JP5763579B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic device that performs predetermined processing such as executing application software based on an operation on a touch detection unit such as a touch sensor.

  In recent years, electronic devices including a touch sensor such as a touch panel or a touch switch as a member for detecting an operation by an operator in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone are increasing. In addition to portable terminals, electronic devices including touch sensors, such as devices such as calculators and ticket machines, household appliances such as microwave ovens, televisions, and lighting devices, and industrial devices (FA devices) are widely used.

  As such a touch sensor, various systems such as a resistive film system, a capacitance system, and an optical system are known. Both types of touch sensors detect contact with an operator's finger, stylus pen, or the like (hereinafter abbreviated as “contact object”). An electronic device equipped with a touch sensor generally has an image (hereinafter referred to as an “object”) such as an operation key, a button, or an icon on a display screen of a display unit such as a liquid crystal display disposed on the back side of the touch sensor. ) Is displayed. In such an electronic device, when a contact object presses an object displayed on a display screen, a touch sensor detects contact at the pressed position. Therefore, in such an electronic device, a user interface with a high degree of freedom can be realized according to various application software.

  By the way, there exists a mechanical switch such as a shutter button of a camera that can detect and detect a pressure when an operator performs an operation in a stepwise manner. For example, such a switch detects an operation caused by a weak press (first press (for example, half press)) by an operator, and AE (Auto Exposure) or AF (Auto Focus) according to the operation. (Autofocus)) adjustment function can be turned on. Further, such a switch can detect an operation caused by an operator's stronger press than the first step (second step press (for example, full press)), and can release the shutter according to the operation.

  There has been proposed a technique for reproducing a configuration like a mechanical switch that can detect and detect the pressure when the operator performs an operation step by step using a touch sensor (for example, Patent Documents). 1). According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, an operation corresponding to an operator's press can be detected in a plurality of stages. In addition, according to the invention described in Patent Document 1, the operator presses the touch sensor too much, and the second step of pressing is performed unintentionally even though the operator wants to stop with the first step of pressing. Can be avoided.

Japanese Patent No. 4723660

  However, in an electronic device that detects pressure on a touch sensor, whether the pressure on the touch sensor is detected in only one step or in multiple steps, until the operator actually operates the device It is difficult to distinguish. Generally, in an electronic device that detects a pressure applied to a touch sensor, an operator can grasp the stage at which the pressure applied to the touch sensor is detected for each object by simply looking at the object displayed on the display unit. Can not.

  An object of the present invention made in view of such circumstances is to provide an electronic device capable of allowing an operator to grasp whether one or a plurality of steps are detected for pressing a touch sensor.

The invention of the electronic device according to the first aspect of achieving the above object is as follows:
A contact detector for detecting contact;
A pressure detection unit that detects pressure on the contact detection unit;
A display unit that displays an object that is a reference for data based on the press and that is associated with one or more references for performing predetermined processing;
A tactile sensation providing unit for presenting a tactile sensation with respect to a contact object in contact with the contact detection unit;
When contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit corresponding to an object associated with one reference, and the contact detection corresponding to an object associated with a plurality of the criteria in stages. A control unit for controlling the tactile sensation providing unit to exhibit a different tactile sensation when the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the unit;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to a second aspect is the electronic device according to the first aspect,
The control unit controls the tactile sensation providing unit to exhibit the different tactile sensation when the data based on the press satisfies a predetermined standard.

The invention according to a third aspect is the electronic device according to the first or second aspect,
When the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit corresponding to an object in which a plurality of the references are associated stepwise, the tactile sensation corresponding to the number of the plurality of reference steps is detected. Is controlled so as to be presented by the tactile sensation providing unit.

The invention according to a fourth aspect is the electronic device according to the first aspect,
The control unit is configured such that data based on the pressure is among the plurality of criteria while the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit corresponding to an object in which a plurality of the criteria are associated stepwise. When any one of the criteria is satisfied, control is performed so that the tactile sensation providing unit presents a tactile sensation corresponding to the criterion.

  According to the electronic device of the present invention, the operator can grasp whether there is one or a plurality of stages at which a press on the touch sensor is detected.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the mounting structure of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process by the electronic device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a graph explaining the example of the press which the press detection part of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment of this invention detects. It is a figure explaining the application example of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the application example of the electronic drawing which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an example of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described assuming a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a smartphone that includes a touch sensor. However, the electronic device of the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone, and can be various terminals including touch sensors such as a digital camera, a portable audio player, a notebook PC, and a tablet PC. The electronic device of the present invention is not limited to a portable terminal, and may be any device equipped with a touch sensor such as a bank ATM, a station ticket vending machine, or a desktop PC.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 10, a display unit 30, a contact detection unit 40, a tactile sensation providing unit 50, a press detection unit 60, and a storage unit 80.

  The control unit 10 controls and manages the entire electronic device 1 by controlling each functional unit constituting the electronic device 1. Among the processes of the control unit 10, those specific to the present embodiment will be described later.

  The display unit 30 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic EL display panel, or the like. The display unit 30 can display various images and various information. Further, the display unit 30 displays an object such as a push button switch (push button switch) as an image in addition to these displays or superimposed on these displays. This object is an image that suggests to the operator a region to be touched on the touch surface of the contact detection unit 40. The push button switch is a button, key, or the like (hereinafter, simply referred to as “key, etc.”) used by the operator to operate the electronic device 1.

  The contact detection unit 40 is usually disposed on the front surface of the display unit 30 and detects the contact of the contact object with the object displayed on the display unit 30 on the touch surface of the corresponding contact detection unit 40. For this reason, it is preferable that the contact detection unit 40 is made of a material that transmits at least a certain amount of light, for example, transparent, so that the display of the display unit 30 can be visually recognized by the operator. Further, the contact detection unit 40 detects the contact position of the contact object with respect to the touch surface, and notifies the control unit 10 of the detected contact position. As the contact detection unit 40, for example, a touch sensor configured by a resistance film method, a capacitance method, an optical method, or the like can be used.

  The tactile sensation providing unit 50 is configured using, for example, a piezoelectric vibrator and vibrates the contact detection unit 40. The tactile sensation providing unit 50 presents a tactile sensation to a contact object that is in contact with the touch surface by generating vibration according to a predetermined vibration pattern. In the present embodiment, the tactile sensation providing unit 50 generates vibration based on the drive signal supplied from the control unit 10.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 10 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to vibrate. At this time, the control unit 10 can also control the drive signal for driving the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to be different according to the contact position of the contact object detected by the contact detection unit 40. That is, the control unit 10 can also perform control so as to generate different types of vibrations according to the object displayed at the position of the display unit 30 corresponding to the position where the contact detection unit 40 has detected contact.

  The pressure detection unit 60 detects pressure on the touch surface of the contact detection unit 40. For example, a strain gauge sensor or a piezoelectric device whose physical or electrical characteristics (distortion, resistance, voltage, etc.) change according to the pressure. An element such as an element is used. When the press detection unit 60 is configured using, for example, a piezoelectric element or the like, the piezoelectric element of the press detection unit 60 is the magnitude (or load) of the load (force) related to the press on the touch surface of the contact detection unit 40. In accordance with the speed (acceleration) at which the magnitude of (force) changes, the voltage magnitude (voltage value (hereinafter referred to as data based on pressing)), which is an electrical characteristic, changes. Then, the control unit 10 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to generate a tactile sensation when the tactile sensation providing unit 50 generates a predetermined vibration when the data based on the press satisfies a predetermined standard. Here, the predetermined reference can be appropriately set according to the load characteristic when the object is pressed.

  The control unit 10 is based on the pressure when the pressure detection unit 60 notifies the control unit 10 of data based on the pressure, or the control unit 10 detects data based on the pressure of the pressure detection unit 60. Get the data. That is, the control unit 10 acquires data based on the pressure on the touch surface of the contact detection unit 40 from the pressure detection unit 60. Note that the data based on the pressure may be the magnitude of the load applied to the pressure, the power value, the resistance value, or the like instead of the voltage value. In addition, the tactile sensation providing unit 50 and the press detection unit 60 can be configured integrally. In particular, when the press detection unit 60 and the tactile sensation providing unit 50 are configured using a piezoelectric element, it is also possible to configure a press detection unit / tactile sensation providing unit by sharing the piezoelectric element. This is because the piezoelectric element generates a voltage when pressure is applied and deforms when the voltage is applied.

  Furthermore, the press detection unit 60 can be configured according to a contact detection method in the contact detection unit 40. For example, in the case of the resistance film method, a strain gauge sensor, a piezoelectric element, or the like is used by associating the magnitude of the resistance corresponding to the size of the contact area with the pressing load (force) on the touch surface of the touch panel. It can be configured without. Alternatively, in the case of the capacitance method, the capacitance can be configured without using a strain gauge sensor or a piezoelectric element by associating the size of the capacitance with a load (force) of pressing against the touch surface of the touch panel. it can.

  Further, as described above, the tactile sensation providing unit 50 drives the piezoelectric element when the magnitude of the voltage (voltage value (data)) of the piezoelectric element that also serves as the pressing detection unit satisfies a predetermined standard. It can also generate vibration. Here, when the voltage level (voltage value (data)) of the piezoelectric element satisfies a predetermined reference, the voltage value (data) may reach a predetermined reference value, It may be when the value (data) exceeds a predetermined reference value or when a voltage value (data) equal to the predetermined reference value is detected.

  The storage unit 80 is configured by, for example, a flash memory, and can store various types of information as well as various types of application software (hereinafter simply referred to as “applications”) executed in the electronic device 1.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting structure centering on the display unit 30, the contact detection unit 40, the tactile sensation providing unit 50, and the press detection unit 60 in the electronic device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a main part, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the main part. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment, the display unit 30 is housed and held in a housing 71. In addition, the contact detection unit 40 is held on the display unit 30 via an insulator 72 made of an elastic member. Further, in the electronic device 1, the contact detection unit 40 is held on the display unit 30 via insulators 72 arranged at four corners deviated from the display area A of the display unit 30 indicated by virtual lines in FIG. Is done. In FIG. 2, in the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the display unit 30 and the contact detection unit 40 are rectangular in plan view. However, these shapes can be shapes according to various conditions such as the configuration of the contact detection unit 40 or the display unit 30 included in the electronic device 1.

  Further, the casing 71 is provided with an upper cover 73 so as to cover the surface area of the contact detection unit 40 deviated from the display area of the display unit 30, and the elasticity is provided between the upper cover 73 and the contact detection unit 40. An insulator 74 made of a member is provided. In the contact detection unit 40 shown in FIG. 2, the front surface member having the touch surface 40a is made of, for example, a transparent film or glass, and the back surface member is made of glass or acrylic. The contact detection unit 40 has a structure in which, when the touch surface 40a is pressed, the pressed portion is slightly bent (distorted) according to the pressing force, or the structure itself is bent slightly.

  On the surface of the contact detection unit 40, a strain gauge sensor 62 for detecting a pressure applied to the contact detection unit 40 is provided in the vicinity of each side covered with the upper cover 73 by adhesion or the like. Further, on the back surface of the contact detection unit 40, piezoelectric vibrators 52 for vibrating the contact detection unit 40 are provided in the vicinity of two opposing sides by bonding or the like. That is, in the electronic device 1 shown in FIG. 2, the press detection unit 60 shown in FIG. 1 is configured using four strain gauge sensors 62, and the tactile sensation providing unit 50 is configured using two piezoelectric vibrators 52. Has been. Then, the tactile sensation providing unit 50 vibrates the touch detection unit 40 to vibrate the touch surface 40a. In FIG. 2B, the casing 71, the upper cover 73, and the insulator 74 shown in FIG. 2A are not shown.

  The electronic device 1 having the above-described configuration is configured so that an operator's display area of a key or the like corresponds to a corresponding area on the touch surface (hereinafter, referred to as an “object area” as appropriate) and / or pressed by an operator. It is possible to detect an operation. For example, the electronic device 1 can detect not only the presence / absence of a simple contact with the object area but also a weak press, a stronger press, and a stronger press in a plurality of stages. Therefore, the electronic device 1 can detect various operations of the operator with respect to a single object.

  Next, processing by the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for describing processing by the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, different tactile sensations are presented depending on the object displayed at the position of the display unit 30 corresponding to the position where contact is detected by the contact detection unit 40. That is, in this embodiment, when only one reference relating to data based on the pressure on the contact detection unit 40 is associated with the object displayed at the position corresponding to the position where the contact is detected, the pressure is 1 Present a tactile sensation that it is detected in stages. Further, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of criteria relating to data based on the pressure on the contact detection unit 40 are associated with an object displayed at a position corresponding to the position where the contact is detected, a plurality of pressures are associated with each other. Present a tactile sensation that it is detected in stages. Details of such processing will be described below.

  First, when starting the process shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 30 is associated with one or a plurality of standards for performing predetermined processing, which is a standard related to data based on the pressure on the contact detection unit 40. The object that is being displayed is displayed. Here, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 30 to display at least one of the objects associated with one criterion as described above and the objects associated with a plurality of the criteria in stages. Control. In the following description, it is assumed that one or more criteria as described above are associated with the object displayed on the display unit 30 and touched by the operator.

  Such a criterion is a criterion for performing a predetermined process such as starting execution of an application. That is, for example, when the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to the icon object of a certain application and the data based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 60 satisfies the above criteria, Execution starts. Also, for example, in the character input mode, when the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to the object of a certain key, and the data based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 60 satisfies the above criteria, Characters corresponding to the keys are displayed on the display unit 30.

  In this embodiment, when starting the process shown in FIG. 3, such a reference is set for each object in advance as necessary. For example, when a plurality of processes are associated with one object, such as the shutter button of the camera described above, a plurality of the above-described criteria are set stepwise for one object. Note that the number of such reference steps is not limited to two as in the case of the shutter button of the camera described above, and an arbitrary number of steps depending on the range of pressure that can be detected by the pressure detection unit 60. Can be set.

  When the process shown in FIG. 3 starts, the control unit 10 determines whether or not contact with a contact object has been detected at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to a predetermined object such as a key displayed on the display unit 30. (Step S11).

  When the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to the predetermined object in step S11, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the data based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 60 satisfies the predetermined standard. Is determined (step S12). Here, the predetermined criterion for determining whether or not the data based on the pressure is satisfied is a criterion set for each object as described above. In the case of an object in which a plurality of such criteria are set in stages, it is preferable that the lowest criterion is the predetermined criterion. When the data based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 60 in step S12 does not satisfy the predetermined standard, the control unit 10 returns to step S11 and continues the process.

  If the pressure when the operator operates increases, and the data based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 60 in step S12 satisfies a predetermined standard, the control unit 10 performs the process of step S13. In step S <b> 13, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the object corresponding to the position where contact is detected is an object associated with a plurality of references related to data based on pressure. That is, in step S13, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the object corresponding to the position where contact is detected is an object that detects pressing in a plurality of stages.

  In step S <b> 13, when a plurality of the above-mentioned criteria are not associated with the object, that is, when only one of the above-mentioned criteria is associated, the control unit 10 presents the tactile sensation that is set so that the tactile sensation providing unit 50 normally presents Control is performed (step S14). Here, the tactile sensation set to normally present is, for example, when an operation on a predetermined object is detected and processing associated with the object is started when the processing according to the present embodiment is not performed. It can be set as a tactile sensation set to present. Hereinafter, the tactile sensation set to normally present in this way is abbreviated as “normal tactile sensation”. Such a normal tactile sensation can be, for example, a tactile sensation in which the tactile sensation providing unit 50 vibrates for a very short time, or a click tactile sensation that simulates a tactile sensation in which a mechanical key is depressed.

  Further, in step S14, the control unit 10 performs control so that a tactile sensation is presented and a predetermined process associated with the object is executed. For example, when a contact is detected at a position corresponding to an icon object of a certain application, execution of the application is started. That is, the electronic device 1 presents a normal tactile sensation and performs a normal process based on the operator touching and pressing a predetermined object through the processes so far.

  When tactile sensation is presented in step S14 and a predetermined process is executed, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the data based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 60 does not satisfy the above criteria (step S15). When the data based on the pressure does not satisfy the above criteria in step S15, the control unit 10 performs control so that the tactile sensation providing unit 50 presents a tactile sensation indicating that the pressure on the object has been released (step S16). Here, the tactile sensation suggesting that the press has been released is, for example, a tactile sensation in which the tactile sensation providing unit 50 vibrates for a very short time, or the release of the press from the state in which the mechanical key is depressed. It can be a release tactile sensation that mimics the tactile sensation of returning to the state. Thereafter, the control unit 10 preferably performs control so as to start again at the same time as ending the processing according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining an example of the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 60. 4A to 4C, the horizontal axis represents the time elapsed from left to right, and the vertical axis represents the size of data based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 60. In short, FIGS. 4 (A) to 4 (C) show time-based changes in the state of releasing the contact by weakening the pressure after the operator has increased the pressure after touching the contact detection unit 40. Used indirectly. 4A to 4C, the passage of time starts from the moment when the operator contacts the contact detection unit 40.

  As described above, the time change of the data based on the operator's press when performing the process starting from step S11 and passing through step S13, step S14, and step S15 is as shown in the example shown in FIG. Is assumed. That is, contact is detected by the contact detection unit 40 at a position corresponding to the object in step S11, and a click tactile sensation or the like is presented at the point (1) where the data based on the pressure satisfies the predetermined criterion 1 in step S12. Processing is executed (step S14). Thereafter, the data based on the pressure becomes small, and the release tactile sensation or the like can be presented at the point (2) at which the data based on the pressure no longer satisfies the predetermined standard 1 in step S15 (step S16). The release tactile sensation may be presented when contact is no longer detected. In the process through step S14, since only one reference relating to the data based on the pressure is associated with the object, even if the operator's pressure is strong and the data based on the pressure exceeds the reference 2 shown in FIG. However, no processing corresponding to this is performed.

  On the other hand, in step S13, when a plurality of the above-mentioned criteria are associated with the object, that is, when the object detects pressing at a plurality of stages, the control unit 10 is set so that the tactile sensation providing unit 50 normally presents. Control is performed so as to present a tactile sensation different from the tactile sensation present (step S17). Here, if the tactile sensation different from the tactile sensation set to be presented normally is a tactile sensation different from the normal tactile sensation described above, any tactile sensation can be used. Hereinafter, such a tactile sensation different from the normal tactile sensation is abbreviated as “unusual tactile sensation”. Such a tactile sensation different from normal can be set as, for example, a tactile sensation such that the tactile sensation providing unit 50 vibrates longer than the normal tactile sensation, or a tactile sensation in which the presence or absence of vibration is intermittently repeated a plurality of times.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 10 detects the contact of the contact object at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to the object associated with one reference regarding the data based on the pressure, Control is performed so that the tactile sensation providing unit 50 presents a different tactile sensation when the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to an object associated with a plurality of references in stages. In addition, it is preferable that the control unit 10 controls the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to provide a different tactile sensation in each case when the data based on the pressure satisfies a predetermined standard. As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the operator performs an operation for the first time on an object whose pressure is detected in a plurality of stages, the pressed object detects the pressure in one stage. It is possible to determine whether the pressure is detected in a plurality of stages.

  Also, the unusual tactile sensation presented in step S17 may be a tactile sensation that represents the number of reference stages related to data based on pressing. For example, when two of the above-mentioned criteria are associated with an object, that is, when the object is an object that detects pressing in two stages, the tactile sensation different from normal here is, for example, a click tactile sensation is presented twice in a short time Can be done. Further, for example, when three of the above-mentioned criteria are associated with an object, that is, when the object is an object that detects pressing in three stages, the tactile sensation different from normal here is, for example, that the click tactile sensation is 3 Can be presented once.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 10 determines that a plurality of the reference stages are detected when contact is detected at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to an object in which a plurality of the references are associated stepwise. It is preferable to control so that the tactile sensation presentation unit 50 presents a tactile sensation corresponding to the number. In this way, even when the operator performs an operation for the first time on an object whose pressure is detected in a plurality of stages, the operator can grasp the level at which the pressed object detects the pressure. Can do.

  In step S <b> 17, the control unit 10 causes a tactile sensation to be presented, and executes a first stage process (a process associated with the lowest reference) among predetermined processes associated with the object. Control to do.

  When a tactile sensation is presented in step S17 and a predetermined process is executed, the control unit 10 determines whether the data based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 60 satisfies the next level criterion due to the operator's pressure increasing. It is determined whether or not (step S18). When the data based on the press satisfies the next stage standard in step S18, the control unit 10 presents the tactile sensation set for the next stage standard and is set for the next stage standard. Control is performed to execute a predetermined process (step S19). Here, the tactile sensation set for the next stage reference may be any, for example, but is preferably different from the tactile sensation in step S14 and step S17.

  In step S19, when the operator's pressure further increases, and the data based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 60 further satisfies the criteria of the next level, the control unit 10 determines that the level of the next level is higher. The same processing is performed for the reference. In other words, the control unit 10 presents the tactile sensation set for the further next-stage reference and controls to execute a predetermined process set for the further next-stage reference.

  Here, the tactile sensation presented in step S19 can be, for example, a tactile sensation that represents the number of remaining stages based on the currently satisfied standard among the standards regarding data based on pressing. For example, if the object detects pressure in two stages, and the second stage criterion is satisfied in step S18, there is no further stage standard. Therefore, in this case, the tactile sensation can be avoided, or a tactile sensation can be presented that suggests that there is no next level of reference.

  Further, for example, when the object detects pressing in three stages, and the second stage criterion is satisfied in step S18, the next stage criterion is one. Thus, in this case, for example, the click sensation can be presented twice in a short time to indicate that the second stage criterion has been met and that there is one next stage criterion. . Alternatively, in this case, in order to indicate that there is only one criterion for the next stage, for example, a click feeling may be presented once in a short time. Furthermore, for example, when the object detects a press in three stages, and the criterion in the third stage is satisfied in step S18, there is no criterion in the next stage. Therefore, in this case, for example, the click feeling can be presented once in a short time in order to indicate that the criterion of the third step is satisfied and that the criterion of the next step does not exist. Alternatively, in this case, the tactile sensation may not be presented in order to indicate that there is no next-stage criterion, or a tactile sensation may be presented that indicates that there is no next-stage criterion.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 10 has a plurality of data based on the pressure while a contact is detected at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to an object in which a plurality of the references are associated stepwise. When any one of the above criteria is satisfied, it is preferable to control the tactile sensation providing unit 50 to provide a tactile sensation corresponding to the criterion. In this way, even when the operator performs an operation for the first time on an object whose pressure is detected in a plurality of stages, the operator can determine how many levels of pressure can be detected when there is a pressed object. I can grasp it.

  When the tactile sensation is presented in step S19 and a predetermined process is executed, the control unit 10 performs the processes after step S15 described above.

  As described above, the time change of the data based on the operator's press when performing the process of step S15 through step S17 to step S19 after step S13 is an example shown in FIG. 4B or FIG. It is assumed that That is, contact is detected at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to the object in step S11, and a tactile sensation different from normal is presented at the point (1) where the data based on the pressure satisfies the predetermined criterion 1 in step S12. Corresponding processing is executed (step S17). That is, when an unusual tactile sensation or the like is presented at the point (1), the operator can grasp that a plurality of pressing standards are set stepwise for the object. At this time, it is also possible to grasp how many levels of pressing standards are set for the object.

  Thereafter, when the operator's press is strengthened, a tactile sensation corresponding to the stage is presented at a point (2) where the data based on the press satisfies the following criterion 2 in step S18. Thereby, the operator can grasp | ascertain how many steps | steps of the reference | standard of a press are set to the said object. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, two references relating to data based on pressure are associated with the object. For this reason, in the process through step S18, even if the operator's press is strong and the data based on the press exceeds the reference 2 shown in FIG. 4, the process corresponding to this is not performed. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 4C, three criteria relating to data based on pressure are associated with the object. For this reason, in the process through step S18, the data based on the operator's press corresponds to the stage at the point (2) that satisfies the criterion 2 and the point (3) that satisfies the criterion 3 shown in FIG. A tactile sensation is presented. Thereby, the operator can grasp | ascertain how many steps | steps of the reference | standard of a press are set to the said object.

  In FIG. 4B, after the point (2), the data based on the pressure is reduced, and the release tactile sensation is presented at the point (3) where the data based on the pressure does not satisfy the predetermined standard 2 in step S15. (Step S16). The presentation of the release tactile sensation may be performed at the point (4) instead of the point (3) or together with the point (3), or may be performed when no contact is detected.

  Similarly, in FIG. 4C, after the point (3), the data based on the pressure is reduced, and in step S15, the release tactile sensation is provided at the point (4) where the data based on the pressure does not satisfy the predetermined standard 3. It can be presented (step S16). This release tactile sensation may be given at point (5) and / or (6) instead of or together with point (4), or when no contact is detected. Good.

  Next, an application example of the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As described above, the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment has a remarkable effect when an operation of an operator is detected by an object that detects pressing at a plurality of stages. Therefore, for example, it is assumed that the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment is applied to a remote control terminal that operates another device, or a function of the remote control terminal is installed in a mobile phone or a smartphone by an application. be able to. In the following example, the predetermined processing performed when the data based on the press satisfies the predetermined standards in the electronic device 1 is performed so that the channel of the television receiver is switched to the channel corresponding to the object, for example. A process of transmitting a control signal such as infrared rays is performed.

  For example, in digital terrestrial broadcasting, unlike analog broadcasting, a plurality of programs can be provided on one channel. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a television program guide of a broadcasting station that performs broadcasting using such a plurality of channels (multi-channel broadcasting). As shown in FIG. 5, in 2ch Y television broadcasting, broadcasting is performed only on one channel. On the other hand, in the 1ch X TV general broadcasting, in the afternoon, from 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock, multi-channel broadcasting is performed by three channels of X TV general 1 to 3.

  An example in which the channel of a television program is changed by a remote control terminal to which the electronic device 1 as shown in FIG. 6A is applied in the situation as shown in FIG. As described above, the electronic device 1 illustrated in FIG. 6A can be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a remote control dedicated terminal, or the like. The electronic apparatus 1 displays objects such as various keys including the key α on the display unit 30, and the contact detection unit 40 detects contact and press of the operator with respect to such objects.

  For example, when the operator wants to watch 2ch Y television broadcasting, the operator presses the object “2” displayed on the display unit 30 of the electronic device 1 shown in FIG. Then, the electronic device 1 transmits a control signal to the television receiver so as to switch the channel to 2ch Y television broadcasting as in the program table shown in FIG. Here, when the operator presses the number “2” object and the channel is switched to the 2ch Y television broadcast, the electronic device 1 presents the same tactile sensation as in a normal operation such as a click tactile sensation. Therefore, even when the operator does not view the program guide as shown in FIG. 5, the operator can grasp that multi-channel broadcasting is not performed in 2ch Y television broadcasting.

  Next, for example, when the operator wants to watch a 1ch X TV general broadcast, the operator displays the number “1” (α) displayed on the display unit 30 of the electronic device 1 shown in FIG. Press the object in the area shown. Then, the electronic device 1 transmits a control signal to the television receiver so as to switch the channel to the broadcast of the 1ch X television general 1 as in the program table shown in FIG. Here, when the operator presses the object of the number “1” (α) and the channel is switched to the broadcasting of the 1ch X TV general 1, the electronic device 1 is presented with a tactile sensation different from that during normal operation. The Therefore, even when the operator does not see the program guide as shown in FIG. 5, the operator can grasp that multi-channel broadcasting is being performed in the 1ch X TV general broadcasting.

  Moreover, when the object “1” (α) is pressed and the channel is switched to the broadcasting of the 1ch X TV general 1, for example, the click feeling can be presented three times continuously. As a result, the operator can grasp that multi-channel broadcasting including three channels including X TV general 1 is being performed in 1 channel X TV general broadcasting.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the operator further presses the object of the number “1” (α), the electronic device 1 presents a tactile sensation and A control signal is transmitted to the television receiver so as to switch the channel to broadcasting. Therefore, the operator can switch the multi-channel broadcasting from the 1ch X television general 1 to the X television broadcasting 2 broadcast while pressing the object “1” (α). In addition, when the channel is switched to the broadcasting of the 1ch X TV general 2 in this way, the tactile sensation presented by the electronic device 1 allows the operator to perform several channels after the multi-channel broadcasting in the 1ch X TV general broadcasting. You can understand that For example, when the channel is switched to the 1ch X TV general 2 broadcast, the tactile sensation is presented twice in succession, so that the operator has one more multi-channel remaining in addition to the current multi-channel. I can grasp that.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the operator further presses the object of the number “1” (α), the electronic device 1 presents a tactile sensation and broadcasts on the 1ch X TV general 3 broadcast. A control signal is transmitted to the television receiver so as to switch channels. Therefore, the operator can switch the multi-channel broadcast from the 1ch X TV general 2 to the X television broadcast 3 while pressing the object “1” (α). In addition, when the channel is switched to the broadcasting of the 1ch X TV general 3 in this way, the multi-channel broadcasting is already present in the 1ch X TV general broadcasting due to the tactile sensation presented by the electronic device 1. You can grasp what you do not. For example, when the channel is switched to the 1ch X TV general 3 broadcast, the click tactile sensation is presented once, so that the operator knows that there is no multichannel remaining other than the current multichannel. be able to.

  As described above, according to the electronic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the operator does not know whether the object detects the press in one stage or whether the object detects the press in multiple stages. Both can be determined when the object is pressed. In addition, the operator can grasp at what stage the object is detected when the object is pressed. In addition, when the operator presses the object, the operator can grasp what stage the object is currently pressed at and what level the pressure is detected further.

  In addition, this invention is not limited only to embodiment mentioned above, Many changes or deformation | transformation are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the data based on the press satisfies the first-stage standard in Step S12, a predetermined process is performed by presenting a tactile sensation after Step S13. In this way, the predetermined process is not executed because the operator has lightly touched the contact detection unit 40 unintentionally, and the predetermined process is performed only by pressing based on the operator's intention. Can be expected to contribute to the prevention of erroneous operations.

  However, step S12 demonstrated in FIG. 3 can also be abbreviate | omitted by simplifying embodiment mentioned above. In such a simplified embodiment, when contact is detected at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to the object in step S11, a predetermined process is performed with a tactile sensation after step S13. Further, when contact is detected at the position of the contact detection unit 40 corresponding to the object, the tactile sensation in step S14 or step S17 is presented, but the predetermined process may not be executed. In this case, the predetermined process may be performed when the data based on the pressure satisfies a predetermined standard after the contact is detected.

  Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, it demonstrated supposing the structure which has arrange | positioned the contact detection part 40 on the upper surface of the display part 30, and was arrange | positioned. It is not essential for the electronic apparatus according to the present invention to have such a configuration, and the contact detection unit 40 and the display unit 30 can be separated from each other. However, the configuration in which the contact detection unit 40 is arranged so as to overlap the upper surface of the display unit 30 makes it easier for the operator to establish the correspondence between the displayed image, the region where the operation input is detected, and the tactile sensation to be presented. Can be recognized.

  In addition, the display unit 30 and the contact detection unit 40 in the description of the present embodiment are configured by an integrated device, for example, by providing both functions of the display unit and the contact detection unit on a common substrate. Also good. As an example of the configuration of the device in which both functions of the display unit and the contact detection unit are integrated as described above, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements such as photodiodes are regularly arranged in a matrix electrode array of pixel electrodes included in the liquid crystal panel. Can be mentioned. This device displays an image with a liquid crystal panel structure, while reflecting the light of a backlight for liquid crystal display at the tip of a pen that touches and inputs a desired position on the surface of the panel. The reflected light is reflected by peripheral photoelectric conversion elements. The touch position can be detected by receiving the light.

  The tactile sensation providing unit 50 may be configured to indirectly vibrate the contact detection unit 40 by vibrating the electronic device based on a vibration motor (eccentric motor) or the like. You may comprise so that the contact detection part 40 may be vibrated directly by arrange | positioning a piezoelectric element.

  Further, the present invention corresponds to a case where contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit corresponding to an object associated with one reference, and an object in which a plurality of references are associated in stages. Control may be performed so that the display mode of the object is different depending on whether the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic device 10 Control part 30 Display part 40 Contact detection part 50 Tactile sense presentation part 52 Piezoelectric vibrator 60 Press detection part 62 Strain gauge sensor 71 Case 72,74 Insulator 73 Upper cover 80 Memory | storage part

Claims (4)

A contact detector for detecting contact;
A pressure detection unit that detects pressure on the contact detection unit;
A display unit that displays an object that is a reference for data based on the press and that is associated with one or more references for performing predetermined processing;
A tactile sensation providing unit that provides a tactile sensation with respect to a contact object that is in contact with the contact detection unit;
When contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit corresponding to an object associated with one reference, and the contact detection corresponding to an object associated with a plurality of the criteria in stages. A control unit for controlling the tactile sensation providing unit to exhibit a different tactile sensation when the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the unit;
Electronic equipment comprising.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the tactile sensation providing unit to exhibit the different tactile sensation when the data based on the pressure satisfies a predetermined standard.   When the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit corresponding to an object in which a plurality of the references are associated stepwise, the tactile sensation corresponding to the number of the plurality of reference steps is detected. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is controlled so that the tactile sensation providing unit presents. The control unit is configured such that data based on the pressure is among the plurality of criteria while the contact of the contact object is detected at the position of the contact detection unit corresponding to an object in which a plurality of the criteria are associated stepwise. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when any one of the criteria is satisfied, control is performed so that the tactile sensation providing unit provides a tactile sensation corresponding to the criterion.

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