Tactile interface device

• US 20030034954A1
• Filed: 02/25/2002
• Published: 02/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fuji Xerox Company Limited (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Fuji Xerox Company Limited (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Tsukamoto, Kazuyuki, Takeuchi, Shin, Sakamaki, Katsumi
• Granted Patent: US 6,839,050 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/158 Haptic output
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/25 using haptic output
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 37/06 of controls, e.g. controls knobs
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/36 Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/05 electromechanical

Abstract

The disclosed tactile interface device conveys a diversity of information to its operator through the operator'"'"'s tactile sense without requiring the operators visual confirmation. The tactile interface device comprises a substructure on which magnets are arranged so that the positive and negative magnets are alternately placed, a frame that is movable on the substructure and on which coils are installed, and a pushbutton switch fixed to the frame. The operating element drive control means drives the switch in the two-dimensional direction by allowing current to flow through the coils in a predetermined direction, so that a motion pattern appropriate for the information to be conveyed to the operator is generated. Information is imparted to the operator from the switch through the operator'"'"'s tactile sense.

Claims

1. A tactile interface device comprising:

a substructure member;

an operating element for operation by the operator of said tactile interface device;

a movable member which is mounted movably on said substructure member and to which said operating element is fixed; and

an operating element drive control means for driving said operating element in one or two dimensions by moving said movable member;

wherein said operating element drive control means drives said movable member to move following a predetermined motion pattern corresponding to information to be supplied to the operator.

2. A tactile interface device as recited in claim 1, wherein said operating element drive control means drives said movable member to move in a motion pattern that provides a predetermined amount of resistance to an action of the operator.

3. A tactile interface device as recited in claim 1, wherein said tactile interface device is applied to electronic equipment for on-vehicle use.

4. A tactile interface device as recited in claim 1, wherein said tactile interface device is installed on a vehicle steering wheel at or near a location where an operator is likely to place their hands.

5. A tactile interface device as recited in claim 3, wherein said operating element drive control means generates one among a plurality of predetermined different motion patterns corresponding to the distance between the present position of the vehicle and a destination point, thereby providing the operator with tactile information indicating the distance from said present position to said destination point.

6. A tactile interface device as recited in claim 3, wherein said operating element drive control means generates one among a plurality of predetermined different motion patterns corresponding to state-indicating information about the motor vehicle on which said electronic equipment is mounted, thereby providing specific state-indicating information to the operator in the form of tactile information.

7. A tactile interface device as recited in claim 6, wherein said state-indicating information is warning information directed to the operator of the motor vehicle.

8. A tactile interface device as recited in claim 1, wherein said operating element drive control means returns said movable member to an initial reference position when predetermined conditions are met.

9. A tactile interface device comprising

a substructure member;

a touch element to be touched by the operator of said tactile interface device;

a movable member which is mounted on and is movable relative to said substructure member and to which said touch element is fixed; and

a touch element drive control means for driving said touch element in one or two dimensions by moving said movable member;

wherein said touch element drive control means drives said movable member to move in a predetermined motion pattern corresponding to manipulation of said touch element by an operator.

10. A tactile interface device as recited in claim 9, wherein said tactile interface device is used as an input device of a car navigation system.

11. A tactile interface device as recited in claim 10, wherein, when the operator is manipulating said tactile interface device to shift a map displayed by said car navigation system, said touch element drive control means generates a predetermined motion pattern to provide the operator with tactile information indicating the distance by which the map display has been shifted.

12. A tactile interface device as recited in claim 9, wherein said tactile interface device is applied to a slide switch.