Abstract: A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a linear resonant actuator; and circuitry configured to provide a pulse wave to the linear resonant actuator as a driving signal. The circuitry is further configured to, when a frequency of the pulse wave is smaller than a resonance frequency of the linear resonant actuator, set a pulse width of the pulse wave at a value smaller than a half of a reciprocal of the frequency of the pulse wave.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a substrate; a first electrode fixed to a first area on the substrate; a second electrode fixed to a second area different from the first area on the substrate, the second electrode extending to a position higher than the first electrode; a capacitance detecting unit configured to detect a capacitance corresponding to a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an operation member including a contact area that is in contact with the second electrode. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is provided in plurality. The second electrode is elastically deformed by a load applied to the second electrode by an operation with respect to the operation member, and the distance between the second electrode and the first electrode changes according to an elastic deformation of the second electrode.

Abstract: A door handle, to be attached to a door, includes an outer case, an inner case integrated with the outer case, and a pressure detector configured to detect pressure applied to the inner case. The inner case includes a recess in proximity to an end portion in a longitudinal direction, and the pressure detector detects a displacement of a first inner wall surface on a center portion side of the inner case in the recess, caused by the pressure applied to the inner case.

Abstract: A controller controls a temperature sensation provider that provides temperature sensations to an object contacting a contact surface of the temperature sensation provider. The controller includes a database including control information that associates values of a temperature of the contact surface with values of a controlled variable of the temperature sensation provider for each of the temperature sensations, and a temperature controller that controls the temperature sensation provider based on a measured temperature of the contact surface, a temperature sensation to be provided, and the control information.

Abstract: A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a linear resonant actuator; and circuitry configured to provide a pulse wave to the linear resonant actuator as a driving signal. The circuitry is further configured to, when a frequency of the pulse wave is smaller than a resonance frequency of the linear resonant actuator, set a pulse width of the pulse wave at a value smaller than a half of a reciprocal of the frequency of the pulse wave.

Abstract: An input device includes an operation panel, a frame disposed on a back side of the operation panel, a pressure detector disposed between the operation panel and the frame, and an elastic part. The pressure detector includes a lever including a deformation part that warps when a pressing force is applied, a protruding part provided on a first surface of the deformation part, and a surrounding wall provided on a periphery of a second surface of the deformation part; and a pressure detection element that is disposed in a region of the second surface of the deformation part surrounded by the surrounding wall, warps along with the deformation part, and outputs a pressure detection signal corresponding to the pressing force. The elastic part is disposed between the protruding part or the surrounding wall and the frame or the operation panel and applies a pre-pressure to the deformation part.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a thermal sensation providing device that provides a thermal sensation to an object coming in contact with a virtual material includes a database configured to store first information indicative of a relationship between a type of virtual material and a speed of a temperature change during a first period that starts at a commencement of providing the thermal sensation and that ends at a lapse of a first time length from the commencement, and a temperature control unit configured to control a temperature provided by the thermal sensation providing device during the first period based on the first information.

Abstract: An input device includes an operation panel, a flame disposed on a back side of the operation panel, a pressure detector disposed between the operation panel and the flame, and an elastic part. The pressure detector includes a lever including a deformation part that warps when a pressing force is applied, a protruding part provided on a first surface of the deformation part, and a surrounding wall provided on a periphery of a second surface of the deformation part; and a pressure detection element that is disposed in a region of the second surface of the deformation part surrounded by the surrounding wall, warps along with the deformation part, and outputs a pressure detection signal corresponding to the pressing force. The elastic part is disposed between the protruding part or the surrounding wall and the flame or the operation panel and applies a pre-pressure to the deformation part.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a substrate; a first electrode fixed to a first area on the substrate; a second electrode fixed to a second area different from the first area on the substrate, the second electrode extending to a position higher than the first electrode; a capacitance detecting unit configured to detect a capacitance corresponding to a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an operation member including a contact area that is in contact with the second electrode. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is provided in plurality. The second electrode is elastically deformed by a load applied to the second electrode by an operation with respect to the operation member, and the distance between the second electrode and the first electrode changes according to an elastic deformation of the second electrode.

Abstract: A controller controls a temperature sensation provider that provides temperature sensations to an object contacting a contact surface of the temperature sensation provider. The controller includes a database including control information that associates values of a temperature of the contact surface with values of a controlled variable of the temperature sensation provider for each of the temperature sensations, and a temperature controller that controls the temperature sensation provider based on a measured temperature of the contact surface, a temperature sensation to be provided, and the control information.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a thermal sensation providing device that provides a thermal sensation to an object coming in contact with a virtual material includes a database configured to store first information indicative of a relationship between a type of virtual material and a speed of a temperature change during a first period that starts at a commencement of providing the thermal sensation and that ends at a lapse of a first time length from the commencement, and a temperature control unit configured to control a temperature provided by the thermal sensation providing device during the first period based on the first information.

Abstract: A tactile device includes a contact surface touchable by a tactile subject, a thermoelectric transducer which generates cold or warmth transferred to the contact surface, and a temperature sensor which detects the contact surface temperature. The thermoelectric transducer includes first and second heat transfer members, and a thermoelectric element which generates a temperature difference between the first and second heat transfer members based power supplied thereto. The contact surface is formed on a surface of the first heat transfer member, or on a surface of a third heat transfer member contacting the surface of the first heat transfer member. The temperature sensor is arranged on an outer side of a region where the contact surface is formed on the surface of the first heat transfer member, or on an outer side of a region contacting the third heat transfer member at the surface of the first heat transfer member.