Touchscreen mounting systems and haptic user interfaces

Abstract

A touchscreen mounting system and a haptic user interface using this touchscreen mounting system are disclosed. The touchscreen mounting system comprises a base and a plurality of separate Z-shaped springs. Each of the plurality of separate Z-shaped springs has a mounting surface for mounting to the base and a connecting surface, the connecting surface of which at least partially overlaps with the mounting surface of the Z-shaped spring and is substantially coplanar with the connecting surface of other Z-shaped springs, and is configured to receive and support the touchscreen, thereby positioning each Z-shaped spring between the mounted touchscreen and the base and providing spring resistance to the mounted touchscreen in directions perpendicular and non-perpendicular to its connecting surface. At least two of the plurality of Z-shaped springs are oriented differently, so that their movements, other than movement perpendicular to the connecting surface, are at least partially opposite to each other.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch screen mounting system, and particularly to a touch screen display mounting system that supports haptic feedback. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Touch screen display devices in which a touch screen is superimposed on a display such as an LCD are increasingly popular as user interfaces. Such a device can also provide input mechanisms such as virtual buttons, keyboards, and dials. In some cases, a physical knob or the like may be provided and combined with the touch screen to communicate, exchange and display information within or around the area covered by physical control. In addition to graphical feedback from a display overlaid with a touch screen, the touch screen often provides some form of tactile feedback commonly referred to as haptic feedback. This simulates, for example, the force felt when a physical control is actuated. Haptic feedback can be implemented by various means. The most common method is to vibrate the entire product (like in a mobile phone), but this is not suitable for products that are permanently attached to a large immovable housing.

[0003] While touch screens provide a flexible, intuitive and adaptable input / output mechanism, they are popular because they have fewer mechanical components, are easy to keep clean, and can be operated under any environmental conditions. Examples of the use of touch screen displays include user input systems in public places such as automatic ticket vending machines, where touch screen panels are mounted on the housing of devices such as automatic ticket vending machines and used to provide a user interface for the functions of such automatic ticket vending machines. [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] For a touchscreen display to vibrate, it is necessary to have sufficient freedom of movement so that the vibration is not attenuated by the device or enclosure on which the touchscreen is mounted. It is desirable to provide a mounting base that is sufficiently rigid so that the mounting base does not substantially attenuate the vibration of the haptic actuator, while at the same time preventing the user from feeling the touchscreen flex or move when touched. Touchscreens vary in size and weight, but those used in a mounted state tend to have a large form factor (A5 or larger), making it a significant challenge to ensure that the touchscreen display assembly is properly mounted to the enclosure while generating appropriate haptic feedback. It is desirable that the mounting system be able to mount such large form factor touchscreens, support their weight, and enable the use of haptic feedback. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a touchscreen mounting system is provided, comprising a base and a plurality of separate Z-shaped springs, each of which has a mounting surface for mounting on the base and a connecting surface, the connecting surface at least partially overlapping with the mounting surface of the Z-shaped spring and substantially coplanar with the connecting surface of other Z-shaped springs, and configured to receive and support the touchscreen, thereby each Z-shaped spring being positioned between the mounted touchscreen and the base and providing spring resistance to the mounted touchscreen in directions perpendicular and non-perpendicular to its connecting surface, and at least two of the plurality of Z-shaped springs being oriented differently, thereby the movement of the at least two Z-shaped springs being at least partially opposite to each other, except for movement in the direction perpendicular to the connecting surface.

[0006] The base can be a frame, the main body of a device or system, or another support structure to which a touchscreen (also referred to as a touchscreen module) is attached via a Z-shaped spring.

[0007] Preferably, the multiple Z-springs are of the same dimensions and are arranged around the base to support the touchscreen at multiple points. Preferably, the connecting surfaces of the multiple Z-springs are substantially coplanar (or at least on planes parallel to each other). Preferably, one or more of the Z-springs are rotated about an axis perpendicular to the connecting surface so as to impart spring resistance in the plane of the connecting surface or in a plane parallel to the connecting surface, and the different rotations of the one or more Z-springs cause the spring resistance that would otherwise exist in the non-perpendicular direction to act in opposite directions.

[0008] A Z-shaped spring differs from many other springs (such as coil springs) in that it provides spring resistance in one plane while having a constant resistance force with no spring motion in at least one vertical plane. In embodiments of the present invention, a number of separate Z-shaped springs are used in various orientations (by rotating them relative to each other) to limit the number of vertical planes with no spring motion.

[0009] Preferably, the Z-shaped spring has a predetermined spring constant, and a haptic actuator attached to or integrated with the touchscreen is used together with this Z-shaped spring to produce a relatively large haptic output with a small energy input, based on the resonant frequency determined by this predetermined spring constant. With this configuration, both the cost and current consumption of the actuator can be minimized. This is very effective when trying to move large objects with large mass, such as large displays (i.e., displays larger than smartphone screens).

[0010] The Z-shaped spring is positioned between the base and the touchscreen, providing spring resistance and spring support to the touchscreen in the z-direction toward the base, and substantially fixing and supporting the touchscreen in the x and y directions, which are normally parallel to the plane of the touchscreen's user interface surface (and the plane of the base).

[0011] Preferably, multiple Z-shaped springs can be freely arranged on the base to accommodate various types of bases and various touchscreen modules. The Z-shaped springs are preferably fixed to the base and touchscreen module using adhesive.

[0012] The inventors improved the stability of the touchscreen module and enhanced haptic feedback by selectively oriented multiple Z-shaped springs. The material, dimensions, and structure of the Z-shaped springs were selected to provide stability, durability, and precise extension through vertical movement. It was also found that the arrangement of the Z-shaped springs and actuators on the touchscreen module affects haptic feedback, as adjacent Z-shaped springs can dampen each other. Therefore, due to the degree of freedom in arrangement, the optimal arrangement can be adjusted according to the available mounting surfaces of the base and the touchscreen module.

[0013] Preferably, when a touch event is initiated, a signal passes through the touch driver to the main microprocessor. The event is then created and sent to the haptic microcontroller, which activates the actuator. Preferably, this entire process occurs within a very short timeframe of 15 to 50 milliseconds. If the process exceeds this timeframe, the person touching the screen may not notice the haptic feedback or may not associate the haptic feedback with the touch event. Preferably, multiple linear resonant actuators (LRAs) are used as actuators. It has been found that maintaining parallel operation of multiple LRAs without delay provides optimal haptic feedback. If parallel operation cannot be maintained, haptic feedback may be disabled in some areas of the touchscreen, and eventually, there may be no haptic feedback at all. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] By using two or more Z-shaped springs, the movement can be restricted to primarily one axis as described below. a. By suppressing the generation of haptic vibration primarily along one axis, the output of haptic energy along that axis is maximized. b. To assist in supporting large masses such as large displays on all axes other than the motion and vibration axes, allowing the mass to be mounted using other limited support functions.

[0015] By rotating at least two Z-shaped springs around the z-axis and using them in different orientations along the x and y axes, a haptic system can be constructed that is supported on all axes except the axis of motion and vibration (z-axis), allowing a display to be mounted without any other support.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a touchscreen mounting system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the operating state of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of a touchscreen mounting system according to another embodiment. [Figure 4a] This is a perspective view of a touchscreen incorporating a mounting system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4b] This is a schematic diagram of an exploded view of a touchscreen incorporating a mounting system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the dimensions of a Z-shaped spring suitable for use in one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] A touch screen mounting system 10 includes a base 20 and a plurality of separate Z-shaped springs 30a, 30b. Each of the plurality of separate Z-shaped springs 30a, 30b respectively has mounting surfaces 31a, 31b to be mounted on the base 20, and connection surfaces 32a, 32b. The connection surfaces 32a, 32b at least partially overlap the mounting surfaces 31a, 31b of the respective Z-shaped spring, and lie substantially coplanar with the connection surfaces of other Z-shaped springs. Lateral surfaces 33a, 33b connect the mounting surfaces 31a, 31b to the respective connection surfaces 32a, 32b. The connection surfaces 32a, 32b are configured to receive and support the touch screen 40 such that the Z-shaped springs are arranged between the base 20 and the touch screen 40. Preferably, the Z-shaped spring is integrally formed. Preferably, the Z-shaped spring is formed by folding metal or plastic or the like.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, each Z-shaped spring 30a, 30b provides spring resistance to the mounted touch screen in a z-direction perpendicular to the connection surfaces 32a, 32b, and in directions non-perpendicular to the connection surfaces 32a, 32b (indicated by A and B for each spring).

[0020] The plurality of Z-shaped springs 30a, 30b are mounted on the base 20 via their respective mounting surfaces 31a, 31b. At least two Z-shaped springs among the plurality of Z-shaped springs have different orientations such that their movements other than movement in the z-direction perpendicular to the connection surface are at least partially opposite to each other, whereby movement in directions A and B is resisted.

[0021] Figure 3 is a plan view of a touch screen mounting system according to another embodiment.

[0022] In this embodiment, three Z-shaped springs 30a, 30b, 30c support a touch screen (not shown) via respective connecting surfaces 31a, 31b, 31c. Since the three Z-shaped springs have different x-y directions on the pedestal 20, when one of the springs moves in a non-vertical direction, the other two springs resist the movement. Accordingly, the haptic force generated by an actuator on or in the touch screen is suppressed in the vertical Z direction, and the energy required to generate haptic stimulation can be minimized.

[0023] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are respectively a schematic perspective view and a schematic exploded view of a haptic touch screen display system according to an embodiment. In the display system of this embodiment, a TFT touch screen display panel 100 mounted to a pedestal 200 via a frame 150 is used. The pedestal may be, for example, an automatic ticket vending machine, an automobile dashboard, a stand, or other types of pedestals.

[0024] In this embodiment, a plurality of Z-shaped springs 160a to 160f and LRA actuators 170a to 170d are mounted in the frame 150. Preferably, the frame includes a first panel 151 and a second panel 152, the LRA actuators 170a to 170d are mounted on the first panel 151, and the Z-shaped springs 160a to 160f connect the first panel 151 and the second panel 152 and are sandwiched therebetween.

[0025] In this preferred embodiment, the first Z-shaped spring 160a is oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to the second Z-shaped spring 160c, and the third Z-shaped spring 160e is oriented at an angle of about 45 degrees. Preferably, three pairs of Z-shaped springs are used, namely 160a and 160b, 160c and 160d, and 160e and 160f. Preferably, the third pair of Z-shaped springs 160e and 160f are oriented at an opposite 45-degree angle as shown in FIG. 4b. Although four LRA actuators and six Z-shaped springs are shown, other numbers may be used. In this embodiment, the LRA actuators are arranged in two rows, and the two rows are substantially equally spaced apart along the length of the first panel.

[0026] It was found that arranging all Z-shaped springs in a single direction resulted in less haptic feedback and lower stability. Arranging the Z-shaped springs in multiple directions improved both stability and haptic feedback. Placing LRAs (Large-Range Acoustics) between the Z-shaped springs also contributed to improved haptic feedback.

[0027] It is preferable to synchronize the operation of the LRA with one or more controllers to produce optimal haptic feedback. It is also possible to generate haptic waves or similar progressions that extend from end to end across the device and the LRA.

[0028] Z-shaped springs formed by bending 0.14 mm 302 or 304HR stainless steel have been found to be particularly suitable for this application, although other materials and thicknesses can also be used. The preferred angle between the connecting and mounting surfaces of the Z-shaped spring and the lateral surfaces 33a, 33b is preferably about 33 degrees. Any embodiment of the present invention is understood to include any two or more or all of the parts, elements, and features that are cited or indicated individually or collectively in this specification. Where a particular integer is referred to herein and its equivalent is known in the art, such equivalent is incorporated herein as separately stated.

[0029] While the illustrated embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions, and alterations are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1. A touchscreen mounting system comprising a base and a plurality of separate Z-shaped springs, each of the plurality of separate Z-shaped springs having a mounting surface for mounting to the base and a connecting surface, the connecting surface at least partially overlapping with the mounting surface of the Z-shaped spring and substantially coplanar with the connecting surfaces of other Z-shaped springs, and configured to receive and support the touchscreen, thereby each Z-shaped spring being positioned between the mounted touchscreen and the base, providing spring resistance to the mounted touchscreen in directions perpendicular and non-perpendicular to its connecting surface, and at least two of the plurality of Z-shaped springs being oriented differently, thereby the movement of the at least two Z-shaped springs being at least partially opposite to each other, except for movement in the direction perpendicular to the connecting surface.

2. The touchscreen mounting system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of Z-shaped springs are of the same dimensions and are arranged around the base to support the touchscreen at multiple locations.

3. The touchscreen mounting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection surfaces of the plurality of Z-shaped springs are substantially on the same plane.

4. The touchscreen mounting system according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein one or more of the Z-shaped springs are rotated about an axis perpendicular to the connection surface so as to provide spring resistance in the plane of the connection surface or in a plane parallel to the connection surface.

5. The touchscreen mounting system according to claim 4, wherein the rotation of the Z-shaped spring is different from that of other Z-shaped springs in the mounting system.

6. The touchscreen mounting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the Z-shaped spring has a predetermined spring constant selected such that it reaches a resonant frequency when it receives a predetermined tactile signal from a tactile signal source.

7. The touchscreen mounting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of Z-shaped springs can be freely arranged on the base.

8. A haptic user interface comprising a touchscreen mounted on a touchscreen mounting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the haptic mounting system further comprises one or more haptic actuators mounted near the Z-shaped spring, the haptic actuators configured to produce a resonant frequency when operated by the Z-shaped spring.

Images