Japan Patent Office (JP)
`
`(12) Publication of
`Unexamined Patent
`Application (A)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.6
`G06F
`
`
`
`3/033
`
`
`Identification
`360
`
`
`
`
`
`Code FI
`G06F
`
`(11) Patent Application Publication No.
`Japanese Unexamined Patent
`Application Publication
`No. 11-212725
`(43) Date of Disclosure: August 6, 1999
`(Heisei 11)
`
`360A
`360P
`
`
`3/033
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(21) Filing Number:
`
`(22) Date of Application: January 26, 1998 (Heisei 10)
`
`Examination Request Status: Not Yet Requested No. of Claims: 16, OL (21 pages total)
`(71) Applicant: 000000309
`Patent Application No.
`IDEC Izumi Co., Ltd.
`H10-12767
`1-7-31 Nishimiyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka
`(72) Inventor: Yoshitaka TSUJI
`c/o IDEC Izumi Co., Ltd. 1-7-31
`Nishimiyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka
`(72) Inventor: Masahiko KAWAKAMI
`c/o IDEC Izumi Co., Ltd. 1-7-31
`Nishimiyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka
`(72) Inventor: Koji INADA
`c/o IDEC Izumi Co., Ltd. 1-7-31
`Nishimiyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka
`(72) Inventor: Takahito MIWA
`c/o IDEC Izumi Co., Ltd. 1-7-31
`Nishimiyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka
`Shigeki YOSHIDA, attorney (and 2 others)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(74) Agent:
`
`
`(54) Title of Invention INFORMATION DISPLAY DEVICE
`AND OPERATION INPUT DEVICE
`
`(57) Abstract
`[Problem] To provide an information display device with a
`small number of operating surface and display surface
`peripheral parts providing a reliable sense of operation and
`enabling a tracing operation without a push stroke.
`[Resolution Means] An operating panel 10 is arranged on a liquid
`crystal display panel 20, and the operating panel 10 is supported
`by piezoelectric elements E1 through E4. Pressing an operating
`surface 11 of the operating panel 10 with a finger generates
`voltage at both ends of the piezoelectric elements E1 through E4,
`and an operating force and an operating position are sensed by
`detecting and calculating said voltage. High frequency is applied
`to the piezoelectric elements E1 through E4 when an operating
`force larger than a predetermined threshold is sensed, which thus
`causes the operating surface 11 to vibrate. This vibration allows an
`operator to obtain a reliable sense of operation. The number of
`parts is small because the sensing of the operating force applied to
`the operating surface and the application of the vibration to the
`operating surface 11 are performed using the common
`piezoelectric elements E1 through E4. Furthermore, a tracing
`operation is made possible because an operating force smaller
`than the predetermined threshold causes no reaction.
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1111 - PAGE 1
`
`

`

`
`
`(2)
`
`Specification
`Title of Invention: INFORMATION DISPLAY DEVICE AND OPERATION INPUT DEVICE
`
`[DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION]
`[TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION]
`[0001]
`The present invention relates to an information display device and an operation input
`
`device used in, for example, factory automation (FA) devices, automatic vending machines,
`automatic ticket vending machines, automatic teller machines, home appliances, medical
`operating equipment, information equipment, handheld terminals, game devices, and the like.
`
`[CONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGY]
`[0002]
`Devices where a touch panel is arranged on a display are in wide use as one type of
`
`information display device having an operation input function. Touch panels are extremely
`thin, and have the advantage of providing a high degree of freedom for selecting an area
`that can be used as a switch.
`[0003]
`Conversely, however, because the push stroke of touch panels is nearly zero, said
`
`panels lack a sense of touch (sense of operation) for indicating that operation inputs have
`been performed, such that operators are often left with a sense of doubt over whether
`operation inputs have actually been received on a device side.
`[0004]
`To counter such circumstances, schemes have been devised whereby a visual reaction,
`
`such as changing or flashing a display color of an operation location, or an auditory reaction, such
`as generating an electronic sound, is generated when an operation input is actually received.
`
`[PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION]
`[0005]
`However, there is a problem with devices using visual reactions in that the display
`
`color change cannot be seen due to being hidden by a finger of an operator. Furthermore,
`visually impaired individuals, like as those suffering from amblyopia, and the like, will find
`it difficult to confirm changes if the display color change is subtle.
`[0006]
`Moreover, with devices using auditory reactions, electronic sounds can be drowned out
`
`by ambient noise and go unheard. The electronic sound can be made louder to remedy this;
`however, if this is done, for example, in a location where a plurality of automatic ticket vending
`machines are lined up together, it can be impossible to tell which automatic ticket vending
`machine the sound is coming from. Additionally, making the electronic sound excessively loud in
`the case of a mobile phone can be an imposition on individuals in the vicinity of said phone.
`Furthermore, deaf people cannot hear reactions created using electronic noises.
`[0007]
`While cases of devices using touch panels were described above, these problems are
`
`common to all information display devices having operating units that lack substantive
`push strokes, and are thus not limited to information display devices using touch panels.
`
`[OBJECT OF THE INVENTION]
`[0008]
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1111 - PAGE 2
`
`

