DESCRIPTION
INPUT DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
INCLUDING THE SAME
5 Technical Field
[OOOl] The present technology relates to a user
wearable input device and electronic apparatus
including the same.
10 Background Art
[0002] Generally, an input device is used for input
operation of electronic apparatus. Patent Document 1
discloses an input device including capacitative
elements. The input device has a configuration that can
detect pressing of a detection surface by a manipulator
such as a finger.
[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent
Application Laid-open No.2011-170659
Summary
Technical Problem
[00041 In recent years, portable electronic
apparatus including a smartphone has become essential
for user's life. Therefore, the electronic apparatus
requires optimal portability, i.e., the electronic
apparatus has to be readily available as necessary and
1
does not obstruct the user's movements.
[0005] In view of the circumstances as described
above, an object of the present technology is to
provide an input device having optimal portability and
5 electronic apparatus including the same.
Means for solving the Problem
[0006] An input device according to the present
disclosure includes an input section, a control
10 section, a power supply section, and a support section.
The input section has a detection surface, and
outputs a detection signal corresponding to a pressing
position and a pressing amount on a detection surface.
The control section determines the pressing
15 position and the pressing amount based on the detection
signal.
The power supply section supplies electricity to
the input section and the control section.
The support section is user wearable, and supports
. . .
20 the input section, the control section, and the power
supply section.
Through this configuration, the input device may
accept an input operation by user's pressing, and may
be carried hands-free.
[00071 The support section may be concatenated such
that the input device is wearable on a user's arm.
2
The detection surface may be formed at least one
of an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral
surface of the support section.
Through this configuration, the input device is
5 wearable on a user's arm, whereby the user will be able
to use the input device when necessary.
[00081 The support section may support the input
section, the control section, and the power supply
section, and have a plurality of concatenated plate
10 units.
Through this configuration, the input device can
be concatenated.
[00091 The support section may further include a
hinge section that concatenates the plate units.
15 Through this configuration, the user can feel a
comfortable fitting of the input device.
[OOlOl A plurality of the plate units may include an
input unit for supporting the input section, a control
unit for supporting the control section, and a power
.. .. .~
20 supply unit for supporting the power supply section.
Through this configuration, as each plate unit can
have each function of the input device, the input
device can be simply constituted.
[OOll] The input unit may have a plurality of the
2 5 input units.
The control section may determine the pressing
3
position and the pressing amount per the plurality of
input units.
Through this configuration, in the input device,
the input operation is possible by combining a
5 plurality of the input units, thereby increasing
flexibility of the input operation.
[00121 The support section may include an
elastically deformable C-shaped frame section.
Through this configuration, the input device may
10 be ring-shaped.
[00131 The input section may be configured to output
a detection signal corresponding to an input operation
of squeezing and pressing the detection surface in its
own plane direction.
Through this configuration, in the input device,
an input operation other than pressing of the detection
surface becomes possible.
[00141 The input device may further include a
communication section supported by the support section
and capable of transmitting an operation signal
generated based on the pressing position and the
pressing amount by the control section to an external
device.
Through this configuration, the input operation of
an external device without touching the external device
will be done in the input device.
4
[0015] The communication section may receive a
signal from the external device.
The control section may generate a control signal
based on a signal received by the communication
5 section.
Through this configuration, the input device can
output corresponding to the signal from the external
device.
[00161 The input device may further include a
10 notification section supported by the support section
and configured to perform a notification based on the
control signal.
The notification section may include at least one
of a light-emitting element, a sound-emitting element
15 and a vibration element.
Through this configuration, the input device can
perform a notification to a user corresponding to the
signal from the external device.
[0017 I The input unit may further include a sensor
substrate and an intermediate layer.
The sensor substrate has a plurality of
capacitative elements that are placed facing to the
detection surface and are arranged in a matrix.
The intermediate layer is placed between tmhe
detection surface and the sensor substrate and has a
plurality of structures configured to deformably
5
support the detection surface.
The input unit may further include a conductive
layer placed between the detection surface and the
intermediate layer.
5 Through this configuration, the input unit can
detect the pressing position and the pressing amount on
the detection surface by a mutual capacitance method.
[0018] The detection surface may include an input
guide section configured by at least one of an image
10 and a convex-concave shape.
Through this configuration, the input device can
perform an input operation by a user to a correct
position on the detection surface.
[00191 The input unit may further include a display
15 section on which the detection surface is provided and
configured to display an image on the detection surface
under control by the control section.
Through this configuration, the input device 1 can
correspond to a variety of input operations by changing
images displayed on the display section.
[0020] An electronic apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure includes an input
section, a control section, a power supply section, a
support section, and a display device.
The input section has a detection surface, and
outputs a detection signal corresponding to a pressing
6
position and a pressing amount on a detection surface.
The control section determines the pressing
position and the pressing amount based on the detection
signal.
The power supply section supplies electricity to
the input section and the control section.
The support section is user wearable, and supports
the input section, the control section, and the power
supply section.
The display device displays an image corresponding
to the operation signal.
Through this configuration, the input device may
accept an input operation by user's pressing, and may
be carried hands-free.
Effects
[0021] As described above, according to the present
technology, there are provided an input device having
optimal portability and an electronic apparatus
including the input device.
[0022]
Brief Description of Drawings
[Fig. 11 Schematic diagrams of an input device
according to a first embodiment of the present
technology.
7
[Fig. 21 Diagrams illustrating a method of using the
input device.
[Fig. 31 A plan-view diagram of an input unit of the
input device.
5 [Fig. 41 Cross sectional-view diagrams of the input
unit along an A-A' line in Fig. 3.
[Fig. 51 Diagrams illustrating a method of operating
the input unit.
[Fig. 61 A diagram illustrating a method of operating
10 the input device.
[Fig. 71 A diagram illustrating a method of operating
the input unit.
[Fig. 81 Diagrams illustrating a detection surface of
the input unit.
[Fig. 91 Diagrams illustrating a detection surface of
the input unit.
[Fig. 101 Cross sectional-view diagrams of the input
device according to a second embodiment of the present
technology.
[Fig. 111 Diagrams illustrating a method of operating
the input device.
[Fig. 121 Schematic diagrams of the input device
according to a third embodiment of the present
technology.
[Fig. 131 Schematic diagrams of the input device
according to a fourth embodiment of the present
8
technology.
Modes for Carrying Out the Disclosure
100231 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present
5 technology will be described referring to the drawings.
[0024]
[Overall configuration of input device 11
Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (c) each is a side view
diagram of an input device 1 according to a first
10 embodiment of the present technology. Fig. l(b) is a
plan-view diagram of the input device 1. Fig. l(a) and
Fig. l(b) each shows a status in which the input device
1 is in not use. Fig. 1(c) shows a status in which the
input ,device 1 is in use. The input device 1 includes
15 input units 10, a control unit 50, a notification unit
60, a power supply unit 70, hinge sections 20, a
connection section 30, and wiring sections 40.
[0025] The input device 1 is wearable similar to a
wristwatch, and is wearable on a user's arm. The input
20 device 1 constitutes a flat plate unit where eight
input units 10, one control unit 50, one notification
unit 60 and one power supply unit 70 are arranged along
an outer periphery of a user's arm. In this manner, the
user can carry the input device 1 hands-free.
2 5 [00261 The hinge sections 20 constitute support
sections for articulating the plate units (the input
9
units 10, the control unit 50, the notification unit
60, the power supply unit 70). Each hinge section 20
supports two adjacent plate units such that an angle
therebetween can be changed. Therefore, in the input
5 device 1, the angle between the adjacent plate units
can be changed corresponding to the shape of the user's
arm, thereby providing a comfortable fitting.
[0027] The connection section 30 connects the plate
units placed at both ends among a plurality of the
10 plate units concatenated into one by the hinge sections
20. In this way, the input device 1 becomes ringshaped.
Thus, the plate units, the hinge sections 20
and the connection section 30 constitute a ring-shaped
section of the input device 1. The connection section
30 is constituted of an elastic rubber material, for
example. Note that the connection section 30 is not
limited to the configuration, and may have any
configuration that the plate units placed at both ends
can be connected. For example, the connection section
30 may be a buckle used in a typical wristwatch.
LO0281 , An inner diameter @A of the input device 1
not in use shown in Fig. l(a) is set to be smaller than
an inner diameter of a typical user's arm. The user '
wears the input device 1 on the arm by extending the
connection section 30 from the status shown in Fig.
l(a) to the inner diameter through which a user's fist
10
can be inserted. The inner diameter @B of the input
device 1 worn by the user's arm shown in Fig. l(c) is
greater than the inner diameter @A, and the input
device 1 is firmly fixed to the user's arm by an
5 elastic force of the connection section 30.
[0029] Inside of the hinge sections 20, the wiring
sections 40 are provided for electrically connecting
adjacent plate units. That is to say, eight input units
10, one control unit 50, one notification unit 60 and
10 one power supply unit 70 are mutually electrically
connected by the wiring sections 40. The wiring
sections 40 are constituted by a flexible print
circuit, for example.
I00301 The power supply unit 70 is adjacent to the
15 connection section 30. In addition, the notification
unit 60 is adjacent to the power supply unit 70, and
the control unit 50 is adjacent to the notification
unit 60. Since the input units 10 are preferably placed
at the position where the user easily perform the input
operation, the power supply unit 70, the notification
unit 60 and the control unit 50 are tried to be placed
at the position where the user is difficult to perform
the input operation. Note that the input units 10, the
control unit 50, the notification unit 60 and the power
supply unit 70 are not limited to the configuration,
and may constitute any plate units of the input device
11
1.
[0031] Each input unit 10 can receive the input
operation from the user. A plurality of the input units
10 may be used individually for different input
5 operations, and may be used integrated. Each input unit
10 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 50
based on the user's input operation.
[0032] The power supply unit 70 supplies electricity
to the input units 10, thecontrol unit 50 and the
10 notification unit 60. The power supply unit 70 includes
an power storage element and a power supply circuit,
for example. Non-limiting examples of the power storage
element applicable to the power supply unit 70 includes
a lithium ion cell and a lithium polymer cell. Also,
15 the power supply unit 70 may include a power generation
element such as a solar cell.
[0033] The control unit 50 controls the input units
10, the notification unit 60 and the power supply unit
70. The control unit 50 typically includes a computer
having CPU/MPU, a memory and the like.
[0034] The control unit 50 includes a communication
section for communicating with an electronic apparatus
main body and an external device such as other input
device 1. Non-limiting examples of the electronic
apparatus being capable of communicating with the input
units 10 includes a smartphone and a portable audio
12
player, and the like. The control unit 50 can transmit
an operation signal generated based on the detection
signal from the input units 10 to the electronic
apparatus main body and other input device 1 by the
5 communication section. Also, the control unit 50
receives thesignal from the electronic apparatus main
body and other input device 1, and can drive the input
units 10, the notification unit 60 and the power supply
unit 70 based on the signal received.
10 [0035] To the notification unit 60, a variety of
parts for notifying the user are mounted. Examples of
the parts mounted to the notification unit 60 include a
sound-emitting element, a light-emitting element and a
vibration element, for example. The notification unit
15 60 notifies a user by sound, light or vibration under
the control by the control unit 50.
[00361 As the sound-emitting element, a speaker
element is used, for example. The notification unit 60
having the sound-emitting element can notify a user of
information based on a sound-emitting status of the
sound-emitting element (tone color, sound-emitting
time, type of melody, etc.). As the light-emitting
element, a light-emitting diode is used, for example.
The notification unit 60 having the light-emitting
element can notify a user'of information based on a
light-emitting status of the light-emitting element
13
(light-emitting intensity, light-emitting time, blink
speed, blink pattern, etc.). As the vibration element,
a vibration motor is used, for example. The
notification unit 60 having the vibration element can
5 notify a user of information based on a vibration
status of the vibration element (vibration intensity,
vibration time, vibration frequency, etc.).
[0037] [Method of using input device 11
Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of using
10 the input device 1. The input device 1 can communicate
with one electronic apparatus main body B pairing
communLcated with the input device 1, as shown in Fig.
2 (a) a'nd Fig. 2 (b), and can also communicate with the
other input device 1 pairing communicated with the
15 input device 1, as shown in Fig. 2 (c) .
roo381 Fig. 2 (a) shoris a status in which the input
device 1 is transmitting to the electronic apparatus
main body B an operation signal based on an input
operation by a user's finger f to the input device 1.
20 The electronic apparatus main body B receives the
operation signal from the input device I, and exerts a
variety of functions based on the operation signal
received. The functions of the electronic apparatus
main body B operable by the input device 1 are not
especially limited. Examples of the functions of the
electronic apparatus main body B include a display
14
change of a screen S, receiving of e-mails, acquisition
of positional information, switching speech and nonspeech
or the like.
[0039] Fig. 2(b) shows a status in which the input
5 device 1 receives the signal transmitting from the
electronic apparatus main body B. The input device 1
notifies a user corresponding to the signal from the
electronic apparatus main body B by the notification
unit 60. For example, the input device 1 adds vibration
10 by the notification unit 60 when the input device 1
receives the signal showing that an e-mail is received
from the electronic apparatus main body B.
[0040] Fig. 2(c) shows that a status in which users
wearing the input device 1 communicates with each
other. When the input device 1 on which one user
performs the input operation transmits the operation
signal, the other input device 1 of the other user
receives the operation signal and performs a
notification based on the operation signal received. In
20 this manner, the input device 1 can make the
communication between the users by utilizing light,
sound, vibration or the like.
[0041] Note that the input device 1 includes a
function that requires no communication with the
external device such as the above-described electronic
apparatus main body B and the other input device 1. For
15
example, a user can see a cell's residual power of the
power supply unit 70 by performing the input operation
on the input device 1. In this case, when the cell's
residual power of the input device 1 is small, melody
5 is generated by the notification unit 60. In this way,
the user can charge the input device 1 before the
cell's residual power is short.
100421 [Configuration of input unit 101
Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show an input unit 10. 'Fig. 3 is
10 a plan-view diagram, and Fig. 4 is a cross sectionalview
diagrams along an A-A' line in Fig. 3. The input
unit 10 has a substantially square plate shape. The
input unit 10 has a concave case 11 and a sensor
section 12 housed within the case 11.
15 LOO431 The case 11 forms a concave portion by a
square plate bottom lla and a side wall llb provided
along an outer periphery of the bottom lla. The case 11
is formed of a resin material having rigidity and an
insulation property. The sensor 12 has a sensor
substrate 13, an intermediate layer 16, a conductive
layer 17, and an outer layer 18. The outer layer 18
defines an external form of the input unit 10 together
with the case 11. An outer surface (top surface) of the
outer layer 18 constitutes a detection surface 18a that
receives the input operation from the user.
