3D Input Surface With Soft Resilient Layer For Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces are limited in their ability to provide both discrete and continuous inputs simultaneously, with Discrete Control Interfaces (DCIs) lacking in quantitative input and Continuous Action Interfaces (CAIs) lacking tactile feedback, making them inadequate for complex and nuanced input requirements.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional input surface with a soft resilient material, such as silicone rubber, that provides tactile feedback through texture, angle, and pressure sensitivity, combined with a sensor array that can detect the location and magnitude of forces applied, allowing for both discrete and continuous inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Discrete Control Interfaces (DCI) are used, then clear discrete inputs and tactile feedback are provided, but the types of input are limited especially for quantitative or continuous information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines DCI and CAI into a unified interface that supports both discrete and continuous inputs. The interface includes discrete buttons for categorical inputs and a continuous slider for quantitative inputs, allowing both input types to coexist in a single device rather than requiring separate interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed to handle multiple types of inputs through a single unified structure. It can process discrete button presses for categorical data and continuous slider movements for quantitative data, making it versatile for various input requirements without needing multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Continuous Action Interfaces (CAI) are used, then continuous input and complex forms of information are communicated quickly, but they generally do not provide a viable tactile feedback system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CAI's continuous input capability with DCI's tactile feedback by integrating a slider mechanism that provides both continuous positional data and tactile resistance. The slider offers tactile feedback through physical resistance and positional awareness while maintaining continuous input capability for quantitative information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a unified interface supports both discrete and continuous inputs, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: discrete button areas for categorical inputs and a continuous slider area for quantitative inputs. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a unified overall structure, reducing the complexity burden of supporting multiple input types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless transitions between discrete and continuous inputs, enhancing user experience by providing accurate tactile feedback and allowing for complex gestures and nuanced control, suitable for applications like musical instruments and computer interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A force transmission layer comprising a soft resilient material, such as silicone rubber, capable of transmitting forces exerted on the input surface to the sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an interface for inputting data into a processor, the interface having a three-dimensionally shaped input surface (2) and comprising; an array of sensors (4) responsive to forces applied to the input surface and providing an input to the processor capable of registering the magnitude of the forces applied to the array of sensors and interpreting the location of pressure on the input surface, a three-dimensionally shaped layer of soft resilient material (3) arranged between the three-dimensionally shaped input surface (2) and the array of sensors (4) and capable of transmitting forces exerted on the three-dimensionally shaped input surface (2) to the sensors.