JP3994857B2 - Irregularity forming device and irregularity display device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a concavo-convex forming device for forming concavo-convex at a predetermined position on a surface and a concavo-convex display device using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As the touch panel configured on the display, a resistance wire type, an optical type, a capacitance type, a magnetic induction type, and the like have been put into practical use according to a method for detecting an input position. When the user touches the touch panel, information on the touched position is output, and the master device connected to the touch panel can perform processing according to the position.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the display screen is fine, the touch position is difficult to understand, and the user may touch the wrong position. In particular, it is often difficult for the elderly or the like to touch the designated display position on the touch panel accurately. In addition, the conventional touch panel is inconvenient because it cannot be operated by a visually impaired person. Furthermore, even when it is necessary to keep an eye on the front as in the case of driving an automobile, there has been a demand for an operation means excellent in a human interface that can be operated without moving the line of sight to the operation part.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a concavo-convex forming device capable of performing an input operation accurately without relying on vision, and a concavo-convex display device using the same.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the means described in claim 1, when a plurality of displacement elements are arranged on the substrate and a displacement command is output from the control means to the displacement element at a position where the convex portion is to be formed, the displacement element The displacement force generation unit displaces the displacement unit in the substrate separation direction. Thereby, the said displacement part contact | abuts to a film layer, and also the said contact part displaces convexly with the displacement force. The user can search for the convex part (or concave part) formed on the surface of the flat film layer by the sensation of touching the surface of the film layer (tactile sense). As a clue, it is possible to accurately touch the position to be touched.
[0006]
The convex portion can be generated and eliminated independently for each displacement element by a control signal from the control means. For this reason, the master device connected to the concavo-convex forming device can be used by the user by sequentially forming and eliminating convex portions (or concave portions) at necessary positions in accordance with each operation stage in a series of operations required by the user. Operability is improved, and accurate input operation is possible without relying on vision. If this uneven | corrugated device is used, the uneven | corrugated display device mentioned later, the braille production | generation apparatus for visually impaired persons, the operation panel for blind touches for a motor vehicle driver, etc. can be comprised.
[0007]
Book According to the means, when the convex portion is formed in the film layer, the driving unit closes the opening / closing means provided between the expansion body and the pressure adjustment chamber, and the expansion body and the pressure adjustment chamber are in a non-communication state ( Shut off state). When the expansion body is heated by the heating means in this state, the internal pressure of the expansion body increases and expands, and a part of the expansion body abuts on the film layer to displace the film layer in a convex shape. After that, when the driving unit opens the opening / closing means, the internal pressure of the expansion body escapes to the pressure adjusting chamber through the opening / closing means, so that the internal pressure of the expansion body decreases and the expansion body contracts. Along with this, the convex portions formed on the film layer disappear due to the restoring force of the film layer. Since all the constituent elements of the concavo-convex forming device can be finely structured, the displacement elements can be arranged with high density.
[0008]
Claim 2 According to the means described above, the drive unit feeds back a detection signal of the pressure sensor indicating the internal pressure of the expansion body to control expansion and contraction of the expansion body, so that the accuracy of displacement can be improved.
[0009]
Claim 3 According to the means described in the above, the drive unit performs the convex portion holding control by controlling the pressure of the expansion body within a predetermined range at the time of the convex portion formation driving, so that the convex portion formed on the film layer is controlled. The amount of displacement can be kept almost constant.
[0010]
Claim 4 According to the means described above, the pressure protection means reduces the internal pressure due to leakage to the outside when the internal pressure of either the expansion body or the pressure regulation chamber exceeds a predetermined upper limit pressure. It is possible to prevent a failure of the expansion body or the pressure adjustment chamber due to pressure.
[0011]
Claim 5 According to the means described in (2), the displacement of the expansion body is directed in the substrate separation direction by the regulating means, so that the expansion body can be efficiently displaced in the substrate separation direction as the internal pressure of the expansion body increases. .
[0012]
Claim 6 According to the means described above, since the heating means functions not only as a heating means for heating the expansion body but also as a restriction means for restricting the displacement of the expansion body in the substrate separation direction, it is necessary to provide a separate restriction means. Absent.
[0013]
Claim 7 When the convex portion is formed on the film layer, the driving unit drives the opening / closing means so that the fluid flows into the expansion body to be expanded from one or both ends of the rod-shaped body, and the fluid supply means Introduce fluid. In this case, if necessary, the fluid may be led out from the expansion body that does not need to be expanded, or the fluid may be introduced into another expansion portion in a stepwise manner. The expansion body into which the fluid has flowed expands due to an increase in internal pressure, and a part of the expansion body comes into contact with the film layer to displace the film layer in a convex shape. On the other hand, when all the opening / closing means are opened and the fluid is led out from the rod-like body, the internal pressure of the expansion body is lowered and the expansion body contracts. Along with this, the convex portions formed on the film layer disappear due to the restoring force of the film layer.
[0014]
Claim 8 According to the means described in the above, in the film layer, the film thickness of the contact part with the displacement part is formed thinner than the film thickness of the non-contact part. The contact portion is easily displaced in a convex shape. As a result, the convex portion can be formed with a smaller displacement force, and the displacement element can be further downsized.
[0015]
Claim 9 According to the means described above, since the hard part is provided at the contact part of the displacement part with the film layer, the area of the convex part is narrowed down and the convex part can be prevented from being broadened. Thereby, it is possible to configure a concavo-convex forming device with high density and high resolution.
[0016]
Claim 10 According to the means described in (4), since the driving unit is constituted by TFTs, the unevenness forming device can have a finer structure.
[0017]
Claim 11 According to the means described above, the display device and the concavo-convex forming device are combined, and display by the display device and formation of the concavo-convex portion by the concavo-convex forming device are performed corresponding to the touch operation position on the panel surface. Thus, the user can visually recognize the position where the touch operation should be performed, and can also recognize the accurate position by tactile sense using the convex portion (or concave portion) on the surface of the film layer as a clue.
[0018]
The detection of the touch operation is performed by contact detection means, for example, 12 As described, the transparent conductive film is formed on the panel surface portion, and the contact position can be specified based on the resistance of the conductive film.
[0019]
Claim 13 According to the means described above, since the calibration function for performing alignment between the display device and the unevenness forming device is provided, the deviation between the display position by the display device and the protrusion forming position by the unevenness forming device is minimized. can do.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an uneven dot matrix display device will be described below with reference to FIG.
The concavo-convex dot matrix display device of the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as a concavo-convex display device) is formed by overlapping a substrate surface of a concavo-convex forming device (described later) on the display surface of a dot matrix display device (hereinafter referred to as a display device). It has a panel structure in which a transparent conductive film is formed on the film surface side of the device. The display device is a well-known active dot matrix type color liquid crystal panel using TFTs, but an EL display device, a plasma display device, a CRT, or the like can be used instead. The conductive film is necessary for detecting a touch operation on the panel surface.
[0021]
1 and 2 are a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view of the unevenness forming device 1, respectively. A display device superimposed on the lower surface side (substrate surface side) of the unevenness forming device 1 is omitted. 1 and 2, a plurality of displacement elements 3 are formed on the upper surface of the transparent glass substrate 2 in a matrix corresponding to each pixel (dot) of the display device. A plurality of control lines 4 and 5 for sending a control signal to each other are formed along the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. A transparent film layer 6 is provided adjacent to the displacement element 3 so as to cover the entire displacement element 3 from above.
[0022]
The displacement element 3 includes a substantially square cylindrical heater 7 (corresponding to a heating means) provided upright on the substrate 2, and a vertically long expansion body 8 having a bellows structure in the lower half and housed in the heater 7. A cylindrical pressure regulating chamber 9 standing close to the expansion body 8, a connecting pipe 10 connecting the expansion body 8 and the pressure adjusting chamber 9, and a micro valve provided substantially at the center of the connecting pipe 10. 11 (corresponding to an opening / closing means), a pressure sensor 12 provided in the vicinity of the microvalve 11 to detect an internal pressure, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) for controlling the disconnection of the heater 7 and the opening / closing of the microvalve 11 It is comprised from the drive part 13 of a structure. Here, the expansion body 8 corresponds to a displacement part, and the others correspond to a displacement force generation part.
[0023]
As the heater 7, for example, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater is used. The expansion body 8 has a hollow structure and is made of a resin that can expand and contract according to the internal pressure. Further, a tip portion 14 made of a hard material (for example, ceramics or metal) is formed on the upper end portion of the expansion body 8, and a portion of the film layer 6 on which the tip portion 14 of each displacement element 3 abuts (for example, the corresponding portion). The film thickness in the circle centered on the contact part is smaller than the film thickness of the non-contact part.
[0024]
Liquids such as water and alcohol are sealed in the expansion body 8, the pressure regulation chamber 9, and the communication pipe 10 (hereinafter referred to as the system interior). As this liquid, a liquid that exists as a liquid at the operating environment temperature of the uneven display panel and has a property of being vaporized by heating by the heater 7 is used.
[0025]
The microvalve 11 is opened and closed by a drive signal from the drive unit 13. During the opening operation, the expansion body 8 and the pressure adjusting chamber 9 are in communication with each other through the communication pipe 10 and are in the closing operation. Becomes a non-communication state (blocking state). The microvalve 11 is provided with a leak valve (automatic safety valve) that leaks gas inside the system to the outside when the pressure inside the system exceeds the limit pressure. This leak function is operated not only by the drive signal from the drive unit 13 but also by the pressure detection function of the microvalve 11 itself. This constitutes a pressure protection means, and the displacement element 3 is protected from being destroyed by excessive pressure.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a top view of the concavo-convex display device when all the pixels are lit up. Each pixel is displayed by a display device, and the displacement element 3 of the unevenness forming device 1 is provided corresponding to each pixel. And a convex part can be formed in a panel surface for every displacement element 3. FIG. In the figure, dots shown in black are pixels on which convex portions are formed. The correspondence between the pixel of the display device and the displacement element 3 of the unevenness forming device 1 can be corrected by calibration.
[0027]
Further, a driver 15 (corresponding to a control means) that sends a control signal to the display device and the unevenness forming device 1 is provided adjacent to the upper side and the left side of the panel portion. The driver 15 can individually output a control signal to each unevenness forming device 1. The driver 15 functions as position specifying means for detecting the resistance value of the conductive film formed on the panel surface and specifying the touch position based on the detected resistance value. The driver 15 and the conductive film correspond to contact detection means in the present invention.
[0028]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 schematically shows the uneven state formed on the panel surface of the uneven display device by the uneven forming device 1. Among these, (a) has shown the case where the expansion body 8 is expanded about the displacement element 3 located on the side of a rectangle. The figure on the right side shows the displacement state of each expansion body 8, and the figure on the left side shows the sensation of unevenness obtained when the user touches the panel surface. Similarly, (b) shows a case where the expansion body 8 is expanded with respect to the displacement element 3 located within the rectangle. If the size of this rectangle is matched to the size of a finger, for example, the user can accurately touch the position to be touched on the panel surface. (C) shows a case where a basic pattern of Braille is formed.
[0029]
The unevenness on the panel surface may be formed by independently displacing the expansion body 8 of the displacement element 3 provided corresponding to each pixel of the display device. You may make it displace the expansion body 8 of the displacement element 3 corresponding to this pixel (for example, four pixels) as a group. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which provided the one displacement element 3 for every adjacent several pixel.
[0030]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing the contents of control when the concavo-convex forming device 1 forms and disappears convex portions on the panel surface of the concavo-convex display device. This control is performed by the driver 13 of each displacement element 3 using its own logic circuit, but may be configured to be performed by the driver 15 instead.
[0031]
The uneven display device is connected to the master device. The display device in the concavo-convex display device displays characters, figures, symbols, etc. in color on the panel surface according to the display command from the master device, and the concavo-convex forming device 1 in the concavo-convex display panel receives a convex portion formation command from the master device. Then, a convex portion is formed at a predetermined position in accordance with the convex portion disappearance command and disappears.
[0032]
That is, the uneven display device performs an initial setting process (step A1), and shifts to a waiting state (step A2). During this time, the display device executes display processing in accordance with a display command from the master device. When a convex formation command is input from the master device (step A3), the concave / convex forming device 1 executes a convex formation process (step A4) and a convex holding process (step A5). Thereafter, when it is detected that the user has made a selection operation by touching the panel surface (step A6), the selection operation content is transmitted to the master device, and accordingly, a convex portion disappearance command is input from the master device. A convex part disappearance process is executed (step A7).
[0033]
Hereinafter, the contents of these processes will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the initial setting process, the waiting process, the convex part formation command input process, the convex part formation process, and the convex part holding process in steps A1 to A5 in FIG. is there.
[0034]
First, the drive unit 13 of the displacement element 3 opens the microvalve 11 in step B1 to bring the expansion body 8 and the pressure adjustment chamber 9 into communication. As a result, the internal pressure of the expansion body 8 (hereinafter referred to as the expansion body pressure) decreases, and the expansion body 8 contracts and the convex portion disappears.
[0035]
When the expansion body pressure decreases below the operating lower limit pressure P1 (see FIG. 7) due to a decrease in ambient temperature, it takes a longer time than usual from the start of energization of the heater 7 to the completion of the formation of the convex portion due to expansion of the expansion body 8. May be required. On the other hand, the initial setting process A1 is to hold the expansion body pressure at the operation lower limit pressure P1 or more and to detect a pressure increase abnormality while waiting for the input of the convex portion formation command.
[0036]
That is, in step B2, it is determined whether the expansion body pressure detected by the pressure sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the operating lower limit pressure P1. Here, if it is determined that it is less than the operating lower limit pressure P1 (NO), the process proceeds to step B12 to energize the heater 7, and then it is determined in step B13 whether the expansion body pressure increases. If it rises, it is determined as “YES” and the process proceeds to step B2. If it does not rise, it is determined as “NO” and the process proceeds to step B14 to perform the abnormality determination process and then the process is stopped.
[0037]
On the other hand, when the drive unit 13 determines in step B2 that the expansion body pressure is equal to or higher than the operation lower limit pressure P1 (YES), the drive unit 13 proceeds to step B3 and performs the disconnection process of the heater 7. This disconnection process corresponds to the heater energization process in step B12. Thereafter, in step B4, it is determined whether or not a convex formation command has been input from the master device via the driver 15. If not, “NO” is determined and the process returns to step B2. This loop process corresponds to the waiting process (step A2).
[0038]
When the convex portion formation command is input, the driving unit 13 proceeds to a convex portion forming process (step A4) and a convex portion holding process (step A5). That is, the drive unit 13 proceeds to step B5 to close the micro valve 11, and further proceeds to step B6 to energize the heater 7. Thereby, the expansion body 8 and the pressure regulation chamber 9 are brought into a non-communication state, and the expansion body 8 is heated. As a result, a part of the liquid accommodated in the expansion body 8 is vaporized, and the internal pressure of the expansion body 8 is increased.
[0039]
FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the temperature of the expansion body 8 and the expansion body pressure. The expansion body pressure is almost constant until the expansion body 8 reaches the vaporization temperature T1 of the liquid. However, when the expansion body 8 exceeds the vaporization temperature T1, the pressure rises rapidly, and the tip portion 14 formed at the upper end of the expansion body 8 becomes a film. After coming into contact with the layer 6, it rises with a further increase in inclination.
[0040]
In step B7, the drive unit 13 determines whether or not the expansion body pressure is equal to or higher than the expansion lower limit pressure P2, and if it is determined that the expansion body pressure is less than the expansion lower limit pressure P2 (NO), the drive unit 13 proceeds to step B15 and the expansion body pressure is increased. Determine whether to rise. If it rises, it is determined as “YES” and the process proceeds to step B7 again. However, if it does not rise, it is determined as “NO” and the process proceeds to step B16 to perform the abnormality determination process and then the process is stopped.
[0041]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step B7 that the expansion body pressure is equal to or higher than the expansion lower limit pressure P2 (YES), the process proceeds to step B8 to determine whether or not the expansion body pressure is less than the expansion upper limit pressure P4. The expansion upper limit pressure P4 is the maximum pressure that the displacement element 3 can take in normal operation, and is set to a value higher than a contact determination pressure P3 described later.
[0042]
If it is less than the expansion upper limit pressure P4, it is determined as “YES” and the process proceeds to step B9, where it is determined whether or not the tip portion 14 is in contact with the film layer 6 based on the expansion body pressure. The reference pressure used for determination at this time, that is, the contact determination pressure P3, is not an expansion body pressure (P3 ′ shown in FIG. 7) immediately after the tip portion 14 contacts the film layer 6, but an appropriate convexity on the panel surface. It is an expansion body pressure in the state in which the part is formed.
[0043]
If it is determined that the drive unit 13 is not in contact (NO), the process proceeds to step B6. If the drive unit 13 is determined to be in contact (YES), the process proceeds to step B10 and the heater 7 is disconnected. And after waiting for predetermined time in step B11, it transfers to step B9 again. By this loop processing, the convex portion once formed is held.
[0044]
During this convex part holding process, the expansion body pressure is controlled in the vicinity of the contact determination pressure P3 and therefore does not reach the expansion upper limit pressure P4. However, for example, when a strong force is applied to the panel surface, the expansion body pressure may temporarily exceed the expansion upper limit pressure P4. If it is determined in step B8 that the pressure is equal to or higher than the expansion upper limit pressure P4 (NO), the process proceeds to step B17, the heater 7 is disconnected, and the process waits for a predetermined time in step B18. Thereafter, in step B19, it is determined whether or not the expansion body pressure is equal to or higher than the limit pressure P5. If it is determined that the pressure is less than the limit pressure P5 (NO), the process proceeds to step B6. This limit pressure P5 is the maximum pressure at which the displacement element 3 can operate without failure.
[0045]
If the drive unit 13 determines in step B19 that the expansion body pressure is equal to or higher than the limit pressure P5 (YES), the drive unit 13 proceeds to step B20 and opens the leak valve provided in the microvalve 11. However, as described above, the leak valve may be opened by the micro valve 11 itself. Thereafter, in step B21, the process waits in a loop until the expansion body pressure falls below the expansion upper limit pressure P4. When the expansion body pressure is lower than the expansion upper limit pressure P4, the process proceeds to step B22, the leak valve is closed, and then the process proceeds to step B6.
[0046]
Next, the processing contents of the selection operation detection process (step A6) and the convex portion disappearance process (step A7) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the user performs a predetermined touch operation (for example, an operation of touching twice intermittently) with the convex portion formed on the panel surface as a clue, the conductive film formed on the panel surface The resistance changes according to the contact pattern (time, time interval, etc.). The driver 15 or the master device of the uneven display device recognizes the selection operation performed by the user based on this electric signal. The master device outputs a convex portion disappearance command according to the selection operation result.
[0047]
The drive unit 13 of the displacement element 3 performs the convex portion holding process in step A5, and then determines whether or not a convex portion disappearance command is input in step C1. Here, if it is determined that the input has not been made (NO), the process returns to step A5. If it is determined that the input has been made (YES), the process proceeds to step C2, the heater 7 is turned off, and the process proceeds to step C3, where the microvalve 11 is moved. open. As a result, the expansion body 8 and the pressure adjusting chamber 9 are in communication with each other, and the internal pressure of the expansion body 8 is reduced. Therefore, the expansion body 8 contracts and the convex portion disappears due to the restoring force of the film layer 6.
[0048]
Thereafter, the drive unit 13 performs a self-check on the pressure inside the system. Then, it is determined whether or not the check result is normal (step C4). If it is determined normal (YES), the process is terminated and the process returns to the initial setting process (step A1). On the other hand, if the internal pressure of the system is not normal, the process proceeds to step C5 and adjustment processing is executed. After that, it is determined whether or not the adjustment has been made in Step C6. If it has been made (YES), the process is terminated, and if it has not been made (NO), the process proceeds to Step C7 and the abnormality determination process is performed. The process ends. Thus, the pressure state inside the system can be properly maintained by performing the self-check and adjustment process every time the convex portion is formed or disappears.
[0049]
As described above, the concavo-convex display device of this embodiment is obtained by superimposing the display device and the concavo-convex forming device 1 in which a plurality of displacement elements 3 are formed in a matrix corresponding to each pixel of the display device. Concavities and convexities can be formed on the film layer 6 that is a panel surface for each displacement element 3. Therefore, the user can search for the convex portion (the concave portion based on the state in which the expansion bodies 8 of all the displacement elements 3 are displaced) as if the user touched the film layer 6. Without relying on the display, it is possible to accurately touch the position to be touched using the uneven portion as a clue.
[0050]
The convex portion can be generated and eliminated independently for each displacement element 3. For this reason, the master device connected to the concavo-convex forming device 1 can be used by the user by sequentially forming and eliminating convex portions (or concave portions) at necessary positions in accordance with each operation stage in a series of operations required by the user. Operability is improved, and accurate input operation is possible without relying on vision. Further, the drive unit 13 is made of a TFT and is finely structured such as using the microvalve 11, so that the displacement elements 3 can be arranged with high density.
[0051]
Since the drive unit 13 feeds back the detection signal of the pressure sensor 12 to control the expansion and contraction of the expansion body 8, the accuracy of the displacement can be increased. Moreover, since convex part holding | maintenance control is performed by controlling the internal pressure of the expansion body 8 within the predetermined range, the displacement amount of the convex part formed in the film layer 6 can be hold | maintained substantially constant. Furthermore, when the internal pressure of the expansion body 8 exceeds the limit pressure P5, the drive unit 13 and the microvalve 11 reduce the internal pressure due to leakage to the outside, so that failure due to excessive pressure can be prevented. it can.
[0052]
Since the expansion body 8 is accommodated in the cylindrical heater 7, the displacement of the expansion body 8 when heated is restricted in the substrate separation direction. Thereby, the expansion body 8 can be efficiently displaced in the substrate separation direction, and the convex portion can be formed by a smaller pressure change.
[0053]
In the film layer 6, since the film thickness of the part where the tip part 14 of each displacement element 3 contacts is thinner than the film thickness of the non-contact part, the contact part of the film layer 6 receiving the displacement force Becomes easy to be displaced in a convex shape. As a result, the convex portion can be formed with a smaller displacement force, and the displacement element 3 can be further downsized. Further, since the tip portion 14 is formed at the tip of the expansion body 8, the area of the convex portion can be narrowed down to prevent the convex portion from being broadened, and high resolution can be obtained even when the displacement elements 3 are arranged at high density. Can do.
[0054]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9 which is a perspective view of a concavo-convex forming device. The concavo-convex forming device 16 shown in FIG. 9 is connected to a master device and is used alone or as a concavo-convex display device superimposed on a display device.
[0055]
A plurality of rod-like bodies 18 (corresponding to the displacement portions) are arranged in parallel on the transparent substrate 17, and are transparent close to the rod-like body 18 so as to cover the rod-like bodies 18 from the top. The film layer (not shown) is provided. This rod-shaped body 18 has a hollow structure, and a plurality of expansion bodies 19 (19a, 19b, 19c) that expand and contract according to the internal pressure thereof are connected via microvalves 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). It has a structure connected in a row so that it can communicate. The microvalve 20 includes a leak valve that leaks internal air to the outside when the internal pressure of the expansion body 19 exceeds a limit pressure.
[0056]
Although not shown, an air supply part (corresponding to fluid supply means) for introducing or discharging air (corresponding to fluid) from one end of the rod-shaped body 18 to the rod-shaped body 18 is provided at the end of the substrate 17. Yes. A drive unit (not shown) that drives the microvalve 20 and the air supply unit is provided on or outside the substrate. These air supply unit and drive unit correspond to the displacement force generation unit referred to in the present invention.
[0057]
Expansion and contraction of each expansion body 19 is performed as follows.
(1) In the case of the rod-shaped body 18 indicated by “A” in FIG.
The driving unit introduces air into the rod-shaped body 18 from the end where the microvalve 20d is located with the microvalve 20a closed and the microvalves 20b, 20c, and 20d opened. Since the expansion bodies 19a, 19b, and 19c are in communication, air is sequentially supplied from the expansion body 19c toward the expansion body 19a, and the internal pressures of these expansion bodies 19a, 19b, and 19c increase to expand. When the air is sufficiently introduced, the microvalves 20b, 20c, and 20d are closed. When the expansion bodies 19a, 19b, 19c expand, they abut against the film layer and push up the film layer, so that convex portions are formed at positions corresponding to the expansion bodies 19a, 19b, 19c.
[0058]
Thereafter, when a convex portion disappearance command is input from the master device connected to the unevenness forming device 16, the drive unit opens the microvalves 20 b, 20 c, and 20 d, and derives the air inside the rod-shaped body 18. Thereby, the expansion bodies 19a, 19b, and 19c contract, and the convex portion disappears.
[0059]
(2) In the case of the rod-shaped body 18 indicated by “B” in FIG.
The drive unit closes the microvalves 20a, 20b, and 20c and opens the microvalve 20d to introduce air into the rod-shaped body 18 from the end where the microvalve 20d is located. In this case, since air is introduced only into the expansion body 19c and not into the expansion bodies 19a and 19b, only the expansion body 19c expands. When the air is sufficiently introduced, the micro valve 20d is closed. As a result, a convex portion is formed only at a position corresponding to the expansion body 19c. When the convex portion disappears, the microvalve 20d is opened, and the air inside the rod-shaped body 18 is led out.
[0060]
(3) In the case of the rod-shaped body 18 indicated by “C” in FIG.
In this case, a two-stage operation is performed. That is, the drive unit introduces air into the rod-shaped body 18 from the end where the microvalve 20d is located with the microvalve 20a closed and the microvalves 20b, 20c, and 20d opened. Air is sequentially sent from the expansion body 19c toward the expansion body 19a. When the air is sufficiently introduced into the expansion body 19a, the micro valve 20b is closed, and the air in the expansion bodies 19b and 19c is once led out. Thereafter, the microvalve 20c is closed, air is again introduced, and then the microvalve 20d is closed. As a result, convex portions are formed at positions corresponding to the expansion bodies 19a and 19c. When the convex portion disappears, the microvalves 20b, 20c, and 20d are opened, and the air inside the rod-shaped body 18 is led out.
[0061]
In the above description, air is introduced / derived only from the microvalve 20d side. However, if the configuration is also performed from the microvalve 20a side, the air introduction time and the derivation time can be shortened. In particular, in the case of the above (3), the operation can be performed in one step, and the operation time can be greatly improved.
[0062]
Also with the concavo-convex display device 16 of the present embodiment, a convex portion (or a concave portion) can be formed in the film layer for each expansion body 19. Therefore, for example, by combining with a display device, it is possible to obtain a concavo-convex display device that exhibits the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
[0063]
(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be modified or expanded as follows, for example.
By using the unevenness forming devices 1 and 16 described above, it is possible to configure an input means excellent in a human interface capable of blind operation including a braille generating device for visually impaired persons. When this input means is used, for example, even when it is necessary to keep an eye on the front, such as during driving of an automobile, a reliable input operation can be performed without shifting the line of sight to the input means.
[0064]
In this case, when the user holds the hand over the operation panel and touches the panel surface with the tip of the thumb and little finger, the inside of the quadrangle configured as one diagonal line connecting the contact positions is within the operable range. As a result, the concavo-convex portions are formed by the concavo-convex forming devices 1 and 16 only within the operable range. In this way, the calibration function that sets the operable range according to the size of the user's hand can form irregularities only in the easy-to-use range of the user's dominant hand, improving the convenience and operability of the user It is done. As a result, it is possible to perform a blind operation such that the position of the thumb on the panel surface is “Yes”, the position of the index finger is “No”, and the position of the middle finger is canceled.
[0065]
The displacement force generation unit that causes displacement in the displacement unit may be one using electrostatic force, magnetic force, or the like. Moreover, you may comprise so that a recessed part may be formed instead of a convex part by receiving displacement force.
The contact detection means may be an optical type, a capacitance type, a magnetic induction type, or the like.
In the first embodiment, the pressure reduction control may be performed not only when the expansion body pressure becomes equal to or higher than the expansion upper limit pressure P4 but also when the internal pressure of the pressure adjusting chamber 9 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined upper limit pressure.
[0066]
Also in the second embodiment, a tip portion made of a hard material may be formed on the upper end portions of the expansion bodies 19a, 19b, 19c. Further, in the film layer, the film thickness of the part where the expansion bodies 19a, 19b, 19c (chip part) abut may be made thinner than the film thickness of the non-abutting part. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a restricting portion that directs the expansion direction of the expansion bodies 19a, 19b, and 19c in the substrate separation direction. The fluid introduced into the rod-shaped body 18 may be a gas or liquid other than air.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a concavo-convex forming device showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a device for forming irregularities.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a concavo-convex display device that is fully illuminated
FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart for forming and disappearing a convex portion.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing contents from initial setting processing to convex portion holding processing;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing contents of selection operation detection processing and convex portion disappearance processing;
FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between expansion body temperature and expansion body pressure.
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an uneven state formed on the panel surface of the uneven display device.
FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 and 16 are concave and convex forming devices, 2 and 17 are substrates, 3 is a displacement element, 6 is a film layer, 7 is a heater (heating means), 8, 19, 19a, 19b and 19c are expansion bodies (displacement portions), 9 Is a pressure regulating chamber, 11, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are microvalves (opening / closing means), 12 is a pressure sensor, 13 is a driving part, 14 is a chip part (hard part), 15 is a driver (control means, (Position specifying means) 18 is a rod-like body (displacement part).

Claims (13)

A plurality of displacement elements arranged on a substrate and configured by a displacement portion and a displacement force generation portion that displaces the displacement portion in the substrate separation direction according to a control signal;
A film layer that is provided in proximity to these displacement elements and receives a displacement force in a state in which the displacement portion is in contact, and the contact portion is displaced in a convex shape,
Control means capable of individually outputting a control signal to each displacement element ;
The displacement part has a hollow structure and is composed of an expansion body that expands and contracts along the substrate separation direction according to the internal pressure thereof,
The displacement force generator is
Heating means for heating the expansion body;
A pressure regulating chamber;
An opening / closing means that is interposed between the expansion body and the pressure adjustment chamber, and sets the expansion body and the pressure adjustment chamber to either a communication state or a non-communication state;
With the opening / closing means closed, the heating means is heated by the heating means to expand the expansion body to form a convex portion on the film layer, and the opening / closing means is opened to contract the expansion body. And a drive unit that drives and controls the projections to disappear . The displacement force generation unit includes a pressure sensor that detects an internal pressure of the expansion body,
2. The unevenness forming device according to claim 1 , wherein the driving unit is configured to control expansion and contraction of the expansion body based on a detection signal from the pressure sensor . 3. The unevenness according to claim 2 , wherein the driving portion is configured to perform convex portion holding control by controlling the pressure of the expansion body within a predetermined range during driving of forming the convex portion. Forming device. It said to any of the internal pressure of the expansion body and the pressure adjustment chamber claims 1, characterized in that a pressure protection means for reducing the internal pressure due to leakage to the outside if it exceeds a predetermined upper limit pressure 4. The unevenness forming device according to any one of 3 above. The displacement portion, roughening device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a regulating means for regulating the displacement of the expansion member to said substrate spacing direction. The unevenness forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the heating means is formed so as to surround the expansion body from the periphery on the substrate . A plurality of displacement elements arranged on a substrate and configured by a displacement portion and a displacement force generation portion that displaces the displacement portion in the substrate separation direction according to a control signal;
A film layer that is provided in proximity to these displacement elements and receives a displacement force in a state in which the displacement portion is in contact, and the contact portion is displaced in a convex shape,
Control means capable of individually outputting a control signal to each displacement element;
The displacement part is constituted by a rod-like body connected in a row so that a plurality of expansion bodies that have a hollow structure and expand and contract according to the internal pressure thereof can communicate with each other via an opening / closing means,
The displacement force generator is
Fluid supply means for introducing or deriving fluid to or from the rod-shaped body from one or both ends of the rod-shaped body;
The opening / closing means is controlled to open / close in accordance with the control signal, and a fluid is introduced to or derived from the rod-shaped body to expand the expansion body specified by the control signal, thereby forming a convex portion on the film layer. And opening and closing all the opening and closing means to draw fluid from the rod-like body, and thereby the expansion body is contracted to drive the drive part so that the convex part disappears. Concavity and convexity forming device. In the said film layer, the film thickness of the contact part with the said displacement part is formed thinly compared with the film thickness of a non-contact part, The unevenness | corrugation in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. Forming device. The uneven | corrugated formation device in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 8 which provided the hard part in the contact part with the film layer of the said displacement part . The unevenness forming device according to claim 1 , wherein the driving unit is configured by a TFT ( Thin Film Transistor ) . A panel comprising a display device, a transparent substrate, and a film layer, wherein the concavo-convex forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is overlaid on the substrate. Has a structure,
An uneven display device comprising contact detection means for detecting contact with a panel surface portion. 12. The contact detection means includes a transparent conductive film formed on a panel surface portion and position specifying means for specifying a contact position based on a resistance of the conductive film. The uneven display device described . The concavo-convex display device according to claim 11 , further comprising a calibration function for performing alignment between the display device and the concavo-convex forming device.

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