USER COMMAND INPUT APPARATUS SUPPORTING VARIABLE INPUT MODES, AND DEVICE USING THE INPUT APPARATUS

摘要

A user command input device supporting various input modes and a device using the same are provided to supply the input device to be suitable for a plurality of applications within a restricted area and offer operation reaction by adjusting stiffness of the input device according to an application situation when a user inputs a command. The input device includes a touch surface physically contacting with the user, an actuator providing displacement or force to the touch surface, and a circuit for controlling operation of the actuator. The actuator includes an EAP(ElectroActive Polymer) layer(50) comprising the EAP(31) and the plurality of electrodes(32a-32d) contacting with the EAP. The first variable button(40) having a predetermined position, number, and size on the touch surface is activated by applying power to a predetermined combination of the electrodes. The second variable button having the predetermined position, number, and size on the touch surface is activated by applying power to another combination of the electrodes. A sensor detects a touch position when the user touches the variable button.