general behavior of a mechanical push switch, when the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is load, is that it increases towards the peak load fp and then decreases towards the bottom load fb. Similarly, when the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is acceleration, the general behavior of a mechanical push switch is that it increases towards the peak acceleration Ap and then decreases towards the bottom acceleration Ab. When the vibration due to vibration data Vd is shown as a waveform with the horizontal axis being time and the vertical axis being amplitude, the general waveform increases towards the peak and then decreases towards the bottom.

[0032] When the vibration data Vd is represented as a waveform with time on the horizontal axis and amplitude on the vertical axis, the waveform includes characteristic quantities such as acceleration and frequency that affect the tactile element, with some or all of the peak position, height of the peak position, bottom position, lowness of the bottom position, slope toward the peak position, slope after passing the peak position, and slope toward the bottom position. In other words, it is preferable that the signal is one in which the characteristics of the tactile sensation are emphasized or attenuated. The tactile sensation element includes, for example, click feeling, stroke feeling, certainty, elasticity, smoothness, and pleasantness, measured from the tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch.

[0033] The desired vibration data is generated by emphasizing or attenuating characteristic quantities such as frequency that are applied to tactile elements in the basic vibration data Bd. There are no particular limitations on the basic vibration data; it may be vibration data used in game machines, vibration data used in tactile technology, or vibration data that matches or approximates the behavior of a mechanical push switch. The basic vibration data may also be vibration data without vibration. Furthermore, the basic vibration data may be a pulse wave or a sine wave.

[0034] A vibrator 13 that follows such vibration data Vd needs to be able to accurately reproduce the vibration pattern that gives the desired tactile sensation, which is the feeling of pressing a mechanical push switch. For this reason, a voice coil actuator is preferred as the vibrator 13, as it has good responsiveness to electrical signals and good positional accuracy over a wide frequency band. Examples of voice coil actuators include moving coil types and moving magnet types. For example, in the moving coil type, the voice coil actuator comprises a fixed magnetic body and a movable element consisting of a bobbin around which a coil is wound, which is placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic body. The bobbin is moved linearly in the axial direction by a Lorentz force corresponding to the electrical signal flowing through the coil.

[0035] Furthermore, the vibration data Vd is adjusted based on the behavior of an existing mechanical push switch, which is used as an evaluation target, so that the desired intensity is applied to the six tactile elements, in order to approach a tactile design that matches the image of the product and brand. The six tactile elements are the components that make up the target tactile sensation, which is the feeling of pressing a mechanical push switch, and consist of click, stroke, certainty, elasticity, smoothness, and pleasantness.

[0036] Click feel is higher the sharper the sensation when pressed. Stroke feel is higher the deeper the press. Confidence is higher the easier it is to tell that the switch has been turned on. Resistance is higher the greater the resistance when pressed. Smoothness is higher the smoother the press. Pleasance is higher the more pleasant the feel.

[0037] Furthermore, in order to provide a high-quality tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch at the touch position, it is preferable that the vibration data Vd reflects the reverse transmission characteristics of the vibration from the vibrator 13 to the touch position. These reverse transmission characteristics cancel out the transmission characteristics that are reflected in the vibration while it is being transmitted from the vibrator 13 to the touch position.

[0038] (Vibration adjustment method) Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the method for creating vibration data Vd. As shown in Figure 2, the method for creating vibration data Vd is broadly divided into two parts: an analysis process of each mechanical push switch by the analyzer 4 (steps S01 to S06A and S06B), and a generation process (steps S07 to S09) in which the vibration adjustment device 2 generates vibration data Vd based on the analysis results.

[0039] <Analysis process using analytical equipment> In the analysis process, the behavior of various mechanical push switches is measured (step S01). Examples of behaviors to be measured include FS characteristics (Force-Stroke characteristics), FT characteristics (Force-Time characteristics), ST characteristics (Stroke-Time characteristics), AT characteristics (Acceleration-Time characteristics), or combinations thereof. This step of measuring the behavior of mechanical push switches is called the "measurement step."

[0040] The FS characteristic shows the relationship between the load applied to a mechanical push switch and its displacement. The FT characteristic shows the relationship between the load applied to a mechanical push switch and its pressing time. The ST characteristic shows the relationship between the displacement of a mechanical push switch and its pressing time. The AT characteristic shows the relationship between the acceleration of a mechanical push switch and its pressing time. To measure the FS characteristic, you can use a load cell to measure the load and displacement when a mechanical push switch is pressed at a minute speed. The FT, ST, and AT characteristics can be measured using a force gauge, laser displacement meter, and acceleration sensor.

[0041] Furthermore, the objects of measurement for evaluation are not limited to mechanical push switches. For example, materials such as resin or cloth may be used as the object of measurement, and the pleasant feeling when pressing these materials may be measured.

[0042] Next, the measured behavior is analyzed, and various feature quantities (hereinafter simply referred to as "feature quantities") of the behavior of various mechanical push switches are extracted (step S02). Examples of feature quantities include peak load fp, bottom load fb, load difference fd, click rate Rc, peak displacement Sp, bottom displacement Sb, displacement difference Sd, peak acceleration Ap, bottom acceleration Ab, acceleration difference Ad, rise time Tr, waveform duration Tl, waveform area S, amplitude Wa for each frequency, or combinations thereof. Note that the feature quantities are not limited to these, as long as they are points that characterize the behavior of the mechanical push switch. The step of extracting the feature quantities of the behavior of the mechanical push switch from the measurement results of the measurement step is called the "extraction step".

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the peak load fp is the maximum load required to displace the mechanical push switch. The bottom load fb is the minimum load required to displace the mechanical push switch. In a mechanical push switch, the transition from peak load fp to bottom load fb occurs at the point where the electrode spring reverses and the contact turns on. The load difference fd is the difference between the peak load fp and the bottom load fb (fp-fb). The click ratio Rc is the value obtained by dividing the load difference fd by the peak load fp (fd / fp). The peak displacement Sp is the displacement of the mechanical push switch until the peak load fp occurs. The bottom displacement Sb is the displacement of the mechanical push switch until the bottom load fb occurs. The displacement difference Sd is the difference between the peak displacement Sp and the bottom displacement Sb (Sb-Sp).

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, peak acceleration Ap is the maximum acceleration when the mechanical push switch is displaced. Bottom acceleration Ab is the minimum acceleration when the mechanical push switch is displaced. Acceleration difference Ad is the difference between peak acceleration Ap and bottom acceleration Ab (Ap-Ab). Rise time Tr is the elapsed time from the start of displacement of the mechanical push switch toward peak acceleration Ap until it reaches peak acceleration Ap. Duration Tl is the time the mechanical push switch is displaced. Waveform area S is the area enclosed by the waveform when the displacement of the mechanical push switch is shown with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing acceleration.

[0045] Features such as peak load fp, bottom load fb, load difference fd, click rate Rc, peak displacement Sp, bottom displacement Sb, and displacement difference Sd can be collected from the FS characteristics. Features such as peak acceleration Ap, bottom acceleration Ab, acceleration difference Ad, rise time Tr, waveform duration Tl, and waveform area S can be extracted from the AT characteristics.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the amplitude Wa for each frequency is the amplitude at each frequency when the relationship between the displacement of the mechanical push switch (with time on the horizontal axis and acceleration on the vertical axis) is converted to the frequency domain. The amplitude Wa for each frequency is obtained by performing a Fourier transform on the behavior expressed in the time domain to convert it to the frequency domain, and then averaging each amplitude within the frequency band. The representative value for each frequency band can be the median value within the frequency band. For example, one can average each amplitude value within the frequency band from 50 Hz to 150 Hz, and then associate the median value of this frequency band, which is 100 Hz, with the average amplitude.

[0047] Furthermore, in the analysis process, in addition to extracting features through behavioral measurement, the tactile elements of various mechanical push switches are evaluated (step S03). In this evaluation, multiple subjects are asked to press the same mechanical push switch whose behavioral features were measured. The tactile sensation of each mechanical push switch is then decomposed into six tactile elements: clickiness, strokeiness, certainty, elasticity, smoothness, and likability. Subjects are then asked to rate each tactile element on a 5-point scale, for example, according to the semantic differential method. The step of decomposing and evaluating the tactile sensation of a mechanical push switch into various tactile elements is called the "tactile element evaluation step."

[0048] Once the various feature quantities of the behavior of various mechanical push switches and the evaluation of various tactile elements are obtained, the tactile elements are used as the dependent variable and the various feature quantities as independent variables, and the tactile elements and various feature quantities are approximated by a linear combination using multiple regression analysis (steps S04A and S04B). Note that the step of obtaining the partial regression coefficients for each feature quantity for each tactile element by multiple regression analysis with the evaluation of the tactile element as the dependent variable and the aforementioned feature quantities as independent variables is called the "analysis step".

[0049] In multiple regression analysis, features are divided into a first feature group and a second feature group. The first feature group includes peak load fp, bottom load fb, load difference fd, click rate Rc, peak displacement Sp, bottom displacement Sb, displacement difference Sd, peak acceleration Ap, bottom acceleration Ab, acceleration difference Ad, rise time Tr, waveform duration Tl, and waveform area S. The second feature group includes amplitude Wa for each frequency.

[0050] Steps S04A and S04B onward involve separately performing multiple regression analysis using explanatory variables selected from the features of the first feature group and multiple regression analysis using explanatory variables selected from the features of the second feature group.

[0051] In steps S04A and S04B, the value of the dependent variable for each mechanical push switch is the average of the evaluations given by all subjects to the same tactile element. Outliers are removed beforehand when calculating the average. Explanatory variables are standardized to a mean of 0 and a variance of 1 to eliminate the influence of differences in units. There are three explanatory variables in the multiple regression analysis, and multiple regression analysis is performed for each of the three combinations of features. However, when selecting explanatory variables, combinations of explanatory variables with a VIF value (Variance Inflation Factor value) of 4 or more are excluded to eliminate multicollinearity.

[0052] When multiple regression analysis is performed for each combination of explanatory variables, the results of the multiple regression analysis with high accuracy are selected (steps S05A and S05B). For example, the adjusted coefficient of determination (Adj.R²) can be used as the selection method. The maximum value of the adjusted coefficient of determination is searched for among the results of each multiple regression analysis, and the results of the multiple regression analysis with an adjusted coefficient of determination within a predetermined value, such as within 0.2, are selected. The step of selecting the results of the multiple regression analysis with an adjusted coefficient of determination (Adj.R²) within a predetermined range from among the results of each multiple regression analysis is called the "regression equation selection step". The regression equation selection step can also be omitted.

[0053] Furthermore, from the selected results of the multiple regression analysis, explanatory variables with low significance probabilities (i.e., p-values) and their partial regression coefficients are extracted (steps S06A and S06B). To extract the partial regression coefficients, the p-values ​​of each regression equation are calculated. Then, the partial regression coefficients for explanatory variables whose p-values ​​are less than a predetermined value, such as less than 0.05, are extracted. If there are multiple partial regression coefficients for the same explanatory variable, the mean value is used. The step of selecting explanatory variables with p-values ​​less than a predetermined value from the results of the multiple regression analysis selected in the selection step is called the "variable selection step." The variable selection step can also be omitted.

[0054] Through the above analysis process, one or more explanatory variables are selected from the first feature group for each tactile element, and the partial regression coefficients of these explanatory variables are obtained. Similarly, one or more explanatory variables are selected from the second feature group for each tactile element, and the partial regression coefficients of these explanatory variables are obtained. The types of explanatory variables selected represent the types of features that have a significant impact on the tactile elements. The obtained partial regression coefficients indicate the relative degree of influence that the selected types of features have on the tactile elements. In other words, the analysis process provides the types of explanatory variables and their partial regression coefficients as vibration feature data for obtaining any given tactile sensation. The types of explanatory variables and their partial regression coefficients obtained through the analysis process represent data analyzing the relationship between the weights of feature quantities in the behavior of existing mechanical push switches and the strength of the tactile elements.

[0055] <Generation process using vibration adjustment device> In the generation process following the analysis process (steps S07 to S09), the vibration adjustment device 2 shown in Figure 6 is used. Information indicating the type of explanatory variable and partial regression coefficient obtained in the analysis process is input to the vibration adjustment device 2 for each tactile element (step S07). Vibration data Vd is generated using this vibration adjustment device 2 (step S08), and the generated vibration data Vd is stored in the storage unit 14 of the touch input device 1 (step S09).

[0056] The step of generating adjustment data for each tactile element, which includes one or more pairs of change point information indicating the type of feature and the degree of influence on the tactile element based on the partial regression coefficient, is called the "adjustment data generation step" (S07). The step of generating vibration data with varying intensity for the tactile element based on the adjustment data is also called the "adjustment data generation step" (S08).

[0057] (Vibration adjustment device) Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vibration adjustment device 2. This vibration adjustment device 2 is a so-called computer and is equipped with a processor 2a that executes processing according to a program, such as a CPU or MPU, volatile memory 2b, also called RAM, where the programs and data processed by the processor are stored, and non-volatile storage 2c such as a hard disk or SSD that stores programs and data.

[0058] Furthermore, the vibration adjustment device 2 includes a monitor 2d that communicates the situation to the operator visually, such as an organic EL display or liquid crystal display; an operation unit 2e that accepts operator input such as a keyboard or mouse; an interface 2g for connecting a touch input device 1; and an interface 2f for connecting a vibration waveform measuring device 3.

[0059] <Generation part> As shown in Figure 7, the vibration adjustment device 2 comprises a generation unit 20 and an equipment control unit 21, which include a processor 2a, by processing a program stored in storage 2c. The generation unit 20 includes a conversion unit 22, a basic vibration data selection unit 23, a tactile sensation adjustment unit 24, and a correction unit 25, and generates vibration data Vd. The tactile sensation adjustment unit 24 includes a time-domain adjustment unit 26 and a frequency-domain adjustment unit 27, and adjusts the target tactile sensation to the manner desired by the operator. Meanwhile, the storage area of ​​storage 2c includes a basic vibration data storage unit 28 and an adjustment data storage unit 29.

[0060] The conversion unit 22 generates vibration data Vcd from vibration data Ftd or Ffd so that the behavior of the mechanical push switch can be approximated by vibration changes. The behavior of the mechanical push switch may be represented using FS characteristics, FT characteristics, ST characteristics, AT characteristics, or a combination thereof obtained in the analysis process (steps S01 to steps S06A and S06B). The behavior data Md is, for example, AT characteristic data showing the time change of acceleration of the mechanical push switch.

[0061] While not limited to this, one example of a method for converting acceleration and vibration is that the conversion unit 22 inversely proportionalizes the vibration frequency, waveform amplitude, or both to the acceleration. During periods when the acceleration of the mechanical push switch is low, the user perceives the switch as heavy, and during periods when the acceleration is high, the user perceives the switch as light. On the other hand, a higher vibration frequency results in a greater impact on the user, which the user perceives as weight. Furthermore, a larger vibration amplitude results in a greater impact on the user, which the user perceives as weight.

[0062] Therefore, the conversion unit 22 applies a vibration waveform with high frequency, large amplitude, or both to the time period when the switch acceleration is small, and applies a vibration waveform with low frequency, small amplitude, or both to the time period when the switch acceleration is large. In other words, the vibration data Vd will have a vibration waveform with high frequency, large amplitude, or both to the time period when the switch acceleration is small, and a vibration waveform with low frequency, small amplitude, or both to the time period when the switch acceleration is large.

[0063] The foundation vibration data Bd, which is the source for the conversion of vibration data Vd, is stored in the foundation vibration data storage unit 28. This foundation vibration data Bd may be the behavior data itself, data created by processing the behavior data, or a waveform created completely arbitrarily and unrelated to the behavior data. The foundation vibration data Bd is displayed in a list on a selection GUI screen generated by the foundation vibration data selection unit 23 and displayed on the monitor 2d. When an operator selects foundation vibration data Bd using the operation unit 2e and the selection GUI screen, the foundation vibration data selection unit 23 reads the selected foundation vibration data Bd from the foundation vibration data storage unit 28. The foundation vibration data storage unit 28 can also store behavior data.

[0064] The basic vibration data Bd read by the basic vibration data selection unit 23 may be immediately converted to vibration data Vd by the conversion unit 22. Alternatively, the tactile elements may be adjusted by the time-domain adjustment unit 26, the frequency-domain adjustment unit 27, or both thereof, before the vibration data Ftd or Ffd is converted to vibration data Vcd by the conversion unit 22.

[0065] The time-domain adjustment unit 26 adjusts the basic vibration data Bd according to the strength of the tactile elements that represent the target tactile sensation selected by the operator. As shown in Figure 8, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 generates a GUI screen 261 for changing the strength of the tactile elements and displays it on the monitor 2d. The upper half of this GUI screen 261 has a row of faders 262 for changing the strength of the tactile elements of the mechanical push switch. Each fader 262 corresponds to click, stroke, certainty, elasticity, smoothness, and pleasantness.

[0066] The lower half of the GUI screen 261 displays the waveform Ftd of the adjusted vibration data. When the time-domain adjustment unit 26 adjusts the basic vibration data Bd according to the strength of the tactile element representing the target tactile sensation selected by the operator, it updates the basic vibration data Bd displayed in the lower half of the GUI screen 261 to the waveform Ftd or Ffd of the adjusted vibration data.

[0067] One method for reflecting the strength of tactile elements representing the target tactile sensation in the basic vibration data Bd is as follows: The time-domain adjustment unit 26 reads the time-domain adjustment data Td from the adjustment data storage unit 29. The read time-domain adjustment data Td corresponds to the operated fader 262. As shown in Figure 9, the time-domain adjustment data Td includes change point information Td1, influence level Td2, and tactile element tag Td3. The adjustment data storage unit 29 also stores explanatory variables and their partial regression coefficients as vibration characteristic data acquired by the analyzer 4.

[0068] The change point information Td1 is the type of feature selected from the first feature group by the multiple regression analysis in the analysis process. The influence Td2 is the partial regression coefficient of the feature indicated by the change point information Td1. The tactile element tag Td3 indicates the type of tactile element. Thus, the time-domain adjusted data Td is identified by the tactile element tag Td3 and includes the change point information Td1 and the influence Td2, which are paired features and partial regression coefficients selected by the multiple regression analysis.

[0069] The time-domain adjustment unit 26 amplifies the feature quantities indicated by the change point information Td1 from among the feature quantities of the basic vibration data Bd, according to the influence degree Td2 paired with the change point information Td1 and the amount of operation of the fader 262. If the value of the fader 262 is positive, the feature quantities indicated by the change point information Td1 are changed in the direction of emphasizing the corresponding tactile element, and if it is negative, the feature quantities indicated by the change point information Td1 are changed in the direction of suppressing the corresponding tactile element, based on the influence degree Td2. If the value of the fader 262 is 0, there is no change to the feature quantities indicated by the change point information Td1. The amplified vibration data Ftd or Ffd is then displayed in the lower half of the GUI screen 261.

[0070] For example, if the fundamental vibration data Bd is AT characteristic data, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 increases or decreases the peak acceleration Ap and bottom acceleration Ab, and expands or contracts the acceleration difference Ad. The time-domain adjustment unit 26 also speeds up or slows down the rise time Tr. Furthermore, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 stretches or contracts the entire fundamental vibration data Bd in the time direction according to the amplification ratio with respect to the waveform duration Tl. In addition, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 stretches or contracts the entire fundamental vibration data Bd in the acceleration direction according to the amplification ratio with respect to the waveform area S.

[0071] The frequency domain adjustment unit 27 converts the fundamental vibration data Bd selected by the fundamental vibration data selection unit 23, or the vibration data Ftd obtained by the fundamental vibration data Bd passing through the time domain adjustment unit 26, into the frequency domain using a Fourier transform. It then converts the vibration data Ffd into the time domain using an inverse Fourier transform, reflecting the strength of the tactile elements representing the target tactile sensation selected by the operator. As shown in Figure 10, the frequency domain adjustment unit 27 generates a GUI screen 271 for changing the strength of the tactile elements and displays it on the monitor 2d.

[0072] The upper half of the GUI screen 271 displays faders 272 for adjusting the strength of six tactile elements: click, stroke, certainty, elasticity, smoothness, and pleasantness. Dragging the faders 272 inputs the strength of each tactile element. The lower half of the GUI screen 271 displays spectral data, which represents the vibration data Ffd in the frequency domain. When the strength of a tactile element is changed, the frequency domain adjustment unit 27 displays the adjusted spectral data in the lower half of the GUI screen 271.

[0073] The frequency domain adjustment unit 27 reads the frequency domain adjustment data Frd of the tactile element corresponding to the operated fader 272 from the adjustment data storage unit 29. As shown in Figure 11, the frequency domain adjustment data Frd includes change point information Frd1, influence level Frd2, and tactile element tag Frd3.

[0074] The change point information Frd1 represents the frequency selected from the second feature group by the multiple regression analysis in the analysis process. The influence level Frd2 is the partial regression coefficient of the frequency represented by the change point information Frd1. The tactile element tag Frd3 indicates the type of tactile element. Thus, the frequency domain adjustment data Frd is identified by the tactile element tag Td3, and the change point information Frd1 and influence level Frd2 contain the frequency selected by the multiple regression analysis and the partial regression coefficient as a pair.

[0075] The frequency domain adjustment unit 27 amplifies the amplitude Wa of the frequency indicated by the change point information Frd1 among the frequencies of the spectral data obtained by converting the fundamental vibration data Bd to the frequency domain, according to the influence level Frd2 paired with the change point information Frd1 and the amount of operation of the fader 272. Then, the frequency domain adjustment unit 27 converts the amplified spectral data back to vibration data Ffd using an inverse Fourier transform.

