Pressing input device

Abstract

Provided is a pressing input device that combines simple configuration with accurate determination of the presence or absence of a pressing operation.　This pressing input device comprises: an operation panel having an operation surface that can be operated with a pointer; an electrostatic sensor that is provided on the opposite side of the operation panel from the operation surface, measures an electrostatic capacitance with respect to the pointer that operates the operation surface, and outputs a measurement signal indicating the electrostatic capacitance; a support section that supports the operation panel and the electrostatic sensor while enabling displacement thereof in a pressing direction in response to a pressing operation in which the pointer presses the operation surface; one displacement amount detection unit that is provided on the opposite side of the electrostatic sensor from the operation panel and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the displacement amount of the operation panel in the pressing direction; a variable amplification unit that amplifies the detection signal with a variable amplification factor; and a control unit that detects the position of the pointer on the operation surface on the basis of the measurement signal, and sets the variable amplification factor in the variable amplification unit in accordance with the detected position.

Description

Press input device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pressing input device.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a vehicle operation device that includes an operation unit that moves in the pressing direction when pressed by an operator, a position detection unit that detects the position of the operation unit that is pressed, a support unit that is arranged on the opposite side of the operation unit from the side that is pressed and supports both ends of the operation unit, an elastic unit that elastically supports the area of ​​the operation unit that is pressed against the support unit, a plurality of distance sensors that are provided on the support unit and detect the amount of displacement of the operation unit from a change in distance from the operation unit that occurs due to the pressing operation, and a control unit that determines whether or not the pressing operation has occurred based on the amount of displacement obtained by the plurality of distance sensors (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-034415

[0004] From the viewpoint of simplifying the device, there is a demand for a press input device that uses a single displacement amount detection unit, rather than multiple displacement amount detection units that determine the amount of displacement, such as distance sensors. Simplifying the device would enable cost reduction. Conventional vehicle operation devices use multiple distance sensors, which means that simplification is insufficient.

[0005] Furthermore, in a pressure input device realized with a single displacement amount detection unit, if the amount of displacement of the operation surface varies depending on the position where the operation surface is pressed, it becomes difficult to accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a pressing input device that is simple in configuration and can accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0007] A pressure input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an operation panel having an operation surface operable with an indicator, an electrostatic sensor provided on the opposite side of the operation panel from the operation surface, measuring a capacitance between the indicator operating the operation surface and outputting a measurement signal representing the capacitance, a support section supporting the operation panel and the electrostatic sensor so as to be displaceable in a pressing direction in response to a pressing operation in which the indicator presses the operation surface, a displacement amount detection section provided on the opposite side of the electrostatic sensor from the operation panel and outputting a detection signal corresponding to a displacement amount of the operation panel in the pressing direction, a variable amplification section amplifying the detection signal with a variable amplification factor, and a control section detecting a position of the indicator on the operation surface based on the measurement signal and setting the variable amplification factor in the variable amplification section in response to the detected position.

[0008] It is possible to provide a pressing input device that has both a simple configuration and the ability to accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pressing input device of an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cross section taken along the line A-A in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a pressing input device of an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of areas on the operation surface of a pressing input device of an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the displacement amount of a pressing operation in a plurality of areas on the operation surface of a pressing input device of an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the calculation results of the resistance values ​​of resistors R1 to R3; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of areas on the operation surface of a pressing input device of an embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the displacement amount of a pressing operation in a plurality of areas on the operation surface of a pressing input device of an embodiment;

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment to which the pressing input device of the present disclosure is applied will be described.

[0011] In the following description, the XYZ coordinate system is defined. The direction parallel to the X axis (X direction), the direction parallel to the Y axis (Y direction), and the direction parallel to the Z axis (Z direction) are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, a planar view refers to a view from the XY plane. In the following description, the length, width, thickness, etc. of each part may be exaggerated to make the configuration easier to understand.

[0012] <Embodiment> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a press input device 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cross section taken along the line A-A in Fig. 1. The press input device 100 can be operated by a pointer such as a user's fingertip. The following describes the case where the user operates the device with their fingertip.

[0013] <Press input device 100> The press input device 100 includes a substrate 101, a plate 110, an electrostatic sensor 120, an operation panel 130, a damper 140, one photoreflector 150, an actuator 160, a variable amplifier 170, an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) 180, and an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 190. The damper 140 is an example of a support unit. The photoreflector 150 is an example of a displacement amount detection unit. The actuator 160 is an example of a vibration element. The press input device 100 includes only one photoreflector 150.

[0014] The pressure input device 100 is a device that accepts pressure operations in which a user presses the operation surface 130A with their fingertip. The pressure input device 100 may be included in, for example, a remote controller terminal or a smartphone that remotely controls an operation target device that executes a function according to the operation content, or may be provided integrally with the operation unit of the operation target device.

[0015] When a fingertip touches operation surface 130A, pressure input device 100 sets the variable amplification factor of variable amplifier 170, which amplifies the detection signal from photoreflector 150, according to the position where the fingertip touches. This reduces the difference in signal level of the detection signal depending on the position where the fingertip touches operation surface 130A, making it possible to more accurately determine whether or not a pressure operation is being performed.

[0016] <Substrate 101> The substrate 101 is a PWB (Printed Wiring Board). As an example, a photoreflector 150, a variable amplifier 170, an ADC 180, and an MCU 190 are mounted on the substrate 101. As an example, the substrate 101 is rectangular in plan view, and the lower ends of four dampers 140 are fixed to the four corners of the upper surface. The photoreflector 150 is disposed in the center of the upper surface of the substrate 101. As an example, the variable amplifier 170, the ADC 180, and the MCU 190 are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 101, but they may also be provided on the lower surface of the substrate 101, on components fixed to the substrate 101 (components not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ), or the like.

[0017] <Plate 110> The plate 110 is a plate-like member supported above the substrate 101 by four dampers 140. The plate 110 may be a plate-like member made of resin, or may be a PWB. An electrostatic sensor 120 is provided on the upper surface of the plate 110. Note that the pressing input device 100 may not include the plate 110.

[0018] <Electrostatic Sensor 120> The electrostatic sensor 120 is disposed on top of the plate 110, and includes, for example, a plurality of linear electrostatic sensor electrodes arranged along the X direction and a plurality of linear electrostatic sensor electrodes arranged along the Y direction. The electrostatic sensor 120 is provided to detect a touch operation in which a fingertip comes into contact with the operation surface 130A. Note that if the press-sensitive input device 100 does not include the plate 110, the electrostatic sensor 120 may be fixed, for example, by being attached to the underside of the operation panel 130 on the side opposite to the operation surface 130A.

[0019] The electrostatic sensor 120 also has a measurement circuit that measures the capacitance at the intersections of multiple linear electrostatic sensor electrodes arranged along the X direction and multiple linear electrostatic sensor electrodes arranged along the Y direction. The measurement circuit converts the capacitance at each intersection into a digital value, calculates a difference value ΔAD between the digital value and an output reference value, and outputs a measurement signal representing the difference value ΔAD and the X and Y coordinates to the MCU 190.

[0020] The difference value ΔAD is a count value of the change in the output of the measurement circuit relative to a reference value. The reference value is a value proportional to the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 120 when no fingertip is present around the electrostatic sensor 120. Note that the electrostatic sensor 120 may have a configuration including a plurality of electrostatic sensor electrodes arranged in an array in the X and Y directions, instead of a plurality of linear electrostatic sensor electrodes arranged along the X direction and a plurality of linear electrostatic sensor electrodes arranged along the Y direction. Furthermore, the plurality of electrostatic sensor electrodes may be arranged irregularly in a plan view, or may be arranged at equal or unequal intervals on a single straight line.

[0021] <Operation Panel 130> The operation panel 130 is a member provided to cover the upper surface of the electrostatic sensor 120 so as to protect the electrostatic sensor 120. The operation panel 130 may be a plate-shaped member made of resin. The upper surface of the operation panel 130 is an operation surface 130A that can be operated by a user with a fingertip. An operation of pressing the operation surface 130A downward with a fingertip is a pressing operation. Here, the surface of the operation panel 130 that covers the electrostatic sensor 120 is the operation surface 130A. However, if the electrostatic sensor 120 is covered by a protective film, a protective coating film, or the like, the surface of the protective film, the protective coating film, or the like is the operation surface 130A. In this case, the protective film, the protective coating film, or the like functions as the operation panel 130.

[0022] 1 shows, as an example, two symbols 131 and 132 on the operation surface 130A. The symbols 131 and 132 are symbols, characters, etc. that represent functions of the operation target device that are operated by performing a pressing operation on the press input device 100. The symbol 131 is located at the center of the operation surface 130A in a plan view, and the symbol 132 is located outside the symbol 131 on the operation surface 130A.

[0023] <Dampers 140> The dampers 140 are columnar dampers fixed to the four corners of the upper surface of the substrate 101. As an example, four dampers 140 are provided at the four corners of the upper surface of the substrate 101. The dampers 140 support the plate 110 so that it can be displaced in the Z direction (pressing direction) relative to the substrate 101. Because the electrostatic sensor 120 and the operation panel 130 are arranged on top of each other on the upper surface of the plate 110, the dampers 140 support the plate 110, the electrostatic sensor 120, and the operation panel 130 so that they can be displaced in the Z direction (pressing direction) relative to the substrate 101. If the pressure input device 100 does not include the plate 110, the four dampers 140 support the electrostatic sensor 120 or the operation panel 130.

[0024] The damper 140 may have any configuration as long as it is capable of elastic deformation in the Z direction. As an example, the damper 140 may be a rubber damper having elasticity, a coil spring, or the like.

[0025] Here, a configuration in which four dampers 140 are provided at the four corners of the upper surface of the substrate 101 will be described, but the number of dampers 140 is not limited to four, as long as there are three or more. Furthermore, the dampers are not limited to being provided at the four corners of the upper surface of the substrate 101, and may be provided at any appropriate position other than the four corners. Furthermore, the dampers 140 are not limited to being column-shaped, and may be wall-shaped or the like.

[0026] <Photoreflector 150> The photoreflector 150 has a light-emitting and receiving unit 151 and a reflecting plate 152. The pressing input device 100 includes only one photoreflector 150. The light-emitting and receiving unit 151 is provided, for example, in the center of the upper surface of the substrate 101. The reflecting plate 152 is provided on the lower surface of the plate 110 at a position overlapping the light-emitting and receiving unit 151 in a plan view. If the pressing input device 100 does not include the plate 110, the reflecting plate 152 is provided on the lower surface of the electrostatic sensor 120 or the operation panel 130 at a position overlapping the light-emitting and receiving unit 151.

[0027] Photoreflector 150 emits light upward from light receiving / emitting unit 151 and receives the light reflected by reflector 152 with light receiving / emitting unit 151, thereby detecting the distance from photoreflector 150 to reflector 152 based on the round-trip time of the light and outputting a detection signal according to the distance. When a pressing operation is performed and plate 110, electrostatic sensor 120, and operation panel 130 are displaced downward, the distance measured by photoreflector 150 becomes shorter than when no pressing operation is performed.

[0028] Here, a description will be given of a configuration in which the photoreflector 150 is used to detect the distance between the substrate 101 and the plate 110. However, since it is only necessary to measure the distance between the substrate 101 and the plate 110, that is, the amount of displacement of the operation panel 130 toward the substrate 101 due to a pressing operation, various sensors capable of detecting the distance and the amount of displacement may be used instead of the photoreflector 150. Examples of sensors that detect the amount of displacement include a pressure sensor and a strain sensor.

[0029] <Actuator 160> The actuator 160 is provided on the underside of the plate 110, for example. The actuator 160 may be provided at a position other than the underside of the plate 110 as long as it can transmit vibrations to the operation surface 130A. If the pressing input device 100 does not include the plate 110, the actuator 160 may be provided on the underside of the electrostatic sensor 120 or the operation panel 130 or at a position other than the underside so as to transmit vibrations to the operation surface 130A. The actuator 160 is, for example, a piezoelectric element, an eccentric motor, a solenoid, or an LRA (linear resonant actuator). For example, when the control unit 191 determines that a pressing operation has been performed, the actuator 160 is driven to tactilely notify the fingertip that the pressing operation has been completed. The pressing input device 100 may not include the actuator 160.

[0030] <Variable Amplification Unit 170> The variable amplification unit 170 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 101, for example. The variable amplification unit 170 is connected to the output side of the photoreflector 150, and amplifies the detection signal output by the photoreflector 150. The amplification factor by which the variable amplification unit 170 amplifies the detection signal is variable and is set by the control unit 191. This will be described in detail later.

[0031] <ADC 180> The ADC 180 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 101, for example. The ADC 180 is connected between the variable amplifier 170 and the MCU 190, and converts the detection signal amplified by the variable amplifier 170 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the MCU 190. The ADC 180 is, for example, an AFE (Analog Front End), and may be configured as an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip integrated with the MCU 190, or may be an IC provided separately from the MCU 190.

[0032] <MCU 190> The MCU 190 is provided, for example, on the upper surface of the substrate 101. The MCU 190 is realized, for example, by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), an input / output interface, an internal bus, and the like.

[0033] The MCU 190 has a control unit 191 and a memory 192. The control unit 191 is a functional block showing the functions of the program executed by the MCU 190. The memory 192 is a functional representation of the memory of the MCU 190. The control unit 191 and the memory 192 will be described in detail later.

[0034] <Circuit Configuration of Pressing Input Device 100> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the pressing input device 100. Fig. 3 shows the electrostatic sensor 120, photoreflector 150, actuator 160, variable amplifier 170, ADC 180, and MCU 190, which are components of the pressing input device 100. Note that for the photoreflector 150, only the light receiving and emitting unit 151 is shown, and the reflector 152 is omitted.

[0035] 3, the circuit configuration of the photoreflector 150 and the variable amplifier 170 will be mainly described. The MCU 190 is connected to the electrostatic sensor 120, the actuator 160, and the ADC 180.

[0036] <Photoreflector 150> The light-emitting and receiving unit 151 of the photoreflector 150 includes a light-emitting unit 151A and a light-receiving unit 151B. The light-emitting unit 151A is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits infrared rays, and the light-receiving unit 151B is, for example, a phototransistor. The infrared rays emitted by the light-emitting unit 151A are reflected by the reflector 152 and received by the light-receiving unit 151B. The collector of the phototransistor serving as the light-receiving unit 151B is connected to the power supply V1, and the emitter is connected to the input terminal of the variable amplifier 170. The emitter of the light-receiving unit 151B is an output terminal of the photoreflector 150 and is an example of an output terminal of a displacement amount detection unit. The output terminal of the photoreflector 150 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the measured distance, i.e., the distance between the light-emitting and receiving unit 151 and the reflector 152.

[0037] <Variable Amplifier 170> The variable amplifier 170 has a connection line 171, an input terminal 171A, an output terminal 171B, resistors R1, R2, R3, and switches SW1 and SW2. The resistor R1 is an example of a first resistor, and the resistors R2 and R3 are examples of a second resistor. The switches SW1 and SW2 are examples of switching elements.

[0038] The connection line 171 is a line that connects the input terminal 171A and the output terminal 171B. The input terminal 171A is connected to the output terminal of the photoreflector 150 (the emitter of the light receiving unit 151B), and the output terminal 171B is connected to the input terminal of the ADC 180.

[0039] The resistors R1, R2, and R3 are connected in parallel with one another between the connection line 171 and ground (reference potential point). A switch SW1 is inserted between the resistor R2 and ground, and a switch SW2 is inserted between the resistor R3 and ground. Note that the connection relationship between the resistor R2 and the switch SW1 between the connection line 171 and ground may be reversed. The connection relationship between the resistor R3 and the switch SW2 between the connection line 171 and ground may be reversed.

[0040] The opening and closing of switches SW1 and SW2 is controlled by control unit 191. When switches SW1 and SW2 are open (OFF), the combined resistance value of variable amplifier unit 170 is maximized, and when switches SW1 and / or SW2 are closed (ON), the combined resistance value of variable amplifier unit 170 decreases.

[0041] No switch is connected in series to resistor R1, and switches SW1 and SW2 are connected in series to resistors R2 and R3, respectively. Resistor R1 contributes to the variable amplification factor of variable amplification unit 170 regardless of whether switches SW1 and SW2 are on or off, so the resistance value of resistor R1 is a reference resistance value that defines the reference amplification factor of variable amplification unit 170.

[0042] By controlling the opening and closing of the switches SW1 and SW2, the variable amplifier 170 can variably set the amplification factor for amplifying the detection signal output from the output terminal of the photoreflector 150 between the photoreflector 150 and the ADC 180. The combined resistance value of the variable amplifier 170 will be described in detail later.

[0043] Although the variable amplifier 170 includes two resistors R2 and R3 as second resistors, it is sufficient to include at least one resistor as the second resistor. This is because the combined resistance value can be made variable. Furthermore, by increasing the number of areas (described later) to more than four, three or more resistors as second resistors may be included.

[0044] <Areas 1 to 4 and distance differences obtained from detection signals of photoreflector 150 depending on whether a pressing operation is performed or not> Fig. 4A is a diagram showing an example of areas 1 to 4 of operation surface 130A. Fig. 4B is a diagram showing an example of distance differences in areas 1 to 4. The distance differences are distance differences obtained from detection signals of photoreflector 150 depending on whether a pressing operation is performed or not.

[0045] 4A shows the operation surface 130A of the press input device 100, and also shows the positions in a plan view of the photoreflector 150 and the four dampers 140. The photoreflector 150 is located in the center of the operation surface 130A in a plan view, and the four dampers 140 are located at the four corners of the operation surface 130A in a plan view.

[0046] The four dampers 140 are provided between the four corners of the lower surface of the plate 110 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) that supports the electrostatic sensor 120 and the operation panel 130 and the four corners of the upper surface of the substrate 101. As a result, when a pressing operation is performed on the operation surface 130A, the amount of physical displacement in the pressing direction of the stack of the plate 110, the electrostatic sensor 120, and the operation panel 130 due to the pressing operation varies depending on the position within the operation surface 130A.

[0047] The laminate of plate 110, electrostatic sensor 120, and operation panel 130 is most likely to bend at its center in a plan view, and is less likely to bend as it moves away from the center in a plan view. In other words, the amount of physical displacement when pressing operation is performed on operation surface 130A is greatest at the center of operation surface 130A in a plan view, and becomes smaller as it moves away from the center in a plan view.

[0048] In addition, the photoreflector 150 detects the distance between itself and a reflector 152 provided on the underside of the plate 110, but the distance detected by the photoreflector 150 differs depending on where the photoreflector 150 is located within the operation surface 130A in a planar view.

[0049] Here, in a plan view, the position of photoreflector 150 coincides with the center of operation surface 130A. Therefore, when a pressing operation is performed with a constant force, the distance detected by photoreflector 150 (the amount of displacement of operation surface 130A) is longest when the center of operation surface 130A is pressed, and becomes shorter as the position further away from the center in a plan view is pressed.

[0050] Furthermore, when determining whether or not a pressing operation has been performed based on the detection signal of the photoreflector 150, the difference (distance difference) between the distance indicated by the detection signal when no pressing operation is being performed and the distance indicated by the detection signal when a pressing operation is being performed is used. The distance difference is represented by the difference in signal level between the detection signal of the photoreflector 150 when no pressing operation is being performed and the detection signal of the photoreflector 150 when a pressing operation is being performed.

[0051] 4B , the horizontal axis represents the distance from the reference position, and the vertical axis represents the distance difference obtained from the detection signal of the photoreflector 150 depending on whether or not a pressing operation is performed. The reference position is the position of the photoreflector 150 in a planar view, and is the position on the operation surface 130A where the distance difference obtained from the detection signal of the photoreflector 150 depending on whether or not a pressing operation is performed is greatest. The distance difference is the amount of change in the signal level of the detection signal of the photoreflector 150 depending on whether or not a pressing operation is performed. Here, the position of the photoreflector 150 coincides with the center of the operation surface 130A in a planar view, and therefore the reference position is the center of the operation surface 130A in a planar view.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4B, as the distance from the reference position increases, the difference in distance obtained from the detection signal of photoreflector 150 depending on whether a pressing operation is performed or not decreases.

[0053] If the distance difference obtained from the detection signal of the photoreflector 150 varies depending on whether a pressing operation has been performed or not, depending on the location on the operation surface 130A, it becomes difficult to determine whether a pressing operation has been performed or not based on the detection signal of the photoreflector 150. This becomes particularly difficult when there is only one photoreflector 150.

[0054] In order to be able to determine whether or not a pressing operation has been performed over the entire range of operation surface 130A in a configuration including only one photoreflector 150, press input device 100 divides operation surface 130A into four concentric ring-shaped areas 1 to 4 from the center, as shown in Fig. 4A. Area 1 is located closest to the center, and area 4 is located on the outermost side.

[0055] Areas 1 to 4 are assigned according to the distance from a reference position on operation surface 130A. Area 1 is the shortest distance from the reference position, and area 4 is the longest distance from the reference position. Areas 1 to 4 are assigned in order from shortest to longest distance from the reference position.

[0056] The pressure input device 100 adjusts the variable amplification factor of the variable amplifier 170 depending on whether the position where the pressure operation is performed is one of areas 1 to 4. This allows the difference in signal level between the detection signal amplified when no pressure operation is being performed and the detection signal amplified when a pressure operation is being performed to fall within a predetermined range.

[0057] This is because, no matter which area among areas 1 to 4 a pressing operation is performed in, as long as the amplified detection signal input from variable amplifier 170 to ADC 180 falls within a certain range, it can be converted into a digital value within the resolution range of ADC 180, and control unit 191 can determine whether a pressing operation has been performed. Also, since the signal levels of the amplified detection signals are close to each other, it becomes easier to determine whether a pressing operation has been performed even if the area in which the pressing operation is performed changes.

[0058] The detection signal amplified by the variable amplifier 170 and converted into a digital signal by the ADC 180 is input to the MCU 190. Hereinafter, the detection signal amplified by the variable amplifier 170 and converted into a digital signal by the ADC 180 will be referred to as the output signal of the ADC 180.

[0059] The press input device 100 changes the threshold value for determining a press operation depending on which area of ​​areas 1 to 4 the press operation is performed in. The threshold value for determining a press operation is a threshold value for determining whether or not a press operation is performed.

[0060] The pressure input device 100 determines whether or not a pressure operation is being performed by comparing the amount of change in the signal level of the output signal of the ADC 180 when a pressure operation is being performed with respect to the output signal of the ADC 180 when no pressure operation is being performed with a threshold value for determining a pressure operation.

[0061] Here, a description will be given of a form in which the threshold value for determining a pressing operation differs among areas 1 to 4. However, if the amplified detection signal input from variable amplifier 170 to ADC 180 falls within a certain range, and if the amount of change in the output signal of ADC 180 depending on whether or not a pressing operation is performed is the same regardless of which of areas 1 to 4 a pressing operation is performed in, it is possible to standardize the threshold value for determining a pressing operation among all of areas 1 to 4. In this case, only one threshold value for determining a pressing operation is required, which simplifies the process of determining whether or not a pressing operation is performed and the process of calibrating the threshold value.

[0062] <Example of Resistance Values ​​of Resistors R1 to R3> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the calculation results of the resistance values ​​of resistors R1 to R3. Fig. 5 shows the resistance values ​​of resistors R1 to R3 and the ON / OFF states of switches SW1 and SW2 when pressing areas 1 to 4.

[0063] Among areas 1 to 4, when a pressing operation is performed in area 1, the distance difference obtained from the detection signal of the photoreflector 150 depending on whether or not a pressing operation is performed is the largest, and when a pressing operation is performed in area 4, the distance difference obtained from the detection signal of the photoreflector 150 depending on whether or not a pressing operation is performed is the smallest.

[0064] A large resistance value of the variable amplifier section 170 corresponds to a large variable amplification factor, and a small resistance value of the variable amplifier section 170 corresponds to a small variable amplification factor.

[0065] In order to ensure that the difference in signal level between the detection signal amplified when no pressing operation is performed and the detection signal amplified when a pressing operation is performed falls within a predetermined range in any of areas 1 to 4, the variable amplification factor of variable amplification unit 170 is set to the minimum when a pressing operation is performed in area 1, and the variable amplification factor of variable amplification unit 170 is set to the maximum when a pressing operation is performed in area 4. This setting is made because the amount of displacement of operation panel 130 when a pressing operation is performed in area 4 is smaller than the amount of displacement of operation panel 130 when a pressing operation is performed in area 1. For this reason, the fact that the difference in signal level falls within a predetermined range means that the difference in signal level falls within a range in which the presence or absence of a pressing operation can be determined using the four threshold values ​​for determining pressing operation corresponding to areas 1 to 4.

[0066] Furthermore, if the increase in signal level, the amount of change in signal level, and the amount of displacement in signal level can be made approximately equal in each area by setting the variable amplification factor in area 1 to the minimum and the variable amplification factor in area 4 to the maximum, then the difference in signal level falling within a predetermined range means the following: In other words, in this case, the difference in signal level falling within a predetermined range means that the difference in signal level falls within a range that can be determined using one threshold value for determining a pressing operation.

[0067] 5, when a pressing operation is performed in area 1, switches SW1 and SW2 are both set to ON. In this case, the combined resistance value of variable amplifier 170 is 2.57 Ω, which is the resistance value when resistors R2 and R3 are connected in parallel to resistor R1.

[0068] When a pressing operation is performed in area 2, switch SW1 is turned OFF and switch SW2 is turned ON. In this case, the combined resistance value of variable amplifier 170 is 3.02 Ω, which is the resistance value when resistor R1 and resistor R3 are connected in parallel.

[0069] When a pressing operation is performed in area 3, switch SW1 is turned ON and switch SW2 is set OFF. In this case, the combined resistance value of variable amplifier 170 is 5Ω, which is the resistance value when resistor R1 and resistor R2 are connected in parallel.

[0070] When a pressing operation is performed in area 4, both switches SW1 and SW2 are set to OFF. In this case, the combined resistance value of the variable amplifier 170 is 7Ω, which is the resistance value of resistor R1 alone.

[0071] As described above, by switching the ON / OFF state of switches SW1 and SW2 depending on the area 1 to 4 in which the pressing operation is performed, the combined resistance value of variable amplifier section 170 becomes the maximum value in area 4, the second largest value in area 3, the third largest value in area 2, and the minimum value in area 1.

[0072] Since the combined resistance value of the variable amplifier section 170 is proportional to the variable amplification factor of the variable amplifier section 170, the variable amplification factor is the maximum value in the case of area 4, the second largest value in the case of area 3, the third largest value in the case of area 2, and the minimum value in the case of area 1.

[0073] 5, table data representing the relationship between areas 1 to 4 and the ON / OFF states of switches SW1 and SW2 may be stored in memory 192, and when control unit 191 switches switches SW1 and SW2 ON / OFF, the table data may be read from memory 192 and used. Data representing the X and Y coordinates of areas 1 to 4 may also be stored in memory 192. The resistance values ​​shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples, and may be set to appropriate values ​​depending on the sizes of areas 1 to 4, etc.

[0074] <Areas 1 to 4 when the position of photoreflector 150 in a plan view is offset from the center of operation surface 130A, and distance differences obtained from the detection signal of photoreflector 150 depending on whether or not a pressing operation is performed> Fig. 6A is a diagram showing an example of areas 1 to 4 of operation surface 130A. Fig. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the distance differences in areas 1 to 4. The distance differences are distance differences obtained from the detection signal of photoreflector 150 depending on whether or not a pressing operation is performed.

[0075] 6A, the photoreflector 150 is offset in the −Y direction from the center of the operation surface 130A in a plan view. The rest is the same as in FIG.

[0076] As in the case of Figure 4A, when a pressing operation is performed on the operation surface 130A, the amount of physical displacement in the pressing direction of the stack of the plate 110, the electrostatic sensor 120, and the operation panel 130 due to the pressing operation varies depending on the position within the operation surface 130A.

[0077] In addition, when a pressing operation is performed on the operation surface 130A, the physical displacement of the laminate of the plate 110, the electrostatic sensor 120, and the operation panel 130 is largest at the center of the operation surface 130A when viewed in a plane, and becomes smaller as the distance from the center increases when viewed in a plane.

[0078] Furthermore, when the photoreflector 150 is offset in the -Y direction from the center of the operation surface 130A in a planar view, the distance detected by the photoreflector 150 is shortest directly above the photoreflector 150 in a planar view, and increases as the distance from the photoreflector 150 increases in a planar view.

[0079] 6B, the horizontal axis represents the distance from the reference position, and the vertical axis represents the distance difference between the presence or absence of a pressing operation and the detection signal of the photoreflector 150. The reference position is the position of the photoreflector 150 in a plan view, and is the position on the operation surface 130A where the distance difference between the presence or absence of a pressing operation and the detection signal of the photoreflector 150 is the largest.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6B, as the distance from the reference position increases, the difference in distance obtained from the detection signal of photoreflector 150 depending on whether a pressing operation is performed or not decreases.

[0081] Therefore, area 1 is directly above and around the photoreflector 150 in a planar view, and the order of areas 1 to 4 is the same as in Figure 4A, but areas 2 to 4 expand significantly in the +Y direction as they move away from the photoreflector 150, as shown in Figure 6A.

[0082] By using areas 1 to 4, the ON / OFF state of switches SW1 and SW2 can be set to adjust the variable amplification factor of the variable amplifier 170, so that the difference in signal level between the detection signal amplified when no pressing operation is being performed and the detection signal amplified when a pressing operation is being performed falls within a predetermined range.

[0083] <Flowchart> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 191.

[0084] The control unit 191 starts processing when it detects a touch operation on the operation surface 130A based on the measurement signal output from the electrostatic sensor 120. The measurement signal represents the difference value ΔAD and the XY coordinates, and therefore the control unit 191 determines that a touch operation has been performed when the difference value ΔAD exceeds a threshold value for determining a touch operation. The control unit 191 determining that a touch operation has been performed is synonymous with the control unit 191 detecting a touch operation.

[0085] The control unit 191 determines which of areas 1 to 4 the touch operation was performed in (step S1). Specifically, the control unit 191 determines which of areas 1 to 4 the XY coordinates where the touch operation was performed are included in.

[0086] When the control unit 191 determines that the touch operation has been performed in area 1, the control unit 191 proceeds to step S2A, and turns on both switches SW1 and SW2 (step S2A), thereby setting the variable amplification factor of the variable amplification unit 170 to the minimum value.

[0087] Furthermore, if the control unit 191 determines in step S1 that the touch operation has been performed in area 2, the flow proceeds to step S2B, where the control unit 191 turns OFF the switch SW1 and turns ON the switch SW2 (step S2B), thereby setting the variable amplification factor of the variable amplification unit 170 to the third largest value.

[0088] If the control unit 191 determines in step S1 that the touch operation has been performed in area 3, the flow proceeds to step S2C, where the control unit 191 turns on the switch SW1 and turns off the switch SW2 (step S2C), thereby setting the variable amplification factor of the variable amplification unit 170 to the second largest value.

[0089] If the control unit 191 determines in step S1 that the touch operation has been performed in area 4, the flow proceeds to step S2D, where it turns off both switches SW1 and SW2 (step S2D). As a result, the variable amplification factor of the variable amplification unit 170 is set to the maximum value.

[0090] After completing the processes of steps S2A to S2D, the control unit 191 determines whether a pressing operation has been performed (step S3). Specifically, the control unit 191 uses a threshold value for determining a pressing operation corresponding to the area where it has been determined in step S1 that a touch operation has been performed to determine whether the amount of change in the output signal of the ADC 180 due to the presence or absence of a pressing operation has exceeded the threshold value for determining a pressing operation.

[0091] If the control unit 191 determines in step S3 that a pressing operation has not been performed (S3: NO), it repeats the process of step S3.

[0092] When the control unit 191 determines in step S3 that a pressing operation has been performed (S3: YES), it confirms the operation at the position where the pressing operation has been performed and drives the actuator 160 (step S4). When the control unit 191 confirms the operation at the position where the pressing operation has been performed, it notifies the operation target device of the confirmed operation content. For example, when a pressing operation has been performed at a position corresponding to symbol 131 shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 191 notifies the operation target device that a pressing operation has been performed on symbol 131.

