WO2025009410A1 - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To improve operability and miniaturization of an input device. [Solution] A shear force sensor 10 is configured to detect the magnitude and direction of a shear force applied to a third input area Ar3 by an object, and to transmit a shear force input signal corresponding to the magnitude and direction of the shear force to a controller 40. The controller 40 is configured to be able to separately acquire an input from a first input area Ar1 by means of a first touch sensor 61, an input from a second input area Ar2 by means of a second touch sensor 62, and an input from the third input area Ar3 by means of the shear force sensor 10, and is configured to be able to acquire three or more kinds of inputs by means of the shear force sensor.

Description

Input Devices

The present invention relates to an input device, and more particularly to an input device equipped with a shear force sensor.

An input device is, for example, a device that provides data, information, or instructions to a device outside the input device. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2023-44967), an input device may be disposed on the shaft of a steering wheel of an automobile, and this input device may have a large number of switches. These numerous switches are components for performing various types of input from the input device. Using the input device on the shaft, the automobile driver can perform a wide variety of operations on the various types of equipment (e.g., audio equipment, communication equipment, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)) installed in the automobile. The wide variety of operations include, for example, playing music and adjusting the volume of audio equipment, answering a call on a mobile phone, and various ADAS settings (e.g., setting the distance between vehicles).

JP 2023-44967 A

However, when a large number of switches are provided in a narrow area such as the shaft of a steering wheel, the area allocated to each switch is very small. When a large number of switches are allocated to such a narrow area, not only does the visual design become poor, but the driver is required to perform delicate operations to select and operate the switches. When the input device of the shaft has a large number of switches, various operations can be performed at hand, improving convenience, but it becomes difficult to select switches, for example, in a short time when the car is stopped. In addition, switches located near the center of the steering wheel are difficult to operate with fingers while holding the steering wheel.
In addition to switches for digital input, switches also include switches for analog input that change values continuously, such as adjusting the volume. For example, a slider is an input device for analog input that can greatly change input values such as volume by increasing the amount of operation of a knob that moves linearly. However, it is difficult to provide an analog input device such as a slider in a narrow area such as the shaft of a steering wheel.

The objective of the present invention is to improve the operability and miniaturization of the input device.

In the following, several aspects will be described as means for solving the problems. These aspects can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.
An input device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation panel, a first touch sensor, a second touch sensor, a shear force sensor, and a controller. The operation panel has a first input area, a second input area, and a third input area that can be identified by at least one of vision and touch. The first touch sensor is provided for the first input area. The second touch sensor is provided for the second input area. The shear force sensor is provided for the third input area. The controller is configured to receive signals from the first touch sensor, the second touch sensor, and the shear force sensor. The first touch sensor is configured to detect that an object for input has come into contact with or proximity to the first input area and transmit a first input signal to the controller. The second touch sensor is configured to detect that an object has come into contact with or proximity to the second input area and transmit a second input signal to the controller. The shear force sensor is configured to detect the magnitude and direction of a shear force applied to the third input area by the object, and transmit a shear force input signal according to the magnitude and direction of the shear force to the controller. The controller is configured to distinguish between and acquire input from the first input area, input from the second input area, and input from the third input area, and is configured to obtain three or more types of input by the shear force sensor.
The input device configured as described above only requires that a first input area, a second input area, and a third input area are provided for, for example, five types of input, and the area allocated to each input area can be made larger than in the conventional case in which five switches were provided.

The input device described above may further include a third touch sensor provided for the third input area, the third touch sensor may detect that an object has come into contact with or approached the third input area and transmit a third input signal to the controller, and the controller may use the third input signal to determine whether to obtain an input from the third input area. The input device thus configured may be configured such that detection by the third touch sensor is one of the conditions for obtaining an input from the shear force sensor, making it easier to obtain an input from the third input area.
The input device described above may be configured such that the controller receives a third input signal from the third touch sensor, determines a magnitude of the shear force from the shear force input signal, and acquires an input from the third input region when the determined magnitude of the shear force exceeds a threshold. The input device configured in this manner can prevent an input from the shear force sensor from being erroneously executed due to, for example, a finger accidentally touching the third input region, thereby improving the reliability of the input from the shear force sensor.
The input device described above can be configured such that the shear force sensor also detects the pressure and transmits a pressure input signal corresponding to the pressure to the controller, and the controller uses the pressure input signal to determine whether to obtain an input from the third input area. In the input device configured in this manner, unless a pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure value is applied to the third input area, an input by the shear force sensor will not be erroneously executed even if the third input area is only lightly touched. As a result, erroneous input by the shear force sensor can be reduced.

The input device described above may be configured such that, when the controller acquires one of the inputs from the first input region and the second input region while receiving both the first input signal and the second input signal, the controller selects the input to be acquired by comparing at least one of the magnitudes and reception periods of the first input signal and the second input signal. In the input device configured in this manner, erroneous inputs by the first touch sensor or the second touch sensor can be reduced.
The input device described above may further include a vibrator that generates vibrations on the operation panel, and the controller may be configured to control the vibrator to generate vibrations on the operation panel that indicate that at least one of an input from the first input area, an input from the second input area, and an input from the third input area is being performed. In the input device configured in this manner, the input from the first input area, the input from the second input area, and the input from the third input area can be confirmed by the vibrations generated on the operation panel, making input easier.
The input device described above can be configured so that the operation panel is disposed on a steering wheel. The input device configured in this manner makes it easy to arrange the input area taking into consideration the range of finger movement on a steering wheel where the range of finger movement is limited.
The input device described above can be configured so that the controller prohibits acquisition of input from the first input area and the second input area during a period in which the controller is acquiring an input from the third input area. The input device configured in this manner can reliably separate acquisition of an input from the third input area from acquisition of an input from the first input area or the second input area, making it easier to perform input operations.

The input device of the present invention can improve operability and compactness.

1 is a front view showing a part of a steering wheel to which an input device according to the present invention is applied; FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged front view showing a part of the steering wheel of FIG. 1 . 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a configuration of an input device according to a first embodiment; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a routine for acquiring an input by the input device of FIG. 3 . 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a shear force applied to the third input region and a vector component in the input direction. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of a routine for acquiring an input by the input device of FIG. 3 . 7 is a flowchart showing another example of a routine for acquiring an input by the input device of FIG. 3 . FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the configuration of an input device according to a second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a routine for acquiring an input by the input device of FIG. 8 . FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an outline of the configuration of an input device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the general configuration of the input device according to the fourth embodiment. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the magnitude, volume, treble, vibration of vibration pattern No. 1, and vibration of vibration pattern No. 2 of two vector components. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the configuration of an input device according to a fifth embodiment. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a shear force applied to a third input region and a vector. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the movement of a cursor on a map. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the magnitude and direction of a vector and vibration of vibration pattern No. 3. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a routine for acquiring an input by the input device according to the sixth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the routine for acquiring an input by the input device according to the sixth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the routine for acquiring an input by the input device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the configuration of an input device according to a seventh embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining the effects of the input device according to the present invention.

First Embodiment
(1) Overall Configuration As shown in Fig. 1, the input device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided on a steering wheel 100. The input device 1 according to the present invention is not limited to being provided on the steering wheel 100, and may be provided in a location other than the steering wheel 100. However, since this is suitable for explaining the operability and compactness of the input device 1, the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the input device 1 is provided on the steering wheel 100.
The steering wheel 100 includes a rim 101 that is gripped by a driver of the vehicle, a central hub 102 that is connected to a steering shaft for changing the direction of the vehicle while it is moving, and spokes 103 that connect the rim 101 and the hub 102. For example, a horn and an airbag are disposed on the hub 102.

In the steering wheel 100 of FIG. 1, input devices 1 are arranged on two spoke portions 103 arranged symmetrically on either side of a hub 102. Below, we will explain the input device 1 arranged on the right side (see FIG. 2).
The input device 1 includes a housing 2 and an operation panel 20 attached to the housing 2. The operation panel 20 has a fixed part 21, a movable part 22, and a cover part 23. The fixed part 21 is a part that is fixed to the housing 2. The movable part 22 is a part that can move with respect to the housing 2. In other words, the movable part 22 is a part that is not fixed to the housing 2 and can move. The cover part 23 is a part that covers the fixed part 21 and the movable part 22. The cover part 23 is made of, for example, a thin sheet, and is attached to the fixed part 21 and the movable part 22. This cover part 23 can transmit an applied shear force to the movable part 22.
Although shear forces input outside the input area Ar3 are also transmitted to the movable part 22 (or the shear force sensor 10), the input device 1 is configured not to obtain shear forces input outside the input area Ar3, but to obtain shear forces input in the input area Ar3.
2, the operation panel 20 has a first input area Ar1, a second input area Ar2, a third input area Ar3, a fourth input area Ar4, and a fifth input area Ar5. The first input area Ar1 to the fifth input area Ar5 are areas that can be identified by at least one of the sense of sight and the sense of touch.
In the following description of the first embodiment, the first input area Ar1, the second input area Ar2, and the third input area Ar3 will be described, and a description of the fourth input area Ar4 and the fifth input area Ar5 will be omitted.

As shown in Fig. 3, in the input device 1, a first touch sensor 61 is provided for the first input area Ar1, a second touch sensor 62 is provided for the second input area Ar2, and a third touch sensor 63 is provided for the third input area Ar3. A shear force sensor 10 is provided for the third input area Ar3. The third input area Ar3 is, for example, a planar area that receives a shear force in an in-plane direction. However, the third input area Ar3 may have irregularities. The input device 1 includes a controller 40 that is connected to the first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, the third touch sensor 63, and the shear force sensor 10 and receives signals transmitted therefrom.
The controller 40 provides the input information input to the input device 1 to devices outside the controller. The devices outside the controller are, for example, computers, automobile audio systems, car navigation systems, and devices that control various machines. The controller 40 can be configured using, for example, a microcomputer chip and a memory chip.
The first touch sensor 61 is a sensor that detects that an object for input has come into contact with or is approaching the first input area Ar1. The object for input is, for example, the driver's finger. In the case where the input device 1 is provided on a location other than the steering wheel 100, the object for input is, for example, a pointing device, such as a touch pen. The second touch sensor 62 and the third touch sensor 63 are sensors that detect that an object for input has come into contact with or is approaching the second input area Ar2 and the third input area Ar3, respectively.

In the input device 1 of FIG. 3, the first touch sensor 61 is configured to transmit a first input signal to the controller 40 while detecting that an object for input has come into contact with the first input area Ar1. Therefore, the first touch sensor 61 stops transmitting the first input signal to the controller 40 when the object comes into contact with the first input area Ar1 and then leaves the first input area Ar1. Similarly, the second touch sensor 62 and the third touch sensor 63 are configured to transmit a second input signal and a third input signal to the controller 40 while detecting that an object for input has come into contact with the second input area Ar2 and the third input area Ar3, respectively. Therefore, the second touch sensor 62 and the third touch sensor 63 stop transmitting the second input signal and the third input signal to the controller 40 when the object comes into contact with the second input area Ar2 and the third input area Ar3 and then leaves the second input area Ar2 and the third input area Ar3, respectively.
Alternatively, the first touch sensor 61 may be configured to transmit a first input signal to the controller 40 while detecting that an object for input is in proximity to the first input area Ar1. In the first embodiment, proximity refers to a state similar to substantial contact, for example, a state in which the distance between the object and the first input area Ar1 is 1 mm or less. Similarly, the second touch sensor 62 and the third touch sensor 63 may be configured to transmit a second input signal and a third input signal to the controller 40 while detecting that an object for input is in proximity to the second input area Ar2 and the third input area Ar3, respectively.
The shear force sensor 10 detects the magnitude |F| and direction θ of the shear force applied to the third input area Ar3 by an input object. It is configured to transmit a shear force input signal corresponding to the magnitude |F| and direction θ of the shear force to the controller 40. Therefore, by receiving the shear force input signal, the controller 40 can obtain information about the magnitude |F| and direction θ of the shear force applied to the third input area Ar3.

The controller 40 is configured to be able to receive the first input signal, the second input signal, and the third input signal, and is therefore able to distinguish and acquire the input from the first input area Ar1, the input from the second input area Ar2, and the input from the third input area Ar3.
Here, an example of an operation for distinguishing and acquiring inputs from the first input area Ar1 to the third input area Ar3 will be described. In this example of the operation, the input device 1 is configured to execute the routine shown in FIG. 4 while the power of the input device 1 is on. When the controller 40 is in a state where the first input signal, the second input signal, and the third input signal are not received (No in step S1), the controller 40 waits for the reception of the first input signal, the second input signal, and the third input signal. When the controller 40 receives at least one of the first input signal, the second input signal, and the third input signal (Yes in step S1), the controller 40 counts the reception period (step S2). If there is an input signal whose reception has stopped during the count, the count of that input signal is reset (step S3). For example, consider a case where the controller 40 receives the first input signal by touching the first input area Ar1 with a finger, and then the controller 40 receives the second input signal by touching the second input area Ar2 with a finger. In this case, as long as the finger touches the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2, the reception period of the first input signal and the reception period of the second input signal are counted. In a situation where the count of the reception period of the first input signal and the second input signal does not exceed the predetermined period (No in step S4), the loop from step S1 to step S4 is repeated. If the finger continues to touch the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2, the count of the reception period of the first input signal exceeds the predetermined period first (Yes in step S4). Then, the controller 40 recognizes that there is an input from the first input area Ar1 and acquires the input from the first input area Ar1 (step S5). For example, if the first input area Ar1 is a switch that turns on and off the heater that warms the rim 101, the controller 40 determines that the switch that turns on the heater of the rim 101 has been pressed. In other words, acquiring the input from the first input area Ar1 means that the controller 40 determines that the switch in the first input area Ar1 has been pressed. When the controller 40 determines that the switch in the first input area Ar1 has been pressed, it resets the count of the reception periods of the first to third input signals (step S6).

Next, with the heater of the rim 101 on, as described above, when a finger touches the first input area Ar1 and the count of the reception period of the first input signal exceeds a predetermined period (Yes in step S4), the controller 40 recognizes that there has been an input from the first input area Ar1 and acquires the input from the first input area Ar1 (step S5). Then, upon acquiring the input from the first input area Ar1, the controller 40 determines that the switch of the first input area Ar1 has been pressed, and turns off the heater of the rim 101. When the controller 40 determines that the switch of the first input area Ar1 has been pressed, it resets the count of the reception periods of the first to third input signals (step S6).
The above describes the case where input is made from the first input area Ar1, but similarly, input can be obtained for the second input area Ar2 and the third input area Ar3 by touching them for a predetermined period of time, as in the above-mentioned routine for input to the first input area Ar1.

The controller 40 is configured to obtain three or more types of inputs via the shear force sensors.
An example of obtaining three or more types of inputs (six types in FIG. 5) by a shear input signal will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The magnitude of the component of the input direction θn of the vector Vf indicating the shear force applied to the third input area Ar3 shown in FIG. 5 is represented as |Fn|, and the direction of the vector Vf is represented as θ. Here, a case will be described in which the difference between the input direction θn and the direction θ is plus or minus 90 degrees or less. When the difference between the input direction θn and the direction θ is plus or minus 90 degrees or more, the magnitude of the component of the input direction (θn+180 degrees) opposite to the input direction θn is defined. In FIG. 5, a unit vector e2 corresponding to a second input direction θ2 in the opposite direction (θ1+180 degrees) is defined with respect to a unit vector e1 corresponding to a first input direction θ1. In FIG. 5, the direction that coincides with the reference direction Dr0 is set to 0 degrees.
As for the vector Vf1 in FIG. 5, the magnitude of the input direction components of the unit vectors e1, e3, and e5 is |F|·cos(θ-θ1)=|F1|, |F|·cos(θ-θ3)=|F3|, and |F|·cos(θ-θ5)=|F5|, where the input directions of e1, e3, and e5 are θ1, θ3, and θ5, respectively.
The vector Vf2 in FIG. 5 is input using the components |F2|, |F4|, and |F6| of the input directions θ2, θ4, and θ6 of the unit vectors e2, e4, and e6.

Here, an example will be described in which the volume and tone (bass, treble) of a car audio system are adjusted. Bass is for adjusting the low tones, and treble is for adjusting the high tones. The increase in volume is input by the magnitude |F1| of the component of unit vector e1 in the input direction θ1. The decrease in volume is input by the magnitude |F2| of the component of unit vector e2 in the input direction θ2. The increase in treble is input by the magnitude |F3| of the component of unit vector e3 in the input direction θ3. The decrease in treble is input by the magnitude |F4| of the component of unit vector e4 in the input direction θ4. The increase in bass is input by the magnitude |F5| of the component of unit vector e5 in the input direction θ5. The decrease in bass is input by the magnitude |F6| of the component of unit vector e6 in the input direction θ6.
For example, it is possible to configure the device so that if only the magnitude |F1| of the component in the input direction θ1 exceeds the threshold THC, only the volume is increased, and if the magnitude |F1| of the component in the input direction θ1 and the magnitude |F3| of the component in the input direction θ3 both exceed the threshold THC, the treble is increased at the same time as the volume.
As described above, when inputting using the shear force sensor 10, a shear force is applied to the third input area Ar3, so that, for example, there is no need to move the finger, and the finger movement required for input can be reduced. This feature is advantageous when the input device 1 is disposed on the steering wheel 100.

(2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Operation Panel The operation panel 20 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, a metal, or glass. The surface of the operation panel 20 on which the first input area Ar1, the second input area Ar2, and the third input area Ar3 are arranged may be flat or curved. In the operation panel 20, for example, the first touch sensor 61 and the second touch sensor 62 are arranged between the fixed part 21 and the cover part 23 of the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2, respectively. The movable part 22 of the operation panel 20 is directly or indirectly connected to the shear force sensor 10. Therefore, the same shear force as the shear force received by the third input area Ar3 is transmitted to the shear force sensor 10 via the movable part 22 of the operation panel 20.

For example, different designs are printed on the surfaces of the first input area Ar1 to the fifth input area Ar5, and the first input area Ar1 to the fifth input area Ar5 are visually recognized by the driver through these designs. Also, for example, different designs are embossed on the surfaces of the first input area Ar1 to the fifth input area Ar5, and the first input area Ar1 to the fifth input area Ar5 are tactilely recognized by the driver through these designs. These designs may be configured to be recognized by both printing and embossing, in which case they are recognized by the driver through both vision and touch. The driver is an example of an operator of the input device 1. The first input area Ar1 to the fifth input area Ar5 may be configured to be indirectly identified by at least one of vision and touch. For example, the locations of the first input area Ar1 to the fifth input area Ar5 may be specified by arrow designs formed outside the first input area Ar1 to the fifth input area Ar5.

(2-2) Touch Sensor The first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the third touch sensor 63 are made of a film-like material that is not substantially deformed by shear force. The material that is not deformed is, for example, a resin film on which a metal layer is formed. The first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the third touch sensor 63 are, for example, capacitive proximity switches that detect the proximity of an object (including a human body and an object other than a human body) by a change in capacitance. The capacitive touch sensor is a type of capacitive proximity switch. The first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the third touch sensor 63 may be, for example, a resistive touch sensor that detects a touch by a change in resistance value caused by touching with a finger. The first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the third touch sensor 63 may be, for example, a piezo sensor that detects a touch by a change in pressure caused by touching with a finger.

(2-3) Shear Force Sensor The shear force sensor 10 is a sensor used to detect the shear force applied to the surface of the third input area Ar3. The third touch sensor 63 is disposed on the movable part 22 of the third input area Ar3. Since the shear force sensor 10 is fixed to the housing 2, the shear force received by the third input area Ar3 is applied to the shear force sensor 10, and the shear force received by the third input area Ar3 can be detected. As the shear force sensor 10, for example, the capacitance detection device disclosed in JP 2023-5713 A can be used. However, in JP 2023-5713 A, the above-mentioned six types of input can be made by changing what was expressed by the X-axis component and the Y-axis component (XY coordinate display) to polar coordinate display (expressed by the magnitude |F| of the vector and the direction θ). Such a change may be made by the shear force sensor 10 or the controller 40. Alternatively, three or more types of input may be similarly performed using XY coordinates as the coordinates representing the shear force.

(2-4) Acquisition of Input to Sensor An input to the third input area Ar3 can be acquired by a routine different from the routine described using Fig. 4. In this case, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, for the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2, input is acquired by a routine similar to the routine described in Fig. 4. However, step S1 is changed to step S1' in which no judgment is made on the third input signal.
For example, the controller 40 performs input in the third input area Ar3 in the routine shown in Fig. 7. The controller 40 waits for the third touch sensor 63 to detect contact and receive a third input signal (No in step S11). When the controller 40 receives the third input signal (Yes in step S11), it obtains the magnitude of each component of the vector from the shear input signal output by the shear force sensor 10 (step S12). For example, in the example shown in Fig. 5, the controller 40 obtains each component |F1| to |F6| of the vectors Vf1 and Vf2.

Next, for each shear force component, it is determined whether the magnitude of each component exceeds a threshold value (step S13). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether each of the components |F1| to |F6| of the vectors Vf1 and Vf2 exceeds a threshold value. If there is a component that exceeds the threshold value (Yes in step S13), the controller 40 acquires an input from the shear force input signal of the shear force sensor 10 (step S14). If there is no component that exceeds the threshold value (No in step S13), the process returns to step S11. If there are multiple components that exceed the threshold value, for example, if the components |F1| and |F2| exceed the threshold value, the controller 40 can determine that both the components |F1| and |F2| have been input (step S14). Also, for example, if the components |F1| and |F2| exceed the threshold value, the controller 40 can determine that only the larger of the components |F1| and |F2| has been input.
The controller 40 judges whether a predetermined time has passed since the shear force was obtained (step S15). If the predetermined time has not passed (No in step S15), the controller 40 waits for the predetermined time to pass. If the predetermined time has passed (Yes in step S15), the controller 40 judges whether the component that exceeded the threshold has become equal to or lower than the threshold (step S16). If the component has not become equal to or lower than the threshold (No in step S16), the controller 40 returns to step S14 and obtains input for the component that has not become equal to or lower than the threshold. For example, if only the component |F1| still exceeds the threshold, the controller 40 can recognize that an input for the component |F1| has been made (for example, an instruction to increase the volume has been given). If the component that exceeded the threshold has become equal to or lower than the threshold, the controller 40 returns to step S11 and repeats the routine of FIG. 7 from the beginning. In this example, the controller 40 judges whether a predetermined time has passed in step S15 and obtains inputs discretely. However, an analog input may be performed in which an input is continuously obtained in a state where the threshold is exceeded without judging whether a predetermined time has passed.

Second Embodiment
(3) Overall Configuration The input device 1 of the above-described first embodiment includes the third touch sensor 63, and the third touch sensor 63 is used as a trigger for obtaining an input based on a shear force detected by the shear force sensor 10 (see steps S1 and S11). In the input device 1 of the first embodiment, the shear force sensor 10 detects a shear force but does not detect a pressing force.
8, the input device 1 of the second embodiment does not include a third touch sensor 63, but is configured so that the shear force sensor 10 detects the pressing force. The shear force sensor 10 of the second embodiment is configured to transmit a pressing force input signal corresponding to the pressing force to the controller 40. The pressing force can be detected by using, for example, a capacitance detection device disclosed in JP 2023-5713 A as the shear force sensor 10.

(4) Acquiring Input Input into the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2 of the input device 1 of the second embodiment can be performed, for example, in the same manner as the routine of the input device 1 of the first embodiment described in the flowchart of Figure 6.
The input device 1 of the second embodiment performs input in the third input area Ar3, for example, in accordance with a routine shown in FIG.
When the shear force sensor 10 detects a pressing force and the magnitude |Fp| of the pressing force detected by the shear force sensor 10 does not exceed a predetermined pressure value (No in step S21), the controller 40 waits for the magnitude |Fp| of the pressing force detected by the shear force sensor 10 to exceed a predetermined pressure value. When the magnitude |Fp| of the pressing force exceeds the predetermined pressure value (Yes in step S21), the controller 40 obtains the magnitude of each component of the vector from the shear input signal transmitted by the shear force sensor 10 (step S22). At this time, it is difficult for the operator to press the third input area Ar3 and apply the shear force to the third input area Ar3 at the same time. Therefore, for example, the magnitude of each component for a predetermined specific period may be obtained, and the controller 40 may determine the maximum value of each component obtained in the specific period as the magnitude of each component. In this way, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the controller 40 can recognize each component |F1| to |F6| of the vectors Vf1 and Vf2.

Next, for each shear force component, it is determined whether the magnitude of each component exceeds a threshold value (step S23). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether each of the components |F1| to |F6| of the vectors Vf1 and Vf2 exceeds a threshold value. If there is a component that exceeds the threshold value (Yes in step S23), the controller 40 acquires an input from the shear force input signal of the shear force sensor 10 (step S24). If there is no component that exceeds the threshold value (No in step S23), the process returns to step S21. If there are multiple components that exceed the threshold value, for example, if the components |F1| and |F2| exceed the threshold value, the controller 40 can determine that both the components |F1| and |F2| have been input (step S24). Also, for example, if the components |F1| and |F2| exceed the threshold value, the controller 40 can determine that only the larger of the components |F1| and |F2| has been input.
After acquiring the input from the shear force input signal of the shear force sensor 10 (step S24), the controller 40 judges whether the component that exceeded the threshold has become equal to or less than the threshold (step S25). If it has not become equal to or less than the threshold (No in step S25), the controller 40 waits for it to become equal to or less than the threshold. If the component that exceeded the threshold has become equal to or less than the threshold, the controller 40 returns to step S21 and repeats the routine of FIG. 9 from the beginning. By inputting with such a routine, for example, the component |F1| can be input one by one (for example, an instruction to increase the volume by one step can be given). In this example, the case where the input is made one step at a time in step S24 has been described, but it may be configured to make an analog input such that the input is continuously obtained in a state where the threshold is exceeded. In the case of continuous input, for example, in the case of No in step S25, the controller 40 is configured to return to step S24.

Third Embodiment
(5) Overall Configuration In the input device 1 of the first embodiment described above, a case has been described in which the third touch sensor 63 is used as a trigger for obtaining an input due to a shear force detected by the shear force sensor 10. In addition, in the input device 1 of the second embodiment described above, a case has been described in which the shear force sensor 10 has a function of detecting a pressing force, and the pressing force of the shear force sensor 10 is used as a trigger for obtaining an input due to a shear force detected by the shear force sensor 10.
The input device 1 of the third embodiment includes a third touch sensor 63 shown in Fig. 3, and further, the input device 1 of the third embodiment is configured so that the shear force sensor 10 has a function of detecting a pressing force. In the input device 1 of the third embodiment configured in this manner, when a third input signal is transmitted from the third touch sensor 63 to the controller 40, the magnitude |Fp| of the pressing force detected by the shear force sensor 10 exceeds a predetermined pressure value, and the controller 40 obtains the magnitude of each component of the vector from the shear input signal output by the shear force sensor 10.
The subsequent procedure for acquiring the input in the third input area Ar3 is, for example, to the determination in step S11 made by the controller 40 of the input device 1 of the first embodiment, adding a condition that the magnitude of the pressing force |Fp| detected by the shear force sensor 10 exceeds a predetermined pressure value. Other operations can be configured in the same manner as the operations from step S12 to step S16, for example.

Fourth Embodiment
(6) Overall Configuration The input device 1 of the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 10 differs from the input device 1 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3 in that it is provided with a vibrator 30. Moreover, the input device 1 of the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 11 differs from the input device 1 of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 8 in that it is provided with a vibrator 30. In other words, the input device 1 of the fourth embodiment is characterized in that it is provided with a vibrator 30.
The controller 40 of the input device 1 of the fourth embodiment controls the vibrator 30 to generate vibrations on the operation panel 20 indicating that at least one of an input from the first input area Ar1, an input from the second input area Ar2, and an input from the third input area Ar3 is being performed. The controller 40 of the input device 1 of the fourth embodiment vibrates the operation panel 20 using the vibrator 30 after acquiring an input in step S5 shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, in step S14 shown in Fig. 7, and in step S23 shown in Fig. 9.
FIG. 12 shows an example of a vibration pattern generated by the controller 40. Here, an example will be described in which the volume and tone (bass, treble) of a car audio device are adjusted. The volume is input by the magnitudes |F1| and |F2| of the components of the input directions θ1 and θ2 indicated by the unit vectors e1 and e2 in FIG. 5, the treble is input by the magnitudes |F3| and |F4| of the components of the input directions θ3 and θ4 indicated by the unit vectors e3 and e4, and the bass is input by the magnitudes |F5| and |F6| of the components of the input directions θ5 and θ6 indicated by the unit vectors e5 and e6. Note that in FIG. 5, the magnitude |F1| of the component of the input direction θ1 indicated by the unit vector e1 is shown as an example, and the illustration of the other input directions θ2 to θ6 and the magnitudes |F2| to |F6| are omitted.

12 shows a graph showing the magnitude |F1| of the component of vector Vf1 in the input direction θ1 indicated by unit vector e1, a graph showing the volume and a vibration pattern according to the magnitude |F1| of the component, a graph showing the magnitude |F3| of the component of vector Vf1 in the input direction θ3 of unit vector e3, and a graph showing the increase in treble (high range) and a vibration pattern according to the magnitude |F3| of the component. Note that here, a description of the adjustment of bass (low range) (input by the component of the input direction θ5 indicated by unit vector e5) is omitted.
For example, when the magnitude |F1| of the component exceeds the threshold THC due to the magnitude |F| and direction θ of the shear force applied to the third input area Ar3 of the operation panel 20, the controller 40 obtains the magnitude |F1| of the component in the input direction θ1 as input information. Also, when the magnitude |F3| of the component exceeds the threshold THC, the controller 40 obtains the magnitude |F3| of the component in the input direction θ3 as input information.
The controller 40 that generates vibration in vibration pattern No. 1 shown in Fig. 12 changes the frequency of pulse-like vibration according to the magnitude |F1| of the component of vector Vf1. The controller 40 that generates vibration pattern No. 2 shown in Fig. 12 changes the frequency of pulse-like vibration according to the magnitude |F3| of the component of vector Vf1. The pulse-like vibration is a short period of vibration of about 1 to 100 milliseconds, such as one pulse wave vibration or several periods of a wave of 10 to 400 Hz. When the pulse-like vibration occurs in the third input area Ar3, an operator who places a finger on the third input area Ar3 can feel a clicking sensation.
The vibration pattern No. 1 and the vibration pattern No. 2 in Fig. 12 are set to have different pulse vibration characteristics. Therefore, the operator can feel both the pulse vibration of the vibration pattern No. 1 and the pulse vibration of the vibration pattern No. 2. By feeling both pulse vibrations, the operator can recognize an increase in volume and an increase in treble.

Fifth Embodiment
(7) Overall Configuration FIG. 13 shows an outline of the input device 1 of the fifth embodiment. The input device 1 of FIG. 13 includes a shear force sensor 10, an operation panel 20, a vibrator 30, a controller 40, an LED 50, a first touch sensor 61, a second touch sensor 62, and a third touch sensor 63. The input device 1 further includes a support member 4 to which the shear force sensor 10 and the operation panel 20 are attached, and a housing 2 to which the vibrator 30, the controller 40, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 50 are attached. The first touch sensor 61 to the third touch sensor 63 are attached to the operation panel 20. The housing 2 of the input device 1 is a member on which the shear force sensor 10, the operation panel 20, the vibrator 30, the controller 40, the LED 50, and the first touch sensor 61 to the third touch sensor 63 are mounted. The support member 4 is a hard member that supports the shear force sensor 10, and is, for example, a molded product made of resin or metal. The operation panel 20 has a design print 29 on which a design is printed. The design print 29 is a design print that partially transmits light emitted from an LED 50. By providing the LED 50, the design can be recognized even in a dark environment. In the input device 1 of Fig. 13, the housing 2 is attached to the support member 4 via an elastic body 3 so as not to interfere with the vibration of the vibrator 30. The elastic body 3 is, for example, an elastomer or a spring. The elastomer is, for example, rubber.

The first input area Ar1, the second input area Ar2, and the third input area Ar3 on the surface of the operation panel 20 are areas that can be identified by sight and touch. The first input area Ar1, the second input area Ar2, and the third input area Ar3 shown in FIG. 13 are divided by grooves 24 so that they can be identified not only by the design print 29 but also by touching with a finger, for example. The third input area Ar3 is, for example, a planar area that receives a shear force in the in-plane direction. The operation panel 20 is directly or indirectly connected to the shear force sensor 10. Therefore, the same shear force as the shear force received by the third input area Ar3 is transmitted to the shear force sensor 10 via the operation panel 20. Since the shear force sensor 10 is fixed to the housing 2, the shear force received by the third input area Ar3 is applied to the shear force sensor 10, and the shear force received by the third input area Ar3 can be detected. Because the operation panel 20 is not fixed to the housing 2 and can be displaced in the in-plane direction, the shear force in the in-plane direction of the third input area Ar3 can be transmitted to the shear force sensor 10.

The vibrator 30 is directly connected to the operation panel 20. Therefore, the vibration generated by the vibrator 30 is transmitted to the operation panel 20. However, the vibrator 30 may be indirectly connected to the operation panel 20 as long as it can transmit the vibration to the operation panel 20.
The controller 40 receives the signal of the shear force sensor 10 and derives input information from a vector indicative of the shear force applied to the third input area Ar3.

(8) Input to the third input area For example, the input by the magnitude |F| of the vector Vf shown in FIG. 14 and the input by the direction θ can be selected by the third touch sensor 63. For example, the input device 1 is configured to switch between the input by the magnitude |F| and the input by the direction θ every time the operator taps the third input area Ar3 twice. The second tap is detected by the third touch sensor 63. With this configuration, the operator can distinguish and input three or more types of inputs by the shear force sensor 10 by combining the input by the magnitude |F| and the input by the direction θ. For example, assuming that there are 12 television channels, the configuration is such that 12 channels are associated with 12 angles each assigned with 30 degrees. The magnitude |F| of the vector Vf is configured to correspond to the volume of the television. With this configuration, the operator can tap twice to select a television channel by the direction θ of the vector Vf, and tap twice more to adjust the volume of the television by the magnitude |F| of the vector Vf. For example, the controller 40 may be configured to control the vibrator 30 so that a vibration occurs in the third input area Ar3 every time the channel is changed. In the input device 1 configured in this manner, the operator can sense the change of the channel by the vibration.

In the fifth embodiment, a trigger for obtaining input information is also obtained from the shear force sensor 10. For example, as described below, the trigger is an event in which a shear force exceeding a threshold value TH is applied to the shear force sensor 10. However, the setting of the trigger is not limited to an event in which a shear force exceeding the threshold value TH is applied. For example, the trigger may be an event in which a shear force exceeding the threshold value TH is applied for a predetermined period of time or more. A state in which a shear force exceeding the threshold value TH is applied for a predetermined period of time or more is considered to be a state similar to, for example, pressing and holding a switch.
The controller 40 controls the vibrator 30 to generate vibrations in the third input area Ar3 having characteristics according to at least one of the magnitude and direction of the vector at a second time close to the first time.
For example, a case where the wind speed is set to four stages, weak, weak, medium, and strong, in a car air conditioner using the input device 1 will be described. For example, the input device 1 is configured so that when a shear force exceeding the threshold value TH is applied in the range of 45 degrees to 135 degrees by tapping once, the wind speed is increased by one step from weak to strong, and when a shear force exceeding the threshold value TH is applied in the range of 225 degrees to 315 degrees by tapping once, the wind speed is decreased by one step from strong to weak. With the input device 1 configured in this way, the degree of the wind speed can be changed by one step. In this case, if the controller 40 controls the vibrator 30 so that it vibrates the operation panel 20 every time the wind speed is changed by one step, the operator can input information while checking the change in the wind speed. In this case, the timing when the controller 40 inputs information is the point in time when the shear force exceeds the threshold value TH, and during that input period, the vibrator 30 generates vibrations in the third input area Ar3. The ranges from 0 degrees to 45 degrees, from 135 degrees to 225 degrees, and from 315 degrees to 360 degrees are defined as insensitive ranges in which no input is accepted.

To explain another input method, FIG. 15 shows a map displayed on the display screen of a personal computer or a car navigation system. The moving speed and moving direction of the cursor C1 on the map in FIG. 15 are determined by the magnitude |F| and the direction θ of the shear force applied to the third input area Ar3. Alternatively, when the display range of the map of the car navigation is scrolled by the shear force sensor 10, the distance and the direction of the scroll are determined by the magnitude |F| and the direction θ of the shear force applied to the third input area Ar3. In addition, the input device 1 can be configured so that the shear force sensor 10 can detect a pressing force, and the car navigation system is turned on and off when the magnitude |Fp| of the pressing force exceeds a predetermined pressure value. This input device 1 can perform three types of inputs, for example, the moving speed and moving direction of the cursor C1 and the on and off of the car navigation system, by the shear force sensor 10.
For example, a personal computer, which is an external device, moves the cursor C1 eastward if the direction θ is 0 degrees, and moves the cursor C1 northeastward if the direction θ is 45 degrees. For example, if the moving speed is "1" when the magnitude |F| of the vector Vf is equal to the threshold value TH, the moving speed is set to "2" when the magnitude |F| is twice the threshold value TH. However, the relationship between the magnitude |F| of the vector Vf and the moving speed can be set arbitrarily.
The controller 40 that generates vibrations in the vibration pattern No. 3 shown in Fig. 16 changes the frequency of occurrence of the pulse-like vibrations according to the magnitude |F| of the vector Vf. For example, if the number of times that the pulse-like vibrations occur per unit time when a shear force of magnitude |Fth| equivalent to the threshold value TH is applied is "n1", the number of times that the pulse-like vibrations occur per unit time when a shear force of magnitude |Fth| x 2 twice the threshold value TH is applied is "n1" x 2. However, the relationship between the magnitude |F| of the vector Vf and the number of times of the pulse-like vibrations can be set arbitrarily.
When the number of pulse vibrations is small, the operator can recognize by touch that the cursor C1 is being moved slowly by weak shearing force, and when the number of pulse vibrations is large, the operator can recognize by touch that the cursor C1 is being moved quickly by strong shearing force, improving the operability of the input device 1.
Moreover, the controller 40 may be configured to generate vibrations in the operation panel 20 in accordance with the direction θ of the vector Vf.

Sixth Embodiment
(9) Overall Configuration In the first to fifth embodiments already described, there is no clear provision for prohibiting the controller 40 from obtaining input from the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2 while the controller 40 is obtaining input from the third input area Ar3.
However, the controller 40 may be configured to prohibit obtaining input from the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2 during a period in which input is being obtained from the third input area Ar3.
(9-1) An example of modification of the input device of the first embodiment For example, by changing the flow of FIG. 4 of the first embodiment to the flow shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to prohibit acquisition of input from the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2 during the period in which the input from the third input area Ar3 is being acquired. First, the controller 40 judges whether or not the third input signal is received from the third touch sensor 63 (step S1a). If the third input signal is received (Yes in step S1a), the input in the first input area Ar1 is prohibited even if the first input signal is received from the first touch sensor 61, and such input is not performed (step S1c). Also, if it is judged Yes in step S1a, the input in the second input area Ar2 is prohibited even if the second input signal is received from the second touch sensor 62, and such input is not performed (step S1c). After performing the process of step S1c, the same process as the process from step S2 onwards in FIG. 6 is performed.
If the third input signal is not received (No in step S1a), the controller 40 judges whether the first input signal or the second input signal is received from the first touch sensor 61 or the second touch sensor 62 (step S1b). If the controller 40 has not received the first input signal or the second input signal (No in step S1b), the controller 40 returns to step S1a and repeats the routine to wait for reception of at least one of the first input signal, the second input signal, and the third input signal. If the controller 40 receives at least one of the first input signal and the second input signal (Yes in step S1b), the controller 40 performs the same process as the process from step S2 onward in FIG. 6. Then, after judging No in step S4 in FIG. 6 and after the process of step S6 in FIG. 6, the controller 40 returns to step S1a in FIG. 17.

(9-2) Other Examples of Modifications to the Input Device of the First Embodiment In addition, for example, by integrating the flows of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 using the flow of FIG. 18, it is possible to prohibit acquisition of input from the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2 during the period in which the input from the third input area Ar3 is being acquired. The flow of FIG. 18 and the flow of FIG. 17 are the same in that the controller 40 determines whether or not the third input signal is received from the third touch sensor 63 (step S1a). The processes performed in steps S1b and S1c of the flow of FIG. 17 are the same as the processes performed in steps S1b and S1c of the flow of FIG. 18. Regarding steps S1a, S1b, and S1c, the flow of FIG. 18 and the flow of FIG. 17 are different in that the process of step S2 of FIG. 6 is performed after the process of step S1c is completed in the flow of FIG. 17, whereas the process of step S12 (see FIG. 7) is performed after the process of step S1c is completed in the flow of FIG. 18. In the routine of the sixth embodiment shown in Fig. 18, after the process of step S1c is completed, the process of step S12 and subsequent steps in the routine of Fig. 7 is performed. Then, after a No decision is made in step S4 of Fig. 6, after the process of step S6 of Fig. 6, or when a Yes decision is made in step S16 of Fig. 7, the process returns to step S1a of Fig. 18.

(9-3) Modification of the Input Device of the Second Embodiment For example, by integrating the flows of Figures 6 and 9 of the ninth embodiment using the flow of Figure 19, it is possible to prohibit the acquisition of input from the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2 during the period in which an input from the third input area Ar3 is being acquired. In the routine shown in Figure 19, the controller 40 determines whether the magnitude |Fp| of the pressing force detected by the shear force sensor 10 exceeds a predetermined pressure value (step S21a).
If the magnitude of the pressure |Fp| exceeds a predetermined pressure value (Yes in step S21a), input in the first input area Ar1 is prohibited and such input is not performed even if a first input signal is received from the first touch sensor 61 (step S1c). If Yes is determined in step S1a, input in the second input area Ar2 is prohibited and such input is not performed even if a second input signal is received from the second touch sensor 62 (step S1c). After performing the process in step S1c, the same process as the process in step S22 and subsequent steps in FIG. 9 is performed.
If the magnitude of the pressing force |Fp| does not exceed the predetermined pressure value (No in step S21a), the controller 40 judges whether the first input signal or the second input signal is received from the first touch sensor 61 or the second touch sensor 62 (step S1b). If the controller 40 has not received the first input signal or the second input signal (No in step S1b), the controller 40 returns to step S21a and repeats the routine to wait for reception of at least one of the first input signal, the second input signal, and the third input signal. If the controller 40 receives at least one of the first input signal and the second input signal (Yes in step S1b), the controller 40 performs the same process as the process after step S2 in FIG. 6. Then, after judging No in step S4 in FIG. 6 and after the process of step S6 in FIG. 6, the controller 40 returns to step S21a in FIG. 19.

Seventh Embodiment
(10) Overall Configuration Fig. 20 shows an overview of the input device 1 of the seventh embodiment. The input device 1 of Fig. 20 includes a shear force sensor 10, an operation panel 20, a vibrator 30, a controller 40, an LED 50, and a touch sensor layer 65. The touch sensor layer 65 is, for example, a film-type touch sensor in the form of a single film. The touch sensor layer 65 includes a first touch sensor 61, a second touch sensor 62, and a third touch sensor 63.
The input device 1 further includes a support member 4 to which the shear force sensor 10 and the operation panel 20 are attached, and a housing 2 to which a vibrator 30, a controller 40, and an LED 50 are attached. The shear force sensor 10 is a film-type shear force sensor having a film shape. A film-type touch sensor layer 65 and the film-type shear force sensor 10 are laminated. However, the touch sensor layer 65 and the shear force sensor 10 may be formed on different films or may be formed on the same film. In addition, the lamination order of the touch sensor layer 65 and the shear force sensor 10 may be different from the order shown in FIG. 20.
The housing 2, the elastic body 3 and the operation panel 20 of the input device 1 can be configured in the same manner as the input device 1 of the fifth embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

A design may be printed on the operation panel 20 so that the input area Ar1, the second input area Ar2, and the third input area Ar3 can be identified by at least one of sight and touch. The operation panel 20 may be made of, for example, a transparent or semi-transparent material that transmits the light of the LEDs 50, and the input area Ar1, the second input area Ar2, and the third input area Ar3 may be printed with light blocking material. The operation panel 20 configured in this manner allows the input area Ar1, the second input area Ar2, and the third input area Ar3 to be identified by the light of the LEDs 50 even at night.
When the operation panel 20, the touch sensor layer 65, and the shear force sensor 10 are laminated in this order, the operation panel 20 is indirectly connected to the shear force sensor 10. When the operation panel 20 and the shear force sensor 10 are laminated in this order, the operation panel 20 is directly connected to the shear force sensor 10. Therefore, the same shear force as the shear force received by the third input area Ar3 is transmitted to the shear force sensor 10 via the operation panel 20. Since the shear force sensor 10 is fixed to the support member 4, the shear force received by the third input area Ar3 is applied to the shear force sensor 10, and the shear force received by the third input area Ar3 can be detected. Since the operation panel 20 is in a state in which it can be displaced in the in-plane direction, the shear force in the in-plane direction of the third input area Ar3 can be transmitted to the shear force sensor 10.

The vibrator 30 is directly connected to the support member 4. Therefore, the vibration generated by the vibrator 30 is transmitted to the operation panel 20 via the support member 4.
The controller 40 receives a signal from the shear force sensor 10 and obtains input information from a vector indicating the shear force applied to the third input area Ar3. Since the input to the input device 1 of the seventh embodiment shown in Fig. 20 can be performed in the same manner as the input to the input device 1 of the fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 13 already described, a description of the input to the input device 1 of the seventh embodiment will be omitted.

(11) Modifications (11-1) Modification A
In the above description of the first to sixth embodiments, in order to avoid complicating the description, a description of the baseline calibration of the shear force sensor 10 has been omitted. The input device 1 can be configured so that the controller 40 performs the baseline calibration of the shear force sensor 10 when, for example, the third touch sensor 63 and the shear force sensor 10 are not detecting anything.
(11-2) Modification B
For example, in step S4 in Fig. 4, the controller 40 determines whether the reception period of any of the first input signal, the second input signal, and the third input signal has exceeded a predetermined period. In this case, the predetermined period may be the same for the first input signal, the second input signal, and the third input signal, or may be different for each of them. For example, the third predetermined period used to determine the reception period of the third input signal may be longer than the first predetermined period and the second predetermined period used to determine the reception periods of the first input signal and the second input signal.

(11-3) Modification C
For example, in step S4 of FIG. 4, the input signal is selected based on the length of the reception period during which the first input signal, the second input signal, and the third input signal are received, but the input signal may be selected in other ways.
For example, in the case where the first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the third touch sensor 63 are capacitive touch sensors, the magnitude of the change in capacitance may be used. For example, the controller 40 detects the change in capacitance of each of the first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the third touch sensor 63 during a predetermined period. The controller 40 may then compare the changes in capacitance of the first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the third touch sensor 63 during that period, and select from which of the first input area Ar1, the second input area Ar2, and the third input area Ar3 to obtain an input based on the change in capacitance.
(11-4) Modification D
In the above first to sixth embodiments, the first input area Ar1 to the third input area Ar3 have been used as examples, but other touch sensors or other shear force sensors may be arranged in more input areas, such as the fourth input area Ar4 and the fifth input area Ar5.
(11-5) Modification E
For example, in the fourth embodiment, the configuration has been described in which information regarding the input is conveyed to the operator by the vibrator 30. However, the means for conveying information regarding the input to the operator is not limited to the vibrator 30.
For example, if there is an input, it can be configured to inform the operator by voice. For example, if an instruction to change the volume is given from the third input area Ar3, it can be configured to inform the operator that an input is being made from the third input area Ar3 by emitting a voice such as "The volume will be increased now" from the speaker.

(11-6) Modification F
In the above description of the input device 1 in the first to sixth embodiments, the first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the shear force sensor 10 are disposed on the right side of the input device 1 provided on the steering wheel 100. However, the first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the shear force sensor 10 may be disposed separately on the right and left sides of the steering wheel 100. For example, the first touch sensor 61 may be disposed on the left side of the hub 102, and the second touch sensor 62 and the shear force sensor 10 may be disposed on the right side of the hub 102.
The input device 1 may be arranged in one place or may be arranged in three or more places. For example, when one first touch sensor 61, one second touch sensor 62, and two shear force sensors 10 are provided, it is possible to arrange the input device 1 in four places. However, even when the input device 1 is arranged in a plurality of places, the first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the shear force sensor 10 are connected to the same controller 40. However, in order to improve the operability and the size of the input device 1, it is preferable that the first touch sensor 61, the second touch sensor 62, and the shear force sensor 10 are arranged in one place.
(11-7) Modification G
In the above first to sixth embodiments, the input by the input device 1 is triggered by touching or tapping the touch sensor 60, or by application of a pressing force to the shear force sensor 10 or application of a shear force exceeding a threshold. However, other triggers may be used for input by the input device 1, for example, a voice instruction may be used. A microphone may be connected to the controller 40, and for example, if the driver inputs by voice, "Adjust the volume of the car audio," the controller 40 may be configured to recognize the voice input and perform input from the third input area Ar3.

(12) Features (12-1)
The input device 1 of the first to sixth embodiments is configured so that the controller 40 can distinguish and acquire an input from the first input area Ar1 by the first touch sensor 61, an input from the second input area Ar2 by the second touch sensor 62, and an input from the third input area Ar3 by the shear force sensor 10. The controller 40 is configured so that three or more types of inputs can be obtained by the shear force sensor 10.
For example, as shown in Fig. 21, if a conventional steering wheel 200 has nine switches 210 and these are all configured with touch sensors 220, nine touch sensors 220 are required. In contrast, in the steering wheel 100 of the present invention, a similar switch 110 can be realized with, for example, four touch sensors 60 and one shear force sensor 10. One of the four touch sensors 60 is a first touch sensor 61 and the other is a second touch sensor 62. The shear force sensor 10 in Fig. 21 is configured to receive five types of input.

When the input device 1 of the present invention configured in this manner is applied to, for example, a steering wheel 100, the area allocated to each of the input areas, such as the first input area Ar1, the second input area Ar2, and the third input area Ar3, corresponding to the switches, can be increased, the number of input areas pressed by mistake can be reduced, and each input area can be easily recognized by sight or touch. In addition, the total number of sensors, including the touch sensor 60 and the shear force sensor 10, can be reduced, increasing the degree of freedom in arranging the input areas. Furthermore, such an input device 1 makes it easy to arrange the input areas while taking into consideration the movable range of the fingers.
(12-2)
For example, as in the first embodiment, the input device 1 can be configured to include a third touch sensor 63 provided for the third input area. The third touch sensor 63 is configured to detect that an object has come into contact with or come close to the third input area Ar3 and transmit a third input signal to the controller 40, and the controller 40 is configured to use the third input signal of the third touch sensor 63 to determine whether to obtain an input from the third input area Ar3. In this case, for example, an operator's touching or bringing a finger close to the third input area Ar3 and having the third touch sensor 63 detect the touch is one condition for inputting from the shear force sensor 10, making it easier to input from the third input area Ar3.

(12-3)
As described with reference to FIG. 7, the controller 40 can be configured to receive the third input signal of the third touch sensor 63 (Yes in step S11), determine the magnitude of the shear force from the shear force input signal, and acquire an input from the third input area Ar3 when the determined magnitude of the shear force exceeds a threshold (Yes in step S13). The input device 1 configured in this manner can improve the reliability of the input from the shear force sensor 10. For example, when operating the steering wheel 100, even if a finger accidentally touches the third input area Ar3 and the third input signal of the third touch sensor 63 is transmitted to the controller 40, the controller 40 does not perform an input by the shear force sensor 10 by itself. In order to perform an input from the shear force sensor 10, it is necessary for the operator to intentionally apply a large shear force exceeding the threshold to the shear force sensor 10. Therefore, simply accidentally touching the third input area Ar3 with a finger will not erroneously execute an input by the shear force sensor 10. As a result, it is possible to reduce erroneous input by the shear force sensor 10.
(12-4)
In the input device 1 of the second embodiment, the shear force sensor 10 is configured to detect the pressing force and transmit a pressing force input signal corresponding to the pressing force to the controller 40. The controller 40 uses the pressing force input signal to determine whether to acquire an input from the third input area Ar3 (step S21 in FIG. 9). In the input device 1 of the second embodiment, unless a pressing force exceeding a predetermined pressure value, in other words, a pressing force that is relatively strong, is applied to the third input area Ar3, even if a part of the hand (e.g., a finger) or the like only lightly touches the third input area Ar3, the shear force sensor 10 will not erroneously execute an input. As a result, it is possible to reduce erroneous inputs by the shear force sensor 10 in the third input area Ar3.

(12-5)
The controller 40 of the input device 1 is configured to compare at least one of the magnitudes and reception periods of the first and second input signals to select an input to be acquired when acquiring one of the inputs from the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2 while both the first input signal and the second input signal are being received. For example, if the operator's operation is inaccurate and the finger is placed close to both the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2, the operator can make an input from an appropriate input area by moving the finger closer to the desired input area midway, thereby reducing erroneous inputs by the first touch sensor 61 or the second touch sensor 62.
(12-6)
The input device 1 of the fourth embodiment includes a vibrator 30 that generates vibrations on the operation panel 20. The controller 40 of the input device 1 of the fourth embodiment controls the vibrator 30 to generate vibrations on the operation panel 20 that indicate that at least one of an input from the first input area Ar1, an input from the second input area Ar2, and an input from the third input area Ar3 is being performed. In the input device 1 configured in this manner, the input from the first input area Ar1, an input from the second input area Ar2, and an input from the third input area Ar3 can be confirmed by the vibrations generated on the operation panel 20, making input easier.
(12-7)
As described in the sixth embodiment, the controller 40 can be configured to prohibit acquisition of input from the first input area Ar1 and the second input area Ar2 during a period in which an input from the third input area Ar3 is being acquired in the input device 1. The input device 1 configured in this manner can reliably separate acquisition of an input from the third input area Ar3 from acquisition of an input from the first input area Ar1 or the second input area Ar2, making it easier to perform input operations.
Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. In particular, several embodiments and modifications described in this specification can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.

1 Input device 10 Shear input sensor 20 Operation panel 30 Vibrator 40 Controller 60 Touch sensor 61 First touch sensor 62 Second touch sensor 63 Third touch sensor 100 Steering wheel Ar1 First input area Ar2 Second input area Ar3 Third input area

Claims (8)

an operation panel having a first input area, a second input area, and a third input area that can be identified by at least one of vision and touch;
a first touch sensor provided for the first input area;
a second touch sensor provided for the second input area;
a shear force sensor provided for the third input area;
a controller that receives signals from the first touch sensor, the second touch sensor, and the shear force sensor;
Equipped with
the first touch sensor is configured to detect that an object for input has contacted or is in proximity to the first input area and transmit a first input signal to the controller;
the second touch sensor is configured to detect when the object contacts or is in proximity to the second input area and transmit a second input signal to the controller;
the shear force sensor is configured to detect a magnitude and a direction of a shear force applied by the object to the third input area and to transmit a shear force input signal to the controller in response to the magnitude and direction of the shear force;
The controller is configured to distinguish and acquire input from the first input area by the first touch sensor, input from the second input area by the second touch sensor, and input from the third input area by the shear force sensor, and is configured to obtain three or more types of input by the shear force sensor. a third touch sensor provided for the third input area;
the third touch sensor is configured to detect when the object contacts or is in proximity to the third input area and to transmit a third input signal to the controller;
the controller uses the third input signal to determine whether to acquire an input from the third input area;
The input device according to claim 1 . the controller receives the third input signal of the third touch sensor, determines a magnitude of a shear force from the shear force input signal, and obtains an input from the third input area when the determined magnitude of the shear force exceeds a threshold.
The input device according to claim 2 . The shear force sensor is also configured to detect a pressing force and to transmit a pressing force input signal to the controller in response to the pressing force;
the controller uses the pressure input signal to determine whether or not to acquire an input from the third input area;
The input device according to claim 1 . The controller is configured to, when acquiring one of the inputs from the first input area and the second input area while receiving both the first input signal and the second input signal, select the input to be acquired by comparing at least one of the magnitudes and reception periods of the first input signal and the second input signal.
An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A vibrator that generates vibrations on the operation panel is further provided,
The controller receives an input from the first input area, an input from the second input area,
and controlling the vibrator to generate a vibration on the operation panel indicating that at least one input from the third input area is being performed.
An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The operation panel is disposed on the steering wheel.
7. The input device according to claim 6. the controller prohibits acquisition of input from the first input area and the second input area during a period in which the controller is acquiring input from the third input area;
An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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