[0076] Furthermore, the fundamental vibration data Bd may be adjusted in the frequency domain adjustment unit 27 after the adjustment in the time domain adjustment unit 26, or adjusted in the time domain adjustment unit 26 after the adjustment in the frequency domain adjustment unit 27. Alternatively, one adjustment may be performed first, followed by the other, and then the other adjustment may be repeated while the previous adjustments are still being reflected.

[0077] <Equipment Control Department> The device control unit 21 controls the touch input device 1 connected to the interface 2g. The device control unit 21 stores the vibration data Vd generated by the generation unit 20 in the storage unit 14 of the touch input device 1 connected to the interface 2g. In addition, as one aspect of the control of the device control unit 21, the device control unit 21 can input the vibration data Vd generated by the generation unit 20 to the driver provided in the control unit 12 of the touch input device 1.

[0078] Therefore, each time the basic vibration data Bd is selected by the basic vibration data selection unit 23, each time the intensity of the tactile element is adjusted using the time-domain adjustment unit 26, and each time the intensity of the tactile element is adjusted using the frequency-domain adjustment unit 27, the vibration data Ftd or Ffd is adjusted, the conversion unit 22 converts the current vibration data Ftd or Ffd into vibration data Vcd, and then the correction unit 25 converts it into vibration data Vd, and the vibrator 13 is vibrated according to the vibration data Vd via the equipment control unit 21, allowing the operator to experience the vibration.

[0079] <Correction section of the generation unit> The correction unit 25 generates inverse transfer characteristic data Itd from the vibrator 13 to the touch position. After the operator places the vibration waveform measuring device 3 at the touch position of the touch input device 1, the correction unit 25 inputs an impulse signal to the vibrator 13 and receives the impulse response Ir from the vibration waveform measuring device 3. The frequency component G(p) is obtained from the impulse response Ir by Fourier transform, etc., and H(p) = 1 / G(p) is calculated. The inverse transfer characteristic data Itd is obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on H(p).

[0080] The correction unit 25 then reflects the inverse transfer characteristics in the vibration data Vcd generated by the conversion unit 22. For example, the correction unit 25 convolves the vibration data Vcd with the inverse transfer characteristic data Itd. Alternatively, for example, the correction unit 25 performs a Laplace transform on the vibration data Vcd and the inverse transfer characteristic data Itd, multiplies them, and converts them back to a time function.

[0081] The generation of inverse transmission characteristic data Itd by the correction unit 25 may occur before the selection of the basic vibration data Bd by the basic vibration data selection unit 23, and after the touch input device 1 is connected. In this case, the inverse transmission characteristic data Itd can be reflected in the vibration data Vd that the instrument control unit 21 transmits to the touch input device 1 when it allows the user to experience the vibration, when the basic vibration data Bd is selected by the basic vibration data selection unit 23, when the basic vibration data Bd is adjusted by the time-domain adjustment unit 26, and when the basic vibration data Bd is adjusted by the frequency-domain adjustment unit 27.

[0082] The correction unit 25 may also generate inverse transmission characteristic data Itd for each touch area. In this case, vibration data Vd is generated for each touch area. The control unit 12 of the touch input device 1 may then calculate the touch area to which the touch position information belongs, read the vibration data Vd corresponding to the calculated touch area from the storage unit 14, and convert it into an electrical signal such as current or voltage.

[0083] (Method of generating vibration data using a vibration adjustment device) As shown in Figure 12, the vibration data Vd is generated using the vibration adjustment device 2. First, the foundation vibration data selection unit 23 reads the foundation vibration data Bd from the foundation vibration data storage unit 28 (step S11). The foundation vibration data Bd is read according to the operator's operation using the operation unit 2e.

[0084] If an operation to change the strength of a tactile element representing the target tactile sensation is input using the operation unit 2e on the GUI screen 261 (step S12, Yes), the time-domain adjustment unit 26 reads time-domain adjustment data Td from the adjustment data storage unit 29, which is tagged with the tactile element tag Td33 of the tactile element whose strength has been changed (step S13). The read time-domain adjustment data Td is tagged with the tactile element tag Td3 of the tactile element whose strength has been changed. The time-domain adjustment unit 26 then refers to the change point information Td1 and influence degree Td2 contained in this time-domain adjustment data Td and performs an adjustment to the basic vibration data Bd to add strength to the tactile element (step S14).

[0085] If an operation to change the strength of a tactile element representing the target tactile sensation is input using the operation unit 2e on the GUI screen 271 (step S15, Yes), the frequency domain adjustment unit 27 converts the basic vibration data Bd or the vibration data Ftd, which is the basic vibration data Bd adjusted by the time domain adjustment unit 26, into the frequency domain to obtain frequency spectral data (step S16). The frequency domain adjustment unit 27 also reads the frequency domain adjustment data Frd, which has the tactile element tag Frd3 of the tactile element whose strength has been changed, from the adjustment data storage unit 29 (step S17).

[0086] Then, the frequency domain adjustment unit 27 refers to the change point information Frd1 and influence degree Frd2 included in the frequency domain adjustment data Frd and performs adjustments to the spectral data obtained by converting the fundamental vibration data Bd to the frequency domain, thereby adding strength to the tactile elements (step S18). After the adjustment is complete, the frequency domain adjustment unit 27 converts the spectral data to the time domain and returns it to vibration data Ffd (step S19).

[0087] If the confirmation of the vibration mode is instructed (step S20, Yes), the conversion unit 22 converts the current vibration data Ftd or Ffd into vibration data Vcd (step S21). For example, a button to instruct confirmation of the vibration mode is displayed on the display screen of the monitor 2d, and the vibration mode is confirmed by pressing this button using the operation unit 2e. Furthermore, the correction unit 25 reflects the inverse transmission characteristics indicated by the inverse transmission characteristics data Itd into the vibration data Vcd (step S22). With the reflection of the inverse transmission characteristics in the vibration data Vcd, it becomes vibration data Vd that reflects the inverse transmission characteristics. Then, the equipment control unit 21 stores the vibration data Vd in the storage unit 14 of the connected touch input device 1 (step S23).

[0088] In this configuration, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 and the frequency-domain adjustment unit 27 adjust the basic vibration data Bd, and the conversion unit 22 converts the adjusted vibration data Ftd or Ffd into vibration data Vcd. However, the order of adjusting the basic vibration data Bd and converting the vibration data Vcd may be reversed.

[0089] Then, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 and the frequency-domain adjustment unit 27 adjust the basic vibration data Bd based on the time-domain adjustment data Td and the frequency-domain adjustment data Frd to adjust the strength of the tactile elements, thereby obtaining vibration data Ftd or Ffd.

[0090] (Transformation patterns) Furthermore, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 may provide an adjustment environment with even greater flexibility. That is, as shown in Figure 13, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 generates a GUI screen 263 for specifying the envelope Le and displays it on the monitor 2d. This time-domain adjustment unit 26 detects the envelope Le of the basic vibration data Bd and shifts the entire envelope Le in the amplitude direction or applies gain to the entire envelope Le according to the amount of operation of the operation unit 2e. Specifying the envelope Le using this GUI screen 263 makes it possible to adjust the waveform area S, and to adjust the strength of tactile elements that have a large influence on the waveform area S.

[0091] As shown in Figure 14, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 generates a GUI screen 264 that combines waveform elements We and displays it on the monitor 2d. This time-domain adjustment unit 26 generates a waveform by synthesizing multiple waveform elements We that have been parameterized using the operation unit 2e, or it uses multiple waveform elements We as the basic vibration data Bd. The GUI screen 264 allows input of the frequency, amplitude, number of periods, and waveform type (such as sine wave or square wave) of the waveform elements We as parameters. Furthermore, data for waveform elements We formed by specifying these parameters is generated one or more times according to the operation using the operation unit 2e, and these waveform elements We are synthesized to form the basic vibration data Bd.

[0092] Using this GUI screen 264, it is possible to adjust the peak load fp, bottom load fb, load difference fd, click rate Rc, peak displacement Sp, bottom displacement Sb, displacement difference Sd, peak acceleration Ap, bottom acceleration Ab, acceleration difference Ad, and rise time Tr, allowing you to adjust the strength of tactile elements that have a large influence from these features.

[0093] As shown in Figure 15, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 generates a GUI screen 265 for inputting the amount of stretching or contracting of the basic vibration data Bd in the time direction, and displays it on the monitor 2d. This time-domain adjustment unit 26 stretches or contracts the basic vibration data Bd in the time direction according to the amount manipulated using the operation unit 2e. Specifying the amount of stretching or contracting using this GUI screen 265 makes it possible to adjust the waveform duration T1, and to adjust the strength of tactile elements that are greatly affected by the waveform duration T1.

[0094] When performing adjustments using GUI screens 263 to 265 shown in Figures 13 to 15, the time-domain adjustment unit 26 may display guidance for adjustment indicators on the monitor 2d. The guidance displays the types of features selected for each tactile element by multiple regression analysis and the degree of influence of each feature. Specifically, the guidance describes the change point information Td1 and the degree of influence Td2 included in the time-domain adjustment data Td in a format that the operator can understand, using characters, numbers, symbols, diagrams, etc.

[0095] Furthermore, by using the GUI screens 263-265 shown in Figures 13 to 15, vibration data Bd can be generated entirely artificially. That is, instead of using behavior data Md obtained by measuring a mechanical push switch as a base, the basic vibration data Bd may be created from scratch on the vibration adjustment device 2 according to the operator's actions.

[0096] (Effects and Benefits) The vibration data Vd created as described above is stored in the storage unit 14 of the touch input device 1. Then, as shown in Figure 16, when a touch operation is input to the touch input device 1 (step S31), the touch panel 11 detects the touch operation (step S32) and generates touch position information (step S33). The touch position information is input to the control unit 12, and the control unit 12 determines whether an icon has been touched based on the touch position information (step S34).

[0097] When it is determined that the icon has been touched (step S34, Yes), the control unit 12 calculates the touch area to which the touch position information belongs (step S35). Then, the control unit 12 reads out vibration data Vd corresponding to the calculated touch area, which gives the desired tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch (step S36), and converts it into an electrical signal such as current or voltage (step S37). The electrical signal is input to the vibrator 13 (step S38), and the vibrator 13 vibrates according to the electrical signal (step S39).

[0098] If the icon is not touched (step S34, No), the vibrator 13 can be vibrated by reading vibration data Vd that provides a different tactile sensation from pressing the switch (step S40). The vibration data Vd that provides a different tactile sensation from pressing the switch may include, for example, a vibration pattern in which the vibration frequency and vibration amplitude remain constant throughout.

[0099] As described above, the vibration data Vd contains vibration changes that provide the tactile characteristics of a mechanical push switch. Since the vibrator 13 is a voice coil actuator, it accurately reproduces the vibration changes shown in the vibration data Vd. Therefore, a user who performs a touch operation using this touch input device 1 can perceive the familiar tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch from the vibration. As a result, the user can intuitively recognize that the icon touch has been received through the tactile sensation.

[0100] Furthermore, to analyze the behavior of the mechanical push switch, we adopted the FT characteristic, which represents the time change of the load applied to the mechanical push switch, and the AT characteristic, which represents the time change of the acceleration of the mechanical push switch. Then, we generated vibration data Vd by adjusting it with tactile features obtained from multiple regression analysis with subjective evaluation.

[0101] The behavior when a mechanical push switch is pressed can be obtained by the time change of load and acceleration, and since this has high compatibility with acceleration etc. that can be obtained by vibration from the vibrator 13, it is possible to give the user the tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch.

[0102] Furthermore, the vibration data Vd should be represented as a waveform with time on the horizontal axis and amplitude on the vertical axis, showing a general waveform that increases towards the peak position and then decreases towards the bottom position. This allows the user to be given any desired tactile sensation. This desired tactile sensation may be a feel that resembles an existing object, or it may simply be a feel that emphasizes tactile elements.

[0103] However, when the vibration data Vd is shown as a waveform with time on the horizontal axis and amplitude on the vertical axis, some or all of the peak position, height of the peak position, bottom position, low point of the peak position, slope toward the peak position, slope after passing the peak position, and slope toward the bottom position can give the user any arbitrary tactile sensation. Any arbitrary tactile sensation may be a sensation that resembles an existing object, or it may be a sensation that simply emphasizes tactile elements.

[0104] Furthermore, the touch input device 1 includes a control unit 12 that controls the vibrator 13. The control unit 12 vibrates the vibrator 13 according to vibration data Vd, which includes the reverse transmission characteristics of vibration transmission from the vibrator 13 to the touch position. As a result, even when the vibrator 13 and the touch position are far apart, the user can be given vibrations that provide the tactile characteristics of a mechanical push switch, and the user can be given a high-quality tactile sensation similar to that of pressing a mechanical push switch.

[0105] Furthermore, while the inverse transfer characteristics are reflected in the vibration data Vcd by the correction unit 25 of the vibration adjustment device 2, this is not the only way. For example, the memory unit 14 of the touch input device 1 stores one vibration data Vd and data for multiple inverse transfer characteristics corresponding to the touch position. The control unit 12 may read the inverse transfer characteristic data and vibration data Vcd paired with the touch position, perform a process to reflect the inverse transfer characteristics in the vibration data Vcd, and then convert it into an electrical signal. The reflection process can be performed using known processes such as convolution in the time domain or multiplication in Laplace space, similar to the correction unit 25.

[0106] Furthermore, this vibration data Vd is generated by a vibration adjustment device 2, which includes a generation unit 20 that generates vibration data Vd containing vibration changes that provide the tactile characteristics of a mechanical push switch. The generation unit 20 includes a basic vibration data storage unit 28 that stores basic vibration data, a tactile adjustment unit 24 that adjusts the basic vibration data Bd to vibration data Ftd or Ffd, and a conversion unit 22 that converts it.

[0107] This allows for the generation of highly accurate vibration data Vd that approximates the tactile characteristics of a mechanical push switch, thereby providing the user with a more accurate tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch. However, even if the waveform is artificially designed and the waveform of the vibration data Vd is approximated to the design result, if the design result captures the tactile characteristics of a mechanical push switch, the user can still be given the sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch.

[0108] Furthermore, as a method for generating vibrations in the vibrator 13 that provide the tactile characteristics of a mechanical push switch, in addition to this embodiment, for example, vibration data Ftd or Ffd may be directly converted into a voltage signal and input to the vibrator 13. If the vibration data Ftd or Ffd exhibits AT characteristics, which are the time variation of the acceleration of a mechanical push switch, a voltage signal corresponding to the magnitude of the acceleration may be input to the vibrator 13. In other words, without going through the conversion unit 22, the basic vibration data Bd stored in the basic vibration data selection unit 23, the vibration data Ftd after going through the time domain adjustment unit 26, the behavioral vibration data Ffd after going through the frequency domain adjustment unit 27, or the vibration data Ffd after going through the time domain adjustment unit 26 and the frequency domain adjustment unit 27, or the vibration data Vd after going through the correction unit 25 may be treated as vibration data Vd.

[0109] Furthermore, the generation unit 20 includes a tactile adjustment unit 24 that adjusts multiple tactile elements that constitute the tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch. The tactile adjustment unit 24 accepts a modification operation for one or more of the multiple tactile elements that represent the target tactile sensation, and adjusts the basic vibration data Bd according to the modification operation, thereby generating the adjusted vibration data Ftd or Ffd. This makes it possible to realize a high-quality tactile design that matches the image of the product or brand. In addition, vibration data Vd that expresses the target tactile sensation can be easily created from a mechanical push switch that approximates the target tactile sensation, without having to manufacture the desired mechanical push switch.

[0110] In this tactile element-specific adjustment process, the intensity of the tactile elements is adjusted based on time-domain adjustment data Td, frequency-domain adjustment data Frd, or both, through a measurement step, extraction step, tactile element evaluation step, analysis step, and adjustment data generation step.

[0111] In the measurement step, the behavior of the mechanical push switch is measured. In the extraction step, feature quantities of the mechanical push switch's behavior are extracted from the measurement results of the measurement step. In the tactile element evaluation step, the tactile feel of the mechanical push switch is decomposed into various tactile elements and evaluated. In the analysis step, partial regression coefficients for each feature quantity are obtained for each tactile element by performing multiple regression analysis with the evaluation of the tactile elements as the dependent variable and the feature quantities as the independent variables. In the adjustment data generation step, adjustment data is generated for each tactile element, containing multiple pairs of change point information Frd1, Td1 indicating the feature quantities and the influence degree Frd2, Td2 represented by the partial regression coefficients.

[0112] By adjusting based on the time-domain adjustment data Td, frequency-domain adjustment data Frd, or both of these generated in this way, the intensity of tactile elements can be adjusted without diminishing the tactile sensation or making the tactile sensation completely different. However, this is not the only way; various tactile elements may also be adjusted by stretching or compressing the waveform in the horizontal or vertical axis direction, or by freely generating and combining various waveform elements of different types such as frequency, period, amplitude, sine wave, and square wave.

[0113] Furthermore, in the analysis step, some of the features extracted in the extraction step are selected as explanatory variables, and multiple regression analysis is performed for each combination of these features. Then, a regression equation selection step is included to select the results of the multiple regression analysis in which the difference from the maximum value of the adjusted coefficient of determination (Adj.R2) is within a predetermined value.

[0114] Furthermore, the system includes a variable selection step in which explanatory variables with p-values ​​less than a predetermined value are selected from the results of the multiple regression analysis selected in the selection step. In the adjustment data generation step, time-domain adjustment data Td and frequency-domain adjustment data Frd are generated for each tactile element based on the results selected in the variable selection step.

[0115] This allows us to obtain combinations and degrees of influence of features that have a significant impact on tactile elements, enabling us to more accurately determine the strength of tactile elements without diminishing the tactile sensation or making the tactile sensation completely different. Furthermore, if the accuracy of the multiple regression analysis is good, it is possible to directly generate time-domain adjusted data Td and frequency-domain adjusted data Frd from the partial regression coefficients obtained from the multiple regression analysis.

[0116] Furthermore, in the extraction step, features were extracted from the measurement results of the measurement step and the results of the Fourier transform of those measurement results. In the analysis step, a first multiple regression analysis was performed using the aforementioned features from the measurement results of the measurement step as explanatory variables, and a second multiple regression analysis was performed using the aforementioned features from the Fourier transform as explanatory variables. Then, based on the time-domain adjusted data Td derived from the results of the first multiple regression analysis, the intensity of each tactile element was assigned to the vibration data Vd, and based on the frequency-domain adjusted data Frd derived from the results of the second multiple regression analysis, the intensity of each tactile element was assigned to the vibration data Vd.

[0117] In this way, by distinguishing between time-domain features and frequency-domain features and using them separately for adjustment, it is possible to more accurately adjust the strength of tactile elements without diminishing the tactile sensation or making the tactile sensation completely different.

[0118] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Parts having the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0119] In the second embodiment, the main difference from the first embodiment is that the vibration adjustment device performs everything from analyzing vibration data to generating vibration data that provides an arbitrary tactile sensation.

[0120] As shown in Figure 17, the vibration adjustment device 200 includes a measuring unit 210, an extraction unit 212, a tactile element evaluation unit 214, an analysis unit 216, and a generation unit 20.

[0121] The measurement unit 210, similar to the analysis device 4 in the first embodiment described above, acquires measurement results obtained by measuring the behavior of an existing mechanical push switch as an object to be evaluated.

[0122] The extraction unit 212 extracts characteristic features of the behavior of the mechanical push switch from the measurement results of the measurement unit 210, similar to the analysis device 4 in the first embodiment described above.

[0123] The tactile element evaluation unit 214 evaluates the tactile sensation of a mechanical push switch by breaking it down into various tactile elements, similar to the analysis device 4 in the first embodiment described above.

[0124] The analysis unit 216 analyzes the weights of feature quantities based on the tactile elements of the mechanical push switch and the feature quantities of the behavior of the mechanical push switch, similar to the analysis device 4 in the first embodiment described above.

[0125] The analysis unit 216 uses the vibration waveform measuring device 3 to measure the impulse response for each area of ​​the touch input device 1, which is the object of vibration, and calculates the vibration transmission characteristics of that area. The analysis unit 216 also calculates the inverse transmission characteristics of the vibration transmission characteristics for each area of ​​the touch input device 1.

[0126] The generation unit 20 generates vibration data to obtain an arbitrary tactile sensation based on vibration feature data for obtaining an arbitrary tactile sensation represented by various tactile elements. Here, the feature quantities include feature quantities related to the time domain and feature quantities related to the frequency domain.

[0127] Specifically, the generation unit 20 generates desired vibration data for each arbitrary tactile sensation by adjusting the time-domain features and frequency-domain features of pre-prepared basic vibration data based on various tactile elements representing that tactile sensation and vibration characteristic data.

[0128] Here, the vibration feature data is data in which the weights of features have been analyzed based on the tactile elements of the mechanical push switch and the behavioral features of the mechanical push switch. Specifically, the vibration feature data is the partial regression coefficient for each feature of the tactile elements, obtained by multiple regression analysis with the evaluation of the tactile elements of the mechanical push switch as the dependent variable and the behavioral features of the mechanical push switch as the independent variables.

[0129] Furthermore, the generation unit 20 corrects the desired vibration data generated for each arbitrary tactile sensation using the inverse transfer characteristics generated for each area of ​​the touch input device 1, and stores it in the touch input device 1.

[0130] When the control unit 12 of the touch input device 1 receives a touch operation using the user's finger, it acquires vibration data to obtain the desired tactile sensation, which is generated based on vibration characteristic data for obtaining arbitrary tactile sensations represented by various tactile elements, and controls the voice coil actuator, which acts as a vibrator 13.