`

`
`
`(3)
`
`The present invention was created to solve conventional technical problems like those
`
`described above, and thus a first object thereof is to provide an information display device able to
`give a reliable sense of operation even though an operating unit lacks a substantive push stroke.
`[0009]
`A second object of the present invention is to realize a simple information display
`
`device where the number of parts in the vicinity of a display surface or an operating surface
`have been reduced.
`[0010]
`Furthermore, a third object of the present invention is to permit an operating method
`
`(tracing operation) for reaching a target operating region by sliding a finger on the display
`surface, and to make it so that a device side does not erroneously display a reaction before an
`actual pressing operation can be performed in the target operating region during such a
`tracing operation.
`[0011]
`Additionally, a fourth object of the present invention is to differentiate between a
`
`reaction from a location where a pressing operation was performed and a reaction from a
`device side caused by an operating force, to thus provide a varied sense of operation.
`[0012]
`Moreover, a fifth object of the present invention is to provide a device having a
`
`large area for a display surface and an operating surface.
`[0013]
`Finally, one object of the present invention is to provide an operation input device
`
`that uses the principle of realizing an information display device like that described above.
`
`[FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF THE INVENTION]
`[0014]
`In response to the first object described above, the present invention uses a
`
`mechanical reaction such as a vibration or a small displacement, and the like, of an
`operating surface as a response to an operation input from a device side. For example, the
`operating surface can be vibrated using a piezoelectric element (that is, a piezoelectric
`vibrator or a piezo element) to thus give an operator a reliable sense of operation.
`[0015]
`By the way, sensing an operation input to an operating surface is a fundamental
`
`requirement for an information display device having an operation input function.
`Therefore, a device configured to generate a mechanical reaction like a vibration, and the
`like, in an operating surface must have a function for sensing an operation input and a
`function for generating the mechanical reaction.
`[0016]
`Thus, the inventors of the present invention focused on the fact that a piezoelectric
`
`element is a function means (hereinafter referred to as a bi-directional function means) able to
`convert a mechanical action and an electrical signal in two directions. That is, a mechanical
`reaction such as a vibration, and the like, is generated when an electrical signal is applied to such
`a bi-directional function means while, on the other hand, an electrical reaction such as voltage,
`and the like, is generated when a pressing force is applied to said bi-directional function means.
`[0017]
`Thus, realizing both an operation sensing function and a mechanical reaction
`
`generating function through one (or one set of) bi-directional function means through an
`aggressive use of the characteristics of such bi-directional function means is a fundamental
`principle of the present invention.
`[0018]
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1111 - PAGE 3
`
`

