Force sense presenting object and book

To present different force senses depending on visually-recognizable patterns by using magnetic bodies which are preliminarily magnetized. A force sense presenting object includes: a base object that includes a first surface, which is preliminarily magnetized with a first texture including an S-pole region and an N-pole region; a first sheet that is provided with a first pattern, which is visually recognizable, and is layered on the first surface side of the base object; a second sheet that is provided with a second pattern, which is visually recognizable and is different from the first pattern, and is layered on the first surface side of the base object; a first contact object that includes a second surface which is preliminarily magnetized with a second texture including an S-pole region and an N-pole region; and a second contact object that includes a third surface which is preliminarily magnetized with a third texture which includes an S-pole region and an N-pole region and is different from the second texture.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to techniques for presenting a force sense.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Literature 1 discloses the technique for presenting a force sense of an object such as bumpy feeling which is obtained when a person touches the object with his/her fingers. Patent Literature 2 discloses the technique for feeding back a force sense to an operator of a drawing tablet.

PRIOR ART LITERATURE

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2000-89895

Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2000-207114

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In the techniques of Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, various types of force senses are presented by magnetic force generated from electromagnets. An object of the present invention is to present force senses mutually different among respective visually-recognizable patterns by using magnetic bodies which are preliminarily magnetized.

Means to Solve the Problems

A force sense presenting object according to the present invention includes: a base object that includes a first surface, which is preliminarily magnetized with a first texture including an S-pole region and an N-pole region; a first sheet that is provided with a first pattern, which is visually recognizable, and is layered on the first surface side of the base object; a second sheet that is provided with a second pattern, which is visually recognizable and is different from the first pattern, and is layered on the first surface side of the base object; a first contact object that includes a second surface, which is preliminarily magnetized with a second texture including an S-pole region and an N-pole region; and a second contact object that includes a third surface, which is preliminarily magnetized with a third texture which includes an S-pole region and an N-pole region and is different from the second texture.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, force senses mutually different among respective visually-recognizable patterns can be presented by using magnetic bodies which are preliminarily magnetized.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments according to the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

In the present embodiment, a cutter component of a cutting plotter (also referred to as a “cutting machine”), which is an apparatus for making a cut corresponding to inputted texture information on an object based on the inputted texture information, is replaced with a magnetization component and this cutting plotter is driven to magnetize a magnetic sheet (the magnetic sheet is magnetized).

As illustrated inFIG. 1toFIG. 3, a magnetization device1according to the present embodiment includes a magnetization component11, a cutter component attachment unit12, a drawing head13, an input unit14, a storage15, a control unit16, and a driving unit17and magnetizes a magnetic sheet18which is placed. This magnetization device1is obtained by replacing a cutter component101of a cutting plotter including the cutter component101, the cutter component attachment unit12, the drawing head13, the input unit14, the storage15, the control unit16, and the driving unit17with the magnetization component11.

As illustrated inFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B, the cutter component101includes a cutter portion101afor making a cut on an object, a fixing portion101bwhich has a columnar shape and on which the cutter portion101ais fixed, and a cap portion101c. One end of the cutter portion101ais a cutting edge101aaand the other end is fixed in the fixing portion101b. The cutter portion101amay be attachable to and detachable from the fixing portion101bor does not have to be attachable and detachable. A through hole101cais formed on an end side of the cap portion101c. The cap portion101ccan be attached to the cutter portion101aside of the fixing portion101b. When the cap portion101cis attached to the cutter portion101aside of the fixing portion101b, the cutting edge101aaprotrudes to the outside of the cap portion101cthrough the through hole101ca. An attachment region101bais provided on an outer lateral surface of the fixing portion101band this attachment region101bacan be fixed on an attachment position of the above-mentioned cutting plotter.

As illustrated inFIG. 3CandFIG. 3D, the magnetization component11which replaces the cutter component101includes a magnet11awhich magnetizes an object and has a columnar shape (a magnet which is supported by an attachment mechanism and is configured such that the magnetic pole thereof is opposed to the object when the attachment mechanism is attached on an attachment position), a fixing portion11bin which the magnet11ais fixed and which has a columnar shape (an attachment mechanism which has the substantially same configuration as that of an attachment part of the cutter component with respect to an attachment position), and a cap portion11c. The magnet11ais a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet. When a neodymium magnet is used as the magnet11a, surface magnetic flux density of an end portion11as of the magnet11avaries depending on a shape of the magnet11a.FIG. 4illustrates surface magnetic flux density (Bs) [mT] at the centers on bottom surfaces of columns of columnar neodymium magnets having different diameters [mm] and lengths [mm]. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the magnet11ahas larger surface magnetic flux density as the diameter thereof is larger. However, if the diameter is too larger, the magnetic flux density at the center is lowered and resolution of a pattern which can magnetize the magnetic sheet18is lowered. Surface magnetic flux density is larger as the length of the magnet11ais greater when the magnets11ahave the same diameters as each other. The length of the magnet11ais, however, limited due to the restriction as the magnetization component11which can replace the cutter component101. A neodymium magnet having the diameter of 2 mm and the length of 10 mm can be used as the magnet11a, for example. The end portion11aaon one end of the magnet11ahas either magnetic pole (the S pole or the N pole) and the other end is fixed to the fixing portion11b. The magnet11amay be attachable to and detachable from the fixing portion11bor does not have to be attachable and detachable. A through hole11cais formed on an end side of the cap portion11c. The cap portion11ccan be attached to the magnet11aside of the fixing portion11b. When the cap portion11cis attached to the magnet11aside of the fixing portion11b, the end portion11aaof the magnet11aprotrudes to the outside of the cap portion11cthrough the through hole11ca(the magnetic pole of the magnet11ais disposed on the outside of the cap portion11c). An attachment region11bais provided on an outer lateral surface of the fixing portion11band this attachment region11bacan be fixed on an attachment position of the above-mentioned cutting plotter.

In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the fixing portion11bis substantially the same as the outer shape of the fixing portion101band the position and the shape of the attachment region11ba(the configuration of the attachment mechanism) are also substantially the same as the position and the shape of the attachment region101ba(the attachment part of the cutter component with respect to the attachment position). The outer shape of the cap portion11cis preferably substantially the same as the outer shape of the cap portion101c, but these shapes may be different from each other. A relative position of the end portion11aawith respect to the attachment region11bais preferably substantially the same as a relative position of the cutting edge101aawith respect to the attachment region101ba. The length of the end portion11aapositioned in the outside of the cap portion11cwhen the cap portion11cis attached to the fixing portion11bis preferably substantially the same as the length of the cutting edge101aapositioned in the outside of the cap portion101cwhen the cap portion101cis attached to the fixing portion101b. The cutter component101in which the cutter portion101ais replaced with the magnet11a, for example, may be used as the magnetization component11. In this case, the fixing portion101bis equivalent to the fixing portion11band the cap portion101cis equivalent to the cap portion11c. In such a case, it is preferable that the shape of the cutter component101on the fixing portion101bside is substantially the same as the shape of the magnetization component11on the fixing portion11bside. Accordingly, the magnetization component11can be produced from the known cutter component101without specially installing a spacer and machining. Here, “α is substantially the same as β” means that α and β are the same as each other or α and β approximate each other.

By fixing the attachment region101baof the cutter component101on the cutter component attachment unit12, the cutter component101is attached to the drawing head13. In the present embodiment, instead of the cutter component101, by fixing the attachment region11baof the magnetization component11on the cutter component attachment unit12(the attachment position of the cutter component), the magnetization component11is attached to the drawing head13(FIG. 1andFIG. 2B). The magnetization component11attached to the cutter component attachment unit12is positioned so that the end portion11aa(magnetic pole) of the magnet11aof the magnetization component11is opposed to a surface18aof the magnetic sheet18(object) which is disposed as a magnetization object. That is, the magnetization component11which is a component including the magnet11awhose magnetic pole (the S pole or the N pole) is opposite to that of the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is attached to the cutter component attachment unit12. The end portion11as of the magnet11ais set to the N pole when the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized to the S pole, while the end portion11aaof the magnet11ais set to the S pole when the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized to the N pole. The case where the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18needs to be magnetized to the S pole and the N pole requires the magnetization component11including the magnet11awhose end portion11aais on the N pole (for magnetization to the S pole) and the magnetization component11including the magnet11awhose end portion11aais on the S pole (for magnetization to the N pole). If the magnet11ais attachable to and detachable from the fixing portion11b, the magnet11awhose end portion11aais on the N pole may be attached to the fixing portion11bwhen the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized to the S pole, and the magnet11awhose end portion11aais on the S pole may be attached to the fixing portion11bwhen the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized to the N pole. Two ends of the magnet11amay have magnetic poles opposite to each other (the S pole and the N pole), and one end selected from the two ends may be set as the end portion11aaand the other end may be able to be fixed on the fixing portion11b. That is, the magnet11amay be reversible with respect to the fixing portion11band either one end (the S pole or the N pole) of the magnet11acan be selected as the end portion11aa. As described later, positions of the drawing head13and the magnetic sheet18are digitally controlled and thus, the relative position of the drawing head13with respect to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18can be changed. Here, a surface different from the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized to the opposite magnetic pole to that of the surface18a. That is, magnetization of the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18also means magnetization of the magnetic sheet18itself.

The input unit14, the storage15, the control unit16, and the driving unit17are functional components originally provided to the cutting plotter. The input unit14is an input interface, the storage15is a random-access memory (RAM), hard disk, and the like, and the driving unit17is a driving device composed of a motor, an actuator, and the like. The control unit16may be configured through execution of a predetermined program by a computer including a processor (hardware processor) such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory such as a random-access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM), and the like, and may be configured by an integrated circuit.

The magnetic sheet18is a sheet mainly made of a ferromagnetic material, and is a magnetic rubber sheet mainly made of magnetic rubber, a magnetic plastic sheet mainly made of magnetic plastic, or a magnetic metal sheet mainly made of metal, for example. If a ferromagnetic material is exposed in a strong magnetic field, atoms' dipoles are aligned with a magnetic field and the alignment remains even after the magnetic field is removed. A ferromagnetic material which is once magnetized maintains the direction of the magnetic pole thereof until a sufficiently-strong opposite magnetic field, strong impact, or sufficient heat is applied to the ferromagnetic material. Utilizing this property in the present embodiment, the magnetic sheet18is magnetized by the magnet11aof the magnetization component11in a rewritable manner.

A magnetization method according to the present embodiment is described. Texture information representing a pattern for magnetizing the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18(magnetization pattern) is inputted into the input unit14of the magnetization device1(FIG. 1). The texture information is two dimensional data representing which coordinate of the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is to be magnetized. When the magnetization pattern is for magnetizing the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18to either one magnetic pole (the S pole or the N pole) (when the magnetization pattern corresponds to only one magnetic pole), texture information includes pattern information representing a pattern for magnetization to the corresponding magnetic pole. On the other hand, when the magnetization pattern is for magnetizing the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18to both magnetic poles (the S pole and the N pole) (when the magnetization pattern corresponds to both magnetic poles), texture information includes pattern information representing a pattern for magnetization to one magnetic pole (the S pole, for example) (first pattern information representing a pattern corresponding to one magnetic pole) and pattern information representing a pattern for magnetization to the other magnetic pole (the N pole, for example) (second pattern information representing a pattern corresponding to the other magnetic pole).FIG. 5illustrates a magnetization pattern110for magnetizing the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18to both magnetic poles. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the magnetization pattern110includes a pattern111for magnetization to the S pole and a pattern112for magnetization to the N pole. Texture information in this case includes information representing the pattern111and information representing the pattern112. The texture information may be image data in a vector format which is produced by drawing software or may be image data in a raster format (bitmap image data) to which such image data is converted. The inputted texture information is stored in the storage15. Further, the magnetic sheet18is placed on the magnetization device1. Accordingly, the end portion11aa(magnetic pole) of the magnet11ain the magnetization component11attached to the cutter component attachment unit12is opposed to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18.

When the magnetization device1which is a cutting plotter is operated, the control unit16reads the texture information from the storage15and changes a relative position of the drawing head13with respect to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18by controlling the driving unit17so as to magnetize the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18to a pattern corresponding to the texture information by the magnetic force of the end portion11as of the magnet11a(magnetization corresponding to the texture information is performed with respect to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18). That is, the driving unit17moves the drawing head13along at least either one of the X axis and the Z axis, being able to change a relative position of the end portion11as of the magnet11awith respect to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18. The driving unit17further moves the magnetic sheet18along the Y axis, being able to change the relative position of the end portion11as of the magnet11awith respect to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18. Here, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are coordinate axes which are orthogonal to each other. The X-Y plane passing the X axis and the Y axis is substantially parallel (parallel, for example) to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18and the Z axis is substantially orthogonal (orthogonal, for example) to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18. If the relative position of the drawing head13with respect to the magnetic sheet18is changed along the X coordinate and/or the Y axis, an (X,Y) coordinate of the end portion11as of the magnet11aon the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18can be changed and the magnetization position in the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18can be changed. If the relative position of the drawing head13with respect to the magnetic sheet18is changed along the Z coordinate, a distance between the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18and the end portion11aaof the magnet11acan be changed. The surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized when the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18and the end portion11as of the magnet11aare brought in contact with or close to each other. Thus, existence of magnetization can be controlled by changing the distance between the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18and the end portion11aaof the magnet11a. The driving unit17changes the relative position between the drawing head13and the magnetic sheet18along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis based on the texture information so as to magnetize the surface18aside of the magnetic sheet18in the magnetization pattern represented by the texture information. Here, when the magnetization pattern is for magnetizing the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18to both magnetic poles (the S pole and the N pole), the driving unit17magnetizes the surface18aside of the magnetic sheet18in a pattern corresponding to each magnetic pole. When magnetization is performed based on a pattern for magnetization to the S pole, the driving unit17changes the relative position between the drawing head13and the magnetic sheet18along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis in accordance with the S-pole pattern so as to magnetize the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18with the S-pole pattern (the pattern111inFIG. 5, for example) by using the magnetization component11which includes the magnet11ahaving the end portion11as of the N pole. When magnetization is performed based on a pattern for magnetization to the N pole, the driving unit17changes the relative position between the drawing head13and the magnetic sheet18along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis in accordance with the N-pole pattern so as to magnetize the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18with the N-pole pattern (the pattern112inFIG. 5, for example) by using the magnetization component11which includes the magnet11ahaving the end portion11aaof the S pole. That is, when the N pole (the other magnetic pole) of the magnet11aincluded in the magnetization component11is opposed to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18, the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized with the S-pole pattern (the pattern111inFIG. 5, for example) (magnetization corresponding to first pattern information). On the other hand, when the S pole (one magnetic pole) of the magnet11aincluded in the magnetization component11is opposed to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18, the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized with the N-pole pattern (the pattern112inFIG. 5, for example) (magnetization corresponding to second pattern information). The method for switching the magnetic poles of the end portion11aais as described above.

The following two types of magnetization methods can be assumed.

Sliding method: A method in which an (X,Y) coordinate of the drawing head13on the magnetic sheet18is changed while keeping the magnetic pole of the end portion11as of the magnet11ain contact with or close to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18.

Plotting method: A method in which an (X,Y) coordinate of the drawing head13on the magnetic sheet18is changed while keeping the magnetic pole of the end portion11aaof the magnet11aseparate from the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18and the magnetic pole of the end portion11aaof the magnet11ais brought into contact with or close to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18on a coordinate on which magnetization is to be performed.

Though high speed magnetization can be realized in the sliding method, directions of atoms' dipoles on a magnetized part may not be able to be orthogonally aligned to the surface18aand surface magnetic flux density may be accordingly lowered. On the other hand, directions of atoms' dipoles on a magnetized part can be orthogonally aligned to the surface18ain the plotting method, but the magnetization requires much time. Comparison results in the number of steps, processing time, and surface magnetic flux density obtained when magnetization with the same patterns are performed by the plotting method, in which magnetization is performed at 2 mm interval and 1 mm interval, and the sliding method are illustrated.

This result shows that there is not large difference among the maximum values of the surface magnetic flux density in the plotting method and the sliding method. Further, it is understood that the number of steps and the processing time in the slide method are particularly smaller than those in the plotting method. Further, when magnetization is performed at 2 mm interval with the plotting method, the minimum value of the surface magnetic flux density is largely lowered. This is because an interval between magnetization points has been increased and the surface magnetic flux density has become uneven. The above shows that it is more preferable to perform magnetization by using the sliding method than the plotting method.

Characteristics of Present Embodiment

Magnetization can be performed with an arbitrary magnetic pattern without using a dedicated device for magnetization in the present embodiment.

Modification of First Embodiment

The magnetic poles of the end portion11as of the magnet11aare manually switched when the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized to both magnetic poles (the S pole and the N pole), in the first embodiment. However, the magnetic poles of the end portion11aaof the magnet11amay be automatically switched. That is, the N pole (the other magnetic pole) of the magnet11aincluded in the magnetization component11may be automatically made opposed to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18when the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized with the S-pole pattern (magnetization corresponding to the first pattern information), and the S pole (one magnetic pole) of the magnet11aincluded in the magnetization component11may be automatically made opposed to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18when the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18is magnetized with the N-pole pattern (magnetization corresponding to the second pattern information). Namely, polarity of the magnetic pole opposed to the surface18aof the magnetic sheet18(object) may be able to be switched when the fixing portion11b(attachment mechanism) is attached to the cutter component attachment unit12(attachment position). For example, the magnetic poles of the end portion11as in the magnet11amay be automatically switched by physically reversing the magnet11aof the magnetization component11. Alternatively, an electromagnet may be used as the magnet11aand the magnetic poles of the end portion11as in the magnet11amay be automatically switched by switching a direction of current supplied to the electromagnet.

Second Embodiment

In a second embodiment, perception of bumpiness (also referred to as “unevenness”) is provided by using two objects which are magnetized with patterns having the S pole and the N pole. A force sense presenting object according to the present embodiment has a “first object” and a “second object”. The “first object” includes a “first surface” and the “first surface” is magnetized with a “first texture” including an S-pole region and an N-pole region. The “second object” includes a “second surface” and the “second surface” is magnetized with a “second texture” including an S-pole region and an N-pole region. Here, an “acting subject” that is a human being or an animal other than a human being touches at least either one of the “first object” and the “second object” and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” while keeping the “first surface” and the “second surface” in contact with or close to each other. Accordingly, the “acting subject” perceives bumpiness. That is, the “acting subject” touches at least either one of the “first object” and the “second object” and performs the operation for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” or/and the action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” while keeping the “first surface” and the “second surface” in contact with or close to each other. Accordingly, shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” periodically changes. Change in shearing stress is change in a linear direction included in a plane along the “first surface” and the “second surface”, and the “acting subject” perceives (has an illusion) this change as bumpiness substantially orthogonal to the “first surface” and the “second surface”. In the “first texture” and the “second texture”, regions magnetized to the S pole and regions magnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged in an alternate manner, for example. The “first texture” and the “second texture” may be textures in which belt-like regions magnetized to the S pole and belt-like regions magnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged in an alternate manner or may include periodical nearly-checkered regions magnetized to the S pole and periodical nearly-checkered regions magnetized to the N pole, for example. A pattern of the “first texture” and a pattern of the “second texture” may be the same as each other or different from each other. The way of change in shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” varies and bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” also varies depending on a combination between a pattern of the “first texture” and a pattern of the “second texture”. The way of change in shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” may vary depending on a direction in which the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” is changed. In this case, bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” varies as well depending on the direction in which the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” is changed. For example, the “first texture” and the “second texture” may be textures on which tape-like regions magnetized to the S pole and tape-like regions magnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged in an alternate manner. The operation for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” or/and the action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” may be performed while keeping the “first surface” and the “second surface” in contact with or close to each other so that the longitudinal direction of the tape-like regions of the “first texture” follows the longitudinal direction of the tape-like regions of the “second texture”. In this case, the way of change in shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” varies and bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” also varies depending on whether the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” is changed in the longitudinal direction of the tape-like regions or the short side direction of the same. Any of the following (1) to (3) or a combination of a part or all of these is the example of the operation for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” or/and the action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface”.

(1) An action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” by directly moving at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” by the “acting subject”.

(2) An action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” by moving a thing interposed between at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” and the “acting subject” by the “acting subject” so as to indirectly move at least one of the “first object” and the “second object”.

(3) An operation for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” by driving a device which automatically moves at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” by the “acting subject”.

Further, “changing the relative positional relation between the first surface and the second surface” means sliding the “second surface” with respect to the “first surface” and sliding the “first surface” with respect to the “second surface”, for example.

Specific examples of the present embodiment are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A magnetic sheet210inFIG. 6Ais a specific example of the “first object” and a magnetic sheet220inFIG. 6Bis a specific example of the “second object”. One surface (plate surface)211(first surface) of the magnetic sheet210is magnetized with a texture (first texture) including S-pole regions211aand N-pole regions211b. The regions211awhich have a belt-like (tape-like) shape and are magnetized to the S pole and the regions211bwhich have a belt-like (tape-like) shape and are magnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged on the surface211in an alternate manner. In a similar manner, one surface (plate surface)221(the second surface) of the magnetic sheet220is magnetized with a texture (second texture) including S-pole regions221aand N-pole regions221b. The regions221awhich have a belt-like (tape-like) shape and are magnetized to the S pole and the regions221bwhich have a belt-like (tape-like) shape and are magnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged on the surface221in an alternate manner. In this example, each 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 region221bis 2 mm. Further,FIG. 6AandFIG. 6Bexpress difference in magnetic poles of the region211a, the region211b, the region221a, and the region221bby difference of drawing patterns. The region211a, the region211b, the region221a, and the region221bare not separately painted in a visually recognizable manner. That is, these textures are magnetization patterns but are not a visually separately painted patterns (the same is applied to the below). The magnetic sheets210and220are magnetized by the method described in the first embodiment, for example. However, the magnetic sheets210and220may be magnetized by a method other than the above method (the same is applied to the below).

As illustrated inFIG. 7,FIG. 8, andFIG. 10A, a user (acting subject) places the magnetic sheet210so that the surface211faces outside and places the magnetic sheet220so that the surface221is in contact with the surface211. Here, the magnetic sheet220is layered on the magnetic sheet210in a direction in which the longitudinal direction D1of the regions211aand211bof the magnetic sheet210follows the longitudinal direction D2of the regions221aand221bof the magnetic sheet220. For example, the magnetic sheet220is layered on the magnetic sheet210so that the longitudinal direction D1is along the longitudinal direction D2(in other words, so that the longitudinal direction D1and the longitudinal direction D2are substantially parallel to each other). The user touches the other surface222of the magnetic sheet220, which is layered on the magnetic sheet210, with the finger200and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface211and the surface221while keeping the surface211and the surface221in contact with or close to (nearly in contact with) each other. In the example ofFIG. 7andFIG. 8, the relative positional relation between the surface211and the surface221is changed in the XA direction which is the short side direction of the regions211aand211bof the magnetic sheet210. Accordingly, shearing stress in the XA direction received by the user from the magnetic sheet220periodically changes. As a result, the user perceives bumpy feeling in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface221. Here, when the relative positional relation between the surface211and the surface221is changed in the longitudinal direction of the regions211aand211bof the magnetic sheet210, shearing stress received by the user does not change and the user does not perceive bumpy feeling. The way of change in shearing stress received by the user from the magnetic sheet220varies and bumpy feeling perceived by the user also varies depending on a direction in which the relative positional relation between the surface211and the surface221is changed.

FIG. 9AandFIG. 9Brespectively illustrate magnetic sheets230and250whose pitches are different from the pitch of the magnetic sheet210andFIG. 9CandFIG. 9Drespectively illustrate magnetic sheets240and260whose pitches are different from the pitch of the magnetic sheet220. The magnetic sheets230and250are specific examples of the “first object” and the magnetic sheets240and260are specific examples of the “second object”. Belt-like regions231amagnetized to the S pole and belt-like regions231bmagnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged in an alternate manner on one surface231(first surface) of the magnetic sheet230. Similarly, belt-like regions241amagnetized to the S pole and belt-like regions241bmagnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged in an alternate manner on one surface241(second surface) of the magnetic sheet240. Belt-like regions251amagnetized to the S pole and belt-like regions251bmagnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged in an alternate manner on one surface251(first surface) of the magnetic sheet250. In a similar manner, belt-like regions261amagnetized to the S pole and belt-like regions261bmagnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged in an alternate manner on one surface261(second surface) of the magnetic sheet260. Here, each of 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 region241bis 4 mm. Each of 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 regions261a, and the width in the short side direction of the region261bis 6 mm.

When the magnetic sheet230is used as the “first object” and the magnetic sheet240is used as the “second object”, a user performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface231and the surface241or/and an action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface231and the surface241while keeping the surface231and the surface241in contact with or close to each other and accordingly perceives bumpy feeling (FIG. 10B), similarly to the case where the magnetic sheets210and220are used by replacing the magnetic sheets210and220, the surfaces211and221, and the regions211a,211b,221a, and221bwith the magnetic sheets230and240, the surfaces231and241, and the regions231a,231b,241a, and241brespectively. In a similar manner, when the magnetic sheet250is used as the “first object” and the magnetic sheet260is used as the “second object”, a user performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface251and the surface261or/and an action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface251and the surface261while keeping the surface251and the surface261in contact with or close to each other and accordingly perceives bumpy feeling (FIG. 10C), similarly to the case where the magnetic sheets210and220are used by replacing the magnetic sheets210and220, the surfaces211and221, and the regions211a,211b,221a, and221bwith the magnetic sheets250and260, the surfaces251and261, and the regions251a,251b,261a, and261brespectively.

Also, 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” and the pitch of the “second object” may be different from each other.

Pitches of magnetic sheets used as the “first object” and the “second object” affect shearing stress, that is, bumpy feeling perceived by a user. First, as illustrated fromFIG. 10AtoFIG. 10C, a spatial frequency of shearing stress perceived by a user, that is, spacing of bumpiness depends on a smaller pitch between a pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and a pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “second object”. For example, spacing of bumpiness perceived when both of the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “second object” are 2 mm as illustrated inFIG. 10Ais narrower than spacing of bumpiness perceived when both of the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “second object” are 4 mm as illustrated inFIG. 10B. Further, as illustrated fromFIG. 11AtoFIG. 11D, a magnitude of shearing stress, that is, a magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by a user depends on a combination between the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “second object”. As illustrated inFIG. 11AandFIG. 11B, a difference between the maximum value (100%) and the minimum value (0%) of an attractive force area ratio between magnetic sheets used as the “first object” and the “second object” reaches the maximum and the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by a user reaches the maximum when the pitch of the magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and the pitch of the magnetic sheet used as the “second object” are the same as each other (when both are 2 mm, for example). As illustrated inFIG. 11AandFIG. 11C, when the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “first object” is 6 mm and a pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “second object” is 2 mm, the maximum value and the minimum value of the attractive force area ratio between the magnetic sheets are respectively 66.67% and 33.33% and the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by a user is thus smaller than that obtained when the pitches of magnetic sheets used as the “first object” and the “second object” are the same as each other. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 11AandFIG. 11D, when the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “first object” is 4 mm and the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “second object” is 2 mm, the maximum value and the minimum value of the attractive force area ratio between the magnetic sheets are both 50% and a user accordingly does not perceive bumpy feeling.

The magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by a user is formulated as the following. The pitch of the magnetic sheet A used as the “second object” is pA=n [mm] and the pitch of the magnetic sheet B used as the “first object” is pB=m [mm]. Here, n≤m holds. The attractive force area ratio Ar(A,B)on a surface on which these two magnetic sheets A and B are in contact with each other is expressed by a function f of two pitches pAand pB.
Ar(A,B)=f(pA,pB)[%]  (1)

Here, the function f depends on patterns magnetizing the magnetic sheets A and B. Further, holding force (H(A,B)[g/cm2]) generated between the two magnetic sheets A and B depends on Ar(A,B)and surface magnetic flux density BsAand BsB[mT] of both magnetic sheets A and B and is expressed by a function g.
H(A,B)=g(Ar(A,B),Bs(A),Bs(B))[g/cm2]  (2)

The magnitude V(A,B)of bumpy feeling depends on the maximum value H(A,B)MAXof H(A,B)and is expressed by a function h, the bumpy feeling perceived when the relative positional relation between surfaces of the magnetic sheet A and the magnetic sheet B is changed while keeping the surfaces of these two magnetic sheets A and B in contact with or close to each other.

FIG. 12illustrates a relation among the pitches pAand pBof the magnetic sheets A and B, holding force generated between the magnetic sheets A and B, and the maximum attractive force area ratio (the maximum value of the attractive force area ratio). The left vertical axis ofFIG. 12represents holding force, the right vertical axis represents maximum attractive force area ratio, and the horizontal axis represents the pitches pAand pBof the magnetic sheets A and B ((A) represents the pitch pAand (B) represents the pitch pB). As illustrated, the magnitude of bumpiness perceived from the magnetic sheets A and B used as the “first object” and the “second object” vary depending on the pitches of the magnetic sheets A and B.

Other examples of the “first object” and the “second object” are described.FIG. 13AtoFIG. 14Billustrate magnetic sheets which are magnetized with a texture including periodical nearly-checkered (nearly checker) regions magnetized to the S pole and periodical nearly-checkered regions magnetized to the N pole, as examples of the “first object” and the “second object”. Magnetic sheets210′,230′, and250′ inFIG. 13A,FIG. 13C, andFIG. 14Aare specific examples of the “first object” and magnetic sheets220′,240′ and260′ inFIG. 13B,FIG. 13D, andFIG. 14Bare specific examples of the “second object”. A nearly-checkered pattern means a checkered pattern or a pattern close to a checkered pattern. That is, the nearly-checkered pattern in the present embodiment includes 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 periodically arranged in an alternate manner but also a pattern in which patterns similar to squares (or rectangles) magnetized to the S pole and patterns similar to squares (or rectangles) magnetized to the N pole are periodically arranged in an alternate manner. Examples of the pattern similar to a square (or a rectangle) include a pattern of a square (or a rectangle) with rounded corners, a circle, and an oval.

As illustrated inFIG. 13A, one surface211′ (first surface) of the magnetic sheet210′ (first object) is magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture (first texture) in which square regions211a′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the S pole and square regions211b′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the N pole are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. As illustrated inFIG. 13B, one surface221′ (second surface) of the magnetic sheet220′ (second object) is magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture (second texture) in which square regions221a′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the S pole and square regions221b′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the N pole are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. All pitches of patterns in the nearly-checkered patterns magnetizing the magnetic sheets210′ and220′ (the width of each of the patterns periodically and repeatedly arranged in an alternate manner) are 2 mm.

As illustrated inFIG. 13C, one surface231′ (first surface) of the magnetic sheet230′ (first object) is magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture (first texture) in which square regions231a′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the S pole and square regions231b′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the N pole are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. As illustrated inFIG. 13D, one surface241′ (second surface) of the magnetic sheet240′ (second object) is magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture (second texture) in which square regions241a′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the S pole and square regions241b′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the N pole are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. All pitches of patterns in the nearly-checkered patterns magnetizing the magnetic sheets230′ and240′ are 4 mm.

As illustrated inFIG. 14A, one surface251′ (first surface) of the magnetic sheet250′ (first object) is magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture (first texture) in which square regions251a′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the S pole and square regions251b′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the N pole are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. As illustrated inFIG. 14B, one surface261′ (second surface) of the magnetic sheet260′ (second object) is magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture (second texture) in which square regions261a′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the S pole and square regions261b′ having rounded corners and magnetized to the N pole are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. All pitches of patterns in the nearly-checkered patterns magnetizing the magnetic sheets250′ and260′ are 6 mm.

A user can perceive bumpiness by performing the operation for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” or/and the action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” while keeping the “first surface” of the “first object” and the “second surface” in contact with or close to each other also when magnetic sheets magnetized with nearly-checkered textures described above are used as the “first object” and the “second object”. The pitch of the “first object” and the pitch of the “second object” may be the same as or different from each other. Also, a magnetic sheet magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture may be used as the “first object” and a magnetic sheet magnetized with a texture in which belt-like regions are alternately repeated as described above may be used as the “second object”. In an inverted manner, a magnetic sheet magnetized with a texture in which belt-like regions are alternately repeated as described above may be used as the “first object” and a magnetic sheet magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture may be used as the “second object”.

Pitches of magnetic sheets used as the “first object” and the “second object” affect shearing stress, that is, bumpy feeling perceived by a user also when a magnetic sheet magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture as described above is used as at least one of the “first object” and the “second object”. That is, a spatial frequency of shearing stress, that is, spacing of bumpiness perceived by a user depends on a smaller pitch between the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “second object”. Further, a magnitude of shearing stress, that is, a magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by a user depends on a combination between the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and the pitch of a magnetic sheet used as the “second object”. Also, the above-described formulation for a magnitude of perceived bumpy feeling is applicable also to the case where a magnetic sheet magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture is used as at least one of the “first object” and the “second object”, and the magnitude V(A,B)of perceived bumpy feeling is expressed by Formula (3). However, the maximum attractive force area ratio between magnetic sheets is smaller and perceived bumpy feeling can be reduced when a magnetic sheet magnetized with a nearly-checkered texture is used as at least one of the “first object” and the “second object” compared to the case where magnetic sheets magnetized with a texture in which belt-like regions are alternately repeated as those described above are used as the “first object” and the “second object”. For example, even in the use of the magnetic sheet having a 2-mm pitch and the magnetic sheet having a 6-mm pitch, 66.67% of maximum attractive force area ratio is obtained when a combination of magnetic sheets magnetized with textures in which belt-like regions are alternately repeated (stripe texture) is used, while 55.56% of maximum attractive force area ratio is obtained when a combination of magnetic sheets magnetized with nearly-checkered textures (checker texture) is used, as illustrated inFIG. 15. Further, even in the use of a combination of magnetic sheets magnetized with stripe textures or a combination of magnetic sheets magnetized with checker textures, holding force and the maximum attractive force area ratio between these magnetic sheets reach the maximum when the pitch of the magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and the pitch of the magnetic sheet used as the “second object” are equal to each other, as illustrated fromFIG. 16AtoFIG. 17B. Here, in the use of stripe textures, certain levels of holding force and maximum attractive force area ratios can be obtained even when the pitch of the magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and the pitch of the magnetic sheet used as the “second object” are different from each other (FIG. 16AandFIG. 16B). On the other hand, in the use of checker textures, holding force and maximum attractive force area ratios are largely lower when the pitch of the magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and the pitch of the magnetic sheet used as the “second object” are different from each other compared to the case where these pitches are the same as each other (FIG. 17AandFIG. 17B). That is, it is understood that a certain level of magnitude of bumpy feeling can be perceived even when pitches of two magnetic sheets are different from each other in the use of stripe textures, while the magnitude of perceived bumpy feeling is largely lowered when the pitches of two magnetic sheets are different from each other in the use of checker textures. Meanwhile, bumpy feeling can be perceived only when the relative position between the “first object” and the “second object” is changed in a one-dimensional direction in the use of stripe textures, while bumpy feeling can be perceived also when this relative position is changed in a two-dimensional direction in the use of checker textures.

Characteristics of Present Embodiment

In the present embodiment, use of two magnetic sheets enables perception of bumpy feeling and realizes expression of various kinds of bumpy feeling in accordance with textures magnetizing respective magnetic sheets and pitches.

Modification of Second Embodiment

If magnetic force sufficiently acts between a magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and a magnetic sheet used as the “second object”, the relative positional relation between surfaces (first surface and second surface) of these magnetic sheets may be changed in a state that these two magnetic sheets are not in contact with each other. For example, a thin sheet made of a nonmagnetic body such as paper may be interposed between these two magnetic sheets. A user may be in contact with both of a magnetic sheet used as the “first object” and a magnetic sheet used as the “second object” or may be in contact only with the magnetic sheet used as the “first object”.

Third Embodiment

The principles of the second embodiment are applied to a third embodiment. As described above, even though a texture magnetizing one magnetic sheet is unvaried, different kinds of bumpy feeling can be provided to a user if a texture magnetizing the other magnetic sheet to be layered on one magnetic sheet is varied. The present embodiment utilizes this characteristic. A force sense presenting object according to the present embodiment includes a “base object”, a “first sheet”, a “second sheet”, a “first contact object”, and a “second contact object”. The “base object” includes a “first surface”, and the “first surface” is preliminarily magnetized with a “first texture” including S-pole regions and N-pole regions. The “first sheet” is provided with a “first pattern”, which is visually recognizable, and is layered on the “first surface” side (the “first surface”, for example) of the “base object”. The “second sheet” is provided with a “second pattern”, which is different from the “first pattern” and is visually recognizable, and is layered on the “first surface” side (the “first surface”, for example) of the “base object”. The “first contact object” includes a “second surface”, and the “second surface” side (the “second surface”, for example) is preliminarily magnetized with a “second texture” including S-pole regions and N-pole regions. The “second contact object” includes a “third surface”, and the “third surface” side (the “third surface”, for example) is preliminarily magnetized with a “third texture” which includes S-pole regions and N-pole regions and is different from the “second texture”. Here, bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” from the “first contact object” when performing a “first action” and bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” from the “second contact object” when performing a “second action” are different from each other. In other words, the way of change in shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the “first contact object” when performing the “first action” and the way of change in shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the “second contact object” when performing the “second action” are different from each other. Here, the “first action” means an action that the “acting subject” touches the “first contact object” and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” or/and an action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” while keeping the “first surface” and the “second surface” close to each other when the “first sheet” is layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”. The “second action” means an action that the “acting subject” touches the “second contact object” and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “third surface” or/and an action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “third surface” while keeping the “first surface” and the “third surface” close to each other when the “second sheet” is layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”.

Specific examples of the present embodiment are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, description for matters which have already been described is simplified by quoting the identical reference characters.

FIG. 19illustrates a base object310which is the “base object” of the present embodiment. The base object310of the present embodiment is a magnetic sheet and one surface310a(first surface) of the base object310is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (first texture) including S-pole regions311a,312a,313a, and314aand N-pole regions311b,312b,313b, and314b. The surface310aof the base object310is sectioned into four regions311,312,313, and314. The region311is magnetized so that the S-pole regions311ahaving a belt-like shape and the N-pole regions311bhaving a belt-like shape are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. The region312is magnetized so that the S-pole regions312ahaving a belt-like shape and the N-pole regions312bhaving a belt-like shape are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. The region313is magnetized so that the S-pole regions313ahaving a belt-like shape and the N-pole regions313bhaving a belt-like shape are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. The region314is magnetized so that the S-pole regions314ahaving a belt-like shape and the N-pole regions314bhaving a belt-like shape are periodically repeated in an alternate manner.

FIG. 18Aillustrates a sheet341which is the “first sheet” of the present embodiment andFIG. 18Billustrates a sheet342which is the “second sheet” of the present embodiment. The sheets341and342are thin sheets made of a nonmagnetic body such as paper and synthetic resin. The sheets341and342may be made of an opaque material or may be made of a transparent material. One surface of the sheet341is provided with a visually-recognizable pattern (first pattern). One surface of the sheet342is provided with a visually-recognizable pattern (second pattern) which is different from the pattern (first pattern) of the sheet341. On one surface of the sheet341illustrated inFIG. 18Aand one surface of the sheet342illustrated inFIG. 18B, images which are different from each other (drawings and pictures, for example) are drawn. In this example, a ski area is expressed on the sheet341and an off-road course is expressed on the sheet342. Each of the sheets341and342can be layered on the surface310aof the base object310.

FIG. 20AandFIG. 20Billustrate a contact object320which is the “first contact object” of the present embodiment. The contact object320of the present embodiment includes a magnetic sheet. An image (a drawing and a picture of a snowboarder, for example) is drawn on one surface322of the contact object320. The other surface321(second surface) of the contact object320is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (second texture) including S-pole regions321aand N-pole regions321b. The surface321of the contact object320of the present embodiment is magnetized so that the S-pole regions321ahaving a belt-like shape and the N-pole regions321bhaving a belt-like shape are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. When the contact object320is partially a magnetic sheet, part, on which there is the magnetic sheet, of the surface321(second surface) of the contact object320is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (second texture). The case is described below where the whole of the surface321(second surface) of the contact object320is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (second texture).

FIG. 20CandFIG. 20Dillustrate a contact object330which is the “second contact object” of the present embodiment. The contact object330of the present embodiment also includes a magnetic sheet. An image (a drawing and a picture of a car, for example) is drawn on one surface332of the contact object330. The other surface331(third surface) of the contact object330is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (third texture) including S-pole regions331aand N-pole regions331b. The texture magnetizing the surface331of the contact object330is different from the texture magnetizing the surface321of the contact object320. The surface331of the contact object330of the present embodiment is magnetized so that the S-pole regions331ahaving a belt-like shape and the N-pole regions331bhaving a belt-like shape are periodically repeated in an alternate manner. However, the pitch of the texture magnetizing the surface331is different from the pitch of the texture magnetizing the surface321of the contact object320. When the contact object330is partially a magnetic sheet, part, on which there is the magnetic sheet, of the surface331(third surface) of the contact object330is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (third texture). The case is described below where the whole of the surface331(third surface) of the contact object330is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (third texture).

When the sheet341(first sheet) is layered on the surface310aof the base object310, the contact object320is further layered on the sheet341. The sheet341is interposed between the contact object320and the base object310in a state that the surface321of the contact object320faces the sheet341side. A user (acting subject) touches the surface322of the contact object320with the finger or the like and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface321(second surface) or/and an action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface321(second surface) while keeping the surface310a(first surface) and the surface321(second surface) close to each other (first action). Accordingly, the user perceives bumpy feeling from the contact object320. As described above, this bumpy feeling varies depending on a combination between a pattern, which is composed of the S-pole regions321aand the N-pole regions321band magnetizes the surface321of the contact object320, and a pattern, which is composed of the S-pole regions (any of the regions311a,312a,313a, and314a) and the N-pole regions (any of the regions311b,312b,313b, and314b) and magnetizes the region (any of the regions311,312,313, and314) of the surface310aof the base object310, which is close to the pattern composed of the S-pole regions321aand the N-pole regions321b.

Meanwhile, when the sheet342(second sheet) is layered on the surface310aof the base object310, the contact object330is further layered on the sheet342. The sheet342is interposed between the contact object330and the base object310in a state that the surface331of the contact object330faces the sheet342side. A user (acting subject) touches the surface332of the contact object330with the finger or the like and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface331(third surface) or/and an action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface331(third surface) while keeping the surface310a(first surface) and the surface331(third surface) close to each other (second action). Accordingly, the user perceives bumpy feeling from the contact object330. As described above, this bumpy feeling also varies depending on a combination between a pattern, which is composed of the S-pole regions331aand the N-pole regions331band magnetizes the surface331of the contact object330, and a pattern, which is composed of the S-pole regions (any of the regions311a,312a,313a, and314a) and the N-pole regions (any of the regions311b,312b,313b, and314b) and magnetizes the region (any of the regions311,312,313, and314) of the surface310aof the base object310, which is close to the pattern composed of the S-pole regions331aand the N-pole regions331b.

Further, the texture including the S-pole regions321aand the N-pole regions321bwhich are magnetized on the surface321of the contact object320and the texture including the S-pole regions331aand the N-pole regions331bwhich are magnetized on the surface331of the contact object330are different from each other. Therefore, bumpy feeling perceived by a user performing the “first action” when the texture including the regions321aand321bwhich are magnetized on the contact object320is close to any region α (any of the regions311,312,313, and314) of the surface310aof the base object310and bumpy feeling perceived by the user performing the “second action” when the texture including the regions331aand331bwhich are magnetized on the contact object330is close to the same region α are different from each other. This is because the way of change in shearing stress received from the contact object320by a user performing the “first action” when the texture including the regions321aand321bwhich are magnetized on the contact object320is close to the region α and the way of change in shearing stress received from the contact object330by the user performing the “second action” when the texture including the regions331aand331bwhich are magnetized on the contact object330is close to the same region α are different from each other, as described above.

Characteristics of Present Embodiment

As described above, different kinds of bumpy feeling can be presented to a user depending on whether to use the contact object320or the contact object330even when the base object310is used for both cases. For example, magnitude or a pitch (spacing of perceived bumpiness) of bumpy feeling can be varied and regions on which bumpy feeling is not perceived can be varied depending on whether to use the contact object320or the contact object330. Thus, mutually-different images corresponding mutually-different bumpy feeling are drawn on the sheet341and sheet342respectively, enabling perception of mutually-different bumpy feeling which respectively correspond to the mutually-different images drawn on the sheet341and the sheet342. Thus, bumpy feeling can be changed depending on an image expressed on a sheet even though only a permanent magnet is used in the present embodiment. This technique is applicable to picture books presenting different kinds of bumpy feeling depending on a sheet.

Modification 1 of Third Embodiment

The “first texture” magnetized on the “first surface” of the “base object” may be a “checker texture” which includes periodical nearly-checkered regions magnetized to the S pole and periodical nearly-checkered regions magnetized to the N pole. In the same manner, the “second texture” magnetizing the “second surface” of the “first contact object” may be the “checker texture” and the “third texture” magnetizing the “third surface” of the “second contact object” may be the “checker texture”.

For example, a base object310′ illustrated inFIG. 21Amay be used instead of the base object310described above, a contact object320′ illustrated inFIG. 21Bmay be used instead of the contact object320, and a contact object330′ illustrated inFIG. 21Cmay be used instead of the contact object330.

The base object310′ is a magnetic sheet and one surface310a′ (first surface) of the base object310′ is preliminarily magnetized with a periodical nearly-checkered texture (first texture) including S-pole regions311a′,312a′,313a′,314a′, and315a′ and N-pole regions311b′,312b′,313b′,314b′, and315b′. The surface310a′ of the base object310′ is sectioned into five regions311′,312′,313′,314′, and315′. The region311′ is magnetized with a periodical nearly-checkered texture composed of the S-pole regions311a′ and the N-pole regions311b′. The region312′ is magnetized with a periodical nearly-checkered texture composed of the S-pole regions312a′ and the N-pole regions312b′. The region313′ is magnetized with a periodical nearly-checkered texture composed of the S-pole regions313a′ and the N-pole regions313b′. The region314′ is magnetized with a periodical nearly-checkered texture composed of the S-pole regions314a′ and the N-pole regions314b′. The region315′ is magnetized with a periodical nearly-checkered texture composed of the S-pole regions315a′ and the N-pole regions315b′.

The contact object320′ is a magnetic sheet. An image is drawn on one surface of the contact object320′ and the other surface321′ (second surface) is preliminarily magnetized with a periodical nearly-checkered texture (second texture) composed of S-pole regions321a′ and N-pole regions321b′. The contact object330′ is a magnetic sheet. An image is drawn on one surface of the contact object330′ and the other surface331′ (third surface) is preliminarily magnetized with a periodical nearly-checkered texture (third texture) composed of S-pole regions331a′ and N-pole regions331b′.

Similar advantageous effects to those of the third embodiment can be obtained also in this configuration. However, as described in the second embodiment, the magnitude of shearing stress perceived by a user, that is, the magnitude of bumpy feeling is smaller if the base object310′, the contact object320′, and the contact object330′ which are magnetized with checker textures is used instead of any of the base object310, the contact object320, and the contact object330. As illustrated inFIG. 22A, in the use of the base object A and the contact object B which are magnetized with stripe textures, the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by a user reaches the maximum when the pitches of the textures are the same as each other, and even when the pitches of the textures are not the same as each other, there is a combination by which shearing stress perceived by the user is large to some extent and the user perceives a certain magnitude of bumpy feeling. On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG. 22B, in the use of the base object A and the contact object B which are magnetized with checker textures, the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by a user reaches the maximum when the pitches of the textures are the same as each other, and when the pitches of the textures are not the same as each other, shearing stress perceived by the user is small and almost no bumpy feeling is perceived. That is, a region in which bumpy feeling is perceived can be limited in the use of the base object A and the contact object B which are magnetized with checker textures.

Modification 2 of Third Embodiment

As described in the third embodiment and Modification 1 thereof, different kinds of bumpy feeling can be presented to a user depending on whether to use the “first contact object” or the “second contact object” even when the same “base object” is used for respective cases. The bumpy feeling varies depending on a combination between a pattern, which is composed of S-pole regions and N-pole regions which are magnetized on the “first contact object” and the “second contact object”, and a pattern, which is composed of S-pole regions and N-pole regions which are magnetized on each region of the “first surface” of the “base object”, which is close to the pattern composed of the S-pole regions and the N-pole regions which are magnetized on the “first contact object” and the “second contact object”. Therefore, bumpy feeling perceived by a user can be varied depending on whether to move the “first contact object” or the “second contact object” even in movement on the same paths on the “first surface” of the “base object”. Further, the magnitude of each bumpy feeling perceived by a user when moving the “first contact object” while keeping the “second surface” of the “first contact object” close to each region of the “first surface” of the “base object” and the magnitude of each bumpy feeling perceived by a user when moving the “second contact object” while keeping the “third surface” of the “second contact object” close to the each region are permitted to have a mutually non-liner relation. That is, the magnitude of each bumpy feeling perceived by a user can be set to satisfy (I) and (II) below or (I) and (III) below.

(I) The magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by a user when the user touches the “first contact object” and moves the “first contact object” while keeping the “second surface” of the “first contact object” close to a certain region α on the “first surface” of the “base object” is smaller than the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by the user when the user moves the “first contact object” while keeping the “second surface” of the “first contact object” close to the other region β on the “first surface” of the “base object”.

(II) The magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by a user when the user touches the “second contact object” and moves the “second contact object” while keeping the “third surface” of the “second contact object” close to the region α of the “base object” is larger than the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by the user when the user moves the “second contact object” while keeping the “third surface” of the “second contact object” close to the other region β of the “base object”.

(III) The magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by a user when the user touches the “second contact object” and moves the “second contact object” while keeping the “third surface” of the “second contact object” close to the region α of the “base object” is equal to the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by the user when the user moves the “second contact object” while keeping the “third surface” of the “second contact object” close to the other region β of the “base object”.

Here, an “action A1-1”, an “action A1-2”, an “action A2-1”, and an “action A2-2”are defined as the following.The “action A1-1” is an action in which the “acting subject” touches the “first contact object” and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between a “first magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “second surface” and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “second surface” while keeping the “first magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “second surface” close to each other when the “first sheet” is layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”.The “action A1-2” is an action in which the “acting subject” touches the “first contact object” and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between a “second magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “second surface” and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the “second magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “second surface” while keeping the “second magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “second surface” close to each other when the “first sheet” is layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”.The “action A2-1” is an action in which the “acting subject” touches the “second contact object” and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the “first magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “third surface” and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “third surface” while keeping the “first magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “third surface” close to each other when the “second sheet” is layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”.The “action A2-2” is an action in which the “acting subject” touches the “second contact object” and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the “second magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “third surface” and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the “second magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “third surface” while keeping the “second magnetization region” of the “first surface” and the “third surface” close to each other when the “second sheet” is layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”.

In this case, the “first texture”, the “second texture”, and the “third texture” may be configured so that the “first texture” includes the “first magnetization region” and the “second magnetization region” whose magnetization patterns are different from each other, and (1) the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” from the “first contact object” when performing the “action A1-1” is smaller than the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” from the “first contact object” when performing the “action A1-2” and (2) the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” from the “second contact object” when performing the “action A2-1” is equal to or larger than the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” from the “second contact object” when performing the “action A2-2”.

In other words, the “first texture”, the “second texture”, and the “third texture” may be configured so that the “first texture” includes the “first magnetization region” and the “second magnetization region” whose magnetization patterns are different from each other, and (1) the maximum value of shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the “first contact object” when performing the “action A1-1” is smaller than the maximum value of shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the “first contact object” when performing the “action A1-2” and (2) the maximum value of shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the “second contact object” when performing the “action A2-1” is equal to or larger than the maximum value of shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the “second contact object” when performing the “action A2-2”.

A specific example of the present modification is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The case is illustrated in which the base object310is used as the “base object” of the present modification (FIG. 19), a sheet741-iis used as the “first sheet” of the present modification (FIG. 23, for example), a sheet742-iis used as the “second sheet” of the present modification (FIG. 24, for example), the contact object320is used as the “first contact object” of the present modification (FIG. 20AandFIG. 20B), and the contact object330is used as the “second contact object” of the present modification (FIG. 20CandFIG. 20D). Here, i=1, . . . , K holds, where K is an integer which is 1 or larger. The “first patterns” drawn on surfaces741a-iof the sheets741-icorresponding to mutually-different i are different from each other. In a similar manner, the “second patterns” drawn on surfaces742a-iof the sheets742-icorresponding to mutually-different i are different from each other.

As described above, a texture (first texture) including the four regions311to314whose magnetization patterns are different from each other are provided on the base object310. The region311is an example of the “first magnetization region” and the region312is an example of the “second magnetization region”. It is assumed that each of the widths in the short side direction of the regions311aand311bof the region311is 6 mm, each of the widths in the short side direction of the regions312aand312bof the region312is 2 mm, each of the widths in the short side direction of the regions313aand313bof the region313is 5 mm, and each of the widths in the short side direction of the regions314aand314bof the region314is 4 mm. Further, as described above, the surface321(second surface) of the contact object320is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (second texture) including the regions321aand the regions321b. The surface331(third surface) of the contact object330is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (third texture) including the regions331aand the regions331b. It is assumed that each of the widths in the short side direction of the regions321aand321bof the contact object320is 2 mm and each of the widths in the short side direction of the regions331aand331bof the contact object330is 6 mm.

A visually-recognizable “first pattern” is drawn on one surface741a-iof the sheet741-i(FIG. 23) and a visually-recognizable “second pattern” is drawn on one surface742a-iof the sheet742-i(FIG. 24). The “first pattern” and the “second pattern” are different from each other. Here, paths P1-P5 passing through points P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 are drawn on the “first pattern” and paths P1-P5 passing through points P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 are drawn also on the “second pattern”. The positions and the shapes of the paths P1-P5 in the “first pattern” are the same as the positions and the shapes of the paths P1-P5 in the “second pattern”.

If the sheet741-i(first sheet) is layered on the surface310a(first surface) side of the base object310, regions7411-ito7414-iof the sheet741-iare respectively layered on the regions311to314of the base object310. Here, the other surface (back surface of the surface741a-i) side of the sheet741-iis allowed to face the surface310aside of the base object310. The path P1-P2 passing through the points P1 and P2 is positioned in the region7411-i, the path P2-P3 passing through the points P2 and P3 is positioned in the region7412-i, the path P3-P4 passing through the points P3 and P4 is positioned in the region7413-i, and the path P4-P5 passing through the points P4 and P5 is positioned in the region7414-i.

The contact object320(first contact object) is disposed such that the surface321side thereof faces the surface741a-iside of the sheet741-idisposed as described above. In this state, a user (acting subject) touches the contact object320and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface321(second surface) and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310aand the surface321while keeping a region ρ (here, ρ∈{311, . . . ,314}) of the base object310and the surface321(second surface) close to each other. The magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by the user from the contact object320is denoted as μ1(ρ). In this case, the magnitude of bumpy feeling of each region satisfies the relation of Formula (4) below.
μ1(312)>μ1(311)>μ1(313)≈μ1(314)  (4)

Here, μ1(311), μ1(312), μ1(313), and μ1(314) represent the magnitudes of bumpy feeling perceived by the user when the contact object320moves through the paths P1-P2, P2-P3, P3-P4, and P4-P5 respectively.

A relation of magnitude of bumpy feeling is expressed by a relation of maximum values of shearing stress received by a user from the contact object320, obtaining Formula (5) below.
Λ1(312)>Λ1(311)>Λ1(313)≈Λ1(314)  (5)

Here, the maximum value of shearing stress is expressed as Λ1(ρ), the shearing stress being received by a user from the contact object320when the user touches the contact object320and performs the operation for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310aand the surface321and/or the action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310aand the surface321while keeping the region ρ of the base object310and the surface321close to each other. Further, Λ1(311), Λ1(312), Λ1(313), and Λ1(314) represent the maximum values of shearing stress received by a user when the contact object320moves through the paths P1-P2, P2-P3, P3-P4, and P4-P5 respectively.

If the sheet742-i(second sheet) is layered on the surface310a(first surface) side of the base object310, regions7421-ito7424-iof the sheet742-iare respectively layered on the regions311to314of the base object310. Here, the other surface (back surface of the surface742a-i) side of the sheet742-iis allowed to face the surface310aside of the base object310. The path P1-P2 passing through the points P1 and P2 is positioned in the region7421-i, the path P2-P3 passing through the points P2 and P3 is positioned in the region7422-i, the path P3-P4 passing through the points P3 and P4 is positioned in the region7423-i, and the path P4-P5 passing through the points P4 and P5 is positioned in the region7424-i.

The contact object330(second contact object) is disposed such that the surface331side thereof faces the surface742a-iside of the sheet742-idisposed as described above. In this state, a user touches the contact object330and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface331(third surface) and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310aand the surface331while keeping the region ρ (here, ρ∈{311, . . . ,314}) of the base object310and the surface331(third surface) close to each other. The magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by the user from the contact object330is denoted as μ2(ρ). In this case, the magnitude of bumpy feeling of each region satisfies the relation of Formula (6) below.
μ2(311)>μ2(312)>μ2(313)>μ2(314)  (6)

Here, μ2(311), μ2(312), μ2(313), and μ2(314) represent the magnitude of bumpy feeling perceived by the user when the contact object330moves through the paths P1-P2, P2-P3, P3-P4, and P4-P5 respectively.

A relation of magnitude of bumpy feeling is expressed by a relation of maximum values of shearing stress received by a user from the contact object330, obtaining Formula (7) below.
Λ2(311)>Λ2(312)>Λ2(313)>Λ2(314)  (7)

Here, the maximum value of shearing stress is expressed as Λ2(ρ), the shearing stress being received by a user from the contact object330when the user touches the contact object330and performs the operation for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310aand the surface331and/or the action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310aand the surface331while keeping the region ρ of the base object310and the surface331close to each other. Further, Λ2(311), Λ2(312), Λ2(313), and Λ2(314) represent the maximum values of shearing stress received by a user when the contact object330moves through the paths P1-P2, P2-P3, P3-P4, and P4-P5 respectively.

As understood in comparison between Formula (4) and Formula (5), a user perceives different bumpy feeling from the contact objects320and330even though the contact object320and the contact object330move on the identical path P1-P5 on the base object310. Further, a magnitude relation (μ1(311)<μ1(312)) in the magnitude of bumpy feeling obtained when the contact object320moves in the regions311and312(paths P1-P2 and P2-P3) is inversed to a magnitude relation in the magnitude of bumpy feeling obtained when the contact object330moves in the regions311and312(paths P1-P2 and P2-P3). The same applies to a magnitude relation in the maximum value of shearing stress. Thus, bumpy feeling perceived by a user can be changed in a non-linear manner depending on whether to use the contact object320or the contact object330even when the contact objects320and330are moved through the identical path on the identical base object310.

Modification 3 of Third Embodiment

The “base object”, the “first sheet”, and the “second sheet” may be bundled in a booklet form. That is, a part of the “first sheet” and a part of the “second sheet” may be attached to a part of the “base sheet” including the “base object”. Accordingly, when the “first sheet” is layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”, a relative position of the “first sheet” with respect to the “base object” goes within a predetermined range; and when the “second sheet” is layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”, a relative position of the “second sheet” with respect to the “base object” goes within a predetermined range. Thus, the “first pattern” of the “first sheet” and the “second pattern” of the “second sheet” can be positioned on desired positions on the “first surface” of the “base object”. Books are applications of such a configuration. Such a “book” includes the “base object” as a cover and/or pages thereof, and includes the “first sheet” provided with the “first pattern” which is a “first drawing” and the “second sheet” provided with the “second pattern” which is a “second drawing” different from the “first drawing” as pages respectively. That is, this “book” (1) includes the “base object”, which includes the “first surface” which is preliminarily magnetized with the “first texture” including S-pole regions and N-pole regions, as a cover and/or pages thereof, and (2) includes the “first sheet” that is provided with the “first pattern”, which is the visually-recognizable “first drawing”, and is to be layered on the “first surface side” of the “base object”, and the “second sheet” that is provided with the visually-recognizable “second pattern”, which is the “second drawing” different from the “first drawing”, and is to be layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”, as pages respectively. In such a case, a “third drawing” corresponding to the “first drawing” of the “book” is provided on the “first contact object” and a “fourth drawing” corresponding to the “second drawing” of the “book” is provided on the “second contact object”. That is, the “first contact object” includes the “second surface”. The “second surface” is preliminarily magnetized with the “second texture” including S-pole regions and N-pole regions. Further, the “first contact object” is provided with the “third drawing” corresponding to the “first drawing” of the “book”. The “third drawing” is provided on a position of the “first contact object” other than the “second surface”, for example (a back surface of the “second surface”, for example). Further, the “second contact object” includes the “third surface”. The “third surface” is preliminarily magnetized with a third texture that includes S-pole regions and N-pole regions and is different from the “second texture”. Further, the “second contact object” is provided with the “fourth drawing” corresponding to the “second drawing” of the “book”. The “fourth drawing” is provided on a position of the “first contact object” other than the “third surface”, for example (a back surface of the “third surface”, for example). The “book” is used together with the “first contact object” and the “second contact object” as described above, being enabled to function as the “force sense presenting object”.

A specific example of the present modification is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As illustrated inFIG. 25, the “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification includes a book that includes at least a cover751(base sheet) including the above-described base object310(FIG. 19), a cover752, the above-described sheet741-i(first sheet) (FIG. 23), the sheet742-i(second sheet) (FIG. 24), and an attachment part760. The “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification further includes at least the “first contact object” (FIG. 20AandFIG. 20B) and the “second contact object” (FIG. 20CandFIG. 20D) that are associated with the book ofFIG. 25. The covers751and752are sheets made of a nonmagnetic body such as paper and synthetic resin. Here, i=1, . . . , K holds and K is an integer which is 1 or greater.

The book illustrated inFIG. 25, and the first contact object and the second contact object which are associated with this book may be sold in a pair of the book and an appendix of the book so as to be purchased by a user; the book, and the first contact object and the second contact object which are associated with this book may be separately sold to be purchased by a user; or the first contact object and the second contact object may be freely distributed as a sales promotion tool of the book and only the book may be sold to be purchased by a user, for example. The book illustrated inFIG. 25may be a picture book for infants and children, for example, and the first sheet and the second sheet may include letters and so on as well as drawings which are visually-recognizable patterns. These points are also applicable to each modification of the third embodiment described below.

All of the base object310, the covers751and752, and the sheets741-iand742-iaccording to the present modification have a substantially rectangular planar shape. The base object310is incorporated in the cover751and a relative position of the base object310with respect to the cover751is fixed. The surface310aof the base object310is substantially parallel to an inner surface751aof the cover751and one side310cof the base object310is substantially parallel to one side751cof the cover751.

Each of one side751cside of the cover751, one side752cside of the cover752, one side741c-iside of the sheet741-i, and one side742c-iside of the sheet742-iis attached to the attachment part760. Accordingly, a part of the sheet741-iand a part of the sheet742-iare attached to a part of the cover751including the base object310, via the attachment part760. The attachment part760may be a binding tool of a binder, a binding thread, a wire, or a wireless binding sheet. That is, one side751cside of the cover751, one side752cside of the cover752, one side741c-iside of the sheet741-i, and one side742c-iside of the sheet742-imay be bound by the attachment part760which is a binding tool or may be bound by the attachment part760which is a thread, a wire, or a sheet. One side741c-iside of the sheet741-iand one side742c-iside of the sheet742-imay be fixed on one side751cside of the cover751or does not have to be fixed there. However, relative positions of one side741c-iside of the sheet741-iand one side742c-iside of the sheet742-iwith respect to one side751cside of the cover751need to be within a predetermined range. In a similar manner, relative positions of one side741c-iside of the sheet741-iand one side742c-iside of the sheet742-iwith respect to one side752cside of the cover752need to be within a predetermined range.

In the present modification, the surface741a-iside of the sheet741-iis disposed on the surface752aside of the cover752, the surface742a-iside of the sheet742-iis disposed on the other surface741b-iside of the sheet741-i, and the surface751aside of the cover751is disposed on the other surface742b-iof the sheet742-i. That is, when the cover751, the cover752, the sheet741-i, and the sheet742-iare all layered, the surface741a-iside of the sheet741-iis disposed on the surface752aside of the cover752, the surface742a-iside of the sheet742-iis disposed on the other surface741b-iside of the sheet741-i, and the surface751aside of the cover751is disposed on the other surface742b-iof the sheet742-i.

At least a part of the sheet741-iand the sheet742-ican be layered on the surface751aside of the cover751and layered on the surface752aside of the cover752. Here, one side741c-iof the sheet741-iand one side742c-iof the sheet742-iare supported by the attachment part760. Therefore, when the sheet741-iis layered on the surface751aside of the cover751and the sheet741-i(first sheet) is thus layered on the surface310a(first surface) side of the base object310, a relative position of the sheet741-iwith respect to the base object310is within a predetermined range. For example, when the sheet741-iis layered on the surface751aside of the cover751, the relative position of the sheet741-iwith respect to the base object310is constantly the same (predetermined position). In a similar manner, when the sheet742-iis layered on the surface751aside of the cover751and the sheet742-i(second sheet) is thus layered on the surface310a(first surface) side of the base object310, a relative position of the sheet742-iwith respect to the base object310is within a predetermined range. For example, when the sheet742-iis layered on the surface751aside of the cover751, the relative position of the sheet742-iwith respect to the base object310is constantly the same (predetermined position). Accordingly, the sheet741-iand the sheet742-ican be easily layered on a desired position on the base object310.

According to the present modification, for example, when an infant or a child who is a user opens a certain page among a plurality of pages included in a picture book (book), he/she selects a contact object corresponding to a drawing (pattern) of the page from a plurality of contact objects, superimposes the contact object on the drawing of the page, and operates the contact object along a path drawn in the drawing of the page, being able to perceive bumpy feeling corresponding to the path drawn in the drawing. These points are applied also to each modification of the third embodiment described below.

Modification 4 of Third Embodiment

The “base object”, a “second base object”, the “first sheet”, and the “second sheet” may be bundled in a booklet form. Here, the “second base object” includes a “fourth surface”. The “fourth surface” includes S-pole regions and N-pole regions and is preliminarily magnetized with a “fourth texture”. The “fourth texture” and the “first texture” may be the same as each other or different from each other. One surface of the “first sheet” is provided with a “first pattern” and the other surface of the “first sheet” is provided with a visually recognizable “third pattern”. The “third pattern” and the “first pattern” may be the same as each other or different from each other. One surface of the “second sheet” is provided with the “second pattern” and the other surface of the “second sheet” is provided with a visually recognizable “fourth pattern”. The “fourth pattern” and the “second pattern” may be the same as each other or different from each other. A part of the “first sheet” and a part of the “second sheet” are attached to a part of the “base sheet” including the “base object” and further attached to a part of a “second base sheet” including the “second base object”. One surface of the “first sheet” and one surface of the “second sheet” are disposed on the “fourth surface” side of the “second base object” and the other surface of the “first sheet” and the other surface of the “second sheet” are disposed on the “first surface” side of the “base object”. In such a configuration, when the “first sheet” is layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”, a relative position of the “first sheet” with respect to the “base object” goes within a predetermined range; and when the “second sheet” is layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”, a relative position of the “second sheet” with respect to the “base object” goes within a predetermined range. In a similar manner, when the “first sheet” is layered on the “fourth surface” side of the “second base object”, a relative position of the “first sheet” with respect to the “second base object” goes within a predetermined range; and when the “second sheet” is layered on the “fourth surface” side of the “second base object”, a relative position of the “second sheet” with respect to the “second base object” goes within a predetermined range. Thus, the “first pattern” of the “first sheet” and the “second pattern” of the “second sheet” can be positioned on desired positions on the “first surface” of the “base object”. In a similar manner, the “third pattern” of the “first sheet” and the “fourth pattern” of the “second sheet” can be positioned on desired positions on the “fourth surface” of the “second base object”.

Preferably, bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” from the “first contact object” when performing the “third action” and bumpy feeling perceived from the “second contact object” when performing the “fourth action” are different from each other. In other words, the way of change in shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the “first contact object” when performing the “third action” and the way of change in shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the “second contact object” when performing the “fourth action” are different from each other. Here, the “third action” means an action that the “acting subject” touches the “first contact object” and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the “fourth surface” and the “second surface” and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the “fourth surface” and the “second surface” while keeping the “fourth surface” and the “second surface” close to each other when the “first sheet” is layered on the “fourth surface” side of the “second base object”. The “fourth action” means an action that the “acting subject” touches the “second contact object” and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the “fourth surface” and the “third surface” and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the “fourth surface” and the “third surface” while keeping the “fourth surface” and the “third surface” close to each other when the “second sheet” is layered on the “fourth surface” side of the “second base object”.

Bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” from the “first contact object” when performing the above-described “first action” and bumpy feeling perceived from the “first contact object” when performing the “third action” may be different from each other. In other words, the way of change in shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the “first contact object” when performing the above-described “first action” and the way of change in shearing stress received from the “first contact object” when performing the “third action” may be different from each other. In a similar manner, bumpy feeling perceived by the “acting subject” from the “second contact object” when performing the above-described “second action” and bumpy feeling perceived from the “second contact object” when performing the “fourth action” may be different from each other. In other words, the way of change in shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the “second contact object” when performing the above-described “second action” and the way of change in shearing stress received from the “second contact object” when performing the “fourth action” may be different from each other.

A specific example of the present modification is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As illustrated inFIG. 26, the “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification includes a book that includes the cover751(base sheet) including the above-described base object310(FIG. 19), a cover852(second base sheet) including the above-described base object310′ (second base object) (FIG. 21A), a sheet841-i(first sheet), a sheet842-i(second sheet), and the attachment part760. The “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification further includes at least the “first contact object” (FIG. 20AandFIG. 20B) and the “second contact object” (FIG. 20CandFIG. 20D) that are associated with the book ofFIG. 26. The cover852is a sheet made of a nonmagnetic body such as paper and synthetic resin. Here, i=1, . . . , K holds and K is an integer which is 1 or greater.

The base object310′ according to the present modification includes the surface310a′ (fourth surface). The surface310a′ is preliminarily magnetized with texture (fourth texture) which includes S-pole regions and N-pole regions and is different from the texture (first texture) magnetizing the surface310aof the base object310. A visually-recognizable pattern (first pattern) (FIG. 23, for example) is provided on one surface841a-iof the sheet841-i, and a visually-recognizable pattern (third pattern) is provided on the other surface841b-iof the sheet841-i. The third pattern is different from the first pattern. A visually-recognizable pattern (second pattern) (FIG. 24, for example) is provided on one surface842a-iof the sheet842-i, and a visually-recognizable fourth pattern is provided oil the other surface842b-iof the sheet842-i. The fourth pattern is different from the second pattern.

All of the base objects310and310′, the covers751and852, and the sheets841-iand842-ihave a substantially rectangular planar shape. The base object310′ is incorporated in the cover852and a relative position of the base object310′ with respect to the cover852is fixed. The surface310a′ of the base object310′ is substantially parallel to an inner surface852aof the cover852and one side310c′ of the base object310′ is substantially parallel to one side852cof the cover852.

Each of one side751cside of the cover751, one side852cside of the cover852, one side841c-iside of the sheet841-i, and one side842c-iside of the sheet842-iis attached to the attachment part760. Accordingly, a part of the sheet841-iand a part of the sheet842-iare attached to a part of the cover751including the base object310, via the attachment part760. Further, a part of the sheet841-iand a part of the sheet842-iare attached to a part of the cover852including the base object310′, via the attachment part760. One side841c-iside of the sheet841-iand one side842c-iside of the sheet842-imay be fixed on one side751cside of the cover751or do not have to be fixed there. In a similar manner, one side841c-iside of the sheet841-iand one side842c-iside of the sheet842-imay be fixed on one side852cside of the cover852or do not have to be fixed there. However, relative positions of one side841c-iside of the sheet841-iand one side842c-iside of the sheet842-iwith respect to one side751cside of the cover751need to be within a predetermined range. Further, relative positions of one side841c-iside of the sheet841-iand one side842c-iside of the sheet842-iwith respect to one side852cside of the cover852need to be within a predetermined range.

In the present modification, the surface841a-iside of the sheet841-iis disposed on the surface852aside of the cover852, the surface842a-iside of the sheet842-iis disposed on the other surface841b-iside of the sheet841-i, and the surface751aside of the cover751is disposed on the other surface842b-iof the sheet842-i. That is, when the cover751, the cover852, the sheet841-i, and the sheet842-iare all layered, the surface841a-iside of the sheet841-iis disposed on the surface852aside of the cover852, the surface842a-iside of the sheet842-iis disposed on the other surface841b-iside of the sheet841-i, and the surface751aside of the cover751is disposed on the other surface842b-iof the sheet842-i.

At least a part of the sheet841-iand the sheet842-ican be layered on the surface751aside of the cover751and layered on the surface852aside of the cover852. Here, one side841c-iof the sheet841-iand one side842c-iof the sheet842-iare supported by the attachment part760. Therefore, when the sheet841-iis layered on the surface751aside of the cover751and the sheet841-i(first sheet) is thus layered on the surface310a(first surface) side of the base object310, a relative position of the sheet841-iwith respect to the base object310is within a predetermined range. For example, when the sheet841-iis layered on the surface751aside of the cover751, the relative position of the sheet841-iwith respect to the base object310is constantly the same (predetermined position). In a similar manner, when the sheet842-iis layered on the surface751aside of the cover751and the sheet842-i(second sheet) is thus layered on the surface310a(first surface) side of the base object310, a relative position of the sheet842-iwith respect to the base object310is within a predetermined range. For example, when the sheet842-iis layered on the surface751aside of the cover751, the relative position of the sheet842-iwith respect to the base object310is constantly the same (predetermined position). Further, when the sheet841-iis layered on the surface852aside of the cover852and the sheet841-i(first sheet) is thus layered on the surface310a′ (fourth surface) side of the base object310′, a relative position of the sheet841-iwith respect to the base object310′ is within a predetermined range. For example, when the sheet841-iis layered on the surface852aside of the cover852, the relative position of the sheet841-iwith respect to the base object310′ is constantly the same (predetermined position). In a similar manner, when the sheet842-iis layered on the surface852aside of the cover852and the sheet842-i(second sheet) is thus layered on the surface310a′ (fourth surface) side of the base object310′, a relative position of the sheet842-iwith respect to the base object310′ is within a predetermined range. For example, when the sheet842-iis layered on the surface852aside of the cover852, the relative position of the sheet842-iwith respect to the base object310′ is constantly the same (predetermined position). Thus, the sheet841-iand the sheet842-ican be easily layered on desired positions on the base objects310and310′.

Modification 5 of Third Embodiment

Modification 3 and Modification 4 of the third embodiment have described the example in which the number of “first sheets” and the number of “second sheets” are the same as each other. However, the number of “first sheets” and the number of “second sheets” may be different from each other.

Modification 6 of Third Embodiment

Further, force sense may be presented by using a permanent magnet having strong magnetic force such as a ferrite magnet and a neodymium magnet. For example, a “first permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of the “base object” may be provided and a “second permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of a magnetic sheet may be provided as well as the magnetic sheet only to either one of the “first contact object” or the “second contact object”. If the above-described operation and/or action using the “first contact object” are/is performed when the “second permanent magnet” is provided only to the “first contact object”, for example, a user perceives not only the above-described bumpy feeling but also force sense based on attractive force or repulsive force between the “first permanent magnet” and the “second permanent magnet”. On the other hand, if the above-described operation and/or action using the “second contact object” are/is performed in this case, a user perceives only the above-described bumpy feeling. In an inverted manner, if the above-described operation and/or action using the “second contact object” are/is performed when the “second permanent magnet” is provided only to the “second contact object”, a user perceives not only the above-described bumpy feeling but also force sense based on attractive force or repulsive force between the “first permanent magnet” and the “second permanent magnet”. On the other hand, if the above-described operation and/or action using the “first contact object” are/is performed in this case, a user perceives only the above-described bumpy feeling.

A specific example of the present modification is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A “force sense presenting object” illustrated inFIG. 27includes a base part951, the above-described sheet741-i(first sheet) (FIG. 23, for example) and sheet742-i(second sheet) (FIG. 24, for example), a first contact object970, and a second contact object980.

The base part951incorporates the above-described base object310(FIG. 19) and permanent magnets961-1and961-2(first permanent magnets). The base part951has a plate surface951a, and the base object310is fixed so that one surface310athereof is substantially parallel to this plate surface951a. The permanent magnets961-1and961-2are fixed on the other surface310bside of the base object310. The magnetic force of the permanent magnets961-1and961-2is stronger than the magnetic force of the base object310. The permanent magnets961-1and961-2are a ferrite magnet or a neodymium magnet, for example. In this example, an S-pole side end portion961a-1of the permanent magnet961-1faces the surface310bside of the base object310and an N-pole side end portion961b-1faces the opposite side. Further, an N-pole side end portion961a-2of the permanent magnet961-2faces the surface310bside of the base object310and an S-pole side end portion961b-2faces the opposite side.

The first contact object970incorporates a magnetic sheet920similar to that of the above-described contact object320(FIG. 20AandFIG. 20B) and a permanent magnet971(second permanent magnet). One surface921(second surface) of the magnetic sheet920is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (second texture) which is the same as that on one surface321of the above-described contact object320. The first contact object970has a plate surface970a, and the surface921of the magnetic sheet920is fixed so as to be substantially parallel to this plate surface970a. The permanent magnet971is fixed on the other surface922side of the magnetic sheet920. The magnetic force of the permanent magnet971is stronger than the magnetic force of the magnetic sheet920. The permanent magnet971is a ferrite magnet or a neodymium magnet, for example. In this example, an N-pole side end portion971bof the permanent magnet971faces the surface922side of the magnetic sheet920and an S-pole side end portion971afaces the opposite side. The first contact object970has a plate surface970bon the opposite side of the plate surface970a. An image (a drawing or a picture of a snow boarder, for example) is drawn on the plate surface970b.

The second contact object980incorporates a magnetic sheet930similar to the above-described contact object330(FIG. 20CandFIG. 20D). One surface931(third surface) of the magnetic sheet930is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (third texture) which is the same as that on one surface331of the above-described contact object330. The second contact object980has a plate surface980a, and the surface931of the magnetic sheet930is fixed so as to be substantially parallel to this plate surface980a. The second contact object980does not include any permanent magnet other than the magnetic sheet930. The second contact object980has the plate surface980bon the opposite side to the plate surface980a. An image (a drawing or a picture of a car, for example) is drawn on the plate surface980b.

When the sheet741-i(first sheet) is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951, the plate surface970aof the first contact object970is further layered on the sheet741-i. The surface741b-iside of the sheet741-iis allowed to face the plate surface951aside and the surface741a-iside of the sheet741-iis allowed to face the plate surface970aside of the first contact object970. Accordingly, the sheet741-iis layered on the surface310aside of the base object310and further, the surface921side of the magnetic sheet920is layered on the surface741a-iside of the sheet741-i. A user touches the surface970bof the first contact object970with the finger or the like and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface921(second surface) and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface921(second surface) while keeping the surface310a(first surface) and the surface921(second surface) close to each other. Accordingly, the user perceives bumpy feeling from the first contact object970. Further, when the permanent magnet971comes close to the permanent magnet961-1in the process of this operation and/or action, the user perceives force sense that the first contact object970is attracted to the permanent magnet961-1side, based on magnetic force (attractive force) between the permanent magnet971and the permanent magnet961-1. In addition to this, when the permanent magnet971comes close to the permanent magnet961-2in the process of this operation and/or action, the user perceives force sense that the first contact object970is separated from the permanent magnet961-2, based on magnetic force (repulsive force) between the permanent magnet971and the permanent magnet962-2. That is, the user perceives not only bumpy feeling but also perceives attractive force and repulsive force depending on a position.

Meanwhile, when the sheet742-i(second sheet) is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951, the plate surface980aof the second contact object980is further layered on the sheet742-i. The surface742b-iside of the sheet742-iis allowed to face the plate surface951aside and the surface742a-iside of the sheet742-iis allowed to face the plate surface980aside of the second contact object980. Accordingly, the sheet742-iis layered on the surface310aside of the base object310and further, the surface931side of the magnetic sheet930is layered on the surface742a-iside of the sheet742-i. A user touches the plate surface980bof the second contact object980with the finger or the like and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface931(third surface) and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface931(third surface) while keeping the surface310a(first surface) and the surface931(third surface) close to each other. Accordingly, the user perceives bumpy feeling from the second contact object980. However, since the second contact object980does not include any permanent magnet other than the magnetic sheet930, attractive force and repulsive force generated by the permanent magnets961-1and961-2are not perceived even though the second contact object980comes close to the permanent magnets961-1and961-2.

Modification 7 of Third Embodiment

A permanent magnet having strong magnetic force such as a ferrite magnet and a neodymium magnet may be provided to both of the “first contact object” and the “second contact object”. That is, the “base object” side may be provided with the “first permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of the “base object”, the “first contact object” may be provided with the “second permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of a magnetic sheet in addition to the magnetic sheet, and the “second contact object” may be provided with a “third permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of a magnetic sheet in addition to the magnetic sheet. Directions of magnetic poles of the permanent magnets respectively provided to the “first contact object” and the “second contact object” may be the same as each other or may be opposite to each other. The present modification describes an example in which directions of magnetic poles of permanent magnets respectively provided to the “first contact object” and the “second contact object” are opposite to each other. That is, a magnetic pole of the “second permanent magnet” positioned on the “first surface” side when the “second surface” of the “first contact object” is brought close to the “first surface” of the “base object” is different from a magnetic pole of the “third permanent magnet” positioned on the “first surface” side when the “third surface” of the “second contact object” is brought close to the “first surface”, in the present modification. Accordingly, a direction of magnetic force received by the “second permanent magnet” from the “first permanent magnet” when the “second permanent magnet” of the “first contact object” comes close to the “first permanent magnet” on the “base object” side can be made different from a direction of magnetic force received by the “third permanent magnet” from the “first permanent magnet” when the “third permanent magnet” of the “second contact object” comes close to the “first permanent magnet”. That is, when the “second permanent magnet” receives attractive force from the “first permanent magnet”, the “third permanent magnet” receives repulsive force from the “first permanent magnet”. In an inverted manner, when the “second permanent magnet” receives repulsive force from the “first permanent magnet”, the “third permanent magnet” receives attractive force from the “first permanent magnet”. Accordingly, the “first contact object” and the “second contact object” can present force senses (attractive force or repulsive force) different from each other even on the same position of the “base object” in which the “first permanent magnet” is disposed.

A specific example of the present modification is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A “force sense presenting object” illustrated inFIG. 28includes the base part951, the sheet741-i(first sheet), a sheet742-i(second sheet), the first contact object970, and a second contact object1080.

The second contact object1080incorporates the magnetic sheet930similar to that of the above-described contact object330(FIG. 20CandFIG. 20D) and a permanent magnet1071(third permanent magnet). One surface931(third surface) of the magnetic sheet930is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (third texture) which is the same as that on one surface331of the above-described contact object330. The second contact object1080has a plate surface1080a, and the surface931of the magnetic sheet930is fixed so as to be substantially parallel to this plate surface1080a. The permanent magnet1071is fixed on the other surface932side of the magnetic sheet930. The magnetic force of the permanent magnet1071is stronger than the magnetic force of the magnetic sheet930. The permanent magnet1071is a ferrite magnet or a neodymium magnet, for example. In this example, an S-pole side end portion1071bof the permanent magnet1071faces the surface932side of the magnetic sheet930and an N-pole side end portion1071afaces the opposite side. That is, a magnetic pole (N) of the permanent magnet971(second permanent magnet) which is disposed on the plate surface951a(first surface) side when the plate surface970a(second surface) of the first contact object970is brought close to the plate surface951aof the base part951(when the plate surface970afaces the surface310aside of the base object310) is different from a magnetic pole (S) of the permanent magnet1071(third permanent magnet) which is disposed on the plate surface951a(first surface) side when the plate surface1080a(third surface) of the second contact object1080is brought close to the plate surface951aof the base part951(when the plate surface1080afaces the surface310aside of the base object310). The second contact object1080has a plate surface1080bon the opposite side of the plate surface1080a. An image (a drawing or a picture of a car, for example) is drawn on the plate surface1080b.

When the sheet741-i(first sheet) is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951, the first contact object970is further layered on the sheet741-i. The action and force sense perceived in this case are the same as those described in Modification 6 of the third embodiment.

On the other hand, when the sheet742-i(second sheet) is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951, the second contact object1080is further layered on the sheet742-i. The surface742b-iside of the sheet742-iis allowed to face the plate surface951aside and the surface742a-iside of the sheet742-iis allowed to face the plate surface1080aside of the second contact object1080. Accordingly, the sheet742-iis layered on the surface310aside of the base object310and further, the surface931side of the magnetic sheet930is layered on the surface742a-iside of the sheet742-i. A user touches the plate surface1080bof the second contact object1080with the finger or the like and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface931(third surface) and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface931(third surface) while keeping the surface310a(first surface) and the surface931(third surface) close to each other. Accordingly, the user perceives bumpy feeling from the second contact object1080. Further, when the permanent magnet1071comes close to the permanent magnet961-1in the process of this operation and/or action, the user perceives force sense that the second contact object1080is separated from the permanent magnet961-1side, based on magnetic force (repulsive force) between the permanent magnet1071and the permanent magnet961-1. In addition to this, when the permanent magnet1071comes close to the permanent magnet961-2in the process of this operation and/or action, the user perceives force sense that the second contact object1080is attracted to the permanent magnet961-2, based on magnetic force (attractive force) between the permanent magnet1071and the permanent magnet962-2. That is, the user perceives not only bumpy feeling but also perceives attractive force and repulsive force depending on a position.

Here, a direction of magnetic force (attractive force) received by the permanent magnet971of the first contact object970from the permanent magnet961-1when the permanent magnet971comes close to the permanent magnet961-1is opposite to a direction of magnetic force (repulsive force) received by the permanent magnet1071of the second contact object1080from the permanent magnet961-1when the permanent magnet1071comes close to the permanent magnet961-1. Further, a direction of magnetic force (repulsive force) received by the permanent magnet971of the first contact object970from the permanent magnet961-2when the permanent magnet971comes close to the permanent magnet961-2is opposite to a direction of magnetic force (attractive force) received by the permanent magnet1071of the second contact object1080from the permanent magnet961-2when the permanent magnet1071comes close to the permanent magnet961-2. Accordingly, force sense perceived when the first contact object970and the second contact object1080come close to the permanent magnets961-1and961-2can be changed depending on whether to use the first contact object970or the second contact object1080.

For example, it is assumed that a sheet741-α1 ofFIG. 29and a sheet742-α1 ofFIG. 30are used as the sheet741-iand the sheet742-irespectively. A “first pattern” as the one inFIG. 29is drawn on a surface741a-α1 of the sheet741-α1 and a “second pattern” as the one inFIG. 30is drawn on a surface742a-α1 of the sheet742-α1. Here, it is assumed that when the sheets741-α1 and 742-α1 are layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951, the permanent magnet961-1is disposed on a position in the region A1and the permanent magnet961-2is disposed on a position in the region A2.

If the first contact object970reaches the position in the region A1when the sheet741-α1 is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951and the first contact object970is further layered oil the sheet741-α1, a user perceives force sense that the first contact object970is attracted to the region A1(force sense of falling of the first contact object970into the pond in the drawing), based on attractive force between the permanent magnet971and the permanent magnet961-1. On the other hand, if the first contact object970reaches the position in the region A2, a user perceives force sense that the first contact object970is separated from the region A2(force sense of jumping of the first contact object970from the jump ramp in the drawing), based on repulsive force between the permanent magnet971and the permanent magnet961-2.

If the second contact object1080reaches the position in the region A1when the sheet742-α1 is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951and the second contact object1080is further layered on the sheet742-α1, a user perceives force sense that the second contact object1080is separated from the region A1(force sense of running of the second contact object1080on the rock in the drawing), based on repulsive force between the permanent magnet1071and the permanent magnet961-1. On the other hand, if the second contact object1080reaches the position in the region A2, a user perceives force sense that the second contact object1080is attracted to the region A2(force sense of falling of the second contact object1080into the hole in the drawing), based on attractive force between the permanent magnet1071and the permanent magnet961-2.

Modification 8 of Third Embodiment

The “second contact object” according to Modification 7 of the third embodiment may be provided with a yoke instead of a permanent magnet having strong magnetic force. That is, the “base object” side may be provided with the “first permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of the “base object”, the “first contact object” may be provided with the “second permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of a magnetic sheet in addition to the magnetic sheet, and the “second contact object” may be provided with a yoke in addition to a magnetic sheet. Accordingly, force senses different from each other can be presented by the “first contact object” and the “second contact object” even on the same positions of the “base object” on which the “first permanent magnet” is disposed.

A specific example of the present modification is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A “force sense presenting object” illustrated inFIG. 31includes the above-described base part951, sheet741-i(first sheet), sheet742-i(second sheet), and first contact object970, and a second contact object1180.

The difference from the “force sense presenting object” according to Modification 7 of the third embodiment is that the second contact object1080is replaced with the second contact object1180. The second contact object1180incorporates the magnetic sheet930similar to that of the above-described contact object330(FIG. 20CandFIG. 20D) and a yoke1081. The second contact object1180has a plate surface1180a, and the surface931of the magnetic sheet930is fixed so as to be substantially parallel to this plate surface1180a. The yoke1081is fixed on the other surface932side of the magnetic sheet930. The yoke1081is made of pure iron, ferrosilicon, and ferritic stainless steel, for example. The second contact object1180has a plate surface1180bon the opposite side of the plate surface1180a. An image (a drawing or a picture of a car, for example) is drawn on the plate surface1180b.

When the sheet741-i(first sheet) is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951, the first contact object970is further layered on the sheet741-i. The action and force sense perceived in this case are the same as those described in Modification 6 of the third embodiment.

On the other hand, when the sheet742-i(second sheet) is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951, the second contact object1180is further layered on the sheet742-i. The surface742b-iside of the sheet742-iis allowed to face the plate surface951aside and the surface742a-iside of the sheet742-iis allowed to face the plate surface1180aside of the second contact object1180. Accordingly, the sheet742-iis layered on the surface310aside of the base object310and further, the surface931side of the magnetic sheet930is layered on the surface742a-iside of the sheet742-i. A user touches the plate surface1180bof the second contact object1180with the finger or the like and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface931(third surface) and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the surface310a(first surface) and the surface931(third surface) while keeping the surface310a(first surface) and the surface931(third surface) close to each other. Accordingly, the user perceives bumpy feeling from the second contact object1180. Further, when the yoke1081comes close to the permanent magnets961-1and961-2in the process of this operation and/or action, the user perceives force sense that the second contact object1180is attracted to the permanent magnets961-1and961-2in the both cases, based on magnetic attraction force between the yoke1081and the permanent magnets961-1and961-2. That is, the user perceives not only bumpy feeling but also perceives attractive force depending on a position.

As described above, a direction of magnetic force (attractive force) received by the permanent magnet971of the first contact object970from the permanent magnet961-1when the permanent magnet971comes close to the permanent magnet961-1is opposite to a direction of magnetic force (repulsive force) received by the permanent magnet971of the first contact object970from the permanent magnet961-2when the permanent magnet971comes close to the permanent magnet961-2. On the other hand, force received by the yoke1081of the second contact object1180from the permanent magnet961-1and force received by the yoke1081from the permanent magnet961-2when the yoke1081comes close to the permanent magnets961-1and961-2are the same as each other (both are attractive force).

Modification 9 of Third Embodiment

A magnetism shielding object may be provided on a partial region of a sheet. That is, the “first permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of a “base object” may be provided to the “base object” side, the “second permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of the “first contact object” or the “second contact object” may be provided to at least one of the “first contact object” and the “second contact object”, and a “magnetism shielding object” may be provided to a partial region of at least one of the “first sheet” and the “second sheet”. The “magnetism shielding object” is a yoke, for example. The “second permanent magnet” may be provided to only one of the “first contact object” and the “second contact object” or may be provided to both of the “first contact object” and the “second contact object”. The “second permanent magnet” may be provided to one of the “first contact object” and the “second contact object” and the “yoke” may be provided to the other. Accordingly, magnetic force from the “first permanent magnet” is shielded by the “magnetism shielding object” at a partial region. Thus, force sense perceived in the partial region can be discriminated from that in other region. Further, when the “magnetism shielding object” is a yoke, force sense based on magnetic attraction force between the “second permanent magnet” and the “magnetism shielding object” can be presented.

A specific example of the present modification is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. An example is shown below in which the “second permanent magnet” whose magnetic force is stronger than that of the “first contact object” and the “second contact object” is provided to the “first contact object” and the “second contact object”. A “force sense presenting object” illustrated inFIG. 32includes the base part951, the sheet741-i(first sheet), the sheet742-i(second sheet), the first contact object970, and the second contact object1080. These configurations follow the description of Modification 7 of the third embodiment. However, in the present modification, one plate surface of a magnetism shielding object1245-ihaving a plate shape is further fixed on a partial region on the surface741b-iside of the sheet741-iand one plate surface of a magnetism shielding object1246-ihaving a plate shape is further fixed on a partial region on the surface742b-iside of the sheet742-i.

When the sheet741-i(first sheet) is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951, the first contact object970is further layered on the sheet741-i. The action described in Modification 6 of the third embodiment is performed in this state. Here, force sense perceived when the first contact object970is disposed in a region in which magnetic fields of the permanent magnets961-1and961-2of the base part951are not shielded by the magnetism shielding object1245-ifollows the description of Modification 6 of the third embodiment. On the other hand, when the first contact object970is disposed in a region in which the magnetic field of the permanent magnet961-1is shielded by the magnetism shielding object1245-i, force sense based on magnetic force between the permanent magnet971and the permanent magnet961-1is not perceived or is reduced. In a similar manner, when the first contact object970is disposed in a region in which the magnetic field of the permanent magnet961-2is shielded by the magnetism shielding object1245-i, force sense based on magnetic force between the permanent magnet971and the permanent magnet961-2is not perceived or is reduced. Further, when the first contact object970is disposed in this region, the above-described bumpy feeling is not perceived or is reduced as well. However, when the magnetism shielding object1245-iis a yoke, force based on magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet971and the magnetism shielding object1245-iis perceived.

When the sheet742-i(second sheet) is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951, the second contact object1080is further layered on the sheet742-i. The action described in Modification 7 of the third embodiment is performed in this state. Here, force sense perceived when the second contact object1080is disposed in a region in which the magnetic fields of the permanent magnets961-1and961-2of the base part951are not shielded by the magnetism shielding object1246-ifollows the description of Modification 7 of the third embodiment. On the other hand, when the second contact object1080is disposed in a region in which the magnetic field of the permanent magnet961-1is shielded by the magnetism shielding object1246-i, force sense based on magnetic force between the permanent magnet1071and the permanent magnet961-1is not perceived or is reduced. In a similar manner, when the second contact object1080is disposed in a region in which the magnetic field of the permanent magnet961-2is shielded by the magnetism shielding object1246-i, force sense based on magnetic force between the permanent magnet1071and the permanent magnet961-2is not perceived or is reduced. Further, when the second contact object1080is disposed in this region, the above-described bumpy feeling is not perceived or is reduced as well. However, when the magnetism shielding object1246-iis a yoke, force based on magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet1071and the magnetism shielding object1246-iis perceived.

For example, it is assumed that a sheet742-β1 ofFIG. 33is used as the sheet742-i. A “second pattern” as the one inFIG. 33is drawn on a surface742a-β1 of the sheet742-β1. Here, it is assumed that when the sheet742-β1 is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951, the magnetism shielding object1246-iwhich is a yoke is disposed on a position in the region A3. It is assumed that the second contact object1080reaches the position in the region A3when the sheet742-β1 is layered on the plate surface951aside of the base part951and the second contact object1080is further layered on the sheet742-β1. At this time, a user perceives magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet1071and the magnetism shielding object1246-i. However, since a magnetic field between the permanent magnet1071and the permanent magnets961-1and961-2is shielded in the region A3, attractive force and repulsive force between these are not perceived or are reduced. Further, the above-described bumpy feeling is not perceived or is reduced as well in the region A3. Accordingly, when the second contact object1080is positioned on the region A3, a user perceives force sense as if the second contact object1080smoothly slides on the surface742a-β1.

Modification 10 of Third Embodiment

Both of the “first sheet”, and the “second sheet” provided with the “magnetism shielding object” may be layered on the “first surface” of the “base object”. That is, the “first permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of the “base object” may be provided to the “base object” side, the “second permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of the contact object (the “first contact object” or the “second contact object”) may be provided to at least one of the “first contact object” and the “second contact object”, the “magnetism shielding object” may be provided to a partial region of the “second sheet”, and the “first sheet” and the “second sheet” may be layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”. However, the “magnetism shielding object” is interposed between the “first sheet” and the “first permanent magnet”. In this case, the “magnetism shielding object” shields a magnetic field of the “first permanent magnet” not only in the partial region of the “second sheet” but also in a partial region of the “first sheet” which is layered on the partial region of the “second sheet”.

A specific example of the present modification is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As illustrated inFIG. 34, the “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification includes a book that includes the base part951including the above-described base object310and the permanent magnets961-1and961-2, the sheet741-i(first sheet) on which the magnetism shielding object1245-iis provided on a partial region of the surface741b-i, the sheet742-i(second sheet) on which the magnetism shielding object1246-iis provided on a partial region of the surface742b-i, and an attachment part1360. Further, the “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification further includes at least the “first contact object” (FIG. 20AandFIG. 20B) and the “second contact object” (FIG. 20CandFIG. 20D) that are associated with the book ofFIG. 34. Here, i=1, . . . , K holds and K is an integer which is 1 or greater.

Each of one side951cside of the base part951, one side741c-iside of the sheet741-i, and one side742c-iside of the sheet742-iis attached to the attachment part1360. Accordingly, a part of the sheet741-iand a part of the sheet742-iare attached to a part of the base part951via the attachment part1360. A specific example of the attachment part1360is the same as that of the above-described attachment part760. That is, the sheet741-i, the sheet742-i, and the base part951are bundled in a booklet form by the attachment part1360.

In the present modification, the surface742b-iside of the sheet742-iis disposed on the surface951aside of the base part951and the surface741b-iside of the sheet741-iis disposed on the surface742a-iside of the sheet742-i. In this case, magnetic field of the permanent magnet961-2is shielded by the magnetism shielding object1246-i. Though a magnetism shielding object is not provided on the region A4of the sheet741-iwhich is layered on a region in which the magnetism shielding object1246-iis provided, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet961-2does not act on the region A4either. Accordingly, in the layer illustrated inFIG. 34, an influence by the permanent magnets (permanent magnets961-1and961-2) of the base part951is suppressed not only in the region of the sheet741-iin which the magnetism shielding object1245-iis provided but also in the region A4in which the magnetism shielding object1245-iis not provided. Therefore, when the first contact object970is layered on the surface741a-iside of the sheet741-i, the first contact object970is moved as described above, and then the first contact object970reaches the region A4, the influence of the permanent magnet961-2is suppressed by the magnetism shielding object1246-i. Thus, force sense similar to that perceived when the magnetism shielding object is provided in the region A4can be perceived even though a magnetism shielding object is not provided in the region A4.

Modification 11 of Third Embodiment

Not providing a magnetism shielding object to a partial region of the “first sheet” and/or the “second sheet”, a “shielding sheet” whose partial region is provided with a magnetism shielding object may be layered on the “first sheet” and the “second sheet”. That is, the “first permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of the “base object” is provided to the “base object” side and the “second permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of the “first contact object” or the “second contact object” is provided to at least one of the “first contact object” and the “second contact object”. A part of the “first sheet”, a part of the “second sheet”, and a part of the “shielding sheet” are attached to a part of the “base sheet”. However, the “shielding sheet” is a sheet whose partial region is provided with a “magnetism shielding object”. When the “first sheet” and the “shielding sheet” are layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”, the “magnetism shielding object” is interposed between the “first sheet” and the “first permanent magnet”.

A specific example of the present modification is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As illustrated inFIG. 35, the “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification includes a book that includes the base part951including the above-described base object310and permanent magnets961-1and961-2, sheets1441-j(first and second sheets) having the same configuration as the above-described sheets741-iand742-i, a shielding sheet1451which incorporates a magnetism shielding object1451don a partial region thereof, a shielding sheet1452which incorporates a magnetism shielding object1452don a partial region thereof, and an attachment part1460. Further, the “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification includes at least the “first contact object” (FIG. 20AandFIG. 20B) and the “second contact object” (FIG. 20CandFIG. 20D) that are associated with the book inFIG. 35. Here, j=1, . . . , M holds and M is an integer which is 4 or greater.

Each of one side951cside of the base part951, one side1441c-jside of the sheets1441-j, one side1451cof the shielding sheet1451, and one side1452cof the shielding sheet1452is attached to the attachment part1460. Accordingly, a part of each of the sheets1441-j, a part of the shielding sheet1451, and a part of the shielding sheet1452are attached to a part of the base part951via the attachment part1460. A specific example of the attachment part1460is the same as that of the above-described attachment part760. That is, the base part951, the sheets1441-j, and the shielding sheets1451and1452are bundled in a booklet form by the attachment part1460. However, the sheets1441-1to1441-(n−1) (first sheets) can be disposed on one surface1451aside of the shielding sheet1451. The sheets1441-nto1441-(m−1) (second sheets) can be disposed on the other surface1451bside of the shielding sheet1451. Further, the sheets1441-1to1441-(n−1), the shielding sheet1451, and the sheets1441-nto1441-(m−1) can be disposed on one surface1452aside of the shielding sheet1452. The sheet1441-mto1441-M can be disposed on the other surface1452bside of the shielding sheet1452. These sheets1441-1to1441-M, the shielding sheet1451, and the shielding sheet1452can be disposed on the surface951aside of the base part951. Here, 1≤n<m<M holds.

Further, the distance from one side1451cof the shielding sheet1451attached to the attachment part1460to the magnetism shielding object1451dis different from the distance from one side1452cof the shielding sheet1452to the magnetism shielding object1452d. For example, a region obtained by projecting a region of the shielding sheet1451on the surface951aof the base part951in the state that the shielding sheets1451and1452are layered on the surface951aside of the base part951and a region obtained by projecting a region of the shielding sheet1452on the surface951aof the base part951in the same state are not overlapped with each other. For example, the magnetism shielding object1451dand the magnetism shielding object1452dare disposed so that the region B1, shielded by the magnetism shielding object1451d, in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet961-1is not overlapped with the region B2, shielded by the magnetism shielding object1452d, in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet961-2.

Modification 12 of Third Embodiment

A range in which magnetic force of the “base object” acts and a range in which magnetic force of the “second base object” acts may be different from each other in a plurality of layered sheets obtained by layering the “base object” and the “second base object” with a plurality of sheets in a booklet form.

That is, the “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification includes the “base sheet” including the above-described “base object”, the “second base object”, the above-described “first sheet”, the above-described “second sheet”, a “third sheet”, and a “fourth sheet”. The “second base object” includes a “fourth surface”. The “fourth surface” is preliminarily magnetized with a “fourth texture”. The “fourth texture” is a texture including S-pole regions and N-pole regions. The “fourth texture” is different from the “first texture” of the above-described “base object”. The “third sheet” is provided with a visually-recognizable “third pattern” and the “fourth sheet” is provided with a visually-recognizable “fourth pattern”. The “third pattern” is different from the “fourth pattern”. A part of the “first sheet”, a part of the “second sheet”, a part of the “third sheet”, and a part of the “fourth sheet” are attached to a part of the “base sheet” including the “base object”. The “third sheet” and the “fourth sheet” are layered on the “fourth surface” side of the “second base object”. When the “second base object”, the “first sheet”, the “second sheet”, the “third sheet”, and the “fourth sheet” are layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”, the “first sheet” and the “second sheet” are interposed between the “base object” and the “second base object”, the “second base object” is interposed between a couple of the “first sheet” and the “second sheet” and a couple of the “third sheet” and the “fourth sheet”, magnetic force of the “base object” reaches the “first sheet” and the “second sheet”, and magnetic force of the “second base object” reaches the “third sheet” and the “fourth sheet”.

In this case, magnetic force of the “first permanent magnet” may reach all of a plurality of sheets layered in a booklet form. That is, the “first permanent magnet” having stronger magnetic force than that of the “base object” may be provided to the “base object” side, and when the “second base object”, the “first sheet”, the “second sheet”, the “third sheet”, and the “fourth sheet” are layered on the “first surface” side of the “base object”, the magnetic force of the “first permanent magnet” may reach at least the “first sheet”, the “second sheet”, the “third sheet”, and the “fourth sheet”.

A specific example of the present modification is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As illustrated inFIG. 36, the “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification includes a book that includes the base part951(base sheet) including the above-described base object310(FIG. 19) and permanent magnets961-1and961-2, the above-described base object310′ (second base object) (FIG. 21A), the sheets1441-j(first to fourth sheets) having the same configurations as those of the above-described sheets741-iand742-i, and an attachment part1560. Further, the “force sense presenting object” according to the present modification includes at least the “first contact object” (FIG. 20AandFIG. 20B) and the “second contact object” (FIG. 20CandFIG. 20D) that are associated with the book inFIG. 36. Here, j=1, . . . , N holds and N is an integer which is 4 or greater.

As described above, one surface310a′ (fourth surface) of the base object310′ is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (fourth texture) which includes S-pole regions and N-pole regions and is different from the texture (first texture) magnetizing the surface310aof the base object310. A visually-recognizable pattern is drawn on one surface1441a-jof the sheets1441-j. Patterns drawn on respective surfaces1441a-jare different from each other.

Each of one side951cside of the base part951, one side1441c-jside of the sheets1441-j, and one side310c′ of the base object310′ is attached to the attachment part1560. Accordingly, a part of each of the sheets1441-jand a part of the base object310′ are attached to a part of the base part951via the attachment part1560. A specific example of the attachment part1560is the same as that of the above-described attachment part760. That is, the base part951, the sheets1441-j, and the base object310′ are bundled in a booklet form by the attachment part1560. However, the sheets1441-1to1441-(n−1) (third and fourth sheets) can be layered on one surface310a′ side of the base object310′. Further, the sheets1441-nto1441-N (first and second sheets) can be disposed on the other surface310b′ side of the base object310′ and layered on the surface310aside of the base object310.

As illustrated inFIG. 36, when the base object310′ and all of the sheets1441-jare layered on the surface310aside of the base object310, the sheets1441-nto1441-N are interposed between the base object310and the base object310′. Further, the base object310′ is interposed between the sheets1441-nto1441-N and the sheets1441-1to1441-(n−1). At this time, magnetic force of the base object310(magnetic force of the surface310aside) reaches the region A5of the sheets1441-nto1441-N. This magnetic force of the base object310does not reach the sheets1441-1to1441-(n−1). Further, magnetic force of the base object310′ (magnetic force of the surface310a′ side) reaches the sheets1441-1to1441-(n−1).

Accordingly, bumpy feeling perceived by a user can be varied depending on the thickness of the sheets1441-1to1441-N, which are layered on the surface310aside of the base object310, even in the use of the same first contact object970. For example, when the sheets1441-nto1441-N are layered on the surface310aside of the base object310, the surface970aside of the first contact object970is layered on the surface1441a-nof the sheet1441-n, and then the above-described operation and/or action are/is performed, a user perceives bumpy feeling corresponding to a combination between a magnetization pattern on the surface310aside of the base object310and a magnetization pattern on the surface921of the magnetic sheet920in the first contact object970. On the other hand, when the sheets1441-1to1441-N are layered on the surface310aside of the base object310, the surface970aside of the first contact object970is layered on the surface1441a-1of the sheet1441-1, and then the above-described operation and/or action are/is performed, a user perceives bumpy feeling corresponding to a combination between a magnetization pattern on the surface310a′ side of the base object310′ and the magnetization pattern on the surface921of the magnetic sheet920in the first contact object970. Here, mutually-different textures are used as the texture magnetizing the surface310aside of the base object310and the texture magnetizing the surface310a′ side of the base object310′, being able to provide mutually-different bumpy feeling.

Meanwhile, the magnetic force of the permanent magnets961-1and961-2is stronger than the magnetic force of the base object310. Accordingly, even when the base object310′ and all of the sheets1441-jare layered on the surface310aside of the base object310as illustrated inFIG. 36, the magnetic force of the permanent magnets961-1and961-2can be allowed to reach all of the sheets1441-j(regions A6and A7). Even when the thickness of the sheets1441-1to1441-N to be layered on the surface310aside of the base object310is changed so as to vary bumpy feeling perceived by a user as described above, force sense based on the magnetic force between the permanent magnet971included in the first contact object970and the permanent magnets961-1and961-2can be perceived.

Modification 13 of Third Embodiment

In Modification 12 of the third embodiment, a magnetism shielding object may be provided in a partial region of at least part of the sheets1441-1to1441-N. Further, a shielding sheet incorporating a magnetism shielding object as well as the sheets1441-1to1441-N may be bundled in a booklet form by the attachment part1560as illustrated in Modification 11 of the third embodiment. Books are applications also of such a configuration. Further, the permanent magnets961-1and961-2illustrated in Modification 11 of the third embodiment may be omitted. That is, the configuration may be replaced to the configuration in which the base part951includes the base object310but does not include the permanent magnets961-1and961-2. The “force sense presenting object” may include such a “book” or the “book” described in Modification 12 of the third embodiment and only one of the “first contact object” (FIG. 20AandFIG. 20B) and the “second contact object” (FIG. 20CandFIG. 20D) that are associated with the “book”. In this case, for example, when an infant or a child who is a user opens a certain page among a plurality of pages included in a picture book (book), he/she superimposes a contact object on a drawing of the page and operates the contact object along a path drawn in the drawing of the page, being able to perceive bumpy feeling corresponding to the path drawn in the drawing. Also, the textures, the positional relations between the positions of the magnetic sheet and the permanent magnet, the position, size, and number of pieces of magnetism shielding objects, the position and number of pieces of shielding sheets, and the like, which are illustrated in each modification of the third embodiment do not limit the present invention.

Fourth Embodiment

The principles of the second embodiment are applied also in a fourth embodiment. The present embodiment describes a “force sense presenting object” which presents bumpy feeling to a user in information input to an input device, in which the principle of the second embodiment is incorporated, without using any electromagnet.

When the input device is a touch screen, the “force sense presenting object” includes a “first object” which is disposed on an input surface of the touch screen and a “second object” which is attached, gripped, or supported by an “acting subject” performing an input operation with respect to the touch screen. The “first object” includes a “first surface”, and the “first surface” is preliminarily magnetized with a “first texture” including S-pole regions and N-pole regions. The “second object” includes a “second surface”, and the “second surface” is preliminarily magnetized with a “second texture” including S-pole regions and N-pole regions. The “first object” is a magnetic sheet which is disposed with one plate surface thereof facing an input surface side of the touch screen and the “first surface” is the other plate surface of the magnetic sheet, for example. An “acting subject” who performs an input operation with respect to the touch screen having an input surface on which the “first object” is disposed wears, grips, or supports the “second object” and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the first surface and the second surface while keeping the “first surface” and the “second surface” in contact with or close to each other. Thus, the input operation with respect to the touch screen is performed and the “acting subject” perceives bumpy feeling. That is, through such an action performed by an “acting subject”, the input operation with respect to the touch screen is performed and shearing stress received by the “acting subject” from the second object periodically varies. Accordingly, the “acting subject” perceives bumpy feeling.

When the input device is an input device such as a computer mouse, a “force sense presenting object” includes a “first object” and a “second object”. The “first object” includes a “first surface”, and the “first surface” is preliminarily magnetized with a “first texture” including S-pole regions and N-pole regions. The “second object” includes a “second surface”, and the “second surface” is preliminarily magnetized with a “second texture” including S-pole regions and N-pole regions. The “second object” is attached or provided to the “input device” gripped by an “acting subject”. An acting subject who operates the “input device” to which the “second object” is attached or provided performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” and/or an action for changing the relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface” while keeping the “first surface” and the “second surface” in contact with or close to each other. Thus, the input operation with respect to the “input device” is performed and the “acting subject” perceives bumpy feeling. That is, through such an action performed by an “acting subject”, the input operation with respect to the input device is performed and shearing stress received by the acting subject from the input device periodically varies. Accordingly, the acting subject perceives bumpy feeling.

Specific examples of the present embodiment are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Case where Input Device is Touch Screen>

FIG. 37andFIG. 38illustrate an example in which the principle of the second embodiment is incorporated into a touch screen.

As illustrated inFIG. 37, a magnetic sheet410which is the “first object” is attached to an input surface (front surface) of a touch screen401of an electronic apparatus400such as a smartphone and a tablet device. One plate surface412of the magnetic sheet410is disposed to face an input surface side of the touch screen401and the other plate surface411(first surface) of the magnetic sheet410is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (first texture) including S-pole regions411aand N-pole regions411b. Here, the “first texture” may include a plurality of regions whose pitches and patterns (a stripe texture and a checker texture, for example) are mutually different.

A “second object” illustrated inFIG. 38Ais a glove420which is worn, gripped, or supported by a user and front surfaces421(second surface) on pads of fingers of the user are preliminarily magnetized with a texture (second texture) including S-pole regions421aand N-pole regions421b. Here, the second texture may include a plurality of regions whose pitches and patterns (a stripe texture and a checker texture, for example) are mutually different. Respective fingers are magnetized with textures whose pitches and patterns are different from each other inFIG. 38A.

A user wears, grips, or supports the glove420and rubs the magnetic sheet410disposed on the input surface of the touch screen401of the electronic apparatus400by the texture part including the S-pole regions421aand the N-pole regions421b. Accordingly, an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the plate surface411(first surface) of the magnetic sheet410and the front surface421(second surface) on balls of fingers of the glove420or/and an action for changing the relative positional relation between the plate surface411(first surface) and the front surface421(second surface) is/are performed while keeping the plate surface411(first surface) and the front surface421(second surface) in contact with or close to each other. Thus, the input operation with respect to the touch screen is performed and a user perceives bumpy feeling. An image (a video, a moving image, and a picture image, for example) may be displayed from the touch screen401(output device) or sound may be outputted from a speaker (output device) of the electronic apparatus400in response to this input operation. Thus, force sense can be presented and presented contents of an image and/or sound can be changed in response to an input operation. In the glove420illustrated inFIG. 38A, respective fingers are magnetized with textures whose pitches and patterns are mutually different, realizing perception of different bumpy feeling depending on a finger operating the touch screen401. Further, when a plurality of regions whose pitches and patterns are mutually different are provided on the plate surface411(first surface) of the magnetic sheet410, a user can be allowed to perceive different bumpy feeling depending on a finger used for operation and a region operated.

A stylus pen430illustrated inFIG. 38BandFIG. 38Cmay be used as the “second object”. The stylus pen430includes a gripping part435having a substantially columnar shape and an end part436having a substantially discoid shape. One end of the gripping part435is fixed or integrated around the center of one surface432of the end part436. The other surface431(second surface) of the end part436is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (second texture) including S-pole regions531aand N-pole regions531b. A user grips or supports the gripping part435of the stylus pen430and rubs the magnetic sheet410disposed on the input surface of the stylus panel401of the electronic apparatus400on the surface431side of the end part436. Accordingly, an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the plate surface411(first surface) of the magnetic sheet410and the surface431(second surface) of the end part436or/and an action for changing the relative positional relation between the plate surface411(first surface) and the surface431(second surface) is/are performed while keeping the plate surface411(first surface) and the surface431(second surface) in contact with or close to each other. Thus, the input operation with respect to the touch screen401is performed and a user perceives bumpy feeling. An image may be displayed from the touch screen401(output device) or sound may be outputted from the speaker (output device) of the electronic apparatus400in response to this input operation. Accordingly, force sense can be presented and presented contents of an image and/or sound can be changed in response to an input operation.

FIG. 39illustrates an example in which force sense is presented and game contents are presented in response to an input operation. As illustrated inFIG. 39, the magnetic sheet210illustrated in the second embodiment is attached to a lower part of an input surface (front surface) of a touch screen401′ of an electronic apparatus400′ such as a smartphone and a tablet device. One plate surface212of the magnetic sheet210is disposed to face an input surface side of the touch screen401′ and the other plate surface211(first surface) of the magnetic sheet210is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (first texture) including S-pole regions211aand N-pole regions211b. The magnetic sheet220illustrated in the second embodiment is disposed on the plate surface211of the magnetic sheet210. One surface221(second surface) of the magnetic sheet220is magnetized with a texture (second texture) including S-pole regions221aand N-pole regions221band the magnetic sheet220is disposed so that the surface221faces the plate surface211. A user touches the other surface222of the magnetic sheet220layered on the magnetic sheet210with a finger200and performs an operation for changing a relative positional relation between the surface211and the surface221while keeping the surface211and the surface221in contact with or close (nearly contact) to each other. Thus, the input operation with respect to the touch screen401′ is performed and the user perceives bumpy feeling. Presented contents of game contents on the touch screen401′ (output device) are changed and sound outputted from a speaker402′ (output device) of the electronic apparatus400′ is changed in response to this input operation.

<Case where Input Device is Computer Mouse and so On>

FIG. 40AtoFIG. 40Cillustrate an example in which the principle of the second embodiment is incorporated into a computer mouse500. A magnetic sheet510which is the “second object” is fixed on a bottom surface500aof the computer mouse500. One surface511(second surface) of the magnetic sheet510is preliminarily magnetized with a “second texture” including S-pole regions511aand N-pole regions511b. The “second texture” is a stripe texture and a checker texture, for example. The other surface512of the magnetic sheet510is fixed on the bottom surface500aof the computer mouse500.

The magnetic sheets210,230,250,210′,230′, and250′, and the base objects310and310′, for example, can be used as the “first object”. When the magnetic sheet210is used as the “first object”, for example, a user (acting subject) disposes the magnetic sheet210so that the surface211(first surface) faces outside and grips the computer mouse500so that the surface511(second surface) of the magnetic sheet510fixed to the computer mouse500is brought into contact with the surface211. The user slides the computer mouse500along the surface211(first surface) of the magnetic sheet210so as to change a relative positional relation between the surface211(first surface) and the surface511(second surface) while keeping the surface211(first surface) and the surface511(second surface) in contact with or close to each other. Thus, the input operation with respect to the computer mouse500is performed and the user perceives bumpy feeling. An image may be displayed from a display (output device), which is not shown, a video may be projected from a projector (output device), or sound may be outputted from a speaker (output device) in response to this input operation. Accordingly, force sense can be presented and presented contents of an image and/or sound can be changed in response to an input operation.

Characteristics of Present Embodiment

In the present embodiment, a user performing information input can be allowed to perceive bumpy feeling when he/she performs the information input into an input device.

Fifth Embodiment

The principles of the second embodiment are applied in a fifth embodiment as well. In the fifth embodiment, a first object is fixed on a walking surface and bumpy feeling is presented when an acting subject wearing or gripping a second object moves, providing tactile information similar to a braille paving tile to a pedestrian. The “first object” of the present embodiment can be fixed on a walking surface in a state that a “first surface” faces upward and the “second object” is a member that can be worn or gripped by an “acting subject” in a state that a “second surface” faces outside. Here, the “first object” includes the “first surface”, and the “first surface” is magnetized with a “first texture” including S-pole regions and N-pole regions; and the “second object” includes the “second surface”, and the “second surface” is magnetized with a “second texture” including S-pole regions and N-pole regions, as described above. The “acting subject” wearing or gripping the “second object” walks on the “first surface” of the “first object” fixed on a walking surface while keeping the “first surface” and the “second surface” in contact with or close to each other and thus changes a relative positional relation between the “first surface” and the “second surface”, perceiving bumpiness.

A specific example of the present embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 41illustrates magnetic sheets610and620which are the “first object” according to the present embodiment. One surface611(first surface) of a magnetic sheet610is magnetized with a texture (first texture) including S-pole regions611aand N-pole regions611b. The surface611(first surface) of the magnetic sheet610faces upward and the other surface612of the magnetic sheet610is fixed on a floor600(walking surface). In a similar manner, one surface621(first surface) of the magnetic sheet620is magnetized with a texture (first texture) including S-pole regions621aand N-pole regions621b. The surface621(first surface) of the magnetic sheet620faces upward and the other surface622of the magnetic sheet620is fixed on the floor600(walking surface). Though the surfaces611and621are magnetized with stripe textures inFIG. 41, the surfaces611and621may be magnetized with checker textures.

FIG. 42AandFIG. 42Billustrate a shoe640which is the “second object” of the present embodiment. One surface632of a magnetic sheet630is fixed on a shoe sole641(second surface) of the shoe640. The other surface631of the magnetic sheet630is magnetized with a texture (second texture) including S-pole regions631aand N-pole regions631b. Needless to say, a pedestrian (acting subject) can wear the shoe640in a state that the shoe sole641faces outside.

A pedestrian wearing the shoe640walks on the surface611or621(first surface) of the magnetic sheet610or620fixed on the floor600(walking surface) while keeping the surface611or621(first surface) of the magnetic sheet610or620and the shoe sole641(second surface) in contact with or close to each other and thus changes a relative positional relation between the surface611or621(first surface) and the shoe sole641(second surface), perceiving bumpiness.

FIG. 43AandFIG. 43Billustrate a white cane650which is another example of the “second object”. The white cane650includes a gripping part655having a substantially columnar shape and an end part656having a substantially discoid shape. One end of the gripping part655is fixed or integrated around the center of one surface652of the end part656. The other surface651(second surface) of the end part656is preliminarily magnetized with a texture (second texture) including S-pole regions651aand N-pole regions651b. A pedestrian gripping the white cane650walks on the surface611or621(first surface) of the magnetic sheet610or620fixed on the floor600(walking surface) while keeping the surface611or621(first surface) of the magnetic sheet610or620and the surface651(second surface) of the end part656of the white cane650in contact with or close to each other and thus changes a relative positional relation between the surface611or621(first surface) and the surface651(second surface), perceiving bumpiness.

Characteristics of Present Embodiment

In the present embodiment, a pedestrian can be allowed to perceive bumpy feeling without providing physical bumps on the floor600. Physical bumps do not have to be provided on the floor600, providing an advantage that dirt or dust is hardly collected on the floor600. Further, the way of change in shearing stress received from the shoe sole641or the surface651by a pedestrian (acting subject) is varied depending on the direction in which the relative positional relation between the surface611or621(first surface) and the shoe sole641or the surface651(second surface) is changed by using a stripe texture or the like, thus being able to providing different bumpy feeling. Accordingly, different bumpy feeling can be presented depending on a heading direction of a pedestrian.

Other Modifications and so Forth

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the “first object”, the “second object”, the “base object”, the “first contact object”, the “second contact object”, and so on may be composed of a magnetic body other than a magnetic sheet. The “first object”, the “second object”, the “base object”, the “first contact object”, the “second contact object”, and so on may be electromagnet. Further, the above-described embodiments have shown the example in which a stripe texture or/and a checker texture magnetizes a magnetic body. However, a texture having another pattern may magnetize a magnetic body as long as bumpy feeling can be presented based on the above-described principles. Furthermore, the cutter component of the cutting plotter is replaced with the magnetization component and this cutting plotter is driven so as to magnetize a magnetic sheet in the first embodiment. However, instead of the cutting plotter, other devices in which a head can be moved in a planar direction such as a pen printer may be used. That is, a component such as a pen attached to a head of such a device may be replaced with the magnetization component and this device may be driven to magnetize a magnetic sheet.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS