Electrostatic input device

Abstract

Provided is an electrostatic input device that can be easily operated without visual observation.　This electrostatic input device includes: a first electrostatic sensor electrode disposed in an operation region having a length along which a pointer can move in an operation direction; a second electrostatic sensor electrode provided at an end of the operation region; a measurement circuit that outputs a first measurement value based on the capacitance between the first electrostatic sensor electrode and the pointer, and a second measurement value based on the capacitance between the second electrostatic sensor electrode and the pointer; and a control unit that determines the content of an operation by the pointer on the basis of the first measurement value or the second measurement value output by the measurement circuit.

Description

Electrostatic input device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrostatic input device.

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an input device including a plurality of detection sections each formed of a pair of electrodes, wherein the plurality of detection sections are arranged on circumferences of a plurality of similar polygons or concentric circles formed on a plane while sharing one included point as a position reference point, and the input device generates an output by detecting approach of an operator's finger based on a change in capacitance between the paired electrodes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-182201

[0004] In conventional input devices, since a plurality of detection sections are arranged on circumferences of a plurality of similar polygons or concentric circles, it is difficult to recognize which part should be operated and in which direction, making it not easy to perform an operation without visual confirmation.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic input device that can be easily operated without visual confirmation.

[0006] The electrostatic input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first electrostatic sensor electrode arranged in an operation area having a length that allows an indicator to move along an operation direction; a second electrostatic sensor electrode provided at an end of the operation area; a measurement circuit that outputs a first measurement value based on a capacitance between the first electrostatic sensor electrode and the indicator, and a second measurement value based on a capacitance between the second electrostatic sensor electrode and the indicator; and a control section that determines an operation content performed by the indicator based on the first measurement value or the second measurement value output from the measurement circuit.

[0007] An electrostatic input device that can be easily operated without visual confirmation can be provided.

[0008] This figure shows an example of a location where the electrostatic input device 100 can be placed. This figure shows an example of the configuration of the electrostatic input device 100 according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of the configuration of the electrostatic input device 100 according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of the configuration of the electrostatic input device 100 according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of the configuration of the electrostatic input device 100 according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of the operating state of the electrostatic input device 100. This shows an example of operating the electrostatic input device 100 shown in Figure 6 with the middle finger. This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the in-vehicle system 10 including the electrostatic input device 100. This is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the control unit 171 determines the operation content. This is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the learning unit 172 generates the operation estimation model 173A.

[0009] Embodiments to which the electrostatic input device of this disclosure is applied will be described below. In the following, the same elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0010] Furthermore, the following will define and explain the XYZ coordinate system. 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 mutually orthogonal. Also, a planar view refers to viewing from the XY plane. Furthermore, for the sake of explanation, we will use an up-down relationship where the +Z direction side is the upper side and the -Z direction side is the lower side, but this does not represent a universal up-down relationship. In addition, in the following, the length, width, thickness, etc. of each part may be exaggerated to make the structure easier to understand.

[0011] <Embodiment> Figure 1 shows an example of a location where the electrostatic input device 100 can be installed. In Figure 1, the electrostatic input device 100 is simplified and shown with hatched lines. The electrostatic input device 100 can be installed, for example, on the dashboard 1 of a vehicle, the center console 2, the right or left door trim 3, or the ceiling 4.

[0012] For example, a Center Information Display (CID) 21 is provided in the center of the dashboard 1, and a Head-Up Display (HUD) 22 is provided on the windshield. In addition, a speaker 23 is provided inside the vehicle.

[0013] The electrostatic input device 100 is, for example, an input device suitable for operation while looking away from the electrostatic input device 100. Here, as an example, a configuration in which the electrostatic input device 100 is mounted on a vehicle will be described. The electrostatic input device 100 has a configuration that makes it easy for the driver of the vehicle to operate without looking at the electrostatic input device 100 while driving. In particular, it is configured to be easily operated by taking the right or left hand off the rim of the steering wheel, moving the thumb and middle finger to the electrostatic input device 100, and performing a rotational operation such as swiping as if turning a dial. The rotational operation of swiping as if turning a dial is a rotational operation of the hand, similar to the operation of turning a rotary knob.

[0014] Here, as an example, the thumb and middle finger are used as indicators to operate the electrostatic input device 100, and a configuration in which the electrostatic input device 100 is operated with these two fingers is described. However, the electrostatic input device 100 may also be operated with the thumb and index finger, or with any combination of multiple fingers. Furthermore, the electrostatic input device 100 can also be operated with parts of the operator's body other than the fingertips.

[0015] The electrostatic input device 100 can be operated by, for example, a swiping motion similar to turning a dial. Therefore, when installed in a vehicle, it can be used, for example, to control the volume of the audio system, the airflow of the air conditioner, radio station selection, item selection on a navigation system, or item selection on other in-vehicle equipment. In the following, as an example, the device to be operated by the electrostatic input device 100 is the audio system included in the CID 21, and the electrostatic input device 100 is used as the control unit for the CID 21 to adjust the volume of the audio system.

[0016] Furthermore, the electrostatic input device 100 can support not only rotational swiping operations like turning a dial, but also swiping operations along a straight line or an arbitrary curve. This will be explained later.

[0017] Furthermore, the electrostatic input device 100 may be mounted on a mobile vehicle such as an aircraft, or it may be placed in a store or facility and used as the input unit of an input device used by an unspecified number of users.

[0018] <Electrostatic Input Device 100> Figures 2 to 6 show an example of the configuration of the electrostatic input device 100 according to the embodiment. Figures 7 and 8 show an example of the operating state of the electrostatic input device 100.

[0019] The electrostatic input device 100 includes a housing 110, electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A, 120B, electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, 130B2, electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A, 140B, and vibration elements 150A, 150B.

[0020] Electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B are examples of first electrostatic sensor electrodes. Electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 are examples of second electrostatic sensor electrodes. Electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A and 140B are examples of third electrostatic sensor electrodes.

[0021] Figures 2 to 4 show the external appearance of the electrostatic input device 100 as viewed from the +Z direction. Figure 5 shows the arrangement of electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A, 120B, 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, 130B2, 140A, 140B, and vibration elements 150A, 150B, which are located on the -Z direction side of the housing 110. Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the cross-section viewed along the line A-A in Figure 2. Figure 7 shows an example of operating the electrostatic input device 100 shown in Figure 2 with two fingers, the thumb and middle finger. Figure 8 shows an example of operating the electrostatic input device 100 shown in Figure 6 with the middle finger.

[0022] In addition to these components, the electrostatic input device 100 includes a measurement circuit that outputs a measurement value based on the capacitance between each of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A, 120B, 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, 130B2, and 140A, 140B and the fingertip, and a control unit that determines the operation performed by the fingertip based on the measurement value output by the measurement circuit. The measurement circuit and the control unit will be described later with reference to Figure 9.

[0023] <Housing 110> Housing 110 has a panel portion 111, recesses 112A and 112B, a protrusion 113, a decision input portion 114A, and a cancel input portion 114B. Housing 110 has two decision input portions 114A and two cancel input portions 114B. The decision input portions 114A and cancel input portions 114B on the -X direction side of the recesses 112A and 112B are examples of first input portions, and the decision input portions 114A and cancel input portions 114B on the +X direction side of the recesses 112A and 112B are examples of second input portions.

[0024] The housing 110 is, for example, a resin component manufactured by film insert molding of a decorative film. The housing 110 may also have a configuration other than that described above.