[0131] Furthermore, the other configurations and operations of the adjustment vibration device and touch input device according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0132] As described above, the adjustment vibration device according to the second embodiment measures the behavior of an existing mechanical push switch, extracts characteristic features of the mechanical push switch's behavior, decomposes and evaluates the tactile sensation of the mechanical push switch into various tactile elements, and analyzes the weights of the features based on the tactile elements of the mechanical push switch and the characteristic features of the mechanical push switch's behavior. The touch input device acquires desired vibration data generated based on the various tactile elements representing the target tactile sensation and the weights of the features, and controls the voice coil actuator. This allows the user to perceive that a touch operation has been received through the desired tactile sensation.

[0133] Furthermore, the vibration adjustment device according to the second embodiment may be composed of a combination of multiple devices. For example, the vibration adjustment device may consist of a measuring device for measuring the behavior of an existing object to be evaluated, an extraction device for extracting characteristic quantities of the behavior of the object to be evaluated from the measurement results of the measuring device, a tactile element evaluation device for decomposing and evaluating the tactile sensation of the object to be evaluated into various tactile elements, and an analysis device for analyzing the weights of the characteristic quantities based on the tactile elements of the object to be evaluated and the characteristic quantities of the behavior of the object to be evaluated.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the example described was one in which the adjustment vibration device generates vibration data that provides an arbitrary tactile sensation, but it is not limited to this. The touch input device 1 may also generate vibration data that provides a desired tactile sensation. In this case, the touch input device 1 receives the desired tactile sensation from the user's operation, and the control unit 12 generates the desired vibration data by adjusting the time-domain features and frequency-domain features of pre-prepared basic vibration data based on various tactile elements representing the desired tactile sensation and vibration feature data.

[0135] Specifically, the touch input device 1 pre-accepts the target tactile sensation through user operation. When a touch operation is input to the touch input device 1, as shown in Figure 18, it acquires various tactile elements representing the pre-accepted target tactile sensation (step S201) and obtains the weights of the feature quantities (step S202). Then, based on the weights of the obtained feature quantities, it adjusts the feature quantities of the basic vibration data to generate vibration data that provides the target tactile sensation (S203). Finally, it corrects the vibration data using the inverse transfer characteristics corresponding to the touch area where the touch operation was performed, and controls the voice coil actuator as a vibrator 13 with the corrected vibration data (step S204).

[0136] While the touch panel 11 was used as an example of an object vibrated by the vibrator 13, the vibrator is not limited to this and can vibrate various other devices. For example, in addition to the touch panel 11, other vibrating objects include tactile devices such as game console controllers. Massagers and electric beauty and grooming devices are also included.

[0137] Furthermore, while the example of obtaining feature weights using multiple regression analysis was used, this is not the only method. Feature weights can also be obtained using other analytical techniques.

[0138] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0139] In the first embodiment, the control unit 12 receives various tactile elements representing the target tactile sensation and vibration characteristic data as input, and the control unit 12 generates desired vibration data Vd based on the input information and controls the voice coil actuator. However, the control unit may also store various tactile elements representing the target tactile sensation and vibration characteristic data in advance, and the control unit may generate desired vibration data based on the stored information and control the voice coil actuator.

[0140] With regard to the above-described embodiment, the following is further disclosed.

[0141] The vibration adjustment method of the present invention is a vibration adjustment method for generating vibration data stored in a device comprising an object to be vibrated and a vibrator that vibrates the object to be vibrated, and is characterized by comprising: a measurement step of measuring the behavior of an object to be measured; an extraction step of extracting characteristic quantities of the behavior of the object to be measured from the measurement results of the measurement step; a tactile element evaluation step of decomposing the tactile sensation of the object to be measured into various tactile elements and evaluating them; an analysis step of obtaining partial regression coefficients for each tactile element by performing a multiple regression analysis with the evaluation of the tactile elements as the objective variable and the characteristic quantities as the explanatory variables; an adjustment data generation step of generating adjustment data for each tactile element, which includes one or more pairs of change point information indicating the type of characteristic quantity and the degree of influence on the tactile element based on the partial regression coefficients; and an adjustment step of generating vibration data with varying intensity for the tactile elements based on the adjustment data.

[0142] In the analysis step, some of the features extracted in the extraction step may be selected as explanatory variables, and multiple regression analysis may be performed for each combination of the features.

[0143] The analysis step may include a regression equation selection step in which the results of each multiple regression analysis are selected for having a multiple regression analysis result with an adjusted coefficient of determination (Adj.R2) within a predetermined range, and the adjustment data generation step may generate the adjustment data for each tactile element based on the results selected in the regression equation selection step.

[0144] The analysis step may include a variable selection step in which explanatory variables with p-values ​​less than a predetermined value are selected from the results of the multiple regression analysis, and the adjustment data generation step may generate the adjustment data for each tactile element based on the results selected in the variable selection step.

[0145] In the analysis step, a first multiple regression analysis may be performed using the features of the measurement results from the measurement step as explanatory variables, and in the adjustment data generation step, the adjustment data may be generated based on the results of the first multiple regression analysis.

[0146] In the extraction step, features are extracted from the measurement results of the measurement step and the result of the Fourier transform of the measurement results; in the analysis step, a second multiple regression analysis is performed using the features obtained from the Fourier transform as explanatory variables; and in the adjustment data generation step, the adjustment data is generated based on the results of the second multiple regression analysis.

[0147] In the extraction step, features are extracted from the measurement results of the measurement step and the result of the Fourier transform of the measurement results; in the analysis step, a first multiple regression analysis is performed with the features of the measurement results of the measurement step as explanatory variables, and a second multiple regression analysis is performed with the features of the result of the Fourier transform as explanatory variables; and in the adjustment data generation step, adjustment data based on the result of the first multiple regression analysis and adjustment data based on the result of the second multiple regression analysis may be generated.

[0148] In the adjustment step, the fundamental vibration data may be modified to include varying degrees of intensity for each tactile element based on the adjustment data obtained from the first multiple regression analysis.

[0149] In the adjustment step, the basic vibration data may be modified to vary the intensity of each tactile element based on the adjustment data obtained from the second multiple regression analysis.

[0150] In the adjustment step, the intensity of each tactile element may be added to the basic vibration data based on the adjustment data based on the results of the first multiple regression analysis, and further, the intensity of each tactile element may be added to the basic vibration data based on the adjustment data based on the results of the second multiple regression analysis.

[0151] The aforementioned tactile elements may include a clicky feel, a stroke feel, a sense of certainty, a sense of elasticity, a smooth feel, and a pleasant feeling.

[0152] The feature quantities may be the peak load, bottom load, the difference between the peak load and the bottom load, click rate, peak displacement, bottom displacement, the difference between the peak displacement and the bottom displacement, peak acceleration, bottom acceleration, the difference between the peak acceleration and the bottom acceleration, rise time of the peak acceleration, waveform duration, waveform area, or amplitude for each frequency.

[0153] The system may further include a correction step to generate inverse transmission characteristics to be reflected in the vibration data, wherein the correction step may measure the vibration transmission characteristics of the touch input device and generate the inverse transmission characteristics of the transmission characteristics.

[0154] In the correction step, a plurality of inverse transfer characteristics may be generated depending on the touch position.

[0155] Furthermore, the touch input device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an object to be vibrated; a vibration data storage unit that stores vibration data adjusted to obtain a desired tactile sensation; and a voice coil actuator that vibrates the object to be vibrated according to the vibration data.

[0156] The vibration data may include basic vibration data, and the system may further include a control unit that generates desired vibration data by adjusting the strength of feature quantities that provide tactile elements to the basic vibration data, and controls the voice coil actuator.

[0157] The system may include a control unit for controlling the voice coil actuator, and the control unit may control the voice coil actuator according to the vibration data when it determines that the object to be vibrated has been touched.

[0158] The vibration data may include a time variation of amplitude that approximates the time variation of the load applied to the mechanical push switch or the time variation of the acceleration of the mechanical push switch.

[0159] When the vibration data is shown as a waveform with time on the horizontal axis and amplitude on the vertical axis, some or all of the peak position, height of the peak position, bottom position, low point of the peak position, slope toward the peak position, slope after passing the peak position, and slope toward the bottom position may include characteristics that approximate the behavior of a mechanical push switch.

[0160] The vibration data may also be shown as a waveform with time on the horizontal axis and amplitude on the vertical axis, exhibiting a general waveform that increases towards a peak and then decreases towards a bottom.

[0161] The system may include a control unit for controlling the voice coil actuator, and the control unit may vibrate the voice coil actuator according to vibration data that includes the reverse transmission characteristics of vibration transmission from the voice coil actuator to the touch position.

[0162] Furthermore, the vibration adjustment device of the present invention is a vibration adjustment device that generates vibration data stored in a touch input device comprising an object to be vibrated and a vibrator that vibrates the object to be vibrated, and is characterized by comprising a generation unit that generates the vibration data, which includes vibration changes that approximate the behavior of a mechanical push switch.

[0163] The generation unit may also include the basic vibration data that serves as the basis for creating vibration data, and a tactile adjustment unit that adjusts the basic vibration data to the vibration data.

[0164] The aforementioned basic vibration data may also include the aforementioned behavioral data.

[0165] The behavior data is the time change of the load applied to the mechanical push switch, or the time change of the acceleration of the mechanical push switch, and the tactile adjustment unit may generate vibration data whose amplitude changes over time, approximating the time change of the behavior data.

[0166] The tactile adjustment unit may adjust a plurality of tactile elements that constitute the tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch, and the tactile adjustment unit may accept a modification operation for one or more of the plurality of tactile elements and adjust the basic vibration data according to the modification operation.

[0167] The tactile adjustment unit may be configured to accept operations to change the tactile elements, including click sensation, stroke sensation, sense of certainty, elasticity, smoothness, and pleasantness.

[0168] The tactile adjustment unit may also include a time-domain adjustment unit that adjusts the waveform in the time domain.

[0169] The time-domain adjustment unit performs stretching and contracting of the waveform along the time direction, with the horizontal axis representing time, and stretching and contracting of the waveform along the vertical axis, with the horizontal axis representing time. Alternatively, it may perform synthesis processing of waveform elements with different frequencies, number of periods, amplitude waveform types, or a combination of these.

[0170] The system includes a time-domain adjustment data storage unit that stores time-domain adjustment data containing one or more pairs of change point information indicating the type of waveform feature and the degree of influence of said feature. The time-domain adjustment unit may extract the feature from the behavior data based on the change point information and change the feature based on the degree of influence.

[0171] The aforementioned feature quantities may be peak load, bottom load, the difference between the peak load and the bottom load, click rate, peak displacement, bottom displacement, the difference between the peak displacement and the bottom displacement, peak acceleration, bottom acceleration, the difference between the peak acceleration and the bottom acceleration, the rise time of the peak acceleration, the waveform duration, or the waveform area.

[0172] The tactile adjustment unit may also include a frequency domain adjustment unit that adjusts the waveform in the frequency domain.

[0173] The system includes a frequency adjustment data storage unit that stores frequency domain adjustment data, which includes one or more pairs of change point information indicating a frequency and the degree of influence of the frequency. The frequency domain adjustment unit may convert the basic vibration data or data obtained by applying time adjustment to the basic vibration data into the frequency domain, change the amplitude of the frequency of the change point information based on the degree of influence of the feature quantity, and convert it back into the time domain.

[0174] The generation unit may also include a correction unit that generates the inverse transmission characteristics of the vibration transmission characteristics of the touch input device and reflects them in the vibration data.

[0175] The correction unit may generate a plurality of inverse transfer characteristics depending on the touch position.

[0176] According to the present invention, the tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch can be conveyed to the user through vibration. The tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical push switch is familiar to the user, allowing them to intuitively perceive that a touch operation has been accepted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0177] 1. Touch input device 11 Touch panel 12 Control Unit 13 Vibrators 14 Storage section 2, 200 vibration adjustment device 20 Generation part 21 Equipment Control Unit 22 Conversion section 23. Basic vibration data selection section 24 Tactile adjustment section 25 Correction section 26 Time domain adjustment section 27 Frequency Domain Adjustment Section 28. Basic vibration data storage unit 29 Adjustment Data Storage Unit 210 Measuring section 212 Extraction part 214 Tactile element evaluation unit 216 Analysis Department 3. Vibration waveform measuring device Md behavior data Bd Foundation vibration data Ftd time-adjusted vibration data Ffd frequency-adjusted vibration data, or frequency-adjusted vibration data after time adjustment. Vcd converted vibration data Vd vibration data Td Time-domain adjusted data Td1 Change Point Information Td2 Impact Td3 Tactile element tag Frd frequency domain adjustment data Wa Amplitude Frd2 Impact Frd3 Tactile element tag Itd reverse transfer characteristic data

Claims

1. The object to be vibrated and A voice coil actuator for vibrating the object to be vibrated, A control unit that acquires vibration data to obtain a target tactile sensation, generated based on vibration characteristic data to obtain an arbitrary tactile sensation, and controls the voice coil actuator, Equipped with, The aforementioned arbitrary tactile sensation is represented by various tactile elements, The vibration characteristic data is data obtained by analyzing the weights of the feature quantities based on the tactile elements of an existing object to be evaluated and the feature quantities of the behavior of the object to be evaluated. The aforementioned feature quantities include feature quantities relating to the time domain and feature quantities relating to the frequency domain. The control unit generates desired vibration data and controls the voice coil actuator by adjusting the time-domain and frequency-domain features of pre-prepared basic vibration data based on various tactile elements representing the target tactile sensation and the vibration feature data. Touch input device.

2. The vibration characteristic data is obtained by a multiple regression analysis in which the evaluation of the tactile elements of an existing object to be evaluated is the dependent variable and the characteristic quantities of the behavior of the object to be evaluated are the partial regression coefficients for each characteristic quantity of the tactile elements. The touch input device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned tactile element is at least one of the following: click sensation, stroke sensation, sense of certainty, elasticity, smoothness, and pleasantness. A touch input device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

4. The aforementioned feature quantity is at least one of the following: peak load, bottom load, the difference between the peak load and the bottom load, click rate, peak displacement, bottom displacement, the difference between the peak displacement and the bottom displacement, peak acceleration, bottom acceleration, the difference between the peak acceleration and the bottom acceleration, rise time of the peak acceleration, waveform duration, waveform area, and amplitude for each frequency. A touch input device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

5. The control unit further corrects the desired vibration data using the inverse transmission characteristics generated based on the vibration transmission characteristics of the object to be vibrated, which have been measured in advance. A touch input device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

6. The aforementioned reverse transmission characteristics are a plurality of such reverse transmission characteristics generated according to the touch position. The control unit corrects the desired vibration data using the inverse transmission characteristics corresponding to the touch position. The touch input device according to claim 5, characterized by the following:

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