[0093] When the control unit 191 finishes the process of step S4, the flow returns and the control unit 191 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed.

[0094] When a pressing operation is performed on a position where no symbol is marked, such as symbols 131 and 132 shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 191 may treat the pressing operation as an invalid operation.

[0095] <Operation of the Pressing Input Device 100> Figures 8A to 8D are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the pressing input device 100. In Figures 8A to 8D, the horizontal axis represents time t. The vertical axes of Figures 8A to 8D represent touch operations, the detection signal (current value) of the photoreflector 150, the ON / OFF states of the switches SW1 and SW2, the combined resistance value of the variable amplifier section 170, and the output signal (voltage value) of the ADC 180. In addition to areas 1 to 4, touch operations also include touch releases. Touch releases indicate that no touch operations are being performed. Figures 8A to 8D also show waveforms when pressing operations are performed on areas 1 to 4, respectively.

[0096] <Fig. 8A> As shown in Fig. 8A, at time t0, the touch is released. In this state, the control unit 191 stores in the memory 192 as a reference current the current obtained by dividing the output signal of the ADC 180 by the resistance value of the resistor R1. In the variable amplifier unit 170, since the switches SW1 and SW2 are both OFF, the combined resistance value is 7Ω. The output signal of the ADC 180 is V1.

[0097] At time t1 in FIG. 8A , when a touch operation is performed on area 1, the current value of the detection signal begins to increase. Furthermore, control unit 191 turns on both switches SW1 and SW2. As a result, the combined resistance value of variable amplifier unit 170 becomes 2.57 Ω. Furthermore, at time t1, the combined resistance value of variable amplifier unit 170 decreases, causing the voltage value of the output signal of ADC 180 to suddenly decrease, after which the voltage of the output signal of ADC 180 begins to increase in accordance with the detection signal.

[0098] At time t1, the control unit 191 determines whether the increase in the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 relative to the reference voltage exceeds a threshold value (ON threshold) for determining a pressing operation, using a voltage obtained by multiplying the reference current acquired before time t1 by the combined resistance value of resistors R2 and R3 as a reference voltage. If the increase in the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 relative to the reference voltage exceeds the threshold value (ON threshold) for determining a pressing operation, the control unit 191 determines that a pressing operation has been performed. Note that the increase in the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 relative to the reference voltage corresponds to the difference in signal level (amount of change in signal level) between the detection signal amplified by the variable amplifier unit 170 in a touch-release state in which no touch operation is being performed and the detection signal amplified by the variable amplifier unit 170 in a state in which a touch operation is being performed.

[0099] 8A, the force of the pressing operation begins to decrease, and the current value of the detection signal begins to decrease, and accordingly, the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 begins to decrease. If the increase in the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 relative to the reference voltage falls below a threshold value (OFF threshold) for determining whether the pressing operation has been released, the control unit 191 determines that the pressing operation has ceased. Note that the threshold value (OFF threshold) for determining whether the release operation has been performed is smaller than the threshold value (ON threshold) for determining whether the pressing operation has been released.

[0100] 8A, the state returns to the touch-released state, the switches SW1 and SW2 are both turned OFF, and the combined resistance value of the variable amplifier section 170 returns to 7Ω. The output signal of the ADC 180 returns to V1.

[0101] <Fig. 8B> As shown in Fig. 8B, at time t0, the touch is released. In this state, the control unit 191 stores in the memory 192 as a reference current the current obtained by dividing the output signal of the ADC 180 by the resistance value of the resistor R1. In the variable amplifier unit 170, since the switches SW1 and SW2 are both OFF, the combined resistance value is 7Ω. The output signal of the ADC 180 is V1.

[0102] 8B, when a touch operation is performed in area 2, the current value of the detection signal begins to increase. In addition, the control unit 191 turns on the switch SW2. As a result, the combined resistance value of the variable amplifier unit 170 becomes 3.02Ω.

[0103] 8A, the drop in the output signal of the ADC 180 at time t1 is small due to the large combined resistance value of the variable amplifier section 170. As in FIG. 8A, the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 begins to increase in accordance with the detection signal.

[0104] At time t1, the control unit 191 determines whether the increase in the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 relative to the reference voltage, which is the voltage obtained by multiplying the reference current acquired before time t1 by the combined resistance value of resistors R2 and R3, exceeds the threshold value (ON threshold value) for determining the pressing operation.

[0105] 8B, the force of the pressing operation begins to decrease, so the current value of the detection signal begins to decrease, and accordingly, the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 begins to decrease. If the increase in the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 relative to the reference voltage falls below the threshold value (OFF threshold value) for determining whether the pressing operation has been released, the control unit 191 determines that the pressing operation has ceased.

[0106] 8B, the state returns to the touch-released state, the switch SW2 is returned to OFF, and the combined resistance value of the variable amplifier section 170 returns to 7Ω. The output signal of the ADC 180 returns to V1.

[0107] <Fig. 8C> As shown in Fig. 8C, at time t0, the touch is released. In this state, the control unit 191 stores in the memory 192 as a reference current the current obtained by dividing the output signal of the ADC 180 by the resistance value of resistor R1. In the variable amplifier unit 170, since switches SW1 and SW2 are both OFF, the combined resistance value is 7Ω. The output signal of the ADC 180 is V1.

[0108] 8C, when a touch operation is performed in area 3, the current value of the detection signal begins to increase. Also, the control unit 191 turns on the switch SW1. As a result, the combined resistance value of the variable amplifier unit 170 becomes 5Ω.

[0109] 8A and 8B, however, the drop in the output signal of ADC 180 at time t1 is smaller than in Fig. 8B due to the large combined resistance value of variable amplifier section 170. As in Fig. 8A and 8B, the voltage of the output signal of ADC 180 begins to increase in accordance with the detection signal.

[0110] At time t1, the control unit 191 determines whether the increase in the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 relative to the reference voltage, which is the voltage obtained by multiplying the reference current acquired before time t1 by the combined resistance value of resistors R2 and R3, exceeds the threshold value (ON threshold value) for determining the pressing operation.

[0111] 8C, the force of the pressing operation begins to decrease, so the current value of the detection signal begins to decrease, and accordingly, the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 begins to decrease. If the increase in the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 relative to the reference voltage falls below the threshold value (OFF threshold value) for determining whether the pressing operation has been released, the control unit 191 determines that the pressing operation has ceased.

[0112] 8C, the state returns to the touch-released state, the switch SW1 is returned to OFF, and the combined resistance value of the variable amplifier section 170 returns to 7Ω. The output signal of the ADC 180 returns to V1.

[0113] <Fig. 8D> As shown in Fig. 8D, at time t0, the touch is released. In this state, the control unit 191 stores in the memory 192 as a reference current the current obtained by dividing the output signal of the ADC 180 by the resistance value of the resistor R1. In the variable amplifier unit 170, since the switches SW1 and SW2 are both OFF, the combined resistance value is 7Ω. The output signal of the ADC 180 is V1.

[0114] 8D, when a touch operation is performed on area 4, the current value of the detection signal begins to increase. Furthermore, the control unit 191 does not switch the switches SW1 and SW2, but keeps them in the OFF state. As a result, the combined resistance value of the variable amplifier unit 170 is maintained at 7 Ω.

[0115] The operation from time t1 onwards is the same as in Figures 8A to 8C, but since the combined resistance value of the variable amplifier section 170 has not changed since time t0, the output signal of the ADC 180 does not drop at time t1 but begins to increase in accordance with the detection signal.

[0116] At time t1, the control unit 191 determines whether the increase in the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 relative to the reference voltage, which is the voltage obtained by multiplying the reference current acquired before time t1 by the combined resistance value of resistors R2 and R3, exceeds the threshold value (ON threshold value) for determining the pressing operation.

[0117] 8D, the force of the pressing operation begins to decrease, so the current value of the detection signal begins to decrease, and accordingly, the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 begins to decrease. If the increase in the voltage of the output signal of the ADC 180 relative to the reference voltage falls below the threshold value (OFF threshold value) for determining whether the pressing operation has been released, the control unit 191 determines that the pressing operation has ceased.

[0118] At time t3 in FIG. 8D, the touch-release state is restored.

[0119] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a pressure input device 100M according to a first modification of the embodiment. The pressure input device 100M includes a variable amplifier section 170M instead of the variable amplifier section 170 of the pressure input device 100 shown in FIG.

[0120] The variable amplifier 170M includes an operational amplifier 172, resistors R1, R2, and R3, and switches SW1 and SW2. The operational amplifier 172 is an example of an amplifier.

[0121] The operational amplifier 172 is connected between the output terminal of the photoreflector 150 and the input terminal of the control unit 191. The resistor R1 is negative feedback connected between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the operational amplifier 172, and has a reference resistance value.

[0122] Resistors R2 and R3 are connected in parallel to resistor R1 as negative feedback between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the operational amplifier 172, and have resistance values ​​different from the reference resistance value. Switches SW1 and SW2 are connected between resistors R2 and R3 and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 172, and switch the connection state.

[0123] The control unit 191 sets the variable amplification factor in the variable amplifier unit 170 by switching the ON / OFF states of the switches SW1 and SW2 depending on the position where the pressing operation is performed.

[0124] As a result, the pressing input device 100M of the first modified embodiment can operate in the same manner as the pressing input device 100 of the embodiment having the circuit configuration shown in FIG.

[0125] <Second Modification> Here, a press input device according to a second modification of the embodiment will be described. In the press input device 100 having the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3 , the variable amplification factor of the variable amplifier 170 is controlled so that the amplified detection signal input from the variable amplifier 170 to the ADC 180 falls within a certain range. However, the press input device 100 may also be configured such that the amplified detection signal input from the variable amplifier 170 to the ADC 180 falls within a certain range by amplifying the detection signal by increasing the amount of light irradiated by one photoreflector 150 in the variable amplifier 170. The control unit 191 may set the rate of increase in the amount of light irradiated by the variable amplifier 170 depending on the area where the press operation is performed.

[0126] <Effects> The pressure input device 100 includes an operation panel 130 having an operation surface 130A that can be operated with a pointer, an electrostatic sensor 120 that is provided on the opposite side of the operation panel 130 from the operation surface 130A and that measures the electrostatic capacitance between the operation panel 130 and the pointer that operates the operation surface and outputs a measurement signal representing the electrostatic capacitance, a damper 140 (support unit) that supports the operation panel 130 and the electrostatic sensor 120 so that they can be displaced in the pressing direction in response to a pressing operation in which the pointer presses the operation surface 130A, one photoreflector 150 (displacement amount detection unit) that is provided on the opposite side of the operation panel 130 from the electrostatic sensor 120 and that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the amount of displacement of the operation panel 130 in the pressing direction, a variable amplification unit 170 that amplifies the detection signal with a variable amplification factor, and a control unit 191 that detects the position of the pointer on the operation surface 130A based on the measurement signal and sets the variable amplification factor in the variable amplification unit 170 in response to the detected position. Therefore, in a simple configuration including one photoreflector 150, by setting the variable amplification factor in the variable amplifier unit 170 according to the detected position, it becomes possible to align the level of the amplified detection signal input to the control unit 191 to a certain extent, making it possible to accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0127] Therefore, it is possible to provide a pressing input device 100 that has both a simple configuration and the ability to accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0128] Furthermore, the control unit 191 may set the variable amplification factor corresponding to the detected position from a plurality of variable amplification factors corresponding to a plurality of positions on the operation surface 130A to the variable amplification unit 170. By setting the variable amplification factor corresponding to the detected position among the plurality of positions to the variable amplification unit 170, it is possible to reliably and easily set the variable amplification factor to the variable amplification factor corresponding to the detected position, and it becomes possible to more accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0129] The multiple variable amplification factors may be set so that the difference in signal level between the multiple detection signals amplified by the multiple variable amplification factors when no pressing operation is being performed on operation surface 130A and the multiple detection signals amplified by the multiple variable amplification factors when a pressing operation is being performed on operation surface 130A falls within a predetermined range. This makes it possible to more reliably keep the level of the amplified detection signal input to control unit 191 within a certain range, making it possible to accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0130] The variable amplification factor may also be set according to the difference in plan view between the position detected by control unit 191 and a reference position. Since the distance in the pressing direction measured by photoreflector 150 changes as the position moves away from the reference position, setting the variable amplification factor according to the difference between the detected position and the reference position makes it possible to more reliably align the levels of the amplified detection signals input to control unit 191 to a certain extent, and more accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0131] The reference position is the position of the photoreflector 150, and the difference is the distance between the position of the photoreflector 150 in a plan view and the position detected by the control unit 191, and the control unit 191 may set a variable amplification factor according to the distance. By using the position of the photoreflector 150 as the reference position and setting a variable amplification factor according to the difference between the detected position and the reference position, it becomes possible to more reliably make the level of the amplified detection signal input to the control unit 191 uniform to a certain extent, and it becomes possible to more accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0132] Furthermore, the variable amplifier 170 may be connected to the output side of the photoreflector 150. By connecting the variable amplifier 170 to the output side of the photoreflector 150, the detection signal output from the photoreflector 150 can be reliably amplified by the variable amplifier 170.

[0133] In addition, the output terminal of the photoreflector 150 and the input terminal of the control unit 191 are connected by a connection line, and the variable amplification unit 170 has a first resistor (R1) connected between the connection line 171 and a reference potential point and having a reference resistance value, second resistors (R2, R3) connected in parallel to the first resistor (R1) between the connection line and the reference potential point and having a resistance value different from the reference resistance value, and switches SW1 and SW2 that switch the connection state between the second resistors (R2, R3) and the connection line or between the second resistors (R2, R3) and the reference potential point, and the control unit 191 may set the variable amplification factor in the variable amplification unit 170 by switching the connection state of the switches SW1 and SW2 depending on the detected position. By using a variable amplifier 170 connected to the output side of the photoreflector 150 and having a variable combined resistance value, it becomes possible to align the level of the detection signal from the photoreflector 150 to a certain extent, making it possible to reliably and accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0134] The variable amplifier 170M also has an operational amplifier 172 connected between the output terminal of the photoreflector 150 and the input terminal of the control unit 191, a first resistor (R1) connected in negative feedback between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the operational amplifier 172 and having a reference resistance value, second resistors (R2, R3) connected in negative feedback in parallel to the first resistor (R1) between the input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier and having a resistance value different from the reference resistance value, and switching elements (SW1, SW2) that switch the connection state between the second resistors (R2, R3) and the input terminal of the amplifier or between the second resistors (R2, R3) and the output terminal of the amplifier, and the control unit 191 may set the variable amplification factor of the variable amplifier 170M by switching the connection state of the switching elements (SW1, SW2) depending on the detected position. By using a variable amplifier 170M connected to the output side of the photoreflector 150 and having an operational amplifier 172 with a variable amplification factor, it becomes possible to make the level of the detection signal from the photoreflector 150 uniform to a certain extent, making it possible to reliably and accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0135] Alternatively, one photoreflector 150 may detect distance as a displacement amount by utilizing light irradiation and reflection, the variable amplifier 170 may amplify the detection signal by increasing the amount of light irradiation from the one photoreflector 150, and the control unit 191 may set the rate at which the amount of light irradiation is increased in the variable amplifier 170 according to the detected position. Instead of varying the amplification rate when amplifying the detection signal from the photoreflector 150, the level of the detection signal from the photoreflector 150 can be amplified by amplifying the amount of light used when detecting distance with the photoreflector 150. Therefore, similar to the case where the detection signal from the photoreflector 150 is amplified, it is possible to make the levels of the detection signals from the photoreflector 150 uniform to a certain extent, making it possible to reliably and accurately determine whether a pressing operation has been performed.

[0136] The above describes a pressing input device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0137] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-110186, filed on July 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0138] 100, 100M Pressing input device 101 Substrate 110 Plate 120 Electrostatic sensor 130 Operation panel 140 Damper (an example of a support portion) 150 Photoreflector (an example of a displacement amount detection portion) 151 Light receiving and emitting portion 151A Light emitting portion 151B Light receiving portion 152 Reflector 160 Actuator (an example of a vibration element) 170, 170 Variable amplifier portion 171 Connection line 172 Operational amplifier R1 Resistor (an example of a first resistor) R2, R3 Resistor (an example of a second resistor) SW1, SW2 Switch (an example of a switching element) 180 ADC 190 MCU 191 Control portion 192 Memory

Claims

1. A pressure input device comprising: an operation panel having an operation surface operable with a pointer; an electrostatic sensor provided on the opposite side of said operation panel from said operation surface, measuring electrostatic capacitance between said operation surface and a pointer that operates said operation surface and outputting a measurement signal representing said electrostatic capacitance; a support section that supports said operation panel and said electrostatic sensor so that they can be displaced in a pressing direction in response to a pressing operation in which a pointer presses said operation surface; a displacement amount detection section provided on the opposite side of said electrostatic sensor from said operation panel, outputting a detection signal representing the amount of displacement of said operation panel in said pressing direction; a variable amplification section that amplifies the detection signal with a variable amplification factor; and a control section that detects the position of the pointer on said operation surface based on the measurement signal, and sets the variable amplification factor of said variable amplification section in response to the detected position.

2. A pressure input device as described in claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the variable amplification factor corresponding to the detected position in the variable amplification unit from a plurality of variable amplification factors corresponding to a plurality of positions on the operation surface.

3. A pressure input device as described in claim 2, wherein the plurality of variable amplification factors are set so that the difference in signal level between the plurality of detection signals amplified by the plurality of variable amplification factors when no pressure operation is being performed on the operation surface and the plurality of detection signals amplified by the plurality of variable amplification factors when a pressure operation is being performed on the operation surface falls within a predetermined range.

4. A pressure input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the variable amplification factor is set according to the difference in plan view between the position detected by the control unit and a reference position.

5. A pressure input device according to claim 4, wherein the reference position is the position of the displacement amount detection unit, the difference is the distance between the position of the displacement amount detection unit and the position detected by the control unit in a planar view, and the control unit sets the variable amplification factor in accordance with the distance.

6. A pressure input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the variable amplifier section is connected to the output side of the displacement amount detector section.

7. A pressure input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the output terminal of the displacement amount detection unit and the input terminal of the control unit are connected by a connection line, and the variable amplification unit has: a first resistor connected between the connection line and a reference potential point and having a reference resistance value; a second resistor connected in parallel to the first resistor between the connection line and the reference potential point and having a resistance value different from the reference resistance value; and a switching element that switches the connection state between the second resistor and the connection line or between the second resistor and the reference potential point, and the control unit sets the variable amplification factor in the variable amplification unit by switching the connection state of the switching element in accordance with the detected position.

8. A pressure input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the variable amplification section comprises: an amplifier connected between the output terminal of the displacement amount detection section and the input terminal of the control section; a first resistor connected in negative feedback between the input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier and having a reference resistance value; a second resistor connected in negative feedback in parallel to the first resistor between the input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier and having a resistance value different from the reference resistance value; and a switching element that switches the connection state between the second resistor and the input terminal of the amplifier or between the second resistor and the output terminal of the amplifier; and the control section sets the variable amplification factor in the variable amplification section by switching the connection state of the switching element in accordance with the detected position.

9. A pressure input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one displacement amount detection unit detects distance as the displacement amount by utilizing light irradiation and reflection, the variable amplifier unit amplifies the detection signal by increasing the amount of light irradiation of the one displacement amount detection unit, and the control unit sets the rate of increase in the amount of light irradiation in the variable amplifier unit depending on the detected position.

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