[0025] <Panel section 111> The panel section 111 is located on the surface of the housing 110 on the +Z direction side and is the part of the housing 110 other than the recesses 112A, 112B, the protrusion 113, the decision input section 114A, and the cancel input section 114B. The panel section 111 is, for example, a flat plate-like part parallel to the XY plane, and for example, rectangular in plan view. The surface of the panel section 111 does not have to be flat, and its shape in plan view may be other than rectangular.

[0026] <Recesses 112A, 112B> Recesses 112A and 112B are two arc-shaped recesses located in the central part of the panel portion 111 in a plan view. Recesses 112A and 112B are operating areas for performing a rotational operation by swiping with two fingers, the thumb and middle finger, to turn the dial. The bottom surfaces of recesses 112A and 112B are also operating surfaces for performing rotational operations. Recesses 112A and 112B have a length that allows the thumb and middle finger to move along the arc.

[0027] The recesses 112A and 112B are provided around the circular protrusion 113 in plan view, and are located between the inner circle 112C1 and the outer circle 112C2, which are centered at the center 113C of the protrusion 113 in plan view. The recesses 112A and 112B are arranged concentrically with respect to the center 113C in plan view. The center 113C is the center of the arc shape of recess 112A and also the center of the arc shape of recess 112B.

[0028] The three-dimensional shape, size in plan view, and depth of the recesses 112A and 112B are, for example, equal. In the XY plane, if the +Y direction is the 12 o'clock direction, the recess 112A is located, for example, between approximately 9 o'clock and 1 o'clock, and the recess 112B is located between approximately 3 o'clock and 7 o'clock. The central angle of the arc shape of the recesses 112A and 112B is approximately 120 degrees. The arrangement of the recesses 112A and 112B is, for example, one that facilitates a swiping operation, similar to turning a dial, when the +Y direction is in front of the operator, taking into account the range of motion of the joints of the human hand and the size of the hand.

[0029] Panel sections 111 are located in two locations within the region between the inner circle 112C1 and the outer circle 112C2: between approximately 1 o'clock and 3 o'clock, and between approximately 7 o'clock and 9 o'clock.

[0030] Ends 112A1 and 112A2 are provided at both ends of the recess 112A. End 112A1 is located at approximately the 9 o'clock position, and end 112A2 is located at approximately the 1 o'clock position. Ends 112A1 and 112A2 are wall portions located at the boundary between the recess 112A and the panel portion 111, and have sides located at both ends of the arc shape on the inner surface of the recess 112A. In other words, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, ends 112A1 and 112A2 are stepped portions located at the boundary between the recess 112A and the panel portion 111. Ends 112A1 and 112A2 are wall portions that stand upright relative to the bottom surface of the recess 112A at the boundary between the recess 112A and the panel portion 111. In other words, the ends 112A1 and 112A2 are wall portions that protrude in the direction (+Z direction) from the bottom surface (operating surface) of the recess 112A at the end of the recess 112A.

[0031] Ends 112B1 and 112B2 are provided at both ends of the recess 112B. End 112B1 is located at approximately the 3 o'clock position, and end 112B2 is located at approximately the 7 o'clock position. Ends 112B1 and 112B2 are wall portions located at the boundary between the recess 112B and the panel portion 111, and have sides located at both ends of the arc shape of the inner surface of the recess 112B. In other words, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, ends 112B1 and 112B2 are stepped portions located at the boundary between the recess 112B and the panel portion 111. Ends 112B1 and 112B2 are wall portions that stand upright relative to the bottom surface of the recess 112B at the boundary between the recess 112B and the panel portion 111. In other words, the ends 112B1 and 112B2 are wall portions that protrude in the direction (+Z direction) from the bottom surface (operating surface) of the recess 112B at the end of the recess 112B.

[0032] The recesses 112A and 112B do not have to be concentric. For example, the center of the arc of recess 112A and the center of the arc of recess 112B may be offset. Also, the recesses 112A and 112B may not be arc-shaped, but rather straight or curved along an arbitrary curve. In such cases, the electrostatic input device 100 will perform input by swiping along a straight line or an arbitrary curve, rather than by a rotational swipe operation like turning a dial.

[0033] <Protrusion 113> The protrusion 113 is located in the central part of the panel portion 111 in a plan view, inside the recesses 112A and 112B. The protrusion 113 projects in a frustoconical shape toward the +Z direction relative to the bottom surface of the recesses 112A and 112B. The center of the frustoconical shape in a plan view is the center 113C of the protrusion 113. The protrusion 113 and the recesses 112A and 112B are arranged concentrically with respect to the center 113C in a plan view.

[0034] The protrusion 113 protrudes in a frustoconical shape from the bottom surface of the recesses 112A and 112B in the ranges of approximately 9 o'clock to approximately 1 o'clock and approximately 3 o'clock to approximately 7 o'clock, where the recesses 112A and 112B are located. The protrusion 113 may also have a cylindrical shape protruding from the bottom surface of the recesses 112A and 112B.

[0035] The upper surface of the protrusion 113 is located inside the inner circle 112C1. The height of the upper surface of the protrusion 113 is, for example, equal to the height of the panel 111. The upper surface of the protrusion 113 is connected to the panel 111 in the range of approximately 1 o'clock to approximately 3 o'clock and in the range of approximately 7 o'clock to approximately 9 o'clock between the inner circle 112C1 and the outer circle 112C2. The height of the upper surface of the protrusion 113 may be higher or lower than the height of the panel 111.

[0036] The protrusion 113 may be provided with an electrostatic sensor, a rotary knob, or a mechanical switch.

[0037] <Decision Input Unit 114A and Cancellation Input Unit 114B> The decision input unit 114A and the cancellation input unit 114B are, for example, provided one each on the -X direction side and the +X direction side in a plan view of the panel unit 111. The decision input unit 114A is, for example, located on the +Y direction side of the cancellation input unit 114B. Note that it is sufficient for the decision input unit 114A and the cancellation input unit 114B to be provided one each on the -X direction side or the +X direction side in a plan view of the panel unit 111.

[0038] Furthermore, the decision input section 114A on the -X direction side is located, for example, on the -X direction side than the cancellation input section 114B on the -X direction side. The decision input section 114A on the +X direction side is located, for example, on the +X direction side than the cancellation input section 114B on the +X direction side.

[0039] The decision input section 114A and the cancellation input section 114B are circular in plan view, and for example, are slightly recessed in the -X direction compared to the panel section 111. However, the decision input section 114A and the cancellation input section 114B may be flush with the panel section 111, or they may protrude in the +Z direction compared to the panel section 111. Furthermore, the shape of the decision input section 114A and the cancellation input section 114B in plan view may be a shape other than a circle, such as a rectangle.

[0040] An electrostatic sensor electrode 140A is provided on the -Z direction side of the portion of the housing 110 corresponding to the confirmation input unit 114A, and an electrostatic sensor electrode 140B is provided on the -Z direction side of the portion of the housing 110 corresponding to the cancel input unit 114B. The method of using the confirmation input unit 114A and the cancel input unit 114B will be described later.

[0041] At least one of the confirmation input unit 114A and the cancel input unit 114B may be a mechanical switch.

[0042] <Electrostatic Sensor Electrodes 120A, 120B> As shown in FIG. 5, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B are respectively arranged on the -Z direction side (back side) of the bottom wall portions of the recesses 112A and 112B in the housing 110.

[0043] As an example, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B have an arcuate shape in plan view, similar to the bottom surfaces of the recesses 112A and 112B. Further, as an example, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B are divided into a plurality of pieces (three pieces as an example in FIG. 5) along the circumferential direction of the arc. As an example, the electrostatic sensor electrode 120A is composed of a metal foil (electrode) formed on a flexible substrate, and is attached to the back side of the bottom wall portion of the recess 112A. Alternatively, the metal foil (electrode) may be directly formed (by insert molding, embedding, or the like) on the back side of the bottom wall portion of the recess 112A. FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which the electrostatic sensor electrode 120A is formed on a flexible substrate 125 and provided on the back side of the bottom wall portion of the recess 112A.

[0044] Similarly, as an example, the electrostatic sensor electrode 120B is formed on a flexible substrate and attached to the back side of the bottom wall portion of the recess 112B. Alternatively, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B may be electrodes formed of conductive ink on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin, and provided on the back side of the bottom wall portions of the recesses 112A and 112B. Further, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B may be formed of a metal plate and fixed to the back side of the bottom wall portions of the recesses 112A and 112B.

[0045] The electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B are connected to a measurement circuit (not shown), and are provided in the recesses 112A and 112B for detecting capacitance between the electrodes and a fingertip. By using the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B, it is possible to detect an operation amount along an arc generated by a swipe of the thumb and the middle finger. The electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B are of a self-capacitance type as an example, but may be of a mutual capacitance type.

[0046] Note that the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B are not limited to the above-described electrostatic sensors. As an example, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B are rectangular electrostatic sensor electrodes provided in a rectangular region including the outer circle 112C2 in a plan view, and may be capable of detecting coordinates operated within the rectangular region. In this case, the measurement circuit may output only coordinates within the arc-shaped region on the bottom surfaces of the recesses 112A and 112B as valid coordinates. Further, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B may be circular electrostatic sensor electrodes provided inside the outer circle 112C2, or annular electrostatic sensor electrodes provided between the inner circle 112C1 and the outer circle 112C2, and capable of detecting coordinates operated within a circular region or an annular region. In this case, the measurement circuit may output only coordinates within the arc-shaped region on the bottom surfaces of the recesses 112A and 112B as valid coordinates.

[0047] <Electrostatic Sensor Electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, 130B2> As shown in FIG. 5, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 are respectively provided on the back sides of the wall portions of the end portions 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 of the housing 110. Similarly to the end portions 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 stand upright relative to the bottom surfaces of the recesses 112A and 112B.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows a state where the electrostatic sensor electrode 130A1 is provided on the back side of the wall portion of the end portion 112A1 of the housing 110, and the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 are respectively provided similarly on the back sides of the wall portions of the end portions 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2.

[0049] The electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 are, for example, electrostatic sensor electrodes formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the surface shape of the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2.

[0050] As an example, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1 and 130A2 are formed on the same flexible substrate as the electrostatic sensor electrode 120A and are bent between the back of the bottom wall of the recess 112A and the back of the wall of the end portions 112A1 and 112A2. Figure 6 shows a configuration in which the electrostatic sensor electrode 130A1 and the electrostatic sensor electrode 120A are formed on the same flexible substrate 125 and are bent between the back of the bottom wall of the recess 112A and the back of the wall of the end portion 112A1.

[0051] Similarly, as an example, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130B1 and 130B2 are formed on the same flexible substrate as the electrostatic sensor electrode 120B and are bent between the back side of the bottom wall of the recess 112B and the back side of the walls of the ends 112B1 and 112B2.

[0052] The electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 may be electrodes formed from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin with conductive ink. Furthermore, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 may be separate, independent electrostatic sensor electrodes, or they may be made of metal plates.

[0053] The electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 are connected to a measurement circuit (not shown). The electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 are provided at their ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 to detect the capacitance between them and the fingertip, respectively. By using the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2, it is possible to detect whether the thumb or middle finger has touched the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2. The electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 are, for example, self-capacitive, but they may also be mutually capacitive.

[0054] By moving the thumb and middle finger along the recesses 112A and 112B, the thumb and middle finger come into contact with the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, making it easier to perform operations using the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2.

[0055] Furthermore, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1 and 130A2 may be provided on the back side of the bottom wall of the recess 112A at both ends of the arc shape of the recess 112A, rather than on the back side of the wall portion of the end portions 112A1 and 112A2. In other words, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1 and 130A2 may be provided on the back side of the bottom wall of the recess 112A together with the three electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A shown in Figure 5. In this case, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1 and 130A2 will not stand upright relative to the bottom surface of the recess 112A, but will be arranged parallel to the XY plane together with the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A. Similarly, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130B1 and 130B2 may be provided on the back side of the bottom wall of the recess 112B at both ends of the arc shape of the recess 112B.

[0056] Furthermore, this section describes a configuration in which the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 are provided on the back side of the wall portions of the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 of the recesses 112A and 112B. However, the operating area composed of the recesses 112A and 112B may be flush with the panel portion 111 without being recessed, and the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 may protrude from the panel portion 111 in the +Z direction. That is, ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 that protrude from the surface of the panel portion 111 in the +Z direction may be provided at both ends of an arc-shaped operating area located on the same plane as the surface of the panel portion 111. Furthermore, electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 may be provided inside the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 that protrude from the panel portion 111 in the +Z direction.

[0057] At least one of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 may be a mechanical switch. A mechanical switch is just one example of a switch. In this case, the control unit 171 can determine the operation performed by the indicator based on the first measurement value output by the measurement circuit 160 or the output of the switch.

[0058] <Electrostatic Sensor Electrodes 140A, 140B> The electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A and 140B are provided on the back side of the bottom wall of the decision input section 114A and the cancellation input section 114B, respectively. The electrostatic sensor electrode 140A is provided on the decision input section 114A, and the electrostatic sensor electrode 140B is provided on the cancellation input section 114B.

[0059] The electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A and 140B are, for example, circular electrostatic sensor electrodes that match the planar shape of the decision input unit 114A and the cancellation input unit 114B. However, the electrostatic sensor electrode 140A may be a rectangular electrostatic sensor electrode provided in a rectangular area larger than the decision input unit 114A in a plan view, including the decision input unit 114A, and configured to use only the capacitance value within the circular area of ​​the decision input unit 114A as an effective capacitance value. Similarly, the electrostatic sensor electrode 140B may be a rectangular electrostatic sensor electrode provided in a rectangular area larger than the cancellation input unit 114B in a plan view, including the cancellation input unit 114B, and configured to use only the capacitance value within the circular area of ​​the cancellation input unit 114B as an effective capacitance value.

[0060] The electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A and 140B are, for example, composed of metal foil (electrodes) formed on a flexible substrate and are attached to the back side of the bottom wall of the decision input section 114A and the cancellation input section 114B. Alternatively, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A and 140B may be electrodes formed on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin with conductive ink. Alternatively, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A and 140B may be composed of metal plates and fixed to the back side of the bottom wall of the decision input section 114A and the cancellation input section 114B.

[0061] The electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A and 140B are connected to a measurement circuit (not shown) and are provided in the decision input unit 114A and the cancellation input unit 114B to detect the capacitance between them and the fingertip, respectively. By using the electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A and 140B, it is possible to detect whether the fingertip has touched the decision input unit 114A or the cancellation input unit 114B. The electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A and 140B are, for example, self-capacitive, but they may also be mutually capacitive.

[0062] <Vibration Element 150A> As shown in Figure 5, the vibration element 150A is, for example, provided on the back side of the upper wall of the protrusion 113 at the center of the protrusion 113. The vibration direction of the vibration element 150A is, for example, in the ±Z direction. The vibration of the vibration element 150A generates vibrations in the ±Z direction in the housing 110. The vibration element 150A may also be configured to vibrate in a single axial direction, such as the X direction or the Y direction, within the XY plane.

[0063] The vibration element 150A is composed of, for example, an LRA (linear resonant actuator), a VCM (voice coil motor), or a piezoelectric element. The vibration element 150A is connected to a control unit (not shown), and is driven by the control unit to provide tactile feedback in response to operations on the recesses 112A and 112B, the decision input unit 114A, and the cancellation input unit 114B.

[0064] <Vibration Element 150B> As shown in Figure 5, one vibration element 150B is provided in each of the two regions between recesses 112A and 112B in the region between the inner circle 112C1 and the outer circle 112C2. The two vibration elements 150B are provided on the back side of the panel portion 111 in these two regions.

[0065] The vibration direction of the vibration element 150B is, for example, the thickness direction of the wall portion of the end portions 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2. In other words, the vibration direction of the vibration element 150B is, for example, the direction that penetrates the surface of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 provided at the end portions 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2.

[0066] The vibration element 150B is composed of, for example, an LRA (linear resonant actuator), a VCM (voice coil motor), or a piezoelectric element. The vibration element 150B is connected to a control unit (not shown), and is driven by the control unit to provide tactile feedback in response to operations on the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2.

[0067] <Operating Instructions> Before describing the overall configuration of the electrostatic input device 100, we will now explain how to operate the electrostatic input device 100.

[0068] In the electrostatic input device 100, the volume setting can be finely adjusted by rotating it relative to the recesses 112A and 112B. In addition, the volume setting can be roughly adjusted by touching the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 of the electrostatic input device 100.

[0069] Furthermore, in the electrostatic input device 100, after fine adjustment by rotational operation of the recesses 112A and 112B, or coarse adjustment by touching the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, touching the determination input unit 114A is required to determine the content of the fine or coarse adjustment. However, the content of the adjustment may be determined by fine adjustment by rotational operation of the recesses 112A and 112B, or coarse adjustment by touching the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, without requiring touching the determination input unit 114A. Alternatively, the content of the adjustment may be determined after fine adjustment by rotational operation of the recesses 112A and 112B, or coarse adjustment by touching the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, without requiring touching the determination input unit 114A, and after a predetermined time has been counted by a timer.

[0070] Furthermore, in the electrostatic input device 100, after performing fine adjustment by rotational operation on the recesses 112A and 112B, or coarse adjustment by contacting the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, the user can cancel the operation performed by fine adjustment or coarse adjustment by touching the cancel input unit 114B. Also, as an example, if the user does not touch the decision input unit 114A within a predetermined time after performing fine adjustment by rotational operation on the recesses 112A and 112B, or coarse adjustment by contacting the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, the operation performed by fine adjustment or coarse adjustment may be canceled.

[0071] Specifically, it is as follows:

[0072] <Fine Adjustment> The recesses 112A and 112B are fixed to the housing 110 and do not rotate. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, the operator rotates the dial by swiping along the arc shape of the recesses 112A and 112B with their thumb and middle finger in an arc shape. Figure 7 shows an example of swiping clockwise with the thumb and middle finger to rotate the dial.

[0073] Swiping clockwise along the recesses 112A and 112B with your thumb and middle finger will increase the volume, and swiping counterclockwise along the recesses 112A and 112B with your thumb and middle finger will decrease the volume. The volume can be adjusted according to the amount of finger movement during the swipe.

[0074] The rotational swipe operation, which involves swiping in an arc along the recesses 112A and 112B, is an operation for fine-tuning the volume. Fine-tuning the volume allows for finer adjustments than the coarse-tuning volume operation described later. For example, if there are 100 volume levels, fine-tuning the volume is an operation that increases or decreases the volume setting by one level at a time according to the amount of finger movement by swiping. In contrast, coarse-tuning the volume is an operation that increases or decreases the volume setting by a larger amount than one level at a time, such as 10 levels or 20 levels at a time, if there are 100 volume levels.

[0075] The explanation assumes that the thumb and middle finger are in contact with the bottom surfaces of the recesses 112A and 112B when swiping, but it is not necessary for the thumb and middle finger to be in contact with the bottom surfaces of the recesses 112A and 112B when swiping.

[0076] <Coarse Adjustment> Additionally, by touching the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, you can perform a coarse adjustment of the volume. For example, by touching the thumb and middle finger shown in Figure 7 to the ends 112A2 and 112B2 as shown in Figure 8, you can adjust the volume in increments of 10 or 20 steps, for example, if the volume has 100 steps, by increasing or decreasing the volume in larger increments than one step at a time.

[0077] By moving the thumb and middle finger along the recesses 112A and 112B, the thumb and middle finger come into contact with the end portions 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, which are the stepped portions between the recesses 112A and 112B and the panel portion 111, making rough adjustment easier.

[0078] Each touch of ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 increases or decreases the volume by one large adjustment amount. That is, touching ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 twice increases or decreases the volume by two large adjustment amounts, and touching them three times increases or decreases the volume by three large adjustment amounts. The same applies to four or more touches.

[0079] Furthermore, the user can set the large adjustment amount (adjustment range) that can be adjusted with a single touch during coarse adjustment.

[0080] Furthermore, this section describes a configuration in which electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1 and 130A2 are provided at both ends 112A1 and 112A2 of the recess 112A, and electrostatic sensor electrodes 130B1 and 130B2 are provided at both ends 112B1 and 112B2 of the recess 112B. However, depending on the application of the electrostatic input device 100, there may be cases in which rough adjustment is performed only on one end of the recesses 112A and 112B, and not on the other end.

[0081] In such cases, an electrostatic sensor electrode 130A1 may be provided at the end 112A1 of recess 112A, and an electrostatic sensor electrode 130B1 may be provided at the end 112B1 of recess 112B, with no electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A2 and 130B2 included. Alternatively, an electrostatic sensor electrode 130A2 may be provided at the end 112A2 of recess 112A, and an electrostatic sensor electrode 130B2 may be provided at the end 112B2 of recess 112B, with no electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1 and 130B1 included.

[0082] Furthermore, although the operation for rough adjustment is explained assuming that the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 are touched, it is also possible to perform the operation by bringing the fingertips close to the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 without making contact with them.

[0083] Furthermore, if the outputs of both electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1 and 130B1 are input to the measurement circuit and the AND condition is met, an operation for rough adjustment may be accepted. This is to suppress erroneous operation. Similarly, if the outputs of both electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A2 and 130B2 are input to the measurement circuit and the AND condition is met, an operation for rough adjustment may be accepted.

[0084] <Decision Operation> The decision input unit 114A is an operation unit used to determine the operation performed on the recesses 112A, 112B, or the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, 112B2.

[0085] After performing fine adjustments by rotating the recesses 112A and 112B, or coarse adjustments by contacting the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, the operation content of the fine or coarse adjustment can be determined by touching the determination input unit 114A.

[0086] The number of times the user touches the decision input unit 114A to determine the operation content for fine or coarse adjustment can be set according to the user's preference. For example, the system may be set so that the operation content for fine or coarse adjustment can be determined by touching the decision input unit 114A twice, or it may be set so that the operation content for fine or coarse adjustment can be determined by touching the decision input unit 114A once.

[0087] Furthermore, when the operation content is determined through fine or coarse adjustment, for example, if an image corresponding to the operation content is displayed on CID21 or HUD22, the image on CID21 or HUD22 should be updated. For example, if CID21 is in audio mode and an image of the audio control panel is displayed on the display, when the volume is increased, the image of the numerical value representing the volume should be updated, or the image of the volume dial should be rotated, or other image updates should be performed.

[0088] <Cancellation Operation> The cancellation input unit 114B is an operation unit used to cancel an operation performed on the recesses 112A, 112B, or the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, 112B2.

[0089] After performing fine adjustments by rotating the recesses 112A and 112B, or coarse adjustments by contacting the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, the operations performed by the fine or coarse adjustments can be canceled by touching the cancel input unit 114B.

[0090] The number of times the cancel input unit 114B is touched to cancel the operation performed by fine-tuning or coarse-tuning can be set by the operator to their preference. For example, the operation may be canceled by touching the cancel input unit 114B twice, or it may be canceled by touching the cancel input unit 114B once.

[0091] <Feedback on operation> When an operation is performed on the recesses 112A, 112B, the decision input section 114A, or the cancellation input section 114B, the vibration element 150A is driven, causing the recesses 112A, 112B, the decision input section 114A, and the cancellation input section 114B to vibrate, providing tactile feedback to the operator's fingertips.

[0092] When an operation is performed on any of the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, or 112B2, two vibration elements 150B are driven, causing the ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, or 112B2 to vibrate, providing tactile feedback to the operator's fingertips.

[0093] Furthermore, when driving the vibration element 150A or 150B, sound may be output from the speaker 23. Alternatively, as feedback for either operation, sound may be output from the speaker 23 instead of driving the vibration element 150A or 150B.

[0094] Furthermore, the vibration pattern and vibration intensity of the vibration element 150A or 150B, as well as the sound output from the speaker 23, can be set by the operator according to their preference.

[0095] <Size of recesses 112A and 112B> Recesses 112A and 112B are located between the inner circle 112C1 and the outer circle 112C2. For example, the diameter of the inner circle 112C1 is 55 mm, and the diameter of the outer circle is 85 mm.

[0096] Note that these values ​​are just examples. The distance between the tips of the thumb and middle finger when they are naturally extended varies depending on body size, gender, race, etc. For example, the diameter of the inner circle 112C1 should be 30 mm to 70 mm, and the diameter of the outer circle should be 70 mm to 110 mm.

[0097] Furthermore, the depth of the bottom surface of the recesses 112A and 112B relative to the surface of the panel portion 111 can be, for example, about 3 mm to 15 mm. This is because if the recesses 112A and 112B have a depth of about 3 mm to 15 mm, the thumb and middle finger used for the rotation operation can be guided so as not to slip from the recesses 112A and 112B. The depth of the recesses 112A and 112B is the height in the Z direction of the stepped end portions 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2. With the height in the Z direction of the end portions 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2 being about 3 mm to 15 mm, when the rotation operation is performed to the end of the recesses 112A and 112B, the thumb and middle finger will naturally come into contact with the end portions 112A1 and 112B1, or the end portions 112A2 and 112B2.

[0098] <Positional relationship between recesses 112A, 112B and the decision input section 114A and the cancel input section 114B> The center 113C of the arc shape of recesses 112A and 112B, the midpoint 114C1 between the centers of the decision input section 114A and the cancel input section 114B on the -X direction side, and the midpoint 114C2 between the centers of the decision input section 114A and the cancel input section 114B on the +X direction side are aligned in a straight line.

[0099] Therefore, after operating on the recesses 112A and 112B with the thumb and middle finger, the decision input unit 114A or the cancellation input unit 114B can be operated by moving the thumb and middle finger straight in the -X direction or the +X direction.

[0100] <Overall Configuration> Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the in-vehicle system 10, including the electrostatic input device 100. Figure 9 also shows the module control IC (Integrated Circuit) 50 of the in-vehicle system 10 and a smartphone 200 capable of wireless communication.

[0101] <Outline of the in-vehicle system 10 and electrostatic input device 100> The in-vehicle system 10 includes a CID 21, a HUD 22, a speaker 23, a meter function control IC 30, a module control IC 50, and an electrostatic input device 100.

[0102] The electrostatic input device 100 includes electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A, 120B, electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, 130B2, electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A, 140B, vibration elements 150A, 150B, a measurement circuit 160, and an electrostatic control IC 170. Note that the housing 110 (see Figures 2 to 4) is omitted in Figure 9.

[0103] The module control IC 50 is an IC that oversees the control of the in-vehicle system 10. It performs control in conjunction with the meter function control IC 30 and the electrostatic control IC 170, and also controls the CID 21, speaker 23, and vibration elements 150A and 150B. The module control IC 50 drives the vibration elements 150A and 150B in order to provide tactile feedback to the operator of the electrostatic input device 100 in response to commands input from the electrostatic control IC 170.

[0104] The meter function control IC 30 controls the display on the HUD 22 and the output of the speaker 23 in accordance with commands input from the module control IC 50.

[0105] <Measurement Circuit 160> The measurement circuit 160 is connected to electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A, 120B, electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, 130B2, and electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A, 140B. The measurement circuit 160 is also connected to the electrostatic control IC 170.

[0106] The measurement circuit 160 outputs a measurement value (first measurement value) based on the capacitance between the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B and the indicator (fingertip) to the electrostatic control IC 170. The measurement circuit 160 also outputs a measurement value (second measurement value) based on the capacitance between the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 and the indicator (fingertip) to the electrostatic control IC 170. The measurement circuit 160 also outputs a measurement value (third measurement value) based on the capacitance between the electrostatic sensor electrodes 140A and 140B and the indicator (fingertip) to the electrostatic control IC 170.

[0107] <Electrostatic Control IC 170> The electrostatic control IC 170 includes a control unit 171, a learning unit 172, and a memory 173. The electrostatic control IC 170 is implemented by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), input / output interface, and internal bus. The meter function control IC 30 and module control IC 50 are also implemented by a similar computer.

[0108] The control unit 171 and the learning unit 172 represent the functions of the program executed by the electrostatic control IC 170 as functional blocks. The memory 173 functionally represents a part of the memory of the electrostatic control IC 170. In addition to the programs and various information used by the control unit 171 and the learning unit 172 when executing processing, the memory 173 stores the operation estimation model 173A generated by the learning unit 172. The operation estimation model 173A is an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model.

[0109] <Control Unit 171> The control unit 171 determines the operation performed by the indicator (finger tip) based on the measurement value (first measurement value, second measurement value, or third measurement value) output by the measurement circuit 160. At this time, the control unit 171 can use the operation estimation model 173A to determine the operation performed by the indicator (finger tip) based on the measurement value (first measurement value, second measurement value, or third measurement value) output by the measurement circuit 160.

[0110] Here, as an example, we will describe a configuration in which the control unit 171 uses the operation estimation model 173A to determine the operation content. However, the control unit 171 does not have to use the operation estimation model 173A to determine the operation content, and the operator may choose whether or not to use the operation estimation model 173A.

[0111] <Learning Unit 172 and Operation Estimation Model 173A> The learning unit 172 generates an operation estimation model 173A that takes the measured value (first measured value, second measured value, or third measured value) as input and outputs the operation content, based on the measured value (first measured value, second measured value, or third measured value) output from the measurement circuit 160 and the true value data of the operation content. The learning unit 172 stores the generated operation estimation model 173A in the memory 173.

[0112] Here, the true value data of the operation content is data representing the operation content set as the result of each operation of the recess 112A, 112B, end 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, 112B2, decision input unit 114A, or cancellation input unit 114B when the operator performs an operation on the recess 112A, 112B, end 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, 112B2, decision input unit 114A, or cancellation input unit 114B, in order for the learning unit 172 to generate the operation estimation model 173A.

[0113] As an example, the true value data of the operation content for recesses 112A and 112B is the data representing the operation content of increasing the volume by 10 steps when the operator operates recesses 112A and 112B to increase the volume by 10 steps, and the learning unit 172 generates an operation estimation model 173A that takes the measured value output from the measurement circuit 160 (measured value based on the output of electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B) as input and outputs the operation content of increasing the volume by 10 steps. The operation estimation model 173A generated in this way is an operation estimation model 173A for operations on recesses 112A and 112B.

[0114] Furthermore, the learning unit 172 may similarly generate operation estimation models 173A for operations on ends 112A1, 112B1, ends 112A2, 12B2, decision input unit 114A, and cancellation input unit 114B. The learning process for generating the operation estimation models 173A by the learning unit 172 is supervised learning. In addition, measured values ​​from each operator's past operations may be used as input. Furthermore, after using the electrostatic input device 100 to some extent, the operation estimation models 173A may be calibrated using measured values ​​from each operator's past operations.

[0115] <Flowchart> Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the control unit 171 determines the operation content.

[0116] The control unit 171 determines whether it has obtained measured values ​​from the measurement circuit 160 based on the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B corresponding to fine adjustment (step S1). It is possible to determine whether the measured values ​​were obtained based on the capacitance of either the electrostatic sensor electrode 120A or 120B from the identification information included in the measured values ​​output from the measurement circuit 160.

[0117] When the control unit 171 determines that it has acquired a measurement value corresponding to the fine adjustment (S1: YES), it uses the operation estimation model 173A to determine the operation performed by the indicator (finger tip) based on the measurement value output from the measurement circuit 160 (step S2). For example, the control unit 171 determines that the operation to increase the volume by 10 steps was performed as a fine adjustment.

[0118] When the control unit 171 completes the processing in step S2, it proceeds to step S3. Also, if the control unit 171 determines in step S1 that it has not obtained a measurement value corresponding to the fine adjustment (S1: NO), it proceeds to step S3.

[0119] The control unit 171 determines whether it has obtained measured values ​​from the measurement circuit 160 based on the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 corresponding to the coarse adjustment (step S3). It is possible to determine whether the measured values ​​were obtained based on the capacitance of any of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, or 130B2 from the identification information included in the measured values ​​output from the measurement circuit 160.

[0120] When the control unit 171 determines that it has acquired a measurement value corresponding to the coarse adjustment (S3: YES), it uses the operation estimation model 173A to determine the operation performed by the indicator (finger tip) based on the measurement value output from the measurement circuit 160 (step S4). For example, the control unit 171 determines that the operation to increase the volume by 20 steps was performed by the coarse adjustment.

[0121] When the control unit 171 completes the processing in step S4, it proceeds to step S5. Also, if the control unit 171 determines in step S3 that it has not obtained a measurement value corresponding to the rough adjustment (S3: NO), it proceeds to step S5.

[0122] The control unit 171 determines whether it has obtained a measurement value based on the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor electrode 140A corresponding to the decision operation from the measurement circuit 160 (step S5). Whether or not a measurement value based on the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor electrode 140A corresponding to the decision operation has been obtained can be determined from identification information, etc., included in the measurement value output from the measurement circuit 160.

[0123] When the control unit 171 determines that it has acquired a measurement value corresponding to the decision operation (S5: YES), it uses the operation estimation model 173A to determine the content of the operation performed by the indicator (finger tip) based on the measurement value output from the measurement circuit 160 (step S6). In step S6, the control unit 171 determines that a decision operation has been performed.

[0124] Furthermore, when the control unit 171 determines that a decision operation has been performed, it determines the operation content determined in step S2 or S4 prior to that. For example, if the control unit 171 determines in step S2 that an operation to increase the volume by 10 steps has been performed by fine adjustment, and then determines in step S6 that a decision operation has been performed, it outputs a command to the CID 21 to increase the audio volume by 10 steps. As a result, the audio volume is increased by 10 steps. Also, the numerical value representing the volume in the audio image switches to the value increased by 10 steps.

[0125] When the control unit 171 finishes the processing in step S6, it terminates the series of processes (end). The control unit 171 then starts the processing again.

[0126] If the control unit 171 determines in step S5 that it has not acquired a measurement value corresponding to the decision operation (S5: NO), it determines whether it has acquired a measurement value based on the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor electrode 140B corresponding to the cancellation operation from the measurement circuit 160 (step S7). Whether or not a measurement value based on the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor electrode 140B corresponding to the cancellation operation has been acquired can be determined from identification information, etc., included in the measurement value output from the measurement circuit 160.

[0127] When the control unit 171 determines that it has obtained a measurement value corresponding to the cancellation operation from the measurement circuit 160 (S7: YES), it uses the operation estimation model 173A to determine the content of the operation performed by the indicator (finger tip) based on the measurement value output from the measurement circuit 160 (step S8). In step S6, the control unit 171 determines that a cancellation operation has been performed.

[0128] Furthermore, if the control unit 171 determines that a cancel operation has been performed, it cancels the operation determined in step S2 or S4. For example, if the control unit 171 determines in step S2 that an operation to increase the volume by 10 steps by fine adjustment has been performed, and then determines in step S8 that a cancel operation has been performed, it cancels the operation to increase the volume by 10 steps by fine adjustment. Therefore, the audio volume of CID21 is not changed.

[0129] When the control unit 171 finishes processing in step S8, it returns the flow to step S1.

[0130] Furthermore, if the control unit 171 determines in step S7 that it has not obtained a measurement value corresponding to the cancellation operation from the measurement circuit 160 (S7: NO), it returns the flow to step S1.

[0131] <Flowchart> Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the learning unit 172 generates the operation estimation model 173A.

[0132] The learning unit 172 sets the true value data (step S11). Here, as an example, the true value data is set to data that represents the operation of increasing the volume in 10 steps by fine-tuning.

[0133] Setting the true value data to represent the operation of increasing the volume by 10 steps through fine-tuning means that the system learns the operations that the operator performs to increase the volume by 10 steps through fine-tuning.

[0134] The learning unit 172 determines whether it has acquired measurement values ​​from the measurement circuit 160 based on the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B corresponding to fine adjustment (step S12). It is possible to determine whether the measurement values ​​were acquired based on the capacitance of either the electrostatic sensor electrode 120A or 120B from the identification information included in the measurement values ​​output from the measurement circuit 160.

[0135] If the learning unit 172 determines that it has not obtained a measurement value corresponding to the fine adjustment (S12: NO), it repeatedly executes the process in step S12.

[0136] When the learning unit 172 determines that it has acquired a measurement value corresponding to the fine adjustment (S12: YES), it registers the measurement value output from the measurement circuit 160 in the memory 173 (step S13).

[0137] The learning unit 172 determines whether the acquisition of measurement values ​​corresponding to fine adjustments has been performed a predetermined number of times (step S14). The predetermined number of times can be set by the operator, and one example is 10 times.

[0138] If the learning unit 172 determines that it has not acquired the measurement values ​​corresponding to the fine adjustment a predetermined number of times (S14: NO), it returns the flow to step S12.

[0139] When the learning unit 172 determines that it has acquired a predetermined number of measurement values ​​corresponding to fine-tuning (S14: YES), it takes the 10 measurement values ​​registered in the memory 173 as input and generates an operation estimation model 173A that outputs the operation content represented by the true value data (step S15).

[0140] For example, an operation estimation model 173A can be generated by taking the average of 10 measurements registered in memory 173 as input and outputting the operation content represented by the true value data. Also, if the recesses 112A and 112B are operated separately with the thumb and middle finger, the measurements based on the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B may differ. In such cases, the operation estimation model 173A can be generated after performing a process such as adopting the measurement value of the larger operation amount among the measurements based on the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B, or taking the average of the measurements based on the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A and 120B.

[0141] Alternatively, the operator may perform an operation using the generated operation estimation model 173A, and the operation content may be determined according to the process shown in Figure 10. The operation estimation model 173A may then be updated to check whether it feels natural to the operator. In this way, the operation can be performed more accurately in response to the operator's habits and tendencies.

[0142] Here, using Figure 11, we have explained the process when the true value data is set to data representing the operation of increasing the volume by 10 steps through a fine-tuning operation. To generate the operation estimation model 173A when the volume is increased by a number of steps other than 10 through a fine-tuning operation, the volume in the true value data should be changed to the desired number of steps. Also, to generate the operation estimation model 173A when the volume is decreased by 10 steps through a fine-tuning operation, the true value data should be set to data representing the operation of decreasing the volume by 10 steps through a fine-tuning operation.

[0143] Furthermore, when learning the operation of touching ends 112A1 and 112B1 during rough adjustment, the true value data should be set to data representing the operation of touching ends 112A1 and 112B1 during rough adjustment. Similarly, when learning the operation of touching ends 112A2 and 112B2 during rough adjustment, the true value data should be set to data representing the operation of touching ends 112A2 and 112B2 during rough adjustment.

[0144] Furthermore, when learning the operation of touching the decision input unit 114A, the true value data should be set to data representing the operation of touching the decision input unit 114A, and the number of touches should be set to one or two, etc. Similarly, when learning the operation of touching the cancel input unit 114B, the true value data should be set to data representing the operation of touching the cancel input unit 114B, and the number of touches should be set to one or two, etc.

[0145] <Effects> The electrostatic input device 100 of this disclosure includes an electrostatic sensor electrode 120 arranged in an operating area having a length that allows an indicator to move along the operating direction, an electrostatic sensor electrode 130 provided at the end of the operating area, a measurement circuit 160 that outputs a first measurement value based on the capacitance between the electrostatic sensor electrode 120 and the indicator, and a second measurement value based on the capacitance between the electrostatic sensor electrode 130 and the indicator, and a control unit 171 that determines the operation content by the indicator based on the first measurement value or the second measurement value output by the measurement circuit 160. Therefore, by moving the indicator along the operating area, it is possible to operate using the electrostatic sensor electrode 120, and at the end of the operating area, it is possible to operate using the electrostatic sensor electrode 130, and it is possible to operate easily without visual inspection.

[0146] Therefore, it is possible to provide an electrostatic input device that can be easily operated without visual inspection.

[0147] Furthermore, the end of the operating area may protrude in a direction that extends beyond the operating surface of the operating area. By moving the indicator along the operating area, the indicator will come into contact with the end that protrudes from the operating surface, making it easier to perform operations (coarse adjustment) using the electrostatic sensor electrode 130.

[0148] The housing 110 may further include a panel portion 111 located around the operating area and a recess (112A or 112B) that is recessed from the panel portion 111 and in which the operating area is provided. The recess (112A or 112B) is recessed from the panel portion 111, which allows the fingertip used for rotational operation to be guided so as not to slip off the recess (112A or 112B).

[0149] Furthermore, the electrostatic sensor electrode 130 may be provided at the step between the recess (112A or 112B) and the panel portion 111 at the end of the recess (112A or 112B) in the operating direction. By moving a fingertip along the recess (112A or 112B), the fingertip will come into contact with the end (112A1 or 112A2, or 112B1 or 112B2) which is the step between the recess (112A or 112B) and the panel portion 111, making it easier to perform operations (coarse adjustment) using the electrostatic sensor electrode 130.

[0150] Furthermore, the recess (112A or 112B) is curved in an arc shape along the operating direction, and the operating area may be an area curved in an arc shape along the operating direction. Rotation can be performed along the arc shape of the recess (112A or 112B), making operation easy.

[0151] Furthermore, the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130 are provided at the stepped portions (ends 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, 112B2) at both ends in the operating direction of the recess (112A or 112B), and may include two electrostatic sensor electrodes 130. By moving a fingertip along the recess (112A or 112B), the fingertip comes into contact with the ends (112A1 and 112A2, or 112B1 and 112B2) which are stepped portions between the recess (112A or 112B) and the panel portion 111, making it easier to perform operations (coarse adjustment) using the electrostatic sensor electrodes 130.

[0152] Furthermore, the housing 110 may have a protrusion 113 that projects outward from the recess (112A or 112B) at the center of the arc. The presence of the protrusion 113 makes it easier to identify the position of the recess (112A or 112B) and makes it easier to move your fingertips along the recess (112A or 112B) when performing a rotational operation.

[0153] Furthermore, the convex portion 113 may be cylindrical or frustoconical. This allows for a shape that facilitates rotational operation with the fingertips along the convex portion 113 and the concave portion (112A or 112B), making it easier to rotate the fingertips.

[0154] Furthermore, the convex portion 113 and the concave portion (112A or 112B) may be arranged concentrically in a plan view. This allows for a shape that makes rotational operation easier and allows for easier rotation of the fingertips.

[0155] Furthermore, the housing 110 has two recesses 112A and 112B located on either side of the center of the arc, and two operating areas are provided, which may include two electrostatic sensor electrodes 120. Two fingers can be used to rotate along the arc shape of the two recesses 112A and 112B, making operation easier.

[0156] Furthermore, the electrostatic sensor electrode 130 may be provided at the end of each of the operating areas of the two recesses 112A and 112B. This makes it easier to perform operations (coarse adjustment) using the electrostatic sensor electrode 130 at the ends of the two recesses 112A and 112B with two fingers.

[0157] Other electrostatic input devices 100 of this disclosure include: an electrostatic sensor electrode 120A, 120B positioned in two operating areas having a length that allows an indicator to move along the operating direction; four electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, 130B2; a housing 110 having a panel portion 111 located around the two operating areas; and two recesses 112A, 112B recessed from the panel portion 111, each of which is provided with two operating areas; a measurement circuit 160 that outputs a first measurement value based on the capacitance between each of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 120A, 120B and an indicator, and a second measurement value based on the capacitance between each of the four electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, 130B2 and an indicator; and the operation content of the indicator based on the first or second measurement value output by the measurement circuit 160. The system includes a control unit 171 that determines the operation. The two recesses 112A and 112B are curved in an arc shape along the operating direction and are located on either side of the center of the arc. The two operating areas are areas curved in an arc shape along the operating direction. Two of the four electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 are provided at the stepped portion (ends 112A1, 112A2) between recess 112A and panel 111 at both ends of one operating direction of the two recesses 112A and 112B. The remaining two of the four electrostatic sensor electrodes 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, and 130B2 are provided at the stepped portion (ends 112B1, 112B2) between recess 112B and panel 111 at both ends of the other operating direction of the two recesses 112A and 112B. Because the recesses 112A and 112B are recessed more than the panel portion 111, the fingertips used for rotation can be guided so as not to slip from the recesses 112A and 112B. Furthermore, by moving the fingertips along the recesses 112A and 112B, the fingertips come into contact with the end portions 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, and 112B2, which are the stepped portions between the recesses 112A and 112B and the panel portion 111, making it easier to perform operations (rough adjustment) using the electrostatic sensor electrode 130. In addition, rotation operations can be performed along the arc shape of the recesses 112A and 112B, making operation easy. Moreover, a shape that makes rotation operations easier can be realized, allowing the fingertips to rotate more easily.

[0158] Furthermore, the system may further include an electrostatic sensor electrode 140 located at a predetermined distance from the electrostatic sensor electrode 120. The measurement circuit 160 outputs a third measurement value based on the capacitance between the electrostatic sensor electrode 140 and the indicator, and the control unit 171 may determine the operation content by the indicator based on the first measurement value, second measurement value, or third measurement value output by the measurement circuit 160. This allows for operation using the electrostatic sensor electrode 140 and increases the variety of operation content.