[0044] The sensor substrate 13 has a plurality of
first electrode wires 14 and a plurality of second
electrode wires 15 placed facing to a plurality of the
first electrode wires 14 and intersecting with a
plurality of the first electrode wires 14. The
5 electrode wires 14, 15 constitute capacitative elements
on the intersecting points. Accordingly, the sensor
substrate 13 has a configuration that the capacitative
elements are arranged in a matrix. An electrostatic
capacity in each capacitative element of the substrate
10 13 changes depending on a distance between the sensor
substrate 13 and the conductive layer 17.
[00451 The outer layer 18 is formed of a resin
material having flexibility. The conductive layer 17 is
formed at an inner surface (lower surface) of the outer
15 layer 18. The intermediate layer 16 is placed between
the conductive layer 17 and the sensor substrate 13.
The intermediate layer 16 is constructed of a plurality
of columnar structures 16a sandwiched between the
conductive layer 17 and the sensor substrate 13. The
20 structures 16a are formed of a resin material having
flexibility, for example. The conductive layer 17 is
grounded and has a reference potential.
[00461 In the input unit 10, as shown in Fig. 4 (b),
when the detection surface 18a is pressed by the user's
finger f, the outer layer 18, the conductive layer 17
and the intermediate layer 16 deform. When the
17
conductive layer 17 becomes closer to the sensor
substrate 13 by the deformation of the conductive layer
17, the electrostatic capacity in the capacitative
element near the pressing position of the sensor
5 substrate 13 changes.
[0047] The input unit 10 outputs a detection signal
corresponding to the electrostatic capacity of the
sensor substrate 13 to the control unit 50 (see Fig.
1). The control unit 50 determines a pressing position
' 10 on the detection surface 18a and a pressing amount in
the pressing position based on the detection signal
from the input unit 10. In this way, the control unit
50 can calculate an operation position on the detection
surface 18a, a pressing force to the detection surface
18a, a rolling reduction speed of the detection surface
18a, a moving distance of the finger f, a moving speed
of the finger f and the like. The control unit 50
recognizes the input operation performed on the
detection surface 18a based on the calculation results,
and generates the operation signal that is associated
with the input operation.
[00481 As described above, in the input unit 10, the
detection signal is generated when the detection
surface 18a is pressed, but the detection signal is not
generated when the user touches the detection surface
18a by mistake with no intention to perform the input
18
operation. Accordingly, the input unit 10 prevents the
user from doing erroneous operation.
roo491 Also, in the input unit 10, the detection
signal is generated by the deformation of the
5 conductive layer 17 accompanied by pressing the
detection surface 18a. Accordingly, the input operation
of the detection surface 18a can be performed not by a
conductive manipulator such as the user's finger f and
a stylus but by a user's hand, for example, wearing a
10 glove. In addition, in the input unit 10, even when
water droplets are attached to the detection surface
18a, the detection signal is less influenced.
Furthermore, the input operatign can be performed under
water.
15 [0050] Note that if it is sufficient that the input
unit 10 performs the input operation using the
conductive manipulator, the conductive layer 17 is not
essential. Also, although the input unit 10 is
constituted to form a sensor in a mutual capacitance
20 method, the input unit 10 may be constituted to form a
sensor in a self-capacitance method.
[0051] [Operation example of input unit 101
Figs. 5 to 7 each is a diagram showing an
operation example of the input device 1.
25 [0052] Pig. 5(a) shows an input operation in which
the detection surface 18a of the input unit 10 is
19
pressed by the user's finger f to move the finger f on
the detection surface 18a. By the input operation, for
example, depending on the moving distance and the
moving speed of the finger f, a pointer within the
5 screen S of the electronic apparatus main body B (see
Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2(b)) can be moved.
I00531 Fig. 5(b) shows an input operation in which
the detection surface 18a of the input unit 10 is
pressed by the user's finger f to move the finger f in
10 one direction. By the input operation, for example,
when the moving speed of the finger f exceeds a
predetermined threshold value, the screen S in the
display device of the electronic apparatus main body B
can be moved to the moving direction of the finger f.
15 [00541 Fig. 5(c) shows an input operation in which
two positions on the detection surface 18a of the input
unit 10 are pressed successively by the user's finger
f. By the input operation, for example, depending on
the distance between the two positions and the pressing
20 force, a specific area within the screen S of the
electronic apparatus main body B can be selected.
[00551 Fig. 5(d) shows an input operation in which
the detection surface 18a of the input unit 10 is
pressed by two user's fingers f to change a distance
25 between the two fingers f. By the input operation, for
example, depending on the distance between the two
2 0
fingers f and a change speed of the distance, the
screen S of the electronic apparatus main body B can be
zoomed in or zoomed out.
[00561 Fig. 5(e) shows an input operation in which
5 the detection surface 18a of the input unit 10 is
pressed by the user's two fingers f. By the input
operation, for example, depending on a deviation of a
pressing timing and a difference in pressing forces by
the two fingers f, the display in the screen S of the
10 electronic apparatus main body B can be changed.
[0057] Note that the control unit 50 not only
generates individual operation signals for the
respective input units 10, but also generates operation
signals corresponding to multiple input operations to a
15 plurality of the input units 10. Examples of the
multiple input operations include an input operation by
an order of pressing a plurality of the input units 10,
for example. In particularly, the input device 1 can be
constituted such that the user can perform the input
2 0 operation on successive detection surfaces 18a of a
plurality of adjacent input units 10.
[0058] Fig. 6 shows an input operation in which the
user holds the input device 1 worn on one hand by an
opposite hand. The control unit 50 can recognize the
input operation when three or more input units 10 are
pressed at the same time. By the input operation, a
2 1
clock within the screen S of the electronic apparatus
main body B can be enlarged and displayed.
[00591 Fig. 7 shows an input operation in which the
user picks the case 11 of the input unit 10 with one's
5 fingers. More specifically, both ends of the detection
surface 18a of the sensor section 12 are pressed
(squeezed) via the side wall llb of the case 11. At
this time, the detection surface 18a is squeezed and
pressed in its own plane direction, thereby flexing the
10 detection surface 18a. This causes a characteristic
change in the electrostatic capacity of the sensor
substrate 13. The control unit 50 can recognize the
input operation by the characteristic change in the
electrostatic capacity. By the input operation, a
15 display mode of the screen S of the electronic
apparatus main body B can be switched.
[0060] [Detection surface 18a of input unit 101
Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrate the detection surface
18a. The detection surface 18a has an input guide
section for easily finding the position on the
detection surface 18a. Fig. 8 (a) to Fig. 8 (d) and Fig.
9(a) each is a plan-view diagram of the input unit 10,
and Fig. 9(b) is a side view diagram of the input unit
10.
[0061] Images are drawn in the detection surfaces
18a shown in Fig. 8. In the input device 1, the images
22
in the detection surface 18a are correlated with the
positions in the detection surface 18a. The input
device 1 is constituted such that when the images in
the detection surface 18a are pressed, the control unit
5 50 generates the operation signal relating to the
images.
LO0621 Also, the input unit 10 may be constituted
such that the outer layer 18 is a display section that
displays the images on the detection surface 18a under
10 the control unit 50. In this case, the input device 1
may change the images displayed on the detection
surface 18a of each input unit 10 as appropriate. In
the input device 1, the images displayed on the
detection surface 18a are correlated with the positions
15 on the detection surface 18a. Such an input device 1 is
constituted such that when the images displayed on the
detection surface 18a are pressed, the control unit 50
generates an operation signal relating to the images.
[0063] In Fig. 8(a), a grid is displayed on the
detection surface 18a. The user will be able to press a
more precise position on the detection surface 18a by
means of the grid on the detection surface 18a On the
detection surface 18a, other images may be displayed in
addition to the grid.
[0064] In Fig. 8 (b), characters, symbols and arrows
are displayed on the detection surface 18a. In this
23
way, the user will be able to selectively press the
characters, the symbols and the arrows displayed on the
detection surface 18a. The control unit 50 generates
the operation signal correlated with the characters,
5 the symbols and the arrows pressed based on the input
operation.
[0065] In Fig. 8 (c) , an image of a jog dial and
images of arrow keys are displayed on the detection
surface 18a in addition to the characters. When the
10 user performs the input operation of rotating the image
of the jog dial up and down, the screen S of the
electronic apparatus main body B (see Fig. 2(a) and
Fig. 2 (b) ) can be scrolled, for example. In addition,
when the user performs the input operation of pressing
the images of the arrow keys, a pointer within the
screen S of the electronic apparatus main body B can be
moved corresponding to the arrow keys.
[00661 In Fig. 8(d), four areas al, a2, a3, a4
classified by colors are provided on the detection
surface 18a. By classifying the detection surface 18a
by colors, the user can more intuitively recognize the
position on the detection surface 18a. In this way, the
user will be able to press a more precise position of
the detection surface 18a.
[0067] Protrusions 18b each having a convex-concave
shape are provided on the detection surface 18a shown
24
in Fig. 9. In the configuration shown in Fig. 9, the
user can recognize the protrusions 18b by touching.
Accordingly, the user can press a precise position
within the detection surface 18a without seeing the
5 detection surface 18a.
[0068]
An input device 101 according to a second
embodiment of the present technology is different from
the input device 1 according to the first embodiment
10 only as to the configuration of the input unit 110.
Descriptions about the configurations of the input
device 101 common to those according to the first
embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
[0069] Fig. 10 is cross sectional-view diagrams of
15 the input unit 110 of the input device 101, and Fig. 11
is diagrams illustrating a method of operating the
input device 101. The input unit 110 includes an
intermediate layer 26, a conductive layer 27, and an
outer layer 28 provided on the sensor substrate 13
opposite to the intermediate layer 16, the conductive
layer 17 and the outer layer 18. The intermediate layer
26 is constituted by a plurality of columnar structures
26a sandwiched between the conductive layer 27 and the
sensor substrate 13.
[0070] An opening is formed at a central are of a '
bottom llla of the case 111, and the outer layer 28 is
25
exposed from the opening. An outer surface (lower
surface) of the outer layer 28 is constituted as a
detection surface 28a on which the user presses. That
is to say, the input device 101 includes the detection
5 surface 18a arranged along an outer peripheral surface
and a detection surface 28a arranged along an inner
peripheral surface. Note that the input device 101 may
be constituted such that the detection surface 18a at
an outer peripheral surface side is omitted.
10 [0071] Also, in the input unit 110, similar to the
input unit 10 according to the first embodiment, when
the detection surface 18a accepts an input operation
and the conductive layer 17 becomes closer to the
sensor substrate 13, the electrostatic capacity of
15 sensor substrate 13 changes. Furthermore, in the input
unit 110, when the detection surface 28a is pressed and
the conductive layer 27 becomes closer to the sensor
substrate 13, the electrostatic capacity of sensor
substrate 13 changes. In the input unit 110, the
control unit 50 generates the operation signal based on
the input operation of the detection surface 18a, and
generates the operation signal based on the pressing to
the detection surface 28b.
[00721 The detection surface 28a of the input unit
110 is positioned at an inner periphery of the input
device 101 and is therefore contacted with a user's arm
2 6
wearing the input device 101. Accordingly, as shown in
Fig. 10(b), a pressing status of the detection surface
28a in each input unit 110 changes depending on an
action of the user's arm. This changes the
5 electrostatic capacity of the sensor substrate 13,
whereby the control unit 50 can recognize the action of
the user's arm as the input operation.
roo731 Fig. ll(a) shows the input operation in which
the user shakes the wrist, and Fig. ll(b) shows the
10 input operation in which the user rotates the wrist. By
the input operation of the action by the user, the
electrostatic capacity changes specific to each sensor
substrate 13. The control unit 50 can recognize the
input operation by detecting the change in the
15 electrostatic capacity.
[0074] The outer layer 18 of the input unit 110
according to the present embodiment may be constituted
as the display section that can display images or
videos on the detection surface 18a. The display
20 section is driven by the control signal generated by
the control unit 50. The display section can display an
image showing that an e-mail is received from the
electronic apparatus main body B or a latest news
video, for example. The display section is constituted
2 5 by known displays such as a crystal liquid display and
an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.
27
[0075] The control unit 50 can drive the display
section independently for each input unit 110, and can
drive the display section by taking all detection
surfaces 18a of all input units 110 as one display
5 section. In other words, the control unit 50 can
display character images for each detection surface 18a
of each input unit 110, and can display a long and
narrow image and a character string image for all
detection surfaces 18a of all input units 110.
10 100761 When the user wears the input device 101 on
the arm, a certain pressing status by the user's arm is
generated on each detection surface 28a at an inner
peripheral surface side. When the control unit 50
detects the certain pressing status on each detection
surface 28a and recognizes that the input device 101 is
worn by the user's arm, the operation signal can be
generated. The control unit 50 can drive the display
section, for example, by the operation signal.
[0077] In addition, the control unit 50 can
recognize an attitude of the input device 101 for the
arm based on the pressing status for each detection
surface 28a. Specifically, the control unit 50 can
recognize the rotation of the input device 101 to the
user's arm in a circumferential direction. In this way,
the control unit 50 can change the image displayed by
each input unit 110 depending on the attitude of the
28
input device 101. For example, the control unit 50 can
continue to display a clock image on the display
section of the input unit 110 nearest the predetermined
position of the arm when the input device 101 rotates
5 around the arm in the circumferential direction.
[0078]
An input device 201 according to a third
embodiment of the present technology is different from
the input device 1 according to the first embodiment
10 only as to the configuration described below.
Descriptions about the configurations of the input
device 201 common to those according to the first
embodiment xiill be omitted as appropriate.
[0079] Fig. 12 (a) and Fig. 12 (c) each is a side view
15 diagram of the input device 201 according to the third
embodiment of the present technology, and Fig. 12 (b) is
a plan-view diagram of the input device 201. Fig. 12(a)
and Fig. 12(b) each shows a status in which the input
device 201 is in not use. Fig. 12(c) shows a status' in
which the input device 201 is in use. The input device
201 includes input units 210, a control unit 250, a
notification unit 260, a power supply unit 270, linkage
sections 220, a connection section 230, and wiring
sections 240.
[00801 The linkage sections 220 constitutes support
sections that concatenate plate units (the input units
29
210, the control unit 250, the notification unit 260,
the power supply unit 270). Each linkage section 220 is
provided as a sheet by the material having flexibility
similar to the connection section 230, and supports
5 adjacent two plate units. Each of the linkage section
220 and the connection section may be provided
independently, or all of the linkage sections 220 and
the connection section 230 may be integrated and
concatenated in ring shape. Also, the linkage sections
10 220 and the wiring sections 240 may be integrated and
constituted by a flexible print circuit.
[00811 An inner diameter @A of the input device 201
not in use shown in Fig. 12(a) is set to be smaller
than an inner diameter of a typical user's arm. The
15 user wears the input device 201 on the arm by extending
the connection section 230 from the status shown in
Fig. 12(a) to the inner diameter through which a user's
fist can be inserted. The inner diameter @B of the
input device 201 worn by the user's arm shown in Fig.
,
12(c) is greater than the inner diameter @A, and the
input device 201 is firmly fixed to the user's arm by
elastic forces of the connection section 230 and the
linkage section 220.
[0082] The input device 201 according to the present
embodiment can be worn by the user's arm including no
mechanical structure such as a hinge section.
30
Accordingly, in the input device 201, parts costs and
manufacturing costs are reduced.
[0083]
An input device 301 according to a fourth
5 embodiment of the present technology is different from
the input device 1 according to the first embodiment
only as to the configuration described below.
Descriptions about the configurations of the input
device 301 common to those according to the first
10 embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
[0084] Fig. 13 (a) and Fig. 13 (b) each is a
perspective diagram of the input device 301 according
to the fourth embodiment of the present technology, and
Fig. 13(c) is a cross sectional-view diagram of the
15 input unit 301 along a B-B' line in Fig. 13(a). Fig.
13(a) and Fig. 13(c) each shows a status in which the
input device 301 is in not use. Fig. 13(b) shows a
status in which the input device 301 is in use. The
input device 301 includes an input unit 310, a control
20 unit 350, a notification unit 360, a power supply unit
370 and a frame section 320.
[OOSS] The input unit 310, the control unit 350, the
notification unit 360, the power supply unit 370 and
the frame section 320 are integrated in a C shape with
25 an elastically deformable material such as
polycarbonate and acrylic. The frame section 320
31
constitutes a support section that supports the input
unit 310, the control unit 350, the notification unit
360 and the power supply unit 370. The frame section
320 has ends 320a, 320b spaced each other. The input
5 unit 310 is formed in a uniform thickness of about
several nun in the whole circumference.
[0086] The input unit 310, the control unit 350, the
notification unit 360 and the power supply unit 370 are
formed in an arc shape as shown in Fig. 13(c) and are
electrically connected to each other. The input device
301 may be constituted by a plurality of input units
310. The plurality of the input units 310 may be placed
side-by-side, or may be placed spaced apart. The
detection surface of each input unit 310 is placed at
least either of an outer peripheral surface and an
inner peripheral surface of the input device 301.
[0087] An inner diameter @A of the input device 301
not in use shown in Fig. 13(a) is set to be smaller
than an inner diameter of a typical user's arm. The
user wears the input device 301 on the arm by extending
the ends 320a, 320b of the frame section 320 from the
status shown in Fig. 12(a) to the inner diameter
through which a user's fist can be inserted. The inner
diameter @B of the input device 301 worn by the user's
arm shown in Fig. 13(b) is greater than the inner
diameter @A, and the input device 301 is firmly fixed
3 2
to the user's arm by elastic forces of the input unit
310, the control unit 350, the notification unit 360,
the power supply unit 370 and the frame section 320.
[00881 While the embodiments of the present
5 disclosure has been described above, it should be
understood that the present disclosure is not limited
to the above-described embodiments, and variations and
modifications may be made without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure.
10 [0089] For example, the configuration of the input
unit is not limited to have the sensor substrate
including a plurality of capacitative elements and the
intermediate layer placed between the detection surface
and the sensor substrate, and may be that the detection
15 signal may be output corresponding to the pressing
position and the pressing amount on the detection
surface. For example, the input unit may have a
configuration that a touch sensor, a pressure-sensitive
sensor and a mechanical switch may be combined.
[00901 Furthermore, the input device may be wearable
on a part of a user's body other than the user's arm.
For example, the input device may be wearable on a
user's finger, ankle or head.
[0091] The present technology may have the following
configurations.
(1) An input device, including:
33
an input section having a detection surface and
configured to output a detection signal corresponding
to a pressing position and a pressing amount on a
detection surface;
5 a control section configured to determine the
pressing position and the pressing arnount based on the
detection signal;
a power supply section configured to supply
electricity to the input section and the control
10 section;
and a support section configured to be user
wearable and supporting the input section, the control
section, and the power supply section.
(2) The input device according to (1) above, in which
15 the support section is concatenated such that the
input device is wearable on a user's arm, and
the detection surface is provided in at least one
of an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral
surface of the support section.
20 (3) The input device according to (2) above, in which
the support section supports the input section,
the control section, and the power supply section, and
has a plurality of concatenated plate units.
(4) The input device according to (3) above, in which
the support section further includes a hinge
section that concatenates the plate units.
34
(5) The input device according to (3) or (4) above, in
which
the plurality of the plate units includes an input
unit for supporting the input section, a control unit
5 for supporting the control section, and a power supply
unit for supporting the power supply section.
(6) The input device according to (5) above, in which
the input unit has a plurality of input units, and
the control section determines the pressing
10 position and the pressing amount per the plurality of
the input units.
(7) The input device according to (2) above, in which
the support section includes an elastically
deformable C-shaped frame section.
15 (8) The input device according to any one of (1) to (8)
above, in which
the input section is configured to output a
detection signal corresponding to an input operation of
squeezing and pressing the detection surface in its own
2 0 plane direction.
(9) The input device according to any one of (I) to (8)
above, further including a communication section
supported by the support section and capable of
transmitting an operation signal generated based on the
pressing position and the pressing amount by the
control section to an external device.
35
(10) The input device according to (9) above, in which
the communication section receives a signal from
the external device, and
the control section generates a control signal
5 based on a signal received by the communication
section.
(11) The input device according to (10) above, further
including a notification section supported by the
support section and configured to perform a
10 notification based on the control signal.
(12) The input device according to (11) above, in which
the notification section includes at least one of
a light-emitting element, a sound-emitting element and
a vibration element.
15 (13) The input device according to any one of (1) to
(12) above, in which
the input section further includes a sensor
substrate having a plurality of capacitative elements
that are placed facing to the detection surface and are
arranged in a matrix; and
an intermediate layer placed between the detection
surface and the sensor substrate having a plurality of
structures configured to deformably support the
detection surface.
(14) The input device according to (13) above, in which
the input section further includes a conductive
36
layer placed between the detection surface and the
intermediate layer.
(15) The input device according to any one of (1) to
(14) above, in which
the detection surface includes an input guide
section configured by at least one of an image and a
convex-concave shape.
(16) The input device according to (15) above, in which
the input unit further includes a display section
on which the detection surface is provided and
confLgured to display an image on the detection surface
under control by the control section.
(17) An electronic apparatus, including:
an input section having a detection surface and
configured to output a detection signal corresponding
to a pressing position and a pressing amount on a
detection surface;
a control section configured to determine the
pressing position and the pressing amount based on the
detection signal;
a power supply section configured to supply
electricity to the input section and the control
section;
a support section configured to be user wearable
and supporting the input section, the control section,
and the power supply section; and
3 7
a display device configured to display an image
corresponding to the operation signal.
Description of Reference Numerals
5 [0092]
1 input device
10 input unit
20 hinge section
30 connection section
10 40 wiring section
50 control unit
60 notification unit
70 power supply unit

Claims
[I] An input device, comprising:
an input section having a detection surface and
configured to output a detection signal corresponding
5 to a pressing position and a pressing amount on a
detection surface;
a control section configured to determine the
pressing position and the pressing amount based on the
detection signal;
10 a power supply section configured to supply
electricity to the input section and the control
section;
and a support section configured to be wearable
and to support the input section, the control section,
15 and the power supply section.
121 The input device according to claim 1, wherein
the support section is concatenated such that the
input device is wearable on a user's arm, and
the detection surface is provided on at least one
2 0 of an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral
surface of the support section.
[3] The input device according to claim 2, wherein
the support section supports the input section,
the control section, and the power supply section, and
25 has a plurality of concatenated plate units.
[4] The input device according to claim 3, wherein
39
the support section further compr,ises a hinge
section configured to concatenate the plate units.
[5] The input device according to claim 3, wherein
the plurality of the plate units includes an input
5 unit configured to support the input section, a control
unit configured to support the control section, and a
power supply unit configured to support the power
supply section.
[6] The input device according to claim 5, wherein
10 the input unit has a plurality of input units, and
the control section determines the pressing
position and the pressing amount per the plurality of
the input units.
[ 7 ] The input device according to claim 2, wherein
15 the support section includes an elastically
deformable C-shaped frame section.
[ 8 ] The input device according to claim 1, wherein
the input section is configured to output a
detection signal corresponding to an input operation of
squeezing and pressing the detection surface in its own
plane direction.
[9] The input device according to claim 1, wherein,
further comprising a communication section supported by
the support section and capable of transmitting an
operation signal that the control section generates on
the basis of the pressing position and the pressing
4 0
amount to an external device.
[lo] The input device according to claim 9, wherein
the communication section receives a signal from
an external device, and
5 the control section generates a control signal on
the basis of a signal that the communication section
receives.
[Ill The input device according to claim 10, further
comprising a notification section supported by the
10 support section and configured to perform a
notification based on the control signal.
[12] The input device according to claim 11, wherein
the notification section includes at least one of
a light-emitting element, a sound-emitting element and
a vibration element.
1131 The input device according to claim 1, wherein
the input section further includes a sensor
substrate having a plurality of capacitative elements
placed facing to the detection surface and arranged in
a matrix; and
an intermediate layer placed between the detection
surface and the sensor substrate and having a plurality
of structures configured to deformably support the
detection surface.
[14] The input device according to claim 13, wherein
the input section further includes a conductive
4 1
layer placed between the detection surface and the
intermediate layer.
1151 The input device according to claim 1, wherein
the detection surface includes an input guide
section configured by at least one of an image and a
convex-concave shape.
[16] The input device according to claim 15, wherein
the input unit further includes a display section
on which the detection surface is provided and
configured to display an image on the detection surface
under control by the control section.
[I71 An electronic apparatus, comprising:
an input section having a detection surface and
configured to output a detection signal corresponding
to a pressing position and a pressing amount on a
detection surface;
a control section configured to determine the
pressing position and the pressing amount based on the
detection signal;
a power supply section configured to supply
electricity to the input section and the control
section;
a support section configured to be user wearable
and supporting the input section, the control section,
and the power supply section; and
a display device configured to display an image
42
corresponding t o t h e o p e r a t i o n s i g n a l .