Input device for touchscreen with magnetic sheet and magnetized objects

A presented force sense is associated with an input of an operator to a touch panel. An input to the touch panel is performed using a touch panel input device including: a first object including a first surface, a first texture including a region of an S-pole and a region of an N-pole being previously magnetized on the first surface, a plate surface on an opposite side to the first surface being disposed to face an input surface of the touch panel; and a second object including a magnetic sheet and a conductive portion, the magnetic sheet including a second surface, a second texture including a region of an S-pole and a region of an N-pole being previously magnetized on the second surface, the second surface being disposed to face the first surface, the conductive portion forming a conductive pattern on the second surface, the second object being operated by an operator performing an input operation on the touch panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. 371 Application of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2019/031287, filed on 8 Aug. 2019, which application claims priority to and the benefit of JP Application No. 2018-155993, filed on 23 Aug. 2018, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a technique for performing input to a touch panel while presenting a force sense.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for feedbacking a force sense to an operator of a pen tablet that is an input device. In the technique described in Patent Literature 1, any force sense can be presented by a magnetic field generated using an electromagnet, but a power source for driving the electromagnet is necessary.

Non Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique in which an operator presses with a finger and moves a magnetic sheet in which regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are previously magnetized in a stripe pattern or a checker pattern so as to be brought into contact with another magnetic sheet in which regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are previously magnetized in a stripe pattern or a checker pattern, thereby presenting a force sense without using an electromagnet. In particular, Non Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for presenting different force senses by making the width of the regions of the S-pole different from the width of the regions of the N-pole in the magnetization pattern of one or both of the magnetic sheets.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2000-207114 A

Non Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problem

According to the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the force sense is presented when the operator performs an input operation to the input device, and the force sense corresponds to the brightness of the screen of the display device. Therefore, in the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the force sense presented to the operator and the input by the operator are independent of each other. In the technique disclosed in Non Patent Literature 1, although the force sense is presented to the operator, the operation itself performed on the input device is not taken into consideration. An object of the present invention is to associate a presented force sense with an input by an operator to a touch panel.

Means for Solving the Problem

An input to a touch panel is performed using a touch panel input device for performing input to a touch panel, the touch panel input device including: a first object including a first surface, a first texture including a region of an S-pole and a region of an N-pole being previously magnetized on the first surface, a plate surface on an opposite side to the first surface being disposed to face an input surface of the touch panel; and a second object including a magnetic sheet including a second surface, a second texture including a region of an S-pole and a region of an N-pole being previously magnetized on the second surface, the second surface being disposed to face the first surface, and a conductive portion forming a conductive pattern on the second surface, the second object being operated by an operator performing an input operation on the touch panel.

Effects of the Invention

The present invention can associate a presented force sense with an input by an operator to a touch panel.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First, a force sense presentation object disclosed in Non Patent Literature 1 used in the present invention will be described.

According to the technique disclosed in Non Patent Literature 1, unevenness is perceived using two objects magnetized in a pattern of the S-pole and the N-pole. The force sense presentation object disclosed in Non Patent Literature 1 includes a “first object” and a “second object”. The “first object” includes a “first surface”, and a “first texture” including a region of the S-pole and a region of the N-pole is magnetized on the “first surface”. The “second object” includes a “second surface”, and a “second texture” including a region of the S-pole and a region of the N-pole is magnetized on the “second surface”. An operator (“action entity”), which is a human or any animal other than the human, perceives unevenness by performing a following operation and/or a following action with a following state maintained. Here, the following state is a state in which the “action entity” is in contact with at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” to bring the “first surface” and the “second surface” into contact with or proximity to each other. The following operation is an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface”. The following action is an action of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface”. In other words, a shear stress that the “action entity” receives from at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” periodically changes by performing a following operation and/or a following action with a following state maintained. Here, the following state is a state in which the “action entity” is in contact with at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” to bring the “first surface” and the “second surface” into contact with or proximity to each other. The following operation is an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface”. The following action is an action of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface”. The change in the shear stress is a change in the linear direction included in a plane along the “first surface” and the “second surface”, but the “action entity” perceives this change as (an illusion of) unevenness substantially perpendicular to the “first surface” and the “second surface”. In examples of the “first texture” and the “second texture”, regions magnetized to the S-pole and regions magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. For example, the “first texture” and the “second texture” may be regions on which band-like regions magnetized to the S pole and band-like regions magnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged in an alternate manner, or may include periodic substantially checkered regions magnetized to the S-pole and periodic substantially checkered regions magnetized to the N-pole. The pattern of the “first texture” may be the same as or different from the pattern of the “second texture”. How the shear stress that the “action entity” receives from at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” changes is different depending on a combination of the pattern of the “first texture” and the pattern of the “second texture”, which makes different a feeling of unevenness perceived by the “action entity”. How the shear stress that the “action entity” receives from at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” may be different depending on a direction in which the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface” is changed. In this case, a feeling of unevenness perceived by the “action entity” is also different depending on a direction in which the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface” is changed. For example, tape-like regions magnetized to the S pole and tape-like regions magnetized to the N pole may be periodically arranged in an alternate manner on the “first texture” and the “second texture”, and a following operation and/or a following action may be performed with a following state maintained. The following state is a state in which the “first surface” and the “second surface” are in contact with or proximity to each other such that the long-side direction of the tape-like regions of the “first texture” matches the long-side direction of the tape-like regions of the “second texture”. The following operation is an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface”. The following action is an action of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface”. In this case, how the shear stress that the “action entity” receives from at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” changes is different depending on whether the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface” is changed in the long-side direction of the tape-like regions or in the short-side direction of the tape-like regions, which makes different a feeling of unevenness perceived by the “action entity”. Note that an example of the operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface” and/or the action of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface” is an action of moving the “second object” by the “action entity” to change the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface”. Here, “changing the relative positional relationship between the first surface and the second surface” is, for example, sliding the “second surface” relative to the “first surface”.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the present technique will be described with reference to the drawings.

A magnetic sheet210inFIG. 1Ais a specific example of the “first object”, and a magnetic sheet220inFIG. 1Bis a specific example of the “second object”. On one surface (plate surface)211(first surface) of the magnetic sheet210, a texture (first texture) including regions211aof the S-pole and regions211bof the N-pole is magnetized. The band-like (tape-like) regions211amagnetized to the S-pole and the band-like (taped) regions211bmagnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed on the surface211. Similarly, on one surface (plate surface)221(second surface) of the magnetic sheet220, a texture (second texture) including regions221aof the S-pole and regions221bof the N-pole is magnetized. The band-like (tape-like) regions221amagnetized to the S-pole and the band-like (taped) regions221bmagnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed on the surface221. In this example, all of the width (pitch) in the short-side direction of the region211a, the width (pitch) in the short-side direction of the region211b, the width (pitch) in the short-side direction of the region221a, and the width (pitch) in the short-side direction of the region221bare 2 mm. InFIGS. 1A and 1B, different graphic patterns represent different polarities of the regions211a,211b,221a, and221b. This does not mean that the regions211a,211b,221a, and221bare painted in a visually distinguishable manner. That is, these textures are magnetization patterns and are not patterns painted in a visually distinguishable manner (the same applies to the following). The magnetic sheets210and220are magnetized by, for example, the method disclosed in Non Patent Literature 1. However, the magnetic sheets210and220may be magnetized by any other method (the same applies to the following).

As illustrated inFIG. 2,FIG. 3, andFIG. 5A, the operator (action entity) disposes the magnetic sheet210such that the surface211faces outward, and disposes the magnetic sheet220such that the surface221contacts the surface211. The magnetic sheet220is disposed on the magnetic sheet210such that a long-side direction D1of the regions211aand211bof the magnetic sheet210matches a long-side direction D2of the regions221aand221bof the magnetic sheet220. For example, the magnetic sheet220is disposed on the magnetic sheet210such that the long-side direction D1is along the long-side direction D2(in other words, the long-side direction D1and the long-side direction D2are substantially parallel to each other). The operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface211and the surface221while touching, with a finger200, the other surface222of the magnetic sheet220disposed on the magnetic sheet210and bringing the surface211and the surface221into contact with or proximity to (substantially contact with) each other. In the examples inFIGS. 2 and 3, the relative positional relationship between the surface211and the surface221is changed in the direction XA, which is the short-side direction of the regions211aand211bof the magnetic sheet210. This periodically changes a shear stress in the direction XA received by the operator from the magnetic sheet220. As a result, the operator perceives a feeling of unevenness in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface221. Note that when the relative positional relationship between the surface211and the surface221is changed in the long-side direction of the regions211aand211bof the magnetic sheet210, a shear stress received by the operator does not change, and the operator does not perceive a feeling of unevenness. How the shear stress received by the operator from the magnetic sheet220changes is different depending on a direction in which the relative positional relationship between the surface211and the surface221is changed, which makes different a feeling of unevenness perceived by the operator.

FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate examples of magnetic sheets230and250that are different from the magnetic sheet210in pitch, andFIGS. 4C and 4Dillustrate examples of magnetic sheets240and260that are different from the magnetic sheet220in pitch. The magnetic sheets230and250are specific examples of the “first object”, and the magnetic sheets240and260are specific examples of the “second object”. Band-like regions231amagnetized to the S-pole and band-like regions231bmagnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed on one surface231(first surface) of the magnetic sheet230. Similarly, band-like regions241amagnetized to the S-pole and band-like regions241bmagnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed on one surface241(second surface) of the magnetic sheet240. Band-like regions251amagnetized to the S-pole and band-like regions251bmagnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed on one surface251(first surface) of the magnetic sheet250. Similarly, band-like regions261amagnetized to the S-pole and band-like regions261bmagnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed on one surface261(second surface) of the magnetic sheet260. In this example, the width in the short-side direction of the region231a, the width in the short-side direction of the region231b, the width in the short-side direction of the region241a, and the width in the short-side direction of the region241bare 4 mm. The width in the short-side direction of the region251a, the width in the short-side direction of the region251b, the width in the short-side direction of the region261a, and the width in the short-side direction of the region261bare 8 mm.

When the magnetic sheet230is used as the “first object” and the magnetic sheet240is used as the “second object”, the magnetic sheets210and220, the surfaces211and221, the regions211a,211b,221a, and221bare replaced with the magnetic sheets230and240, the surfaces231and241, and the regions231a,231b,241a, and241b, respectively, and as with the case where the magnetic sheets210and220are used, the operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface231and the surface241and/or an action of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface231and the surface241while bringing the surface231and the surface241into contact with or proximity to each other, thereby perceiving a feeling of unevenness (FIG. 5B). Similarly, when the magnetic sheet250is used as the “first object” and the magnetic sheet260is used as the “second object”, the magnetic sheets210and220, the surfaces211and221, the regions211a,211b,221a, and221bare replaced with the magnetic sheets250and260, the surfaces251and261, and the regions251a,251b,261a, and261b, respectively, and as with the case where the magnetic sheets210and220are used, the operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface251and the surface261and/or an action of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface251and the surface261while bringing the surface251and the surface261into contact with or proximity to each other, thereby perceiving a feeling of unevenness (FIG. 5C).

In addition, any of the magnetic sheets210,230, and250may be used as the “first object”, any of the magnetic sheets220,240, and260may be used as the “second object”, and the pitch of the “first object” may be different from the pitch of the “second object”.

Other examples of the “first object” and the “second object” are described.FIGS. 6A to 6DandFIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate examples in which a texture including periodic substantially checkered regions magnetized to the S-pole and periodic substantially checkered regions magnetized to the N-pole is magnetized on a magnetic sheet, and this magnetic sheet is used as the “first object” and the “second object”. The magnetic sheets210′,230′, and250′ inFIGS. 6A, 6C, and 7Aare specific examples of the “first object”, and the magnetic sheets220′,240′, and260′ inFIGS. 6B, 6D, and 7Bare specific examples of the “second object”. A substantially checkered pattern means a checkered pattern or a pattern similar to a checkered pattern. That is, examples of the substantially checkered pattern in the present embodiment include not only a pattern (checkered pattern) in which squares (or rectangles) magnetized to the S-pole and squares (or rectangles) magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed, but also include a pattern in which shapes similar to squares (or rectangles) magnetized to the S-pole and shapes similar to squares (or rectangles) magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. Examples of the shape similar to a square (or rectangle) include a chamfered square (or rectangle), circle, and ellipse.

As illustrated inFIG. 6A, on one surface211′ (first surface) of the magnetic sheet210′ (first object), a substantially checkered texture (first texture) is magnetized in which chamfered square regions211a′ magnetized to the S-pole and chamfered square regions211b′ magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. As illustrated inFIG. 6B, on one surface221′ (second surface) of the magnetic sheet220′ (second object), a substantially checkered texture (second texture) is magnetized in which chamfered square regions221a′ magnetized to the S-pole and chamfered square regions221b′ magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. The pitch of the substantially checkered pattern magnetized on the magnetic sheets210′ and220′ (the width of each pattern alternately and periodically disposed) is 2 mm.

As illustrated inFIG. 6C, on one surface231′ (first surface) of the magnetic sheet230′ (first object), a substantially checkered texture (first texture) is magnetized in which chamfered square regions231a′ magnetized to the S-pole and chamfered square regions231b′ magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. As illustrated inFIG. 6D, on one surface241′ (second surface) of the magnetic sheet240′ (second object), a substantially checkered texture (second texture) is magnetized in which chamfered square regions241a′ magnetized to the S-pole and chamfered square regions241b′ magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. The pitch of the substantially checkered pattern magnetized on the magnetic sheets230′ and240′ is 4 mm.

As illustrated inFIG. 7A, on one surface251′ (first surface) of the magnetic sheet250′ (first object), a substantially checkered texture (first texture) is magnetized in which chamfered square regions251a′ magnetized to the S-pole and chamfered square regions251b′ magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. As illustrated inFIG. 7B, on one surface261′ (second surface) of the magnetic sheet260′ (second object), a substantially checkered texture (second texture) is magnetized in which chamfered square regions261a′ magnetized to the S-pole and chamfered square regions261b′ magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. The pitch of the substantially checkered pattern magnetized on the magnetic sheets250′ and260′ is 6 mm.

In a case where the substantially checkered texture as described above is magnetized on the magnetic sheet, and this magnetic sheet is used as the “first object” and the “second object”, unevenness can be perceived by performing a following operation and/or a following action with a following state maintained. The following state is a state in which the operator brings the “first surface” of the “first object” and the “second surface” into contact with or proximity to each other. The following operation is an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface”. The following action is an action of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface”. Note that the pitch of the “first object” may be the same as or different from the pitch of the “second object”. In addition, a substantially checkered texture may be magnetized on a magnetic sheet, and this magnetic sheet may be used as the “first object”. A texture in which the band-like regions described above are alternately disposed may be magnetized on a magnetic sheet, and this magnetic sheet may be used as the “second object”. In contrast, a texture in which the band-like regions described above are alternately disposed may be magnetized on the magnetic sheet, and this magnetic sheet may be used as the “first object”. A substantially checkered texture may be magnetized on the magnetic sheet, and the magnetic sheet may be used as the “second object”.

First Embodiment

In the present embodiment, a “force sense presentation object” is described, in which the technique of Non Patent Literature 1 is combined with a touch panel and a feeling of unevenness is presented to an operator when information is input to the touch panel.

The “force sense presentation object” in the present embodiment includes a “first object” disposed on an input surface of a touch panel, and a “second object” worn, gripped, or supported by an operator (“action entity”) that performs an input operation on a touch panel. The “first object” includes a “first surface”, and a “first texture” including a region of the S-pole and a region of the N-pole is previously magnetized on the “first surface”. The “second object” includes a “second surface”, and a “second texture” including a region of the S-pole and a region of the N-pole is previously magnetized on the “second surface”. The “first object” is, for example, a magnetic sheet disposed with one plate surface facing the input surface of the touch panel. The “first surface” is the other plate surface of the magnetic sheet. The “action entity” wears, grips, or supports the “second object” and performs a following operation and/or a following action while bringing the “first surface” and the “second surface” into contact with or proximity to each other, thereby performing an input operation to the touch panel and perceiving a feeling of unevenness. Here, the “action entity” performs an input operation to the touch panel in which the “first object” is disposed on the input surface. The following operation is an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface”. The following action is an action of changing the relative positional relationship between the first surface and the second surface. In other words, the “action entity” performs an input operation to the touch panel by performing such an action and accordingly, a shear stress received by the “action entity” from the second object varies periodically, so that the action entity perceives a feeling of unevenness.

Hereinafter, a specific example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 8illustrates an example in which the technique of Non Patent Literature 1 is combined with the touch panel, and an input operation to contents such as a displayed game is performed on a touch panel, and a force sense is presented. As illustrated inFIG. 8, the magnetic sheet210described above is mounted at a lower portion of an input surface (front surface) of a touch panel401′ of an electronic device400′ such as a smart phone terminal device or a tablet terminal device. The plate surface212of the magnetic sheet210is disposed toward the input surface of the touch panel401′. On the other plate surface211(first surface) of the magnetic sheet210, the texture (first texture) including the regions211aof the S-pole and the regions211bof the N-pole is previously magnetized. The magnetic sheet220described above is disposed on the plate surface211of the magnetic sheet210. On the surface221(second surface) of the magnetic sheet220, the texture (second texture) including the regions221aof the S-pole and the regions221bof the N-pole is magnetized. The surface221faces the plate surface211. The magnetic sheet220is disposed on the magnetic sheet210such that the long-side direction D1of the regions211aand211bof the magnetic sheet210matches the long-side direction D2of the regions221aand221bof the magnetic sheet220. The operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface211and the surface221while touching, with the finger200, the other surface222of the magnetic sheet220disposed on the magnetic sheet210and bringing the surface211and the surface221into contact with or proximity to (substantially contact with) each other. As a result, the input operation to the contents such as a game or the like displayed on the touch panel401′ is performed, and the operator perceives a feeling of unevenness. In response to the input operation, the electronic device400′ is controlled to change the contents such as a game or the like displayed on the touch panel401′ (output device) or change a sound output from a speaker402′ (output device) of the electronic device400′.

FEATURES OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT

In the present embodiment, when inputting information to the input device, the operator who inputs information can perceive a feeling of unevenness.

Modification Example 1 of First Embodiment

In the first embodiment, a plurality of the “second objects” may be utilized such that a combination of information input to the touch panel and a feeling of unevenness presented to the operator may be different for each “second object”. This example is defined as a modification example 1 of the first embodiment, and only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9andFIG. 10illustrate examples of the “second objects” in the present modification example. The “force sense presentation object” in the present modification example includes M2number of “second objects”. Here, m2=1, . . . , M2, and M2is an integer of two or more. In the present modification example, M2is two.

Each “second object”320-m2includes a magnetic sheet220-m2and a conductive portion323-m2on one surface221-m2. On the surface221-m2(second surface) of the magnetic sheet220-m2, a texture (second texture) including regions221a-m2of the S-pole and regions221b-m2of the N-pole is magnetized. The “second object”320-m2is disposed such that the surface221-m2faces the plate surface211, that is, such that the surface221-m2of the magnetic sheet220-m2and the conductive portion323-m2face the plate surface211.

In the example inFIG. 9, the band-like regions221a-m2and221b-m2extending in a direction D2are alternately and periodically disposed in a direction XB substantially perpendicular to the direction D2on the surface221-m2of the magnetic sheet220-m2of the “second object”320-m2. Here, the magnetization patterns of the textures (second textures) of the magnetic sheets220-1, . . . , M2of the “second object”320-1, . . . , M2are different from each other. In the example inFIG. 9, both the width in the short-side direction (direction XB) of the region221a-1and the width in the short-side direction of the region221b-1are 3 mm, and both the width in the short-side direction of the region221a-2and the width in the short-side direction of the region221b-2are 2 mm.

The conductive patterns of the conductive portions323-1, . . . , M2of the “second objects”320-1, . . . , M2are different from each other. For example, one or more conductors are disposed in the conductive portions323-1, . . . , M2of the “second objects”320-1, . . . , M2such that the conductive patterns differ from each other. In the example inFIG. 9, the conductive pattern of the conductive portions323-1includes two circular conductors having a diameter of 6 mm, and the conductive pattern of the conductive portion323-2includes a single circular conductor having a diameter of 6 mm.

The width in the short-side direction of the regions211aand the width in the short-side direction of the regions211bof the plate surface211of the magnetic sheet210in the present modification example are 2 mm.

The other surface322-m2of each “second object”320-m2may be provided with nothing, any indication or mark capable of distinguishing each “second object”, any indication or mark capable of distinguishing the direction D2and the direction XB, or a knob for the operator's operation.FIG. 10illustrates an example in which a knob324-m2is provided on the surface322-m2of the “second object”320-m2in the example inFIG. 9. The knob324-m2is a solid body that can be held by the operator with a plurality of fingers, and function as a mark capable of distinguishing the direction D2and the direction XB. Furthermore, the knob324-1and the knob324-2have different sizes so as to function as marks capable of distinguishing the respective “second objects”.

The operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface221-m2and the conductive portion323-m2, and the plate surface211while touching, with the finger200, any of the “second objects”320-m2disposed on the magnetic sheet210, and bringing the surface221-m2and the conductive portion323-m2into contact with or proximity to (substantially in contact with) the plate surface211. For example, the operator performs the operation while touching, with the finger200, a portion of the “second object”320-m2that does not face the plate surface211, for example, the surface322-m2of the “second object”320-m2. For example, when the “second object”320-m2is provided with the knob324-m2, the operator may touch the knob324-m2with the finger200to perform the operation.

The electronic device400′ detects the position and the conductive pattern of the conductive portion323-m2that is in contact with or proximity to the touch panel401′, and inputs the detected position and information previously determined for each conductive pattern to contents such as a game or the like displayed on the touch panel401′. For example, in the case of game contents in which a bullet is fired at the finger's position of the operator of the touch panel401′, when detecting that the “second object”320-2is in contact with or proximity to the touch panel401′, the electronic device400′ controls the game contents so as to fire a larger bullet as compared to the case of using the “second object”320-1. This allows the operator to perform the input operation to the game contents so as to fire a larger bullet while perceiving a greater feeling of unevenness when using the “second object”320-2than when using the “second object”320-1.

Modification Example 2 of First Embodiment

Although a plurality of the “second objects” are used in the modification example 1 of the first embodiment, the orientation of one “second object” can be changed so as to make different a combination of information input to the touch panel and a feeling of unevenness presented to the operator depending on the orientation of the “second object”. This example is defined as a modification example 2 of the first embodiment and only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 11illustrates an example of the “second object” in the present modification example. A “second object”500includes a magnetic sheet520and conductive portions523on one surface521. On the surface521of the magnetic sheet520, a texture (second texture) including regions521aof the S-pole and regions521bof the N-pole is magnetized. The “second object”520is disposed such that the surface521faces the plate surface211, that is, such that the surface521of the magnetic sheet520and the conductive portions523face the plate surface211.

In the example inFIG. 11, rectangular regions magnetized to the S-pole and rectangular regions magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed on the surface521of the magnetic sheet520of the “second object”500. Here, the magnetization width in the direction D2A and the magnetization width in the direction D2B of the magnetic sheet520of the “second object”500are different from each other. In this example, in each rectangular region, the short side (width in the direction D2A) has a width of 2 mm, and the long side (width in the direction D2B) has a width of 3 mm.

The conductive pattern in the direction D2A and the conductive pattern in the direction D2B of the conductive portions523of the “second object”500are different from each other. For example, a plurality of conductors are disposed in the conductive portions523of the “second object”500such that the conductive pattern in the direction D2A and the conductive pattern in the direction D2B are different from each other. In the example illustrated inFIG. 11, two circular conductors having a diameter of 6 mm are disposed in the conductive portions523in the direction D2B with a spacing of 12 mm between the centers.

The width in the short-side direction of the regions211aand the width in the short-side direction of the regions211bof the plate surface211of the magnetic sheet210in the present modification example are 2 mm.

The other surface522of the “second object”500may be provided with nothing, any indication or mark capable of distinguishing the direction D2A and the direction D2B, or a knob for the operator's operation.

The operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface521and the conductive portion523, and the plate surface211while touching, with the finger200, the other surface522of the “second object”500disposed on the magnetic sheet210with a state in which the surface521and the conductive portions523are brought into contact with or proximity to (substantially contact with) the plate surface211such that the direction D2A matches the direction D1or the direction D2B matches the direction D1. For example, the operator performs the operation while touching, with the finger200, the surface522or the like of the “second object”500, that is, a portion of the “second object”5000that does not face the plate surface211. For example, when the “second object”500is provided with a knob, the operator may touch the knob with the finger200to perform the operation.

The electronic device400′ detects the positions of the conductive portions523that are in contact with or proximity to the touch panel401′ and the orientation of the conductive pattern, and inputs information previously determined for each detected position and each detected orientation of the conductive patterns to contents such as a game or the like displayed on the touch panel401′. For example, in the case of game contents in which a bullet is fired at the finger's position of the operator of the touch panel401′, the electronic device400′ controls the game contents so as to fire a larger bullet in a following first case than in a following second case. The following first case is a case in which the “second object”500is detected to be in contact with or proximity to the touch panel401′ such that the direction D2B matches the direction D1. In addition, the following second case is a case in which the “second object”500is detected to be in contact with or proximity to the touch panel401′ such that the direction D2A matches the direction D1. In this manner, the operator can perform the input operation to the game contents so as to fire a larger bullet while perceiving a greater feeling of unevenness when using the “second object”500such that the direction D2B matches the direction D1than when using the “second object”500such that the direction D2A matches the direction D1.

Modification Example 3 of First Embodiment

As a modification example 3 of the first embodiment, another example is defined in which the orientation of one “second object” can be changed so as to make different a combination of information input to the touch panel and a feeling of unevenness presented to the operator depending on the orientation of the “second object”, and differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

FIGS. 12A to 12Cillustrate examples of a magnetic sheet610in the present modification example, which is mounted at a lower portion of the input surface (front surface) of the touch panel401′ of the electronic device400′ such as a smartphone terminal device or a tablet terminal device, and a “second object”600in the present modification example, which is disposed on the magnetic sheet610in the present modification example.

The magnetic sheet610is disposed such that one plate surface612of the magnetic sheet610faces the input surface of the touch panel401′, such that an arrow direction D1B of the magnetic sheet610substantially matches the right direction of the input surface of the touch panel401′, and such that an arrow direction D1A of the magnetic sheet610substantially matches the upward direction of the input surface of the touch panel401′ when viewed from the operator.

On the other plate surface611(first surface) of the magnetic sheet610, a texture (first texture) including regions611aof the S-pole and regions611bof the N-pole is previously magnetized. In the example inFIG. 12A, the regions611aof the S-pole and the regions611bof the N-pole each have a V-shape symmetric with respect to a straight line in the direction D1B located at the center of the width of the plate surface611in the direction D1A. The regions611aand the regions611bare periodically and alternately disposed. Of the regions611aof the S-pole and the regions611bof the N-pole, portions on the side of the arrow direction D1A from the center of the width in the direction D1A are referred to as partial regions611a1of the S-pole and partial regions611b1of the N-pole, and portions on the side of the direction opposite to the arrow direction D1A from the center of the width in the direction D1A are referred to as partial regions611a2of the S-pole and partial regions611b2of the N-pole. The partial regions611a1of the S-pole and the partial regions611b1of the N-pole each are a parallelogram having a short side in the direction D1B, a long side tilted at −45 degrees relative to the arrow direction D1B, and a short-side width (width in direction D1B) of 4 mm. The partial regions611a2of the S-pole and the partial regions611b2of the N-pole each are a parallelogram having a short side in the direction D1B, a long side at 45 degrees relative to the arrow direction D1B, and a short-side width (width in direction D1B) of 4 mm.

The “second object”600includes a magnetic sheet620and conductive portions623on one surface621. The “second object”600is disposed such that the surface621faces the plate surface611, such that the arrow direction D2B of the “second object”600substantially matches the right direction of the input surface of the touch panel401′, and such that the arrow direction D2A of the “second object”600substantially matches the upward direction of the input surface of the touch panel401′ when viewed from the operator. That is, the “second object”600is disposed such that all of following three conditions are satisfied. The first condition is that the surface621and the conductive portions623of the magnetic sheet620of the “second object”600faces the plate surface611. The second condition is that the arrow direction D2B of the “second object”600substantially matches the arrow direction D1B of the magnetic sheet610mounted on the input surface of the touch panel401′. The third condition is that the arrow direction D2A of the “second object”600substantially matches the arrow direction D1A of the magnetic sheet610mounted on the input surface of the touch panel401′.

On the surface621of the magnetic sheet620of the “second object”600, a texture (second texture) including regions621aof the S-pole and regions621bof the N-pole is previously magnetized. In the example inFIG. 12B, the regions621aof the S-pole and the regions621bof the N-pole each have a V-shape symmetric with respect to a straight line in the direction D2B located at the center of the width of the plate surface621in the direction D2A. The regions621aand the regions621bare alternately and periodically disposed in the direction D2B. Of the regions621aof the S-pole and the regions621bof the N-pole, portions on the side of the arrow direction D2A from the center of the width in the direction D2A are referred to as partial regions621a1of the S-pole and partial regions621b1of the N-pole, and portions on the side of the direction opposite to the arrow direction D2A from the center of the width in the direction D2A are referred to as partial regions621a2of the S-pole and partial regions621b2of the N-pole. The partial regions621a1of the S-pole and the partial regions621b1of the N-pole each are a parallelogram having a short side in the direction D2B, a long side at −45 degrees relative to the arrow direction D2B, and a short-side width (width in direction D2B) of 4 mm. The partial regions621a2of the S-pole and the partial regions621b2of the N-pole each are a parallelogram having a short side in the direction D2B, a long side at 45 degrees relative to the arrow direction D2B, and a short-side width (width in direction D2B) of 4 mm.

As in the example inFIG. 12B, conductors are disposed in the conductive portions623of the “second object”600such that the conductive pattern is different between when viewed from the arrow direction D2A, when viewed from the opposite direction to the arrow direction D2A, when viewed from the arrow direction D2B, and when viewed from the opposite direction to the arrow direction D2B. In the example inFIG. 12, three circular conductors having a diameter of 6 mm are disposed in the conductive portions623located at vertices of an isosceles triangle that is not an equilateral triangle.

The other surface622of the “second object”600may be provided with nothing, any indication or mark capable of distinguishing the direction D2A and the direction D2B, or a knob for the operator's operation. In the case of providing the knob, like a knob624in the example inFIG. 12C, the knob is preferably a solid body that can be held by the operator with a plurality of fingers and enable the arrow direction D2A to be distinguished.

The operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface621and the conductive portion623, and the plate surface611while touching the knob624of the “second object”600with the finger200and bringing the surface621and the conductive portions623into contact with or proximity to (substantially contact with) the plate surface611. At this time, the operator operates the “second object”600by either matching the arrow method D2A with the arrow direction D1A, matching the arrow direction D2A with the opposite direction to the arrow direction D1A, matching the arrow method D2A with the arrow direction D1B, or matching the arrow direction D2A with the opposite direction to the arrow direction D1B.

The electronic device400′ detects the positions of the conductive portions623that are in contact with or proximity to the touch panel401′ and the orientation of the conductive pattern, and inputs the detected position and information previously determined for each detected orientation of the conductive pattern to contents such as a game or the like displayed on the touch panel401′. For example, in the case of game contents in which a bullet is fired at the finger's position of the operator of the touch panel401′, when detecting that the “second object”600is in contact with or proximity to the touch panel401′ such that the arrow direction D2A matches the arrow direction D1A, the electronic device400′ controls the game contents so as to fire a larger bullet as compared to the other cases. In this manner, the operator can perform the input operation to the game contents so as to fire a larger bullet while perceiving a greater feeling of unevenness when using the “second object”600such that the direction D2A matches the direction D1A than in the other cases.

Second Embodiment

As in the first embodiment, in the present embodiment as well, the technique of Non Patent Literature 1 is applied to an input interface of a touch panel, and a feeling of unevenness is presented to an operator when information is input to the touch panel. In particular, in the present embodiment, various operational feelings are presented to the operator by changing a combination of a “first object” disposed on an input surface of the touch panel and a “second object” worn, gripped, or supported by the operator.

A “force sense presentation object” in the present embodiment includes the “first object” disposed on the input surface of the touch panel and a plurality of the “second objects” worn, gripped, or supported by an “action entity” that performs an input operation to the touch panel. The “first object” includes a “first surface”, and a “first texture” including regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole is previously magnetized on the “first surface”. The “second object” includes a “second surface”, and a “second texture” including regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole is previously magnetized on the “second surface”. Each “second object” has a different magnetization pattern of the “second texture”. That is, the magnetization patterns of the plurality of the “second objects” are different from each other.

The “action entity” wears, grips, or supports a “selected object” selected from the plurality of the “second objects” to perform a following operation and/or a following action with a following state maintained. Here, the following state is a state in which the “first surface” of the “first object” disposed on the input surface and the “second surface” of the “selected object” are in contact with or proximity to each other. The following operation is an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface” of the “selected object”. The following action is an action of changing the relative positional relationship between the “first surface” and the “second surface” of the “selected object”. In this manner, an input operation to the touch panel is performed and accordingly, a shear stress received by the “action entity” from the “selected object” varies periodically, so that the “action entity” perceives a feeling of unevenness. The maximum value of the shear stress and/or the period of the shear stress and the feeling of unevenness are different for each “selected object”.

Hereinafter, a specific example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 13A and 13Billustrate examples of a slider-type “force sense presentation object” in the present embodiment. For example, the slider-type “force sense presentation object” is an input interface that allows the operator to manipulate the volume of a sound output from a speaker, the brightness of illumination, and the like by an operation of sliding a slider (moving in a predetermined axial direction), for example, it is an input interface used by the operator, for example, to set a parameter value that can be freely set in a range between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value to a desired value.

The “force sense presentation object” in the present embodiment includes a single magnetic sheet710(first object) and M2number of magnetic sheets720-m2(second objects). Here, m2=1, . . . , M2, and M2is an integer of two or more. The present embodiment shows an example where M2is three.

On one surface711(first surface) of the magnetic sheet710, a texture (first texture) including regions711aof the S-pole and regions711bof the N-pole is magnetized. In the surface711in the present embodiment, the band-like regions711amagnetized to the S-pole and the band-like regions711bmagnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. In the example inFIG. 13A, the band-like regions711aand711bextending in the direction D1are alternately and repeatedly disposed in a direction XA substantially perpendicular to the direction D1. In this example, the width in the short-side direction of the regions711a(direction XA) and the width in the short-side direction of the regions711bare 6 mm.

On one surface721-m2(second surface) of each of the plurality of magnetic sheets720-m2, a texture (second texture) including regions721a-m2of the S-pole and regions721b-m2of the N-pole is magnetized. The band-like regions721a-m2magnetized to the S-pole and the band-like regions721b-m2magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed on the surface721-m2in the present embodiment. In the example inFIG. 13B, the band-like regions721a-m2and721b-m2extending in the direction D2are alternately and repeatedly disposed in a direction XB substantially perpendicular to the direction D2. The magnetic sheets720-1, . . . , M2each have a different magnetization pattern of the texture. In this example, both the width in the short-side direction (direction XB) of the regions721a-1and the width in the short-side direction of the regions721b-1are 3 mm, both the width in the short-side direction of the region721a-2and the width in the short-side direction of the region721b-1are 2 mm, and both the width in the short-side direction of the region721a-1and the width in the short-side direction of the region721b-1are 6 mm.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, the magnetic sheet710, which is the “first object”, is mounted on the input surface of the touch panel401of the electronic device400. Here, the other surface712of the magnetic sheet710(the opposite surface to the surface711) is disposed to face the input surface of the touch panel401. For example, in the case where any position of the touch panel401of the electronic device400is predetermined to be a region for receiving a slide input operation (input by a sliding operation) (in the case where any position is predetermined by software or the like implemented in the electronic device400), for example, the electronic device400displays the region on the touch panel401, so that the operator disposes the surface712of the magnetic sheet710in the region. Alternatively, the electronic device400may detect in which region of the touch panel401the magnetic sheet710is mounted, and accept the slide input operation in the detected region. In this case, the surface712of the magnetic sheet710may be disposed in any region of the touch panel401which can accept the slide input operation. The operator may also designate in which region of the touch panel401the slide input operation is accepted (for example, the operator inputs information for designating this region to the touch panel401). In this case, the electronic device400detects which region of the touch panel401has been designated, and the operator disposes the surface712of the magnetic sheet710in the region designated by the input.

In an example of the input interface used by the operator to set, to a desired value, a parameter value of the electronic device400, which can be freely set in a range between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value, the minimum value and the maximum value may be assigned as follows. Assigning as follows means that in a case where the region accepting the slide input operation of the touch panel401is vertically disposed, for example, a lower end of the region accepting the slide input operation is assigned to the minimum value, and the upper end of the region accepting the slide input operation is assigned to the maximum value. Here, the case where the region accepting the slide input operation of the touch panel401is vertically disposed means that the direction XA of the magnetic sheet710matches the vertical direction of the touch panel401. In addition, in the case where the region accepting the slide input operation on the touch panel401is vertically disposed, that is, the direction XA of the magnetic sheet710matches the lateral direction of the touch panel401, for example, a left end of the region accepting the slide input operation may be assigned to the minimum value, and a right end of the region accepting the slide input operation may be assigned to the maximum value.

The operator selects any magnetic sheet720-m2, and disposes the selected magnetic sheet720-m2(selected object) such that a surface722-m2of the magnetic sheet720-m2faces outward, and a surface721-m2of the magnetic sheet720-m2is in contact with the surface711of the magnetic sheet710. The magnetic sheet720-m2is disposed on the magnetic sheet710such that the long-side direction D1of the regions711aand711bof the magnetic sheet710matches the long-side direction D2of the region721a-m2and721b-m2of the magnetic sheet720-m2.

The operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface711and the surface721-m2while touching, with a finger, the surface722-m2of the magnetic sheet720-m2disposed on the magnetic sheet710and bringing the surface711and the surface721-m2into contact with or proximity to each other. In the example inFIG. 15, the relative positional relationship between the surface711and the surface721-m2is changed (slid) in the direction XA, which is the short-side direction of the regions711aand711bof the magnetic sheet720-m2. As a result, an input operation (slide input operation) to the touch panel401is performed, and a shear stress in the XA direction received by the operator from the magnetic sheet720-m2changes periodically. Thus, the operator perceives a feeling of unevenness in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface721-m2. As described above, each magnetic sheet720-m2has a different magnetization pattern of the regions721a-m2and721b-m2. Therefore, the maximum value of the shear stress and/or the period of the shear stress received by the operator from the magnetic sheet720-m2are different depending on a combination of the magnetic sheet710and the selected magnetic sheet720-m2, which makes different a feeling of unevenness perceived by the operator. In other words, even when the same magnetic sheet710is used, the operator perceives a different feeling of unevenness according to the selected magnetic sheet720-m2. That is, the operator can perceive a different feeling of touch merely by changing the magnetic sheet720-m2. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 13C, when selecting the magnetic sheet720-1and performing a slide input operation to the touch panel401, the operator can smoothly perform the slide input operation without perceiving a feeling of unevenness, that is, a feeling of clicking. When selecting the magnetic sheet720-2, the operator can also perform the same slide input operation while perceiving a feeling of unevenness at small intervals (for example, a feeling of unevenness in W stages (W is a positive integer)), that is, a feeling of clicking in W stages. When selecting the magnetic sheet720-3, the operator can also perform the same slide input operation while perceiving a feeling of unevenness at large intervals (for example, a feeling of unevenness in W′ stages (W′ is a largest integer of W/2 or less)), that is, a feeling of clicking in W′ stages.

FIGS. 14A and 14Billustrate a dial-type “force sense presentation object” in the present embodiment. The dial-type “force sense presentation object” is, for example, an input interface used by the operator to simultaneously control sound volumes output from a plurality of speakers disposed around the operator by rotation of a dial, thereby operating the incoming direction of a sound to the operator. In addition, the dial-type “force sense presentation object” is, for example, an input interface used by the operator to control the position of a light fixture disposed on a ceiling by rotation of a dial, thereby operating the incoming direction of light to the operator. In addition, the dial-type “force sense presentation object” is, for example, an input interface used by the operator to control the orientation of a machine by rotation of a dial. That is, the dial-type “force sense presentation object” is an input interface used by the operator, for example, to set a parameter value that can be freely set to a desired value.

The “force sense presentation object” in the present embodiment includes a single magnetic sheet810(first object) and M2number of magnetic sheets720-m2(second objects). Here, m2=1, . . . , M2, and M2is an integer of two or more. The present embodiment shows an example where M2is three.

The magnetic sheet810is substantially disk-shaped. On one surface811(first surface) of the magnetic sheet810, a texture (first texture) including regions811aof the S-pole and regions811bof the N-pole is magnetized. In the surface811in the present embodiment, the regions811amagnetized to the S-pole and the regions811bmagnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. In the example inFIG. 14A, the regions811aand811bare repeatedly disposed along a circumferential direction R1around a center axis O1of the magnetic sheet810(an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface811). For example, of the outer periphery of the magnetic sheet810, both the length of an arc corresponding to each of the regions811aand the length of an arc corresponding to each of the regions811bare 6 mm. Ideally, the region811aof the S-pole and the region811bof the N-pole provided on the surface811each are a fan-shaped region centered around the central axis O1. When all of the regions811bof the N-pole are magnetized using a cylindrical magnet with a predetermined diameter (for example, 2 mm) and then, all of the regions811aof the S-pole are magnetized by the magnet with its magnet pole inverted, a texture as illustrated inFIG. 14Ais formed. However, even the regions811aof the S-pole and the regions811bof the N-pole that are not completely fan-shaped as inFIG. 14Aare sufficient to present a desired feeling of unevenness.

The magnetic sheet820-m2is also substantially disc-shaped. The diameter of the magnetic sheet820-m2is substantially the same as the diameter of the magnetic sheet810, for example. On one surface821-m2(second surface) of each of plurality of the magnetic sheets820-m2, a texture (second texture) including regions821a-m2of the S-pole and regions821b-m2of the N-pole is magnetized. On the surface821-m2in the present embodiment, the regions821a-m2magnetized to the S-pole and the regions821b-m2magnetized to the N-pole are alternately and periodically disposed. In the example inFIG. 14B, the regions821a-m2and821b-m2are repeatedly disposed along a circumferential direction R2around a center axis O2of the magnetic sheet820-m2(an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface821-m2). The magnetic sheets820-1, . . . , M2each have a different magnetization pattern of the texture. For example, of the outer periphery of the magnetic sheet820-1, both the length of an arc corresponding to each of the regions821a-1and the length of an arc corresponding to each of the regions821b-1are 3 mm. Of the outer periphery of the magnetic sheet820-2, both the length of an arc corresponding to each of the regions821a-2and the length of an arc corresponding to each of the regions821b-2are 2 mm. Of the outer periphery of the magnetic sheet820-3, both the length of an arc corresponding to each of the regions821a-3and the length of an arc corresponding to each of the regions821b-3are 6 mm. Ideally, the region821a-m2of the S-pole and the region821b-m2of the N-pole provided on the surface821-m2each are a fan-shaped region centered around the central axis O2. When all of the regions821b-m2of the N-pole are magnetized using a cylindrical magnet with a predetermined diameter (for example, 2 mm) and then, all of the regions821a-m2of the S-pole are magnetized by the magnet with its magnet pole inverted, a texture as illustrated inFIG. 14Bis formed. However, even the regions821a-m2of the S-pole and the regions821b-m2of the N-pole that are not completely fan-shaped as inFIG. 14Bare sufficient to present a desired feeling of unevenness.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, the magnetic sheet810, which is the “first object”, is mounted on the input surface of the touch panel401of the electronic device400. Here, the other surface812of the magnetic sheet810(the opposite surface to the surface811) is disposed to face the input surface of the touch panel401. For example, in the case where any position of the touch panel401of the electronic device400is predetermined to be a region for accepting a rotation input operation (input by a rotation operation), for example, the electronic device400displays the region on the touch panel401, so that the operator disposes the surface812of the magnetic sheet810in the region. Alternatively, the electronic device400may detect in which region of the touch panel401the magnetic sheet810is mounted, and accept the rotation input operation in the detected region. In this case, the surface812of the magnetic sheet810may be disposed in any region of the touch panel401which can accept the rotation input operation. In addition, the operator may designate which region of the touch panel401accepts the rotation input operation. In this case, the electronic device400detects which region of the touch panel401has been designated, and the operator disposes the surface812of the magnetic sheet810in the region designated by the input.

In an example of the input interface used by the operator to set the incoming direction of a sound or light to the operator, the upper side of the region accepting the rotation input operation to the touch panel401is assigned to the forward direction of the operator (clockwise angle with respect to the orientation of the operator is 0 degree), the lower side of the region accepting the rotation input operation on the touch panel401is assigned to the rearward direction of the operator (clockwise angle with respect to the orientation of the operator is 180 degrees), the right side of the region accepting the rotation input operation on the touch panel401is assigned to the rightward direction of the operator (clockwise angle with respect to the orientation of the operator is 90 degrees), and the left side of the region accepting the rotation input operation on the touch panel401is assigned to the leftward direction of the operator (clockwise angle with respect to the orientation of the operator is 270 degrees). In an example of the input interface used by the operator to set the orientation of the machine, the upper side of the region accepting the rotation input operation to the touch panel401is assigned to the north direction, the lower side of the region accepting the rotation input operation to the touch panel401is assigned to the south direction, the right side of the region accepting the rotation input operation to the touch panel401is assigned to the east direction, and the left side of the region accepting the rotation input operation to the touch panel401is assigned to the west direction.

The operator selects any magnetic sheet820-m2, and disposes the selected magnetic sheet820-m2(selected object) such that the surface822-m2of the magnetic sheet820-m2faces outward, and such that the surface821-m2of the magnetic sheet820-m2is in contact with the surface811of the magnetic sheet810. The magnetic sheet820-m2is disposed on the magnetic sheet810such that the center axis O1and the center axis O2match or come close to each other.

The operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface811and the surface821-m2while touching, with a finger, the surface822-m2of the magnetic sheet820-m2disposed on the magnetic sheet810and bringing the surface811and the surface821-m2into contact with or proximity to each other. In the example inFIG. 15, the relative positional relationship between the surface811and the surface821-m2is changed (rotated) in the circumferential direction R1or R2around the axis. As a result, the input operation to the touch panel401(the operation of setting the parameter to a desired value by rotation of the dial, that is, the dial input operation or the rotation input operation) is performed, and a shear stress in the axial direction R1or R2received by the operator from the magnetic sheet820-m2changes periodically. Thus, the operator perceives a feeling of unevenness in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface821-m2. As described above, each magnetic sheet820-m2has a different magnetization pattern of the regions821a-m2and821b-m2. Therefore, the maximum value of the shear stress and/or the period of the shear stress received by the operator from the magnetic sheet820-m2is different depending on a combination of the magnetic sheet810and the selected magnetic sheet820-m2, which makes different a feeling of unevenness perceived by the operator. In other words, even when the same magnetic sheet810is used, the operator perceives a different feeling of unevenness according to the selected magnetic sheet820-m2. That is, the operator can perceive a different feeling of touch merely by changing the magnetic sheet820-m2. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 14C, when selecting the magnetic sheet820-1and performing a rotation input operation to the touch panel401, the operator can smoothly perform the rotation input operation without perceiving a feeling of unevenness, that is, a feeling of clicking. When selecting the magnetic sheet820-2, the operator can also perform the same rotation input operation while perceiving a feeling of unevenness at small intervals (for example, a feeling of unevenness in W stages), that is, a feeling of clicking in W stages. The operator can also select the magnetic sheet820-3to perform the same rotation input operation while perceiving a feeling of unevenness at large intervals (for example, a feeling of unevenness in W′ stages), that is, a feeling of clicking in W′ stages.

FEATURES OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT

In the present embodiment, when inputting information to the touch panel, the operator who inputs the information can perceive a feeling of unevenness. Even when the same “first object” is used, a different feeling of unevenness can be presented by changing the “second object”. Note that an image may be displayed on the touch panel401or a sound output from the speaker of the electronic device400may be changed according to the input operation. In addition, for example, stage illumination, which is controlled by input to the touch panel, can be gradually and discretely controlled by using the “second object” that presents a feeling of clicking, thereby enabling up-tempo performance. After that, the gradation of proof can be smoothly adjusted by changing the above “second object” to another “second object” that does not present a feeling of clicking, so that the up-tempo performance can be instantly switched to slow-tempo performance.

Modification Example 1 of Second Embodiment

Similar to the modification example 1 of the first embodiment, in the second embodiment as well, the electronic device400may identify each “second object”, and a combination of information input to the touch panel and a feeling of unevenness presented to the operator may be different for each “second object”. This example is defined as a modification example 1 of the second embodiment and only differences from the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 16illustrates examples of a slider-type “second object” in the present modification example. Each “second object”700-m2includes a magnetic sheet720-m2and a conductive portion723-m2on one surface. On one surface721-m2(second surface) of the magnetic sheet720-m2, a texture (second texture) including regions721a-m2of the S-pole and regions721b-m2of the N-pole is magnetized. The surface721-m2of the magnetic sheet720-m2and the conductive portion723-m2are disposed to face the surface711of the magnetic sheet710.

The magnetic sheet720-m2of the “second object”700-m2in the example illustrated inFIG. 16is the same as the magnetic sheet720-m2of the second embodiment inFIG. 13B.

The conductive patterns of the conductive portions723-1, . . . , M2of the “second objects”700-1, . . . , M2are different from each other. In the example inFIG. 16, the conductive pattern of the conductive portion723-1includes a single circular conductor having a diameter of 6 mm, the conductive pattern of the conductive portion723-2includes two circular conductors having a diameter of 6 mm, and the conductive pattern of the conductive portion723-3includes three circular conductors having a diameter of 6 mm.

The operator selects any of the “second objects”700-m2and disposes the selected “second object”700-m2(selected object) on the surface711of the magnetic sheet710. The method of disposing the selected object is the same as the method in the second embodiment.

The operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface721-m2and the conductive portion723-m2, and the surface711while touching, with a finger, the “second object”700-m2disposed on the magnetic sheet710(a portion of the “second object”700-m2that does not face the surface711) and bringing the surface721-m2and the conductive portion723-m2into contact with or proximity to the surface711. The electronic device400detects the position and the conductive pattern of the conductive portion723-m2that is in contact with or proximity to the touch panel401, and sets, as a parameter value, a value corresponding to the detected position for a parameter predetermined for each detected conductive pattern. For example, when the selected object is the “second object”700-1, the volume of a sound output from the speaker is used as a parameter to be operated, and a value corresponding to the detected position is set as a sound volume value. When the selected object is the “second object”700-2, the brightness of illumination is used as a parameter to be operated, a value corresponding to the detected position is set as a brightness value. In this manner, a parameter is set among multiple types of predetermined parameters, that is, information input to the touch panel can be associated with a force sense presented to the operator.

FIG. 17illustrates examples of a dial-type “second object” in the present modification example. Each “second object”800-m2includes a magnetic sheet820-m2and a conductive portion823-m2on one surface. On one surface821-m2(second surface) of the magnetic sheet820-m2, a texture (second texture) including regions821a-m2of the S-pole and regions821b-m2of the N-pole is magnetized. The surface821-m2of the magnetic sheet820-m2and the conductive portion823-m2are disposed to face the surface811of the magnetic sheet810.

The magnetic sheet820-m2of the “second object”800-m2in the example illustrated inFIG. 17is the same as the magnetic sheet820-m2of the second embodiment inFIG. 14B.

The conductive patterns of the conductive portions823-1, . . . , M2of the “second objects”800-1, . . . , M2are different from each other. In the example inFIG. 17, the conductive pattern of the conductive portion823-1includes one circular conductor having a diameter of 6 mm located at the center and one circular conductor having a diameter of 6 mm located near the circumference. The conductive pattern of the conductive portion823-2includes one circular conductor having a diameter of 6 mm located at the center, one circular conductor having a diameter of 6 mm located near the circumference, and one circular conductor located at a position that is not close to the center or circumference. The conductive pattern of the conductive portion823-3includes one circular conductor having a diameter of 6 mm located at the center, one circular conductor having a diameter of 6 mm located near the circumference, and two circular conductors located at different positions that are not close to the center or circumference and having different distances from the center.

The operator selects any of the “second objects”800-m2and disposes the selected “second object”800-m2(selected object) on the surface811of the magnetic sheet810. The method of disposing the selected object is the same as the method in the second embodiment.

The operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface821-m2and the conductive portion823-m2, and the surface811while touching, with a finger, a portion of the “second object”800-m2disposed on the magnetic sheet810and bringing the surface821-m2and the conductive portion823-m2into contact with or proximity to the surface811. The above portion of the “second object”800-m2is a portion that does not face the surface811. The electronic device400detects the position and the conductive pattern of the conductive portion823-m2that is in contact with or proximity to the touch panel401, and sets, as a parameter value, a value corresponding to the detected rotation position for a parameter predetermined for each detected conductive pattern. For example, when the selected object is the “second object”800-1, the incoming direction of a sound is used as a parameter to be operated, a value corresponding to the detected position is set as an angle value of the incoming direction. When the selected object is the “second object”800-2, the position of illumination is used as a parameter to be operated, a value corresponding to the detected position is set as an angle value of the position of the illumination. In this manner, a parameter is set among multiple types of predetermined parameters, that is, information input to the touch panel can be associated with a force sense presented to the operator.

Modification Example 2 of Second Embodiment

Although a plurality of the “second objects” are used in the modification example 1 of the second embodiment, as in the modification example 2 of the first embodiment, the orientation of one “second object” can be changed, and a combination of information input to the touch panel and a feeling of unevenness presented to the operator may be different for each orientation of the “second object”. This example is defined as a modification example 2 of the second embodiment and only differences from the modification example 1 of the second embodiment will be described.

Similar to the modification example 2 of the first embodiment, an example of the “second object” in the present modification example is illustrated inFIG. 11. In other words, the configuration of the “second object” in the present modification example is the same as the configuration of the second object in the modification example 2 of the first embodiment.

The operator in the present modification example performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface521and the conductive portion523, and the surface711while touching, with a finger, a portion of the “second object”500disposed on the magnetic sheet710with a following state maintained. The above portion of the “second object”500is a portion that does not face the surface711. The following state is a state in which the surface521and the conductive portion523are brought into contact with or proximity to (substantially contact with) the surface711such that the direction D2A matches the direction D1or such that the direction D2B matches the direction D1. The electronic device400detects the position of the conductive portion523that is in contact with or proximity to the touch panel401and the orientation of the conductive pattern, and sets, as a parameter value, a value corresponding to the detected position for a parameter predetermined for each detected orientation of the conductive pattern. For example, when the operator uses the “second object”500so as to match the direction D2B with the direction D1, the volume of a sound output from the speaker is used as a parameter to be operated, and the electronic device400sets a value corresponding to the detected position as a value of the sound volume. When the operator uses the “second object”500so as to match the direction D2A with the direction D1, the brightness of illumination is used as a parameter to be operated, and the electronic device400sets a value corresponding to the detected position as a value of the brightness. In this manner, a parameter is set among two types of predetermined parameters, that is, information input to the touch panel can be associated with a force sense presented to the operator.

Note that, the magnetic sheet610inFIG. 12may be used as the first object in place of the magnetic sheet710, and the “second object”600inFIG. 12may be used as the second object.

OTHER MODIFICATION EXAMPLES

In each of the embodiments and the modification examples, as long as a sufficient magnetic force is applied between the magnetic sheet of the “first object” and the magnetic sheet of the “second object”, the relative positional relationship between the surfaces (the first surface and the second surface) may be changed in the state in which the two magnetic sheets are in a non-contact state.

In the case of the first embodiment, the first modification example of the first embodiment, the slider-type “second object” in the second embodiment, and the slider-type “second object” in the first modification example of the second embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 18A to 18C, the magnetic sheet of the first object of the “force sense presentation object” may be formed as a rail-like (band-like) magnetic sheet1420, and the magnetic sheet of the second object may be formed as the magnetic sheet1420provided with a groove1420a. On one surface1411(first surface) of the magnetic sheet1410, a texture (first texture) including regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole as described above is magnetized. On a bottom surface1421(second surface) on the inner side of the groove1420aof the magnetic sheet1420, a texture (second texture) including the regions of the S-pole and the regions of the N-pole as described above is magnetized.

As illustrated inFIG. 18C, the magnetic sheet1410is disposed on the input surface of the touch panel401. The surface1412of the magnetic sheet1410is disposed to face the input surface of the touch panel401. A portion of the magnetic sheet1410is disposed inside the groove1420aof the magnetic sheet1420. As a result, the magnetic sheet1420is disposed such that the surface1422of the magnetic sheet1420faces outward, and such that the surface1421of the magnetic sheet1420is in contact with or proximity to the surface1411of the magnetic sheet1410. The operator performs an operation of changing the relative positional relationship between the surface1411and the surface1421(slide operation in the direction XA) while touching the surface1422of the magnetic sheet1420disposed on the magnetic sheet1410and bringing the surface1411and the surface1421into contact with or proximity to each other. At this time, the magnetic sheet1420slides in the XA direction, being supported by the inner wall of the groove1420aof the magnetic sheet1420.

Note that in the case of the dial-type “second object” in the second embodiment and the modification example, a fastening fixture may be disposed such that center positions of the first object and the second object are not displaced from each other.

SUPPLEMENT

The matters described in the above embodiments will be summarized below.

The touch panel input devices illustrated in the modification examples 1 to 3 of the first embodiment and the modification examples 1 and 2 of the third embodiment (for example,FIGS. 8, 9 to 12, 16, and 17) each comprise: the “first object (for example, the magnetic sheet210)” including the “first surface (for example, the surface211)”, the “first texture” including the region of the S-pole and the region of the N-pole being previously magnetized on the “first surface”, the “plate surface (for example, the surface212)” on an opposite side to the “first surface” being disposed to face an input surface of the “touch panel (for example, the touch panel401′)”; and the “second object (for example, the ‘second object’320-m2)” including the “magnetic sheet (for example, the magnetic sheet220-m2)” and the “conductive portion”, the “magnetic sheet” including the “second surface (for example, the surface221-m2)”, the “second texture” including a region of an S-pole and a region of an N-pole being previously magnetized on the “second surface”, the “second surface” configured to be disposed to face the “first surface”, the “conductive portion (for example,323-m2)” forming the “conductive pattern” on the “second surface”, the “second object” being operated by an operator performing an input operation to the “touch panel”.

As illustrated in the modification examples 2 and 3 of the first embodiment and the modification example 2 of the second embodiment (for example,FIGS. 11 and 12), for example, the arrangement pattern of the region of the S-pole and the region of the N-pole in the “second texture” of the “magnetic sheet” of the “second object (“second objects”500and610)” is different between when the “second surface” of the “second object” is viewed from the certain direction (hereinafter referred to as the “first direction”) (for example, the direction D2A, that is, the arrow direction D2A in the example inFIG. 12B) and when the “second surface” of the “second object” is viewed from the direction different from the “first direction” (hereinafter referred to as the “second direction”) (for example, the direction D2B, that is, in the example inFIG. 12B, the direction opposite to the arrow direction D2A, the arrow direction D2B, and the direction opposite to the arrow direction D2B), and the “conductive pattern” of the “conductive portion” of the “second object” is different between when the “second surface” of the “second object” is viewed from the “first direction” and when the “second surface” of the “second object” is viewed from the “second direction”. For example, the “first texture” includes the first repeating region where regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are repeatedly disposed along the particular “first line (for example, in the direction D1A and/or the direction D1B)” included in the “first surface”, the “second texture” includes the second repeating region where regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are repeatedly disposed along the particular “second line (for example, in the direction D2A and/or the direction D2B)” included in the “second surface”, and the “second object” is configured to be disposed in the arrangement in which the “first line” of the “first object” matches or approximates the “second line” of the “second object”, or in another arrangement.

As illustrated in the modification examples 1 of the first and second embodiments (for example,FIGS. 15 and 16), for example, the touch panel input device comprises a plurality of the “second objects (for example, the second object700-m2)”, wherein the plurality of “second objects” differ from each other in the arrangement pattern of the regions of the S-pole and the regions of the N-pole of the “second texture”, and in the “conductive pattern (for example, the conductive portion723-m2)” of the “conductive portion”. For example, the “first texture” includes the first repeating region where regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are repeatedly disposed along a particular “first line (for example, in the direction XA)” included in the “first surface”, the “second texture” includes the second repeating region where regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are repeatedly disposed along the particular “second line (for example, in the direction XB)” included in the “second surface”, and the “second object” is configured to be disposed such that the “first line” of the first object matches or approximates the “second line” of the “second object”.

For example, as illustrated in the modification example 1 of the second embodiment (for example,FIGS. 15 and 17), the “first texture” includes the first repeating region where the regions of the S-pole and the regions of the N-pole are repeatedly disposed along the circumferential direction around the “first axis (for example, the central axis O1)” substantially perpendicular to the “first surface”, the “second texture” includes the second repeating region where the regions of the S-pole and the regions of the N-pole are repeatedly disposed along the circumferential direction around the “second axis (for example, the central axis O2)” substantially perpendicular to the “second surface”, and the “second object (for example, the “second object”800-m2)” is configured to be disposed such that the “first axis” of the “first object (for example, the magnetic sheet810)” matches or approximates the “second axis” of the “second object”.

As illustrated in the second embodiment (for example,FIGS. 15 and 16), for example, in touch panel input device for inputting a value of the “parameter” of the electronic device to the “touch panel (for example, the touch panel401)”, the “touch panel” being an input measure of the electronic device (for example, the electronic device400), values of the parameter from the minimum value to the maximum value are assigned on the certain “line segment” on the “touch panel” (for example, on the line segment in the XA direction) in ascending order or descending order, the touch panel input device comprises: the “first object” including the “first surface”, the first repeating region where regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are repeatedly disposed along the particular “first line (for example, in the XA direction)” being previously magnetized on the “first surface”, the plate surface on the opposite side to the “first surface” being disposed to face the input surface of the “touch panel”; and the “second object” including the magnetic sheet including the “second surface”, the second repeating region where regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are repeatedly disposed along the particular “second line (for example, in the XB direction)” being previously magnetized on the “second surface”, the “second surface” being disposed to face the “first surface”, the “second object” being operated by an operator performing the input operation to the “touch panel”, and the “first object” and the “second object” are disposed such that the “line segment” on the “touch panel”, the “first line” of the “first object”, the “second line” of the “second object” match or approximate one another.

As illustrated in the second embodiment (for example,FIGS. 15 and 17), for example, in the touch panel input device for inputting the value of the parameter of the “electronic device (for example, the electronic device400)” to the “touch panel (for example, the touch panel401)”, the “touch panel” being an input measure of the “electronic device”, values of the parameter are assigned on the “touch panel” in the circumferential direction around the “first axis (for example, the central axis O1and/or02)” substantially perpendicular to the “touch panel” according to the predetermined rule, the touch panel input device comprises: the first object (for example, the magnetic sheet810) including the “first surface”, the first repeating region where regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are repeatedly disposed along the circumferential direction around the “second axis (for example, the central axis O1)” substantially perpendicular to the “first surface” being previously magnetized on the “first surface”, the plate surface on the opposite side to the “first surface” being disposed to face the input surface of the “touch panel”; and the “second object (for example, the second object800-m2)” including the magnetic sheet (for example, the magnetic sheet820-m2) including the “second surface”, the second repeating region where regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are repeatedly disposed along the circumferential direction around the “third axis (for example, the central axis O2)” substantially perpendicular to the “second surface” being previously magnetized on the “second surface”, the “second surface” being disposed to face the “first surface”, the “second object” being operated by the operator performing an input operation to the “touch panel”, and the “first object” and the “second object” are disposed such that the “first axis”, the “second axis”, and the “third axis” match or approximate one another.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST