Auxiliary Touch Screen on Tablet Back Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tablet computers with larger screens are difficult to operate single-handedly due to weight and balance issues, leading to user fatigue and increased likelihood of accidental screen coverage and mistaken touches, as well as inoperability when the front touch screen is damaged.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating one or more auxiliary touch screens on the back surface of the tablet computer, controlled by a touch control chip and switch, allowing for two-handed operation and reducing the strain on users while enabling touch functionality even if the front screen is non-functional.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the screen size of the tablet computer is increased to provide a better display experience, then the display quality is improved, but the weight and size increase making it difficult to hold and operate with one hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen areaVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a second touch screen on the back surface of the tablet, transitioning from a single-plane interaction to a dual-plane interaction. This allows users to operate the device with both hands simultaneously - one hand holding the front while the other operates the back screen, resolving the contradiction between large screen size and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the user holds the tablet computer with one hand to perform touch operation, then the operation flexibility is improved, but the hands and arms fatigue easily due to the weight and distance from barycenter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation flexibilityVSAvoidduration of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By providing a touch screen on the back surface, the patent enables two-handed operation where the non-dominant hand can support the device weight while the dominant hand performs precise touch operations. This distributes the physical load and reduces fatigue, allowing for longer duration use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the user performs touch operation on the front screen, then the interaction is direct, but the arm may cover the screen causing mistaken touches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction directnessVSAvoidaccidental touches

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the touch interaction into two separate surfaces - the front screen for display and the back screen for touch operations. This segmentation allows the user's arm to be positioned away from the display area while still performing touch operations, eliminating the risk of accidental touches on the main display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the front touch screen is damaged, then the display function remains available, but the touch operation function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay reliabilityVSAvoidfunctional adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides a backup touch screen on the back surface that can serve as an alternative input method if the front touch screen becomes damaged. This redundant design ensures that touch operation functionality is preserved even when the primary interface is compromised.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional single-screen design by placing a functional touch screen on the back surface, creating a symmetrical dual-interface system. This allows the device to maintain full functionality regardless of which surface is being used, providing adaptability in case of damage to either screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10254790B2Tablet computer having a display screen and an auxiliary touch screen

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tablet computer including a front surface and a back surface arranged opposite to each other. A display screen is disposed on the front surface, and at least one auxiliary touch screen is disposed on the back surface. When performing a touch operation through the auxiliary touch screen, hands performing the touch operation can still hold the tablet computer. Therefore, the tablet computer can be hold firmly, the hands and arms can hardly fatigue. Meanwhile, the display screen will not be covered when performing touch operation through the auxiliary touch screen. The probability of mistake touch and mistake operation are reduced. Furthermore, when the touch display screen cannot identify a touch action, the user can perform touch operation through the auxiliary touch screen. Therefore, the case in which the tablet computer cannot be used due to identify failure of the touch display screen is avoided.