`

`
`
`(4)
`
`By this, a reliable sense of operation can be given without increasing the number of parts.
`
`That is, with the present invention, of the various functions of the bi-directional
`
`function means, an operation input is sensed through a “function for converting mechanical
`pressure into voltage (or current),” and a mechanical reaction is generated in an operating
`surface through a “function for converting voltage (or current) into a mechanical reaction.”
`[0019]
`
`
`[SPECIFIC CONFIGURATION FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM]
`[0020]
`The information display device of the invention according to claim 1 configured in
`
`accordance with the principle described above provides; (a) an information display surface,
`(b) a transparent or semi-transparent operating unit having a predetermined operating
`surface arranged on the information display surface, (c) bi-directional function means
`coupled with the operating unit able to convert a mechanical action and an electrical signal
`in two directions, (d) operating signal extracting means for extracting an electrical signal
`generated by the bi-directional function means through an operating force applied to the
`operating surface as an operating signal; and (e) drive control means for sending an electric
`drive signal to the bi-directional function means in response to the operating signal.
`[0021]
`Furthermore, a mechanical reaction generated by the bi-directional function means
`
`through the drive signal is transmitted to the operating surface and is captured as a sense of
`touch of an operator.
`[0022]
`In the invention according to claim 2, the drive control means in the information
`
`display device according to claim 1 has (e-1) operating signal determining means for
`comparing the operating signal to a predetermined threshold and sending the drive signal to
`the bi-directional function means when the operating signal exceeds the threshold.
`[0023]
`In the invention according to claim 3, the operating signal determining means in the
`
`information display device according to claim 2 changes the mode of the drive signal in
`accordance with the size of the operating signal.
`[0024]
`In the invention according to claim 2, the bi-directional function means in the
`
`information display device according to claims 1 through 3 has, (c-1) a plurality of unit
`function means spatially arranged mutually separated from one another each able to convert a
`mechanical action and an electrical signal in two directions, and the information display device
`also has, (f) position signal generating means for generating a position signal expressing an
`operating position on the operating surface based on a plurality of electrical signals generated
`by the plurality of unit function means through an operating force applied to the operating unit.
`[0025]
`In the invention according to claim 5, the information display device according to
`
`claim 4 has three or more unit function means arranged and dispersed two-dimensionally as
`the plurality of unit function means.
`[0026]
`In the invention according to claim 6, the operating surface in the information
`
`display device according to claim 5 is a rectangular surface, and the information display
`device has four unit function means arranged more or less at the four corners of the
`rectangular surface as the plurality of unit function means.
`[0027]
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1111 - PAGE 4
`
`

`

`
`
`(5)
`
`The invention according to claim 7 is the information display device according to any
`
`one of claims 1 through 3, where the operating means has, (b-1) a touch panel for generating
`a position signal corresponding to an operating position on the operating surface.
`[0028]
`The invention according to claim 8 is the information display device according to
`
`any one of claims 4 through 7 where the drive control means changes the threshold for the
`operating signal based on the position signal.
`[0029]
`The invention according to claim 9 is the information display device according to
`
`any one of claims 4 through 7 where the drive control means changes the mode of the drive
`signal based on the position signal.
`[0030]
`The invention according to claim 10 is the information display device according to
`
`any one of claims 2 through 9 also having, (g) logic gate means for transmitting the
`generation of the position signal to predetermined information processing means when the
`operating signal exceeds the threshold.
`[0031]
`The invention according to claim 11 is the information display device according to
`
`any one of claims 1 through 10 where the bi-directional function means includes a
`piezoelectric element.
`[0032]
`In the invention according to claim 12, the information display device according to
`
`any one of claims 1 through 10 is housed in a portable housing having a predetermined main
`surface, and the operating surface is exposed on the main surface and is made portable.
`[0033]
`The invention according to claim 13 is the information display device according to
`
`claim 12 also having one or a plurality of operating switches arranged securely on a surface
`other than the main surface of the housing for receiving an operation based on content
`displayed on the display surface.
`[0034]
`The invention according to claim 14 was configured with a focus on the
`
`characteristics of an operating position caused by the detection of a pressing force in the
`inventions according to claims 1 through 13.
`[0035]
`That is, the information display device of the invention according to claim 14 has, (a) an
`
`information display surface, (b) a transparent or semi-transparent operating unit having a
`predetermined operating surface arranged on the information display surface, (c) a plurality of
`unit function means arranged spatially dispersed in a range so as to be coupled with the operating
`unit, each capable of converting a mechanical action into an electrical signal, (d) operating signal
`extracting means for extracting an electrical signal generated by the plurality of unit function
`means through an operating force applied to the operating surface as a plurality of operating
`signals, and (e) position signal generating means for generating a position signal expressing an
`operating position on the operating surface based on the plurality of operating signals.
`[0036]
`Furthermore, the invention according to claim 15 was configured with a focus on the
`
`detection of a pressing force and a portion of a mechanical reaction caused thereby without regard
`to the presence or absence of a display surface in the inventions according to claims 1 through 13.
`[0037]
`That is, the operation input device has, (a) an operating unit having a predetermined
`
`operating surface, (b) bi-directional function means coupled with the operating unit able to
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1111 - PAGE 5
`
`

`

`
`
`(6)
`
`convert a mechanical action and an electrical signal in two directions, (c) operating signal
`extracting means for extracting an electrical signal generated by the bi-directional function
`means through a pressing force applied to the operating surface, and (d) drive control means for
`sending a drive signal to the bi-directional function means in response to the operating signal.
`[0038]
`Furthermore, a mechanical reaction of the bi-directional function means caused by
`
`the drive signal is transmitted to the operating surface as a sense of touch of an operator.
`[0039]
`Moreover, the invention according to claim 16 is an invention where the
`
`configuration of the invention according to claim 14 has been added to the invention
`according to claim 15. Specifically, the bi-directional function means has, (b-1) a plurality
`of unit function means arranged spatially dispersed in a range so as to be coupled with the
`operating unit, each capable of converting a mechanical action into an electrical signal.
`Furthermore, the operating signal is obtained as a plurality of unit operating signals
`generated by the plurality of unit function means, respectively, and the operation input
`device has, (e) position signal generating means for generating a position signal expressing
`an operating position on the operating surface based on the plurality of operating signals.
`
`[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]
`[0040]
`FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an example of a system incorporating an information
`
`display device 100 of a first embodiment according to the present invention.
`
`FIG. 2 is a view of the exterior of the information display device 100.
`
`FIG. 3 is a partially omitted cross sectional view illustrating a portion corresponding
`to the display operating unit DP in cross section III - III in FIG. 2.
`
`FIG. 4 is a see-through plan view seen from direction IV in FIG. 3.
`
`FIG. 5 is a view of a basic model for describing the principle of sensing a pressed
`operating region using piezoelectric elements.
`
`FIG. 6 is a view of a model for describing the principle of sensing a pressed
`operating region in a first embodiment using piezoelectric elements.
`
`FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control circuit CT in the first embodiment.
`
`FIG. 8 is an internal block diagram of an operation unit 51.
`
`FIG. 9 is a descriptive drawing of the apex coordinates of an operating region.
`
`FIG. 10 is an internal block diagram of a comparing and determining unit 52a.
`
`FIG. 11 is a descriptive diagram of operating force classifications F0 through F4.
`
`FIG. 12 is an internal block diagram of an operating force determining unit 54.
`
`FIG. 13 is an internal block diagram of a drive mode selecting unit 72.
`
`FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating a variety of modes stored in a drive
`mode storage unit 73.
`
`FIG. 15 is a partially omitted cross sectional view illustrating a portion equivalent to
`a display operating unit DP of an information display device that is a second embodiment
`of the present invention.
`
`FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a control circuit CT using the display
`operating unit DP in FIG. 15.
`
`FIG. 17 is a perspective drawing of the exterior of an information display device
`200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
`
`FIG. 18 is a plan view of the information display device 200.
`
`FIG. 19 is a rear view of the information display device 200.
`
`FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another example that can be used as the information
`display device according to the present invention.
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1111 - PAGE 6
`
`

`

`
`
`(7)
`
`FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a use example similar to FIG. 20.
`
`FIG. 22 is a partial block diagram for realizing a function in the device in FIG. 20.
`
`FIG. 23 is a partial drawing illustrating an example using a piezoelectric film 310.
`
`FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view illustrating a switch as an example of an operation
`
`input device of the present invention.
`
`[DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS]
`[0041]
`<1. First Embodiment>
`<1-1. Device Overview>
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic teller machine (ATM) 1 as an example
`of a system incorporating an information display device 100 of a first embodiment of the
`present invention. The automatic teller machine 1 is provided with a cashier section 3 and a
`card and bank passbook insertion section 4 on a front surface of a chassis 2. The machine is
`also provided with an information input and output section 5, and the information display
`device 100 is used in the information input and output section 5.
`[0042]
`FIG. 2 is a view of the exterior of the information display device 100. In the use
`
`example illustrated in FIG. 1, the information display device 100 is arranged with a main
`surface thereof facing substantially upward, however, FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the
`information display device 100 in a standing state.
`[0043]
`In FIG. 2, the information display device 100 is provided with a substantially box-like
`
`housing 101, and the portion housed in this housing 101 is divided mainly into a display
`operating unit DP facing an operator side, and a control circuit unit CT on the back side thereof.
`[0044]
`A substantially rectangular operating surface 11 is exposed on a main surface MS of the
`
`housing 101. The operating surface 11 is either transparent or semi-transparent, and thus contents
`displayed on an information display surface 21 (see FIG. 3) can be viewed through the operating
`surface 11. Furthermore, a fixed push button switch 102 is also arranged on the main surface MS.
`[0045]
`FIG. 3 is a partially omitted cross sectional view illustrating a portion corresponding
`
`to the display operating unit DP in cross section III - III in FIG. 2. Furthermore, FIG. 4 is a
`see-through plan view seen from direction IV in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the display operating unit
`DP houses a liquid crystal display panel 20 in a case 40 having a window 41, and the main
`surface of the liquid crystal display panel 20 serves as the information display surface 21.
`[0046]
`As illustrated in FIG. 4, four piezoelectric elements E1 through E4 are arranged, one
`
`adjacent to each of the four corners of the liquid crystal display panel 20. The piezoelectric
`elements E1 through E4 are unit function means serving as elements of bi-directional
`function means able to convert mechanical actions and electrical signals in two directions.
`These piezoelectric elements E1 through E4 are fixed to a bottom surface of the case 40 in
`FIG. 3, and the apex portions thereof provide support at areas near the four corners of a
`transparent or semi-transparent operating panel 10. The operating panel 10 is, for example,
`a glass plate, an acrylic plate, or the like, having a substantially rectangular planar shape.
`[0047]
`While a variety of information can be displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 20, the
`
`example in FIG. 4 illustrates menus of a bank automatic cashier. Regions R1 through R7
`displayed by these menus serve as operating regions for bank users. For example, when a bank
`user presses on region R1 displaying “Deposit” with his or her finger using at least a
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1111 - PAGE 7
`
`

`

`
`
`(8)
`
`predetermined amount of force, the information display device 100, through an operation
`described below, senses that “Deposit” has been selected, notifies the bank host computer of this,
`and then assumes a state in which cash can be accepted. Furthermore, at the same time, the
`information display surface 21 changes to a screen displaying guidance and a new operating
`menu for accepting the cash. Note that the size and placement of these operating regions R1
`through R7 can be set randomly. Furthermore, region R0 in FIG. 4 illustrates a region in the
`information display surface 21 that is outside the operating regions R1 through R7.
`[0048]
`Moreover, the piezoelectric elements E1 through E4 in FIG. 3 are used in the device
`
`of the first embodiment as elements combining both sensing means for sensing whether a
`bank user has pressed any of the operating regions R1 through R7, and driving means for
`gently vibrating the operating panel 10 based on said pressing.
`[0049]
`<1-2. Principles for Sensing the Operating Position>
`
`Before describing the rest of the configuration of this device, the principles by
`which the piezoelectric elements E1 through E4 are used to sense which of the operating
`regions R1 through R7 have been pressed will be described.
`[0050]
`FIG. 5 is the diagram of a model for describing this principle, where FIG. 5(a) illustrates
`
`an operating panel 10M having any two-dimensional shape, and n number of piezoelectric
`elements E1 through En arrayed near the periphery of said operating panel. Furthermore, FIG.
`5(b) is an elevation of the operating panel. Here, the number n is an integer of at least 3.
`[0051]
`Furthermore, a rectangular coordinate system XYZ is defined with any point being a
`
`point of origin 0 such that a plane parallel to the plate surface of the operating panel 10M
`becomes surface XY. Moreover, a case is imagined where the operating panel 10M is pressed
`downward at a position at point P (x and y) with a pressing force F. At this time, the principle
`for sensing (x and y), which are the XY coordinates of point P, using the function of the
`piezoelectric elements E1 through En, is as described below. Note that it is self evident that
`the Z coordinate for point P is above the plate surface of the operating panel 10M, and that it
`is not necessary to specifically derive the Z coordinate for point P because it is enough to
`know the XY direction operating position in the operating panel 10M.
`[0052]
`First, when the XY coordinates of a piezoelectric element Ek (k = 1 to n) are
`
`assumed to be (xk and yk), these are known values based on the design. Furthermore,
`because voltage is generated at both ends of each piezoelectric element E1 through En
`when pressure is applied through the bi-directional conversion function thereof, a force k (k
`= 1 to n) applied to these piezoelectric elements E1 through En can be known. When seen
`from the operating panel 10M, this force f1 to fn is a reaction that works upward.
`[0053]
`At this time, from a Z direction force equilibrium taking into account a pressing
`
`force F with respect to the operating panel 10M having a weight W and a force f1 to fn
`applied to the piezoelectric elements E1 through En,
`[0054]
`[Number 1] F + W - Σf k = 0
`
`is established. However, the summation symbol Σ in this equation and in each of the
`
`following equations indicates the sum of 1 through n for subscript k.
`[0055]
`
`[0056]
`
`Next, from an equilibrium of a force momentum around the X axis and around the Y axis,
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1111 - PAGE 8
`
`

`

`
`
`(9)
`
`[Number 2] Σf k  xk + F  x + W  x 0 = 0, and
`
`When Number 1 and Number 2 are transformed, they become
`
`
`[0057]
`[Number 3] Σf k  yk + F  y + W  y 0 = 0
`
`are established. However, it is also known that (x0 and y0) are the XY coordinates
`
`at the center of gravity of the operating panel 10M.
`[0058]
`
`[0059]
`
`[0060]
`
`
`[0061]
`
`
`[0062]
`
`
`[0063]
`
`
`
`[0064]
`Furthermore, because x 0 = 0 and y 0 = 0 when the center of gravity of the operating
`
`panel 10M is set at the point of origin of a coordinate system XYZ,
`[0065]
`
`[0066]
`
`[0067]
`Furthermore, when the operating panel 10M is inclined at an angle of just θ (not
`
`illustrated in the figure) from a horizontal plane, Number 1 becomes
`[0068]
`
`
`[0069]
`
`
`[0070]
`
`
`[0071]
`Number 12 and Number 13 (or Number 7, Number 8, Number 9 and Number 10) are
`
`general equations for deriving XY coordinates (x and y) for an operating point (pressing
`point) P based on the force of a detected value k (k = 1 to n) of the forces at the
`piezoelectric elements E1 through En.
`[0072]
`These general equations are as given below when realized with respect to the operating
`
`panel 10 of the present embodiment. That is, because n = 4 in the case of the present
`embodiment, when a coordinate point of origin 0 is set in a central (center of gravity) position of
`
`[Number 4] x = - (Σf k  xk + W  x0) / F, and
`
`[Number 5] y = - (Σf k  yk + W  y 0) / F
`respectively, however, based on Number 1,
`
`[Number 6] is F = Σf k - W
`and thus,
`
`[Number 7]
`x = - (Σf k  xk + W  x 0) / (Σf k - W), and
`
`[Number 8]
`y = - (Σf k  yk + W  y 0) / (Σf k - W)
`are obtained in place of Number 4 and Number 5.
`
`[Number 9] is x = - (Σf k  xk) / (Σf k-W), and
`
`[Number 10] is y = - (Σf k  yk) / (Σf k - W)
`
`[Number 11] F + W  cos θ - Σf k = 0,
`and, based on this, Number 9 and Number 10 become
`
`[Number 12]
`x = - (Σf k  xk) / (Σf k - W  COSθ), and
`
`[Number 13]
`y = - (Σf k  yk) / (Σf k - W  COSθ)
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1111 - PAGE 9
`
`

`

`
`
`(10)
`
`[Number 14] is x = a  {(f1 + f3) - (f2 + f4)}/(f1 + f3 + f2 + f4 - W  COSθ), and
`
`a rectangle, with the side lengths of said rectangle, which defines the arrangement of the
`piezoelectric elements E1 through E4 as illustrated in FIG. 6, set as 2a and 2b, respectively,
`[0073]
`
`[0074]
`[Number 15] is y = b  {f1 + f2) - (f3 + f4)}/(f1 + f3 + f2 + f4 - W  COSθ)
`
`based on Number 12 and Number 13.
`[0075]
`Thus, while a dead weight component W  cos θ of the operating panel 10 can be
`
`measured and calculated in advance when said panel is used in the information display
`device 100 spatially fixed as in the present embodiment, an incline angle θ can be changed
`in various ways when said panel is used in a portable information display device like that in
`another example described below. While the dead weight component W  cos θ cannot be
`fixed in such a case, such a case does allow an operator to define a pressing operation
`position. The reasons for this are as given below.
`[0076]
`(1) First, a control unit is configured so that the sum of sensed amounts f1 through
`
`f4 of the force from the piezoelectric elements E1 through E4 described above is only
`assumed to be effective when in excess of a predetermined threshold. If, at this time, a
`value considerably larger than the dead weight W of the operating panel 10 is set as such a
`threshold fh, a portion of a sum (f1 + f3 + f2 + f4) of the right-hand denominators of
`Number 14 and Number 15 becomes considerably larger than a (- W  COS θ) portion, and
`thus, the portion of the sum (f1 + f3 + f2 + f4) of the right-hand denominators of Number
`14 and Number 15 actually becomes the major portion. Therefore, with Number 14 and
`Number 15 as approximation equations, an error is small even when
`[0077]
`
`[0078]
`[Number 17] is y = b  {(f1 + f2) - (f3 + f4)}/(f1 + f3 + f2 + f4), and thus Number
`
`16 and Number 17 can be used.
`[0079]
`(2) With an information display device where a screen is operated using a finger, the
`
`accuracy required to define a pressing operation position is typically not very precise. That is,
`since it is sufficient in the example in FIG. 4 to define which of the operating regions R1
`through R7 is being operated or which of these regions is not being operated, this example is
`sufficient for practical use even if small errors occur in the definition of an operation pressing
`position due to a dead weight component or other factors. Preferably, the operating regions R1
`through R7 are not arranged densely but rather with a certain amount of space between them.
`This can prevent detection errors from occurring near the contour lines of the operating regions.
`[0080]
`For the reasons given above, the aforementioned calculation principles can be applied
`
`even in a portable information display device. Note that there is no problem with using
`Number 9 and Number 10 or Number 16 and Number 17 as approximation equations, even in
`devices that are not portable, when a value that is larger than the dead weight W of the
`operating panel 10 is set as the pressing force threshold fh.
`[0081]
`<1-3. Configuration and Operation of the Control Circuit Unit CT>
`
`Next, the configuration and operation of the control circuit unit CT (FIG. 7) of the
`information display device 100 will be described based on the principles described above.
`Note that while an example where the control circuit unit CT is configured using a
`
`[Number 16] is x = a  {(f1 + f3) - (f2 + f4)}/(f1 + f3 + f2 + f4), and
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1111 - PAGE 10
`
`

`

`
`
`(11)
`
`hardware circuit is illustrated here, this circuit can also be realized with software using a
`microcomputer. In this case, the following circuit portions are functionally realized using
`the MPU and memory of said microcomputer.
`[0082]
`<1-4. Pressing Force Sensing by the Piezoelectric Elements E1 through E4>
`
`In FIG. 7, the element voltages ek (k = 1 to 4) of each of the piezoelectric elements E1
`through E4 coupled with the operating panel 10 are applied in parallel to an operation unit 51.
`[0083]
`FIG. 8 illustrates the int