[0159] Furthermore, the system includes a learning unit 172 that generates a first operation estimation model (173A) that takes the first measurement value as input and outputs the operation content, based on the first measurement value output from the measurement circuit 160 and the true value data of the operation content. The control unit 171 may use the first operation estimation model (173A) to determine the operation content based on the first measurement value. By generating the first operation estimation model (173A) based on the first measurement value derived from the user's operation, the accuracy of determining the operation content is improved, and a user-friendly electrostatic input device 100 can be provided.

[0160] Furthermore, the learning unit 172 may further generate a second operation estimation model (173A) that takes the second measurement value as input and outputs the operation content, based on the second measurement value output from the measurement circuit 160 and the true value data of the operation content. The control unit 171 may then use the first operation estimation model (173A) and the second operation estimation model (173A) to determine the operation content based on the first and second measurement values. By generating the second operation estimation model (173A) based on the second measurement value derived from the user's operation, the accuracy of determining the operation content is improved, and a user-friendly electrostatic input device 100 can be provided.

[0161] Furthermore, the system includes a learning unit 172 that generates an operation estimation model 173A that takes the first, second, and third measured values ​​as inputs and outputs the operation content, based on the first, second, and third measured values ​​output from the measurement circuit 160 and the true value data of the operation content. The control unit 171 may use the operation estimation model 173A to determine the operation content based on the first, second, and third measured values. By generating the operation estimation model 173A based on the first, second, and third measured values ​​derived from the user's operation, the accuracy of determining the operation content is improved, and a user-friendly electrostatic input device 100 can be provided.

[0162] Further electrostatic input devices 100 of this disclosure include an electrostatic sensor electrode 120 positioned in an operating area having a length that allows an indicator to move along the operating direction, a switch provided at the end of the operating area, a measurement circuit 160 that outputs a first measurement value based on the capacitance between the electrostatic sensor electrode 120 and the indicator, and a control unit 171 that determines the operation content by the indicator based on the first measurement value output by the measurement circuit 160 or the output of the switch. Therefore, by moving the indicator along the operating area, operation using the electrostatic sensor electrode 120 is possible, and at the end of the operating area, operation using the switch is possible, making it easy to operate without visual inspection.

[0163] Therefore, it is possible to provide an electrostatic input device that can be easily operated without visual inspection.

[0164] Although exemplary embodiments of electrostatic input devices of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0165] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-039419, filed on 12 March 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0166] 1 Dashboard 2 Center console 3 Door trim 4 Ceiling 21 CID 22 HUD 23 Speaker 100 Electrostatic input device 110 Housing 111 Panel section 112A, 112B Recessed section 112A1, 112A2, 112B1, 112B2 End section 113 Protruding section 114A Confirmation input section 114B Cancel input section 120A, 120B Electrostatic sensor electrode 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, 130B2 Electrostatic sensor electrode 140A, 140B Electrostatic sensor electrode 120A, 120B Electrostatic sensor electrode (Example of first electrostatic sensor electrode) 130A1, 130A2, 130B1, 130B2 Electrostatic sensor electrode (Example of second electrostatic sensor electrode) 140A, 140B Electrostatic sensor electrode (example of third electrostatic sensor electrode) 150A, 150B Vibration element 160 Measurement circuit 170 Electrostatic control IC 171 Control unit 172 Learning unit 173 Memory 173A Operation estimation model

Claims

1. An electrostatic input device comprising: a first electrostatic sensor electrode positioned in an operating area having a length that allows an indicator to move along the operating direction; a second electrostatic sensor electrode provided at the end of the operating area; a measurement circuit that outputs a first measurement value based on the capacitance between the first electrostatic sensor electrode and the indicator, and a second measurement value based on the capacitance between the second electrostatic sensor electrode and the indicator; and a control unit that determines the operation content by the indicator based on the first measurement value or the second measurement value output by the measurement circuit.

2. The electrostatic input device according to claim 1, wherein the end of the operating area protrudes in a direction that protrudes from the operating surface of the operating area.

3. The electrostatic input device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a housing having a panel portion located around the operating area and a recess that is recessed from the panel portion and on which the operating area is provided.

4. The electrostatic input device according to claim 3, wherein the second electrostatic sensor electrode is provided in the stepped portion between the recess and the panel portion at the end of the recess in the operating direction.

5. The electrostatic input device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the recess is curved in an arc shape along the operating direction, and the operating area is an area curved in an arc shape along the operating direction.

6. The electrostatic input device according to claim 4, wherein the second electrostatic sensor electrode is provided on the stepped portion at both ends of the recess in the operating direction, and includes two of the second electrostatic sensor electrodes.

7. The electrostatic input device according to claim 5, wherein the housing has a protrusion that projects outward from the recess at the center of the arc.

8. The electrostatic input device according to claim 7, wherein the convex portion is cylindrical or frustoconical.

9. The electrostatic input device according to claim 8, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are arranged concentrically in a plan view.

10. The electrostatic input device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the housing has two recesses located on either side of the center of the arc, the operating area has two, and includes two first electrostatic sensor electrodes.

11. The electrostatic input device according to claim 10, wherein the second electrostatic sensor electrode is provided at the end of the operating area of ​​each of the two recesses.

12. The device includes: two first electrostatic sensor electrodes, each positioned in two operating areas having a length that allows an indicator to move along the operating direction; four second electrostatic sensor electrodes; a housing having a panel portion located around the two operating areas and two recesses that are recessed from the panel portion and where the two operating areas are provided; a measurement circuit that outputs a first measurement value based on the capacitance between each of the two first electrostatic sensor electrodes and the indicator, and a second measurement value based on the capacitance between each of the four second electrostatic sensor electrodes and the indicator; and a control unit that determines the operation content by the indicator based on the first measurement value or the second measurement value output by the measurement circuit, wherein the two recesses are curved in an arc shape along the operating direction and are positioned on either side of the center of the arc; the two operating areas are regions curved in an arc shape along the operating direction; and two of the four second electrostatic sensor electrodes are provided in the stepped portion between the recess and the panel portion at both ends of one of the two recesses in the operating direction. The remaining two of the four second electrostatic sensor electrodes are provided in the stepped portion between the recess and the panel portion at both ends of the other of the two recesses in the operating direction.

13. The electrostatic input device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a third electrostatic sensor electrode provided at a predetermined distance from the first electrostatic sensor electrode, wherein the measurement circuit outputs a third measured value based on the capacitance between the third electrostatic sensor electrode and the indicator, and the control unit determines the operation content by the indicator based on the first measured value, the second measured value, or the third measured value output by the measurement circuit.

14. The electrostatic input device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a learning unit that generates a first operation estimation model that takes the first measurement value as input and outputs the operation content, based on the first measurement value output from the measurement circuit and true value data of the operation content, wherein the control unit determines the operation content based on the first measurement value using the first operation estimation model.

15. The electrostatic input device according to claim 14, wherein the learning unit further generates a second operation estimation model that takes the second measurement value as input and outputs the operation content, based on the second measurement value output from the measurement circuit and the true value data of the operation content, and the control unit determines the operation content based on the first measurement value and the second measurement value using the first operation estimation model and the second operation estimation model.

16. The electrostatic input device according to claim 13, further comprising a learning unit that generates an operation estimation model that takes the first measurement, the second measurement, and the third measurement as inputs and outputs the operation content, based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the third measurement output from the measurement circuit and true value data of the operation content, wherein the control unit determines the operation content based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the third measurement using the operation estimation model.

17. An electrostatic input device comprising: a first electrostatic sensor electrode positioned in an operating area having a length that allows an indicator to move along the operating direction; a switch provided at the end of the operating area; a measurement circuit that outputs a first measurement value based on the capacitance between the first electrostatic sensor electrode and the indicator; and a control unit that determines the operation content by the indicator based on the first measurement value output by the measurement circuit or the output of the switch.

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