Back Surface Touch Notification for Edge Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing devices fail to effectively notