JP4892829B2 - Vibration generator, input / output device with tactile function, and electronic device thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital still camera that presents a tactile sensation to an operator's hand or finger when a shutter button is operated, a vibration generator suitable for application to a camera-equipped mobile phone, an input / output device with a tactile function, and an electronic device thereof Regarding equipment.

  Specifically, in the case of generating a plurality of types of vibration, a control unit that controls input and output of the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotating body is provided, and the piezoelectric body or the vibration rotating body is selected based on a preset operation condition. Drive the piezoelectric body or vibration rotating body based on the operating conditions, and if quick response is required, make it possible to cope with vibration of the piezoelectric body, and if strong stimulus is required, vibrate It is made possible to cope with the vibration of the rotating body so that a powerful shutter operation such as a high-end single-lens reflex camera can be reproduced with a digital camera or the like.

  In recent years, users (operators) have taken various contents into portable terminal devices such as mobile phones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and used them. These portable terminal devices are provided with an input device. In many cases, a keyboard, an input means such as a JOG dial, a touch panel combined with a display unit, or the like is used as the input device.

  An input / output device combined with an actuator has also been developed. Actuators are produced by the difference in strain between two or more piezoelectric elements with different strain amounts, or when piezoelectric control elements and non-piezoelectric elements are pasted together and a vibration control voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements of the bonded body. The bending deformation of the bonded body is used dynamically (vibrating body function). In many cases, so-called bimorph actuators, unimorph actuators, disk actuators (collectively these are simply referred to as piezoelectric actuators) and the like are used as actuators.

  With respect to an electronic apparatus provided with this type of piezoelectric actuator, Patent Document 1 discloses a display device with a touch panel. According to this display device, the pressing force detection unit and the tactile response applying drive unit are provided, and when a predetermined pressing force is detected at a predetermined position on the touch panel, the tactile response applying drive unit is operated to transmit vibration to the touch panel. Then, a tactile sensation is presented to the operator. When the display device is configured in this manner, a tactile sensation is not presented only by a tracing operation or a light touch on the touch panel, so that a clear operation feeling can be obtained without malfunction.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a steering device. According to this steering apparatus, the steering wheel is provided with vibration means including a solenoid, a spring, and a vibrator, and the vibration means is operated in accordance with input information from an operation unit such as various switches and a keyboard to give a tactile sensation to the driver. It is intended to be presented. If the steering device is configured in this manner, the operation performed by the operation unit can be reliably responded (presented) to the driver with a tactile sensation.

  Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses an audible sound and vibration generator. According to this generation device, an operation input unit with a tactile input function, a sensor unit, a sound source unit, and a sound generation unit are provided. The sensor unit and the sound generation unit are provided in the operation input unit, and an operator applies an external force to the operation input unit. Then, the sensor unit detects an external force and outputs a force detection signal to the sound source unit. The sound source unit outputs a drive control signal to the sound generation unit based on the force detection signal. The sound generation unit outputs audible sound and vibration based on the drive control signal. When the generating device is configured in this way, sound can be presented to the operator's hand or finger that has applied external force to the operation input unit through hearing and touch.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a vibration motor and an electronic apparatus having the vibration motor. According to this vibration motor, the piezoelectric actuator and the weight unbalanced rotating body are provided, the piezoelectric actuator is provided with a piezoelectric element, and the rotating body has a weight addition body that is eccentric from the rotating shaft. Has a short height relative to the diameter direction of the rotating body. This piezoelectric element undergoes stretching vibration when an AC voltage is applied. The rotating body is engaged with the piezoelectric element and is rotated based on the stretching vibration of the piezoelectric element. If the vibration motor is configured in this way, it can be reduced in size and thickness, so that the electronic device mounted with the vibration motor can be reduced in size.

  By the way, a user often takes a picture of a subject using a digital still camera, a mobile phone with a camera, etc., and prints out the picture or transmits it to the other party. Although these digital camera devices are provided with a shutter operation button that constitutes an input device, the present situation is that an operation feeling full of sensation as in the shutter operation of a single-lens reflex camera is not obtained.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a configuration example before and after the shutter operation of the single-lens reflex camera 10 according to the conventional example.
A single-lens reflex camera 10 shown in FIG. 16A has a main mirror 7 constituting a shutter in addition to an optical system 6 such as a lens in a housing. According to the single-lens reflex camera 10, when a shutter operation button (not shown) is turned off or half-pressed, the light L from the subject reaches the main mirror 7 via the optical system 6, and this light L Then, a path (hereinafter referred to as an optical path I) that reaches the finder 9 after being reflected by the main mirror 7 is traced. At this time, the main mirror 7 blocks the optical path I leading to the film or the CCD image sensor 11.

  In the single-lens reflex camera 10 shown in FIG. 16B, when a shutter operation button (not shown) is turned on, the main mirror 7 jumps up instantaneously, interrupts the optical path I to the viewfinder 9 and the object that has passed through the optical system 6. Is guided to the film or CCD image sensor 11. In the single-lens reflex camera 10, the main mirror 7 starts to move instantaneously by operating the shutter button, but the response is quick, and strong vibration is given to the housing by the inertia of the main mirror 7.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vibration waveform during a shutter operation in the single-lens reflex camera 10. The vertical axis shown in FIG. 17 is amplitude, and the horizontal axis is time t. In the figure, a part is a vibration waveform of period T1 in which the main mirror 7 jumps up. A portion b is a vibration waveform in a period T3 in which the main mirror 7 jumps down. Between the a part and the b part is a shutter opening period T2, which is a so-called exposure time. As described above, according to the single-lens reflex camera 10, it is possible to obtain an analog sensation of operation feeling full of power when the shutter is operated.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-293644 (page 4 FIG. 2) JP 11-339580 A (page 3 FIG. 3) JP 2002-359888 A (3rd page FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-160303 (page 3 in FIG. 1)

  In an electronic apparatus such as a digital camera or a camera-equipped mobile phone according to a conventional example, for example, an actuator as shown in Patent Documents 1 to 4 is used to provide a sense of operation full of power of the single-lens reflex camera 10 as shown in FIG. When trying to use and simulate, there are the following problems.

  i. When only a vibration motor as found in Patent Document 4 is mounted in a digital camera, the response time of the vibration motor is long (200 msec). Therefore, it is difficult to simulate vibration that requires a quick response, for example, vibration that occurs when the main mirror 7 shown in FIG. 16B instantaneously rises in the period T1 shown in FIG. In this way, it is difficult to make the user feel the click operation with only the vibration motor.

  ii. Further, when only a piezoelectric actuator such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is mounted in a digital camera, since the driving force is weak, it is difficult to simulate the vibration when the main mirror 7 jumps down in the period T3. Thus, it is difficult to feel a strong tactile sensation only with the piezoelectric actuator.

  iii. Note that the vibration means as shown in Patent Document 2 and the vibration generator as shown in Patent Document 3 require a large mounting space, which hinders downsizing of electronic devices such as digital cameras.

  Therefore, the present invention solves such a conventional problem, and when quick response is required, it is possible to cope with vibration of the piezoelectric body and when strong stimulation is required. An object of the present invention is to provide a vibration generating device, an input / output device with a tactile function, and an electronic device thereof that can cope with the vibration of the vibration rotating body.

The above-described problem is a vibration generator that generates a plurality of types of vibrations, and includes an input detection unit that detects an input operation by a user, a piezoelectric body that generates a first vibration, and a first vibration that is different from the first vibration. a vibrating rotating body generating vibrations of 2, and a control means for controlling input and output of the piezoelectric and vibrating rotating body, control means, based on the detected input operation by the input detecting means, piezoelectric or / When the selected piezoelectric body and / or vibration rotator is driven based on preset operating conditions generated on software , and the piezoelectric body and vibration rotator are selected This is solved by a vibration generator that generates the second vibration with a delay from the first vibration .

According to the vibration generator of the present invention, the control means controls input / output of the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotating body when a plurality of types of vibration are generated. The control means selects a piezoelectric or and vibration rotating body based on pre Me set operating conditions is generated on the software, so as to drive the piezoelectric element or and vibration rotating body based on the operating conditions To be made. The piezoelectric body generates a first vibration, and the vibration rotator generates a second vibration different from the first vibration.

  Therefore, a tactile sensation that requires quick response can be dealt with by vibration of the piezoelectric body, and when a strong tactile sensation is required, it can be dealt with by vibration of the vibration rotating body. This makes it possible to reproduce a powerful shutter operation such as a single-lens reflex camera with a digital camera or the like.

An input / output device according to the present invention is an input / output device with a tactile function that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body during an information input operation, and is detected by an input detection unit that detects an input operation by a user, and the input detection unit Vibration generating means for presenting a tactile sensation to the operating body based on an input operation, wherein the vibration generating means is a piezoelectric body that generates a first vibration and a vibration that generates a second vibration different from the first vibration. And a control means for controlling input / output of the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotating body. The control means selects the piezoelectric body and / or the vibration rotating body based on the input operation detected by the input detection means. And driving the selected piezoelectric body or / and the vibrating rotator based on preset operating conditions generated on software, and when the piezoelectric body and the vibrating rotator are selected, the second vibration is The first vibration It is characterized in that for delayed relative.

According to the input / output device according to the present invention, when the vibration generating device according to the present invention is applied and a plurality of types of vibrations are generated, the control unit controls the input / output of the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotating body. The control means selects a piezoelectric or and vibration rotating body based on pre Me set operating conditions is generated on the software, so as to drive the piezoelectric element or and vibration rotating body based on the operating conditions To be made. The piezoelectric body subjected to the drive control generates a first vibration, and the vibration rotating body generates a second vibration different from the first vibration.

  Therefore, a tactile sensation that requires quick response can be dealt with by vibration of the piezoelectric body, and when a strong tactile sensation is required, it can be dealt with by vibration of the vibration rotating body. This makes it possible to reproduce a powerful shutter operation such as a single-lens reflex camera with a digital camera or the like.

An electronic apparatus according to the present invention is an electronic apparatus with a tactile input function that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body during an information input operation, and includes an input detection unit that detects an input operation by a user, and an input detected by the input detection unit An input / output device with a tactile function having vibration generating means for presenting a tactile sensation to an operating body based on an operation is provided. The vibration generating means is different from the first vibration and the piezoelectric body that generates the first vibration. A vibration rotating body that generates a second vibration; and a control unit that controls input and output of the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotating body. The control unit is configured to control the piezoelectric body based on an input operation detected by the input detection unit. and / or select the vibrating rotator, driven based piezoelectric / or vibrating rotating body that is selected to a preset operating condition is generated in software, the piezoelectric body and the vibrating rotating body is selected as It is characterized in that the electronic device with the touch-sensitive input function for delayed a second vibration to the first vibration.

According to the electronic device with a tactile input function according to the present invention, when the input / output device according to the present invention is applied and a plurality of types of vibration are generated, the control means performs input / output of the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotating body. Control. The control means selects a piezoelectric or and vibration rotating body based on pre Me set operating conditions is generated on the software, so as to drive the piezoelectric element or and vibration rotating body based on the operating conditions To be made. The piezoelectric body subjected to the drive control generates a first vibration, and the vibration rotating body generates a second vibration different from the first vibration.

  Therefore, a tactile sensation that requires quick response can be dealt with by vibration of the piezoelectric body, and when a strong tactile sensation is required, it can be dealt with by vibration of the vibration rotating body. This makes it possible to reproduce a powerful shutter operation such as a single-lens reflex camera with a digital camera or the like.

  According to the vibration generating apparatus of the present invention, when a plurality of types of vibrations are generated, the vibration generating apparatus includes a control unit that controls input / output of the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotating body. Based on this, a piezoelectric body or a vibration rotating body is selected, and the piezoelectric body or the vibration rotating body is driven based on the operation condition.

  With this configuration, when quick response is required, it can be dealt with by vibration of the piezoelectric body, and when strong stimulation is required, it can be dealt with by vibration of the vibrating rotating body. Therefore, the vibration generator can be sufficiently applied to an input / output device with a tactile function or an electronic device.

  According to the input / output device with a tactile function according to the present invention, since the vibration generating device according to the present invention is applied, a tactile sensation that requires quick response can be dealt with by vibration of the piezoelectric body, and strong. When tactile sensation is required, it can be dealt with by the vibration of the vibration rotating body. Accordingly, it is possible to reproduce a powerful shutter operation such as a single-lens reflex camera with a digital camera or the like.

  According to the electronic device with a tactile input function according to the present invention, since the input / output device according to the present invention is applied, a tactile sensation that requires quick response can be dealt with by vibration of the piezoelectric body and is strong. When tactile sensation is required, it can be dealt with by the vibration of the vibration rotating body.

  Subsequently, an embodiment of a vibration generating device, an input / output device with a tactile function, and an electronic device thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a vibration generator 100 as a first embodiment according to the present invention. The vibration generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that generates a plurality of types of vibration, and is applied to a digital still camera that presents a tactile sensation to an operator's hand or finger when a shutter button is operated, a mobile phone with a camera, or the like. Therefore, it is very suitable.

  The vibration generator 100 includes a control unit 15, a piezoelectric actuator 25, and a vibration motor 45. The control unit 15 includes an actuator drive circuit 37 and a selection circuit 38, and operates to control input / output of a piezoelectric actuator 25 as an example of a piezoelectric body and a vibration motor 45 as an example of a vibration rotating body.

  For example, the control unit 15 selects the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 based on a preset operation condition, and drives the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 based on the operation condition. In this example, the control means 15 drives the vibration motor 45 continuously with the drive of the piezoelectric actuator 25 based on the operating conditions (actuator relay control).

  The actuator drive circuit 37 receives, for example, an actuator drive command D37 from a higher-level control system. This command D37 includes vibration control information and actuator selection information. In the actuator drive circuit 37, vibration control information and actuator selection information are separated from the command D37. Thereafter, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the vibration control information and generates a vibration control signal for the piezoelectric actuator and a motor control signal for the vibration motor.

  Further, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the actuator selection information and generates, for example, 2-bit actuator selection data Ds. In the actuator drive circuit 37, the vibration control voltage Va is generated based on the vibration control signal, and the motor drive voltage Vm is generated based on the motor control signal.

  A selection circuit 38 is connected to the actuator drive circuit 37. The selection circuit 38 is connected to the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45. For example, two single switch circuits are provided in the selection circuit 38, and each of them is turned ON / OFF based on the actuator selection data Ds. Table 1 shows an example of the relationship between the contents of the actuator selection data Ds and the control contents of the selection circuit 38.

  According to Table 1, when the actuator selection data is Ds = “01”, only the piezoelectric actuator 25 is selected. Similarly, when Ds = “10”, only the vibration motor 45 is selected, and Ds When “11”, both the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45 are selected. When Ds = “00”, neither the piezoelectric actuator 25 nor the vibration motor 45 is selected (OFF).

  In this example, the piezoelectric actuator 25 generates the first vibration based on the vibration control voltage Va when the actuator selection data Ds = “01” and Ds = “11”. This vibration makes it possible to present a tactile sensation to the operator's finger or the like. As the piezoelectric actuator 25, a bimorph type piezoelectric actuator is used.

  The vibration motor 45 generates a second vibration different from the first vibration based on the motor control voltage Vm when the actuator selection data Ds = “10” and Ds = “11”. As the vibration motor 45, for example, a motor to which a weight addition body (hereinafter referred to as an unbalance wheel) that eccentrically rotates the motor rotation shaft is used. Vibration occurs due to the rotation of the unbalanced weight-added body.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of the piezoelectric actuator 25. The piezoelectric actuator (laminated body) 25 shown in FIG. 2 has two or more layers of different piezoelectric elements or piezoelectric elements and non-piezoelectric elements bonded together, and applied a vibration control voltage to the piezoelectric elements of the bonded body. In some cases, vibration is generated by the difference in strain between the two. For example, the piezoelectric actuator 25 for a digital camera has a length of about 30 mm, a width of about 3 mm, and a thickness of about 1 mm.

  The piezoelectric actuator 25 is a form in which piezoelectric elements are stacked between electrodes, and a total of six layers of piezoelectric elements # 1 to # 6, an upper electrode 1, a lower electrode 2, a central electrode 3, and four layers. The electrodes IE1 to IE4 and the terminals 25a and 25b are formed. The upper electrode 1 and the electrodes IE1 and IE2 constitute an upper laminated piezoelectric body 4a, and the lower electrode 2, the electrodes IE3 and IE4 constitute a lower laminated piezoelectric body 4b.

  In the upper laminated piezoelectric body 4a, the upper electrode 1 is connected to the main electrode IE2 through a through hole (not shown). The electrodes of each layer are connected by an electrode material filled in the through holes. In the lower laminated piezoelectric body 4b, the lower electrode 2 is similarly connected to the main electrode IE3 through a through hole (not shown).

  In the upper laminated piezoelectric body 4a, the main electrode IE1 is connected to the central electrode 3 through a through hole (not shown). In the lower laminated piezoelectric body 4b, the main electrode IE4 is connected to the central electrode 3 through a through hole (not shown). The center electrode 3 is connected to the terminal 25a, and the upper and lower electrodes 1 and 2 are connected together and connected to the terminal 25b. A vibration control voltage Va is supplied between the terminals 25a and 25b. As a result, the six layers of piezoelectric elements # 1 to # 6 are driven in parallel.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of the vibration motor 45. The vibration motor 45 shown in FIG. 3 includes a motor main body 45a, a motor rotating shaft 45b, an unbalance wheel 45c, and terminals 45d and 45e. The motor body 45a has, for example, a diameter of about 15 mm and a height of about 5 mm. A DC or AC motor is used for the motor body 45a. The motor main body 45a is provided with a motor rotation shaft 45b, and a half-moon-shaped unbalance wheel 45c is attached to the motor rotation shaft 45b.

  The motor main body 45a is provided with terminals 45d and 45e, and a motor control voltage Vm is supplied between the terminals 45d and 45e. As a result, the vibration motor 45 rotates and the unbalance wheel 45c rotates so as to decenter the motor rotation shaft 45b, thereby generating a stronger vibration than the piezoelectric actuator 25. Such vibration by the vibration motor 45 is stronger than that of the piezoelectric actuator 25, and for example, a strong tactile sensation can be presented to the hand of an operator having a digital camera.

Subsequently, an operation example of the vibration generating device 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the vibration generating device 100.
In this embodiment, when a plurality of types of vibrations are generated, a control means 15 for controlling input / output of the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45 is provided. The control means 15 is based on preset operation conditions. 25 and the vibration motor 45 are selected, and the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 is driven based on the operation condition (actuator selection drive control).

  With this as an operating condition, the control means 15 inputs the operating condition in step ST1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. At this time, the actuator drive circuit 37 is supplied with an actuator drive command D37 from the upper control system. In the actuator drive circuit 37, vibration control information and actuator selection information are separated from the command D37. The actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the actuator selection information and generates, for example, 2-bit actuator selection data Ds.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST2, and the actuator drive circuit 37 determines whether the actuator is single-driven or multiple-drive simultaneously. The discrimination criterion at this time is to drive only the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 (single drive) based on the 2-bit actuator selection data Ds obtained after decoding the actuator selection information, or the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45. It is made to detect whether both are driven simultaneously (multiple simultaneous driving). As a result of this detection, when only the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 is driven alone, the process proceeds to step ST3.

  In step ST3, it is determined which of the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45 is selected. At this time, the actuator selection data Ds is compared with a comparison reference value that drives only the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45, a comparison reference value that drives both the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45, and the like. This is used as a discrimination criterion by detecting coincidence or mismatch.

  As a result of this determination, as shown in Table 1, when the actuator selection data is Ds = “01”, the process proceeds to step ST4 and the drive control of the piezoelectric actuator 25 is executed. For example, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the vibration control information to generate a vibration control signal for the piezoelectric actuator, and generates the vibration control voltage Va based on the vibration control signal.

  Also, actuator selection data Ds = “01” for selecting only the piezoelectric actuator 25 is supplied from the actuator drive circuit 37 to the selection circuit 38. The selection circuit 38 turns on the switch circuit based on the actuator selection data Ds = “01” and supplies the vibration control voltage Va to the piezoelectric actuator 25. The piezoelectric actuator 25 generates a first vibration based on the vibration control voltage Va. This vibration makes it possible to present a tactile sensation to the operator's finger or the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST7.

  When the actuator selection data is Ds = “10” in step ST3 described above, the process proceeds to step ST5 and the drive control of the vibration motor 45 is executed. For example, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the vibration control information to generate a motor control signal for the vibration motor, and generates a motor control voltage Vm based on the motor control signal.

  Also, the actuator drive circuit 37 is supplied to the selection circuit 38 with actuator selection data Ds = “10” indicating that only the vibration motor 45 is selected. The selection circuit 38 turns on the switch circuit based on the actuator selection data Ds = “10” and supplies the motor control voltage Vm to the vibration motor 45. The vibration motor 45 generates a second vibration different from the first vibration based on the motor control voltage Vm. For example, when the unbalance wheel 45c attached to the motor rotation shaft 45b rotates, vibration stronger than that of the piezoelectric actuator 25 is generated. This vibration makes it possible to present a tactile sensation stronger than that of the piezoelectric actuator 25 to the operator's finger or the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST7.

  If the actuator selection data is Ds = “11” in step ST3, both the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45 are selected to drive both the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45 at the same time. And it transfers to step ST6 and performs drive control of the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45, respectively.

  For driving control of the piezoelectric actuator 25, refer to step ST4. For drive control of the vibration motor 45, refer to step ST5. When the actuator selection data is Ds = “00”, neither the piezoelectric actuator 25 nor the vibration motor 45 is selected (OFF).

  Then, the process proceeds to step ST7, where the control means 15 determines the end. For example, the end of flag added to the command D is detected, and the actuator drive control is terminated. If the end-of-flag is not detected, the process returns to step ST1 to repeat the actuator selection drive control described above.

  Thus, according to the vibration generator 100 as the first embodiment, the actuator drive circuit 37 controls the input / output of the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45 when a plurality of types of vibration are generated. The actuator drive circuit 37 selects the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 based on a preset operation condition, and drives the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 based on the operation condition. The piezoelectric actuator 25 generates a first vibration, and the vibration motor 45 generates a second vibration different from the first vibration.

  Therefore, a tactile sensation that requires quick responsiveness can be dealt with by vibration of the piezoelectric actuator 25, and when a strong tactile sense is required, it can be dealt with by vibration of the vibration motor 45. As a result, it is possible to reproduce a shutter operation full of power of a single-lens reflex camera or the like with a digital camera or the like.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a digital camera 200 to which an input / output device with a tactile function as a second embodiment is applied.
In this example, two types of actuators such as a piezoelectric actuator 25 and a vibration motor 45 having different vibration characteristics are arranged inside the housing of the digital camera 200. Utilizing the case vibration that has been created by only one of the actuators so far, the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 is selected based on the preset operating condition, and the piezoelectric actuator is selected based on the operating condition. 25 or the vibration motor 45 is controlled to be driven. With this control, the vibration waveform of the analog single-lens reflex camera can be reproduced, thereby providing feedback of shutter timing and a comfortable operation feeling to the operator's finger or hand (actuator selection drive control).

  A digital camera 200 shown in FIG. 5 constitutes an example of an electronic device with a tactile input function that presents a tactile sensation to an operator's finger or the like during an information input operation. The digital camera 200 has a camera body 20. The camera body 20 includes a housing 22. The housing 22 is composed of a substantially box-shaped front case 21A and a rear case 21B that also serves as a back cover, and the opening of the front case 21A and the opening of the rear case 21B are made of a substantially rectangular rubber or the like. They are assembled by abutting with the absorbent material 23 sandwiched therebetween.

  The digital camera 200 includes an input / output device 90 with a tactile function. The input / output device 90 includes an input detection unit 24, a piezoelectric actuator 25, and a vibration motor 45, and presents a tactile sensation to an operator's finger based on an input operation of the input detection unit 24. In the input / output device 90, the amplitude, frequency, output timing, and the like of the case vibration are generated on software. This is because it is possible to output a tactile sensation according to the preference of the operator (user) and the usage situation. The vibration generator 100 according to the present invention is applied to the input / output device 90.

  An input detection means 24 with a tactile function is provided on the upper surface of the front case 21A constituting the housing 22 so as to detect the contact position of the operator's finger. A rectangular sheet sensor is used for the input detection means 24. The input detection unit 24 includes an enlargement operation button 61, a shutter operation button 62, and a reduction operation button 63. The enlargement operation button 61 and the reduction operation button 63 are used when controlling the zoom operation mechanism 60 that rapidly enlarges or reduces the image. The shutter operation button 62 is operated when capturing a subject image. For example, it is used in the case of so-called “shutter release” by full pressing or “preparation for exposure” by half pressing.

  In addition, an actuator 25 constituting a piezoelectric body is provided at a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction of the input detection means 24 on the back side of the upper surface of the front case 21A, and input is performed through the housing 22 based on a predetermined vibration pattern. The detection means 24 is vibrated. For example, assuming that the shutter operating button 62 is operated with the right index finger, the piezoelectric actuator 25 is disposed immediately below the upper right portion of the front case 21A of the housing 22 that is touched by the finger. This is to quickly give the operator a vibration that requires a quick response. The piezoelectric actuator 25 generates a first vibration.

  Furthermore, on the inner bottom surface of the housing 22, for example, adjacent to the battery 28, a vibration motor 45 is disposed and operates to generate a second vibration different from the first vibration. For example, when the camera body 20 is held (supported) with the left hand, the vibration motor 45 is disposed in the lower left corner inside the housing that is most likely to propagate vibration. This is to give a strong vibration to the operator. Thereby, various tactile sensations can be presented. In addition, a lens 26 constituting an optical system is attached to the front case 21A, and has a zoom function so that an image is formed at the time of photographing an object.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the back surface of the camera body 20. The rear case 21B shown in FIG. 6 is provided with a display means 29, which displays a display screen based on information input by the input detection means 24. The display means 29 performs functions such as a viewfinder in addition to the monitor function. As the display means 29, a liquid crystal display (LCD) having a resolution of about 640 pixels × 480 pixels is used.

  7A to 7C are a top view and a side view showing an attachment example of the piezoelectric actuator 25 and an operation example thereof. FIG. 7A is a top view showing a configuration example in the vicinity of the piezoelectric body mounting space of the front case 21A.

  A piezoelectric body mounting space II is disposed in the front case 21A of the housing 22 shown in FIG. 7A, and the thickness of the piezoelectric body mounting space is thinner than the thickness of other housing parts. This is to impart leaf spring properties to the piezoelectric body mounting space II. In this example, the piezoelectric body mounting space II is further provided with two slits (openings) 21C and 21D. The piezoelectric actuator 25 is disposed (joined) at a position indicated by a wavy line on the back surface between the slit 21C and the slit 21D.

  In this example, a portion between the slit 21C and the slit 21D, that is, a region (part) defined by the two slits 21C and 21D constitutes the vibration substrate. In this example, a sheet sensor that constitutes the input detecting means 24 is provided at a position that covers the piezoelectric body mounting space II, the slit 21C, and the slit 21D, and is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and an enlargement operation button 61, The pressing operation of the shutter operation button 62 and the reduction operation button 63 is detected. The input detection means 24 is configured by a capacitance input sheet. One capacitance input sheet is configured by a substantially rectangular sheet, and the function of each operation button described above is performed by pressing a plurality of predetermined portions of one capacitance input sheet. Done.

  7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X2 illustrating a configuration example of a cross section in the vicinity of the piezoelectric body mounting space of the front case 21A illustrated in FIG. 7A. The piezoelectric actuator 25 shown in FIG. 7B is in a state where no vibration is generated. That is, the vibration control voltage is not supplied to the terminals 25a and 25b shown in FIG. 2 (Va = 0).

  FIG. 7C is an X1-X2 arrow cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a cross section in the vicinity of the piezoelectric body mounting space when vibration is generated. The piezoelectric actuator 25 shown in FIG. 7C is in a state of generating vibration. That is, the vibration control voltage is supplied to the terminals 25a and 25b shown in FIG. For example, when a vibration control voltage Va = about 20V is applied, a portion between the slits 21C and 21D vibrates up and down. In the digital camera 200, the vertical vibration of the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration caused by the eccentricity of the unbalance wheel 45c by the vibration motor 45 are used.

  Next, a digital camera 200 with a tactile function according to the present invention and a tactile feedback input method in the camera 200 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of the digital camera 200, and shows a block of a main part of each function in the housing shown in FIGS. In FIG. 8, parts corresponding to those in FIGS.

  A digital camera 200 shown in FIG. 8 includes an operation unit 14, a control unit 15, an input detection unit 24, a piezoelectric actuator 25, a display unit 29, a power supply unit 33, a camera unit 34, a recording medium 35, and a vibration motor 45. Is done. The operation unit 14 includes a power switch (not shown). When the power is turned on, the operation unit 14 outputs power-on information and the like to the control unit 15 as operation data D14.

  In this example, the operation mode is set using the operation unit 14. Manual mode and auto mode are prepared as operation modes. In manual mode, the operator decides the aperture, shutter speed, etc. by himself. Data such as the aperture and shutter speed set using the operation unit 14 is output to the control means 15 as operation data D14. In the auto mode, the camera itself refers to the ROM or the like to determine the aperture, shutter speed, and the like.

  The control means 15 includes a detection circuit 31, a CPU 32, an actuator drive circuit 37, a selection circuit 38, a ROM 51, a RAM 52, an EEPROM 53, a shutter control unit 54, an aperture control unit 55, a focus control unit 56, a zoom control unit 57, and an A / D conversion. Unit 58 and a signal processing unit 59.

  A CPU bus 50 is connected to the CPU 32 constituting the main control unit. A ROM 51, a RAM 52 and an EEPROM 53 are connected to the CPU bus 50. The ROM 51 stores system program data D51. The RAM 52 uses a general-purpose memory, and temporarily stores control commands (commands) and various data. The EEPROM 53 stores vibration pattern data DP for generating a tactile sensation. For example, vibration pattern data DP created in advance by a tactile information creation device or the like is stored in association with an operation target item such as “shutter press”.

  When the power is turned on, the CPU 32 reads the system program data D51 from the ROM 51 to the RAM 52 and activates the digital camera system. Thereafter, the CPU 32 inputs / outputs the display unit 29, the actuator drive circuit 37, the shutter control unit 54, the aperture control unit 55, the focus control unit 56, and the zoom control unit 57 based on the position detection data D31 obtained from the input detection unit 24. To control.

  In this example, the input detection means 24 has a sheet sensor as shown in FIG. 7, and detects the contact position and pressing force of the operator's finger. With respect to the input detection means 24, FIG. 7 illustrates a capacitance type input device as a capacitance input sheet. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a cursoring function and an operation button selection function can be distinguished. Anything is fine. For example, the input detection unit 24 may be an input device such as a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method (AW), an optical method, and a multi-stage tact switch. Preferably, any input device may be used as long as the position detection data D31 is supplied to the CPU 32 through the detection circuit 31 or the like.

  The display means 29 displays a display screen based on the position detection information D31 input by the input detection means 24. The display means 29 performs functions such as a viewfinder in addition to the monitor function. For example, the display means 29 displays icons such as zoom-in, zoom-out, playback / fast-forward mode based on the display data D29 from the CPU 32.

  A detection circuit 31 is connected to the input detection means 24 described above, and a position detection signal S1 output from the input detection means 24 is input to perform analog / digital conversion. The position detection signal S1 includes position information indicating the pressing position of the operator's finger and the like, and force information indicating the pressing force. The force information includes information about a half-pressed state or information about a fully-pressed state of the shutter operation button 62. The half-pressed state or the fully-pressed state of the shutter operation button 62 is determined by a preset threshold value. The detection circuit 31 is composed of, for example, an A / D driver, and the detection circuit 31 converts the analog position detection signal S1 into digital data in order to distinguish the operation button selection function. The position detection signal after the digital conversion becomes position detection data D31.

  The CPU 32 connected to the detection circuit 31 inputs position detection data D31 from the detection circuit 31, and detects operation button selection information from the position detection data D31. In this example, the CPU 32 is provided with a function (algorithm) for processing a sine waveform generated by the actuator drive circuit 37 using the pressing position and pressing force of the operator's finger as parameters in the same vibration mode. .

  For example, the CPU 32 reads the vibration pattern data DP based on the pressing position and the pressing force detected by the input detection unit 24 from the above-described EEPROM 53. When the operator's finger 30a touches the shutter operation button 62 of the input detection means 24 and detects a pressing force of a certain level or more at that position, the CPU 32 is substantially equivalent to operating the shutter switch of the high-grade single-lens reflex camera. Control is performed so that the tactile sensation is presented on the operator's finger in a pseudo manner.

  In this example, the CPU 32 issues an actuator driving command D37 based on the above-described operation button selection information. The command D37 includes vibration pattern data (vibration control information) DP and actuator selection information. An actuator drive circuit 37 is connected to the CPU 32 and controls input / output of the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45 based on a command D37. For example, the actuator drive circuit 37 selects the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 according to the command D37 from the CPU 32 based on the input operation of the input detection means 24, and selects the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 based on the preset operating conditions. The vibration motor 45 is driven.

  In this example, the actuator drive circuit 37 separates the vibration pattern data DP and the actuator selection information from the command D37. Thereafter, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the vibration pattern data DP and generates a vibration control signal for the piezoelectric actuator and a motor control signal for the vibration motor. Further, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the actuator selection information and generates 2-bit actuator selection data Ds. The actuator drive circuit 37 generates a vibration control voltage Va based on the vibration control signal, and generates a motor drive voltage Vm based on the motor control signal.

  The vibration control voltage Va, the motor control voltage Vm, and the like are supplied to a plurality of actuators such as the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45. The vibration control voltage Va has an output waveform composed of a sine waveform, for example. In this example, the actuator drive circuit 37 can execute actuator relay drive control for driving the vibration motor 45 continuously with the drive of the piezoelectric actuator 25 based on the operation conditions.

  A selection circuit 38 is connected to the actuator drive circuit 37. The selection circuit 38 is connected to the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45. For example, two single switch circuits are provided in the selection circuit 38, and each of them is turned ON / OFF based on the actuator selection data Ds. An example of the relationship between the contents of the actuator selection data Ds and the control contents of the selection circuit 38 is as shown in Table 1.

  In this example, the piezoelectric actuator 25 generates the first vibration based on the vibration control voltage Va when the actuator selection data Ds = “01” and Ds = “11”. As the piezoelectric actuator 25, a bimorph type piezoelectric actuator is used. The vibration motor 45 generates a second vibration different from the first vibration based on the motor control voltage Vm when the actuator selection data Ds = “10” and Ds = “11”. As the vibration motor 45, for example, a motor to which an unbalance wheel that eccentrically rotates the motor rotation shaft is used. Vibration occurs due to the rotation of the unbalanced weight-added body. These vibrations can present tactile sensations to the operator's fingers and hands.

  A camera unit 34 is connected to the control means 15 described above, and a shutter control unit 54, an aperture control unit 55, a focus control unit 56 and a zoom control unit 57 are connected to the CPU 32. The shutter control unit 54 controls a shutter (not shown) of the camera unit 34 based on the shutter control signal S54. The aperture controller 55 controls an aperture (not shown) of the camera unit 34 based on the aperture control signal S55. The focus control unit 56 controls a focus mechanism (not shown) of the camera unit 34 based on the focus control signal S56. The zoom control unit 57 controls a zoom mechanism (not shown) of the camera unit 34 based on the zoom control signal S57.

  The camera unit 34 includes an optical system 41 and a color CCD imaging device 42. The optical system 41 forms an image of the subject through the lens 26 described above. A color CCD imaging device 42 is disposed behind the optical system 41, and is imaged by the lens 26 or the like, and obtained by photographing the subject, for example, R (red) color, G (green) color, B An imaging signal separated into (blue) color is output.

  An A / D converter 58 is connected to the CCD image pickup device 42 and outputs color image data Din after analog / digital conversion of a color RGB image pickup signal. A signal processing unit 59 is connected to the A / D conversion unit 58, and image data Din is input to execute γ correction, color signal processing, and the like.

  The recording medium 35 is connected to the CPU 32 described above, and the image data Din after the signal processing by the signal processing unit 59 is stored, or the image data Din is read out by the memory control of the CPU 32. The digital camera 200 is provided with a power supply unit 33 and connected to the battery 28 described above. The power supply unit 33 supplies power to the operation unit 14, the control unit 15, the input detection unit 24, the piezoelectric actuator 25, the display unit 29, the camera unit 34, the recording medium 35, the vibration motor 45, and the like.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a waveform example of the vibration waveform pattern P0 when the digital camera 200 is operated by the shutter.
In FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the amplitude A that simulates the acceleration (force) when the shutter operation button 62 is pressed, and the horizontal axis represents time t. A vibration waveform pattern P0 for presenting a tactile sensation illustrated in FIG. 9 is a waveform that simulates a vibration waveform at the time of a shutter operation of the single-lens reflex camera illustrated in FIG. For example, the vibration waveform pattern P0 includes a waveform pattern P1 having an amplitude A1, a frequency f1, and a vibration frequency N = 4, a waveform pattern P2 having an amplitude A2, a frequency f2, and a vibration frequency N = 1, an amplitude A3, a frequency f3, and a vibration frequency. The waveform pattern P3 with N = 1 is combined. The waveform patterns are arranged in the order of P3, P1, and P2.

  The vibration pattern data DP at this time includes data that forms a waveform pattern P1 with an amplitude A1, a frequency f1, and the number of vibrations N = 4, data that forms a waveform pattern P2 with an amplitude A2, a frequency f2, and the number of vibrations N = 1, and the amplitude A3, the frequency f3, and the data forming the waveform pattern P3 with the vibration frequency N = 1 are combined. A waveform that simulates the shutter operation of such a single-lens reflex camera is created as follows.

10A to 10C are waveform diagrams showing examples of creating the vibration waveform pattern P0 and the like shown in FIG.
The waveform pattern P11 shown in FIG. 10A is given by the tactile presentation waveform pattern data DP1 having the amplitude A21, the frequency f2, and the number of vibrations N = 2. The waveform pattern P21 shown in FIG. 10B is given by the tactile presentation waveform pattern data DP2 having the amplitude A11, the frequency f1, and the number of vibrations N = 8. The waveform pattern data DP1, DP2,... Are stored in the EEPROM 63 in advance.

  The waveform illustrated in FIG. 10C is a waveform obtained by combining the waveform pattern P11 illustrated in FIG. 10A and the waveform pattern P21 illustrated in FIG. In this example, the vibration waveform pattern P01 for presenting tactile sensation is embodied by vibration pattern data DP = DP1 + DP2 obtained by combining the waveform pattern data DP1 and DP2.

  In this example, the CPU 32 reads out waveform pattern data DP1, DP2,..., Etc. from the EEPROM 63 based on an instruction from the operation unit 14 and synthesizes them in advance, and synthesizes the vibration pattern data DP for presenting the tactile sense. The actuator drive circuit 37 is supplied. The tactile presentation vibration pattern data DP synthesized here constitutes vibration control information and is stored (saved) in the EEPROM 53 in association with an operation target item such as “shutter press”.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a shutter operation in the input detection unit 24. 11, the shutter operation button 62 (hidden by the operator's finger 30a) 62 is touched in the pressing direction indicated by the white arrow. When the digital camera 200 is configured in this manner, vibration can be generated with a vibration waveform pattern (amplitude A, frequency f, and vibration frequency N) corresponding to the pressed position of the operator's finger 30a during the shutter operation. The operator can feel the vibration as a tactile sensation of the shutter switch of the high-end single-lens reflex camera by receiving the vibration on the finger 30a.

  Next, an operation example in the digital camera 200 will be described. 12A to 12D are operation timing charts showing an example of the operation of the shutter operation button 62. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example in the digital camera 200.

  12A to 12D, the vertical axis represents the pulse level, and the horizontal axis represents time t. In this digital camera 200, in order to prevent camera shake due to vibration, the tactile sense is controlled to be presented immediately after exposure alignment or immediately after imaging. In this example, there are also prepared a manual mode in which the operator himself / herself determines the aperture and shutter speed, and an auto mode in which the camera itself determines the aperture and shutter speed.

  In the case of camera shooting, a case where a mode setting process for selecting these modes is executed first will be described as an example. In the case of half-pressed state, only the piezoelectric actuator 25 is driven. In the case of full-pressed state, the vibration motor 45 is driven following the driving of the piezoelectric actuator 25.

  With these as operating conditions, first, a mode setting process is executed in step ST11 of the flowchart shown in FIG. At this time, the operator (user) uses the operation unit 14 to set either the manual mode or the auto mode in the CPU 32. The operation mode information set using the operation unit 14 is output to the CPU 32 as operation data D14.

  And CPU32 transfers to step ST12 and branches control based on the result of a mode setting process. If the manual mode is set, the process proceeds to step ST13.

  In step ST13, the CPU 32 receives an aperture and shutter speed adjustment by the operator. At this time, the operator instructs the aperture, the shutter speed, and the like by himself using the operation unit 14. Data such as the aperture and shutter speed set using the operation unit 14 is output to the CPU 32 as operation data D14 (manual setting process).

  After that, when the operator presses the shutter operation button 62 shown in FIG. 11 with the index finger 30a, for example, in the half-pressed state at time t11 shown in FIG. 12A, the exposure alignment processing is instantaneously executed at time t12 shown in FIG. 12B. Is done. In step ST14, the CPU 32 detects the shutter operation button 62 pressed in the “half-pressed state”. At this time, the input detection unit 24 detects position information and force information of the shutter operation button 62 pressed in the “half-pressed state”, and outputs a position detection signal S 1 to the detection circuit 31. The detection circuit 31 outputs position detection data D31 after analog / digital conversion of the position detection signal S1 to the CPU 32.

  In step ST15, the CPU 32 generates a vibration corresponding to the “half-pressed state”. For example, at time t13 when the exposure alignment process illustrated in FIG. 12B ends, the CPU 32 supplies the actuator drive circuit 37 with an actuator drive command D37 including actuator selection data Ds = “01”. The actuator drive circuit 37 separates the vibration pattern data DP and the actuator selection information from the command D37.

  Thereafter, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the vibration pattern data DP and generates a vibration control signal for the piezoelectric actuator. Further, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the actuator selection information and generates 2-bit actuator selection data Ds = “01”. The actuator selection data Ds = “01” is output to the selection circuit 38. The selection circuit 38 selects the piezoelectric actuator 25. The actuator drive circuit 37 generates a vibration control voltage Va based on the vibration control signal.

  The piezoelectric actuator 25 vibrates based on the vibration control voltage Va. When this vibration is finished and an arbitrary time has elapsed and the operator determines the shooting timing of the subject, the shutter operation button 62 is pressed down fully at time t14 in FIG. 12A. The so-called shutter is off.

  In step ST16, the CPU 32 detects the “fully pressed state” of the shutter operation button 62. At this time, the input detection unit 24 detects the position information and force information of the shutter operation button 62 pressed in the “fully pressed state”, and outputs a position detection signal S 1 to the detection circuit 31. The detection circuit 31 outputs position detection data D31 after analog / digital conversion of the position detection signal S1 to the CPU 32. When the shutter is turned on, a subject image is instantaneously captured at time t15 shown in FIG. 12B and captured as still image information.

  In step ST21, the CPU 32 generates a vibration corresponding to the “fully pressed state”. For example, as soon as imaging ends, the CPU 32 first supplies an actuator drive command D37 including actuator selection data Ds = “01” + “10” to the actuator drive circuit 37 at time t16 shown in FIG. 12C. This is because the vibration motor 45 is driven following the driving of the piezoelectric actuator 25 by this command D37. The actuator drive circuit 37 separates the vibration pattern data DP and the actuator selection information from the command D37.

  Thereafter, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the vibration pattern data DP and generates a vibration control signal for the piezoelectric actuator and a motor control signal for the vibration motor. Further, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the actuator selection information and generates 2-bit actuator selection data Ds = “01” and “10”. The actuator selection data Ds = “01” and “10” are output to the selection circuit 38 in time series. The selection circuit 38 first selects the piezoelectric actuator 25, and the actuator drive circuit 37 generates the vibration control voltage Va based on the vibration control signal. As a result, the piezoelectric actuator 25 vibrates instantaneously based on the vibration control voltage Va, and operates so as to simulate a quick response when the main mirror starts to move instantaneously with a single-lens reflex camera.

  Continuously, the selection circuit 38 selects the vibration motor 45 at time t17 after Δt1 shown in FIG. 12D. As a result, the vibration motor 45 rotates the unbalance wheel 45c based on the motor control voltage Vm. The vibration of the unbalance wheel 45c operates so as to simulate the strong vibration of the housing 22 due to the inertia of the main mirror. Thereby, more realistic haptic feedback control can be executed (actuator relay drive control). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST22.

  If the auto mode is selected in step ST12 described above, the operator presses the shutter operation button 62 shown in FIG. 11 with the index finger 30a in a half-pressed state, for example, at time t11 shown in FIG. 12A. .

  By pressing the shutter operation button 62 halfway, the exposure adjustment process is instantaneously executed at time t12 shown in FIG. 12B. In this example, the process proceeds to step ST17, and the CPU 32 detects the shutter operation button 62 pressed in the “half-pressed state”. The input detection unit 24 detects position information and force information of the shutter operation button 62 pressed in the “half-pressed state”, and outputs a position detection signal S 1 to the detection circuit 31. The detection circuit 31 outputs position detection data D31 after analog / digital conversion of the position detection signal S1 to the CPU 32.

  In step ST18, the CPU 32 refers to the ROM 51 and the like, and adjusts the aperture and shutter speed (automatic setting process). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST19, where the CPU 32 generates a vibration corresponding to the “half-pressed state”. For example, the piezoelectric actuator 25 is first selected at time t13 when the exposure alignment process shown in FIG. 12B is completed. The piezoelectric actuator 25 vibrates based on the vibration control voltage Va.

  When this vibration is finished and an arbitrary time has elapsed and the operator determines the shooting timing of the subject, the shutter operation button 62 is pressed down fully at time t14 in FIG. 12A. The so-called shutter is off. In step ST20, the CPU 32 detects the “fully pressed state” of the shutter operation button 62. At this time, the input detection unit 24 detects the position information and force information of the shutter operation button 62 pressed in the “fully pressed state”, and outputs a position detection signal S 1 to the detection circuit 31. The detection circuit 31 outputs position detection data D31 after analog / digital conversion of the position detection signal S1 to the CPU 32. When the shutter is turned on, a subject image is instantaneously captured at time t15 shown in FIG. 12B and captured as still image information.

  In step ST21, the CPU 32 generates a vibration corresponding to the “fully pressed state”. For example, as in the manual mode, as soon as imaging ends, the piezoelectric actuator 25 is first selected at time t16 shown in FIG. 12C. The piezoelectric actuator 25 vibrates instantaneously based on the vibration control voltage Va, and operates so as to simulate a quick response when the main mirror starts to move instantaneously with a single-lens reflex camera.

  Continuously, the vibration motor 45 is selected at time t17 after Δt1 shown in FIG. 12D. The vibration motor 45 rotates the unbalance wheel 45c based on the motor control voltage Vm. The vibration of the unbalance wheel 45c operates so as to simulate the strong vibration of the housing 22 due to the inertia of the main mirror. Thereby, even in the auto mode, more realistic haptic feedback control can be executed (actuator relay drive control).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST22, and the CPU 32 determines whether or not to end the photographing process. For example, the CPU 32 detects power-off information and determines whether or not to end the shooting process. When the power-off information is not detected, it is determined that the photographing process is not ended, and the process returns to step ST11 to repeat the above-described process. If power-off information is detected, the shooting process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the digital camera 200 to which the input / output device according to the second embodiment is applied, the actuator drive circuit 37 is configured to generate the piezoelectric on the basis of preset operation conditions when a plurality of types of vibrations are generated. The actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 is selected, and the piezoelectric actuator 25 or the vibration motor 45 is driven based on the operation condition, or the vibration motor 45 is driven continuously after the piezoelectric actuator 25 is driven. The piezoelectric actuator 25 which has received this drive control generates a first vibration, and the vibration motor 45 can generate a second vibration different from the first vibration.

  Therefore, a tactile sensation that requires a quick response such as a quick response when the main mirror starts to move instantaneously with a single-lens reflex camera can be dealt with by the vibration of the piezoelectric actuator 25, and the casing by the inertia of the main mirror. When a strong tactile sensation such as strong vibration is required, the vibration of the vibration motor 45 can be dealt with. As a result, it is possible to reproduce a shutter operation full of power of a single-lens reflex camera or the like with a digital camera or the like.

  14A to 14D are operation timing charts showing examples of operation of the shutter operation button 62 according to the third embodiment.

  14A to 14D, the vertical axis represents the pulse level, and the horizontal axis represents time t. Unlike the second embodiment, this digital camera 200 is a case where a camera shake prevention correction circuit or the like is introduced, and is controlled so as to present tactile control simultaneously with exposure matching.

  Also in this embodiment, when the operator presses the shutter operation button 62 shown in FIG. 11 with the index finger 30a in a half-pressed state at the time t21 shown in FIG. 14A, for example, the exposure alignment process is performed at the time t22 shown in FIG. 14B. It is executed instantly. In parallel with the exposure alignment process shown in FIG. 14B, at time t22, the CPU 32 supplies the actuator drive circuit 37 with an actuator drive command D37 including actuator selection data Ds = “01”. The actuator drive circuit 37 separates the vibration pattern data DP and the actuator selection information from the command D37.

  Thereafter, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the vibration pattern data DP and generates a vibration control signal for the piezoelectric actuator. Further, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the actuator selection information and generates 2-bit actuator selection data Ds = “01”. The actuator selection data Ds = “01” is output to the selection circuit 38. The selection circuit 38 selects the piezoelectric actuator 25. The actuator drive circuit 37 generates a vibration control voltage Va based on the vibration control signal.

  The piezoelectric actuator 25 vibrates based on the vibration control voltage Va. When the vibration ends and an arbitrary time elapses and the operator determines the shooting timing of the subject, the shutter operation button 62 is pressed down fully at time t23 in FIG. 14A. The so-called shutter is off.

  Then, the CPU 32 detects the “fully pressed state” of the shutter operation button 62. At this time, the input detection unit 24 detects the position information and force information of the shutter operation button 62 pressed in the “fully pressed state”, and outputs a position detection signal S 1 to the detection circuit 31. The detection circuit 31 outputs position detection data D31 after analog / digital conversion of the position detection signal S1 to the CPU 32. When the shutter is turned on, for example, an image of the subject is instantaneously captured at time t24 shown in FIG. 14B and captured as still image information.

  Thereafter, the CPU 32 generates a vibration corresponding to the “fully pressed state”. For example, as soon as imaging ends, the CPU 32 supplies an actuator driving command D37 including actuator selection data Ds = “01” + “10” to the actuator driving circuit 37 at time t25 shown in FIG. 14C. This is because the vibration motor 45 is driven following the driving of the piezoelectric actuator 25 by this command D37. The actuator drive circuit 37 separates the vibration pattern data DP and the actuator selection information from the command D37.

  Thereafter, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the vibration pattern data DP and generates a vibration control signal for the piezoelectric actuator and a motor control signal for the vibration motor. Further, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the actuator selection information and generates 2-bit actuator selection data Ds = “01” and “10”. The actuator selection data Ds = “01” and “10” are output to the selection circuit 38 in time series. The selection circuit 38 first selects the piezoelectric actuator 25, and the actuator drive circuit 37 generates the vibration control voltage Va based on the vibration control signal. As a result, the piezoelectric actuator 25 vibrates instantaneously based on the vibration control voltage Va, and operates so as to simulate a quick response when the main mirror starts to move instantaneously with a single-lens reflex camera.

  Subsequently to this, the selection circuit 38 selects the vibration motor 45 at time t26 after Δt1 shown in FIG. 14D. As a result, the vibration motor 45 rotates the unbalance wheel 45c based on the motor control voltage Vm. The vibration of the unbalance wheel 45c operates so as to simulate the strong vibration of the housing 22 due to the inertia of the main mirror. Thereby, the tactile feedback control with a more realistic feeling can be executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In addition, it is possible to reproduce a powerful shutter operation of a single-lens reflex camera or the like with a digital camera or the like (actuator relay drive control).

  FIGS. 15A to 15D are operation timing charts showing an operation example of the shutter operation button 62 according to the fourth embodiment.

  15A to 15D, the vertical axis represents the pulse level, and the horizontal axis represents time t. Unlike the second and third embodiments, the digital camera 200 is controlled so that the tactile sense presentation period and the exposure alignment period are presented together.

  Also in this embodiment, when the operator presses the shutter operation button 62 shown in FIG. 11 with the index finger 30a in the half-pressed state at the time t31 shown in FIG. 15A, the exposure alignment process is instantaneously executed at the time t32 shown in FIG. 15B. Is done. At the same time t32, in parallel with the exposure adjustment process shown in FIG. 15B, the CPU 32 supplies the actuator drive circuit 37 with an actuator drive command D37 including actuator selection data Ds = “01”. The actuator drive circuit 37 separates the vibration pattern data DP and the actuator selection information from the command D37.

  Thereafter, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the vibration pattern data DP and generates a vibration control signal for the piezoelectric actuator. Further, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the actuator selection information and generates 2-bit actuator selection data Ds = “01”. The actuator selection data Ds = “01” is output to the selection circuit 38. The selection circuit 38 selects the piezoelectric actuator 25. The actuator drive circuit 37 generates a vibration control voltage Va based on the vibration control signal. The piezoelectric actuator 25 vibrates based on the vibration control voltage Va. This vibration ends at the time t33 together with the exposure adjustment process. After that, when an arbitrary time has passed and the operator determines the shooting timing of the subject, the shutter operation button 62 is fully pressed at time t34 in FIG. 15A. To do. The so-called shutter is off.

  Then, the CPU 32 detects the “fully pressed state” of the shutter operation button 62. At this time, the input detection unit 24 detects the position information and force information of the shutter operation button 62 pressed in the “fully pressed state”, and outputs a position detection signal S 1 to the detection circuit 31. The detection circuit 31 outputs position detection data D31 after analog / digital conversion of the position detection signal S1 to the CPU 32. When the shutter is turned on, a subject image is instantaneously captured at time t35 shown in FIG. 15B and captured as still image information.

  Thereafter, the CPU 32 generates a vibration corresponding to the “fully pressed state”. For example, as soon as imaging ends, the CPU 32 first supplies an actuator drive command D37 including actuator selection data Ds = “01” + “10” to the actuator drive circuit 37 at time t36 shown in FIG. 15C. This is because the vibration motor 45 is driven following the driving of the piezoelectric actuator 25 by this command D37. The actuator drive circuit 37 separates the vibration pattern data DP and the actuator selection information from the command D37.

  Thereafter, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the vibration pattern data DP and generates a vibration control signal for the piezoelectric actuator and a motor control signal for the vibration motor. Further, the actuator drive circuit 37 decodes the actuator selection information and generates 2-bit actuator selection data Ds = “01” and “10”. The actuator selection data Ds = “01” and “10” are output to the selection circuit 38 in time series. The selection circuit 38 first selects the piezoelectric actuator 25, and the actuator drive circuit 37 generates the vibration control voltage Va based on the vibration control signal. As a result, the piezoelectric actuator 25 vibrates instantaneously based on the vibration control voltage Va, and operates so as to simulate a quick response when the main mirror starts to move instantaneously with a single-lens reflex camera.

  Subsequently to this, the selection circuit 38 selects the vibration motor 45 at time t37 after Δt1 shown in FIG. 15D. As a result, the vibration motor 45 rotates the unbalance wheel 45c based on the motor control voltage Vm. The vibration of the unbalance wheel 45c operates so as to simulate the strong vibration of the housing 22 due to the inertia of the main mirror. Thereby, the tactile feedback control with a more realistic feeling can be executed in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments. Accordingly, it is possible to reproduce a powerful shutter operation of a single-lens reflex camera or the like with a digital camera or the like (actuator relay drive control).

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the case where the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45 are controlled through the selection circuit 38 with respect to the actuator drive circuit 37 has been described. It may be arranged in a main control unit such as the CPU 32, and actuator drive circuits 37a and 37b (not shown) may be provided for each of the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration motor 45 so that tactile sense presentation control is performed for each actuator.

  Thus, in each embodiment, since the vibration of the piezoelectric actuator 25 and the vibration of the vibration motor 45 are combined without mechanically determining the tactile sensation, an arbitrary tactile sensation can be obtained. Therefore, customization corresponding to software is possible, and an inexpensive and user-friendly digital camera or the like can be realized.

  In the case of a digital still camera, by outputting a pseudo-shutter vibration at the time of shooting with a housing vibration, the shutter timing is provided to an operator's finger or hand, etc. It is possible to provide a comfortable shutter operation feeling.

  In addition, in the case of a digital still camera, when using gloves while skiing or diving, a glove usage mode is prepared, and if this glove usage mode is set, it is strong based on the mode. By outputting the tactile feedback, it is possible to obtain a reliable operational feeling.

  The present invention is extremely suitable when applied to a digital still camera that presents a tactile sensation to an operator's hand or finger when a shutter button is operated, a mobile phone with a camera, or the like.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a vibration generator 100 as a first embodiment according to the present invention. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a piezoelectric actuator 25. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a vibration motor 45. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the vibration generating apparatus 100. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the digital camera 200 which applied the input / output device with a tactile function as a 2nd Example. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a back surface of a camera body 20. FIG. FIGS. 8A to 8C are a top view and a side view showing an example of attachment of the piezoelectric actuator 25 and an example of its operation. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of a digital camera 200. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a waveform example of a vibration waveform pattern P0 when a shutter operation is performed in the digital camera 200. FIG. FIGS. 10A to 10C are waveform diagrams showing examples of creating the vibration waveform pattern P0 and the like shown in FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a shutter operation in the input detection unit 24. FIG. A to D are operation timing charts showing examples of operation of the shutter operation button 62 in the digital camera 200. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example in the digital camera 200. A to D are operation timing charts showing an example of operation of the shutter operation button 62 according to the third embodiment. A to D are operation timing charts illustrating an example of operation of the shutter operation button 62 according to the fourth embodiment. A and B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a configuration example before and after a shutter operation of a single-lens reflex camera according to a conventional example. It is a figure which shows the example of a vibration waveform at the time of shutter operation | movement in a single-lens reflex camera.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Operation part, 15 ... Control means, 20 ... Camera body, 21A ... Front case, 21B ... Rear case, 22 ... Case, 24 ... Input detection means ( Sheet sensor), 25 ... Piezoelectric actuator (piezoelectric body; vibration generating means), 29 ... Display means, 32 ... CPU (control means), 35 ... Recording medium, 45 ... Vibration motor ( Vibration rotating body; vibration generating means), 60... Zoom operation button, 61... Reduction operation button, 62... Shutter operation button, 63. ... Vibration generator, 200 ... Digital camera (electronic equipment)

Claims (6)

A vibration generator that generates multiple types of vibrations,
Input detection means for detecting an input operation by a user;
A piezoelectric body that generates a first vibration;
A vibrating rotator that generates a second vibration different from the first vibration;
Control means for controlling input and output of the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotating body,
The control means includes
Based on the input operation detected by the input detection means, the piezoelectric body or / and the vibration rotator are selected, and the selected piezoelectric body or / and the vibration rotator are generated in advance in software. Driven based on set operating conditions, and when the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotator are selected, the vibration generator generates the second vibration with a delay from the first vibration. . The control means includes
2. The vibration generator according to claim 1, wherein the vibration rotating body is driven continuously with the driving of the piezoelectric body based on the operation condition. An input / output device with a tactile function that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body during information input operation,
Input detection means for detecting an input operation by a user;
Vibration generating means for presenting a tactile sensation to the operating body based on the input operation detected by the input detecting means,
The vibration generating means includes
A piezoelectric body that generates a first vibration;
A vibrating rotator that generates a second vibration different from the first vibration;
Control means for controlling the input and output of the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotator,
The control means includes
Based on the input operation detected by the input detection means, the piezoelectric body or / and the vibration rotator are selected, and the selected piezoelectric body or / and the vibration rotator are generated in advance in software. An input / output device with a tactile function that is driven based on set operating conditions and that generates the second vibration with a delay relative to the first vibration when the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotating body are selected. . The control means includes
4. The input / output device with a tactile function according to claim 3, wherein the vibration rotating body is driven continuously with the driving of the piezoelectric body based on the operation condition. An electronic device with a tactile input function for presenting a tactile sensation to an operating body during information input operation,
Input detection means for detecting an input operation by a user;
An input / output device with a tactile function having vibration generation means for presenting a tactile sensation to the operating body based on the input operation detected by the input detection means;
The vibration generating means includes
A piezoelectric body that generates a first vibration;
A vibrating rotator that generates a second vibration different from the first vibration;
Control means for controlling the input and output of the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotator,
The control means includes
Based on the input operation detected by the input detection means, the piezoelectric body or / and the vibration rotator are selected, and the selected piezoelectric body or / and the vibration rotator are generated in advance in software. Electronic device with a tactile input function that is driven based on set operating conditions and that generates the second vibration with a delay relative to the first vibration when the piezoelectric body and the vibration rotating body are selected . The control means includes
6. The electronic device with a tactile input function according to claim 5, wherein the vibration rotating body is driven continuously with the driving of the piezoelectric body based on the operation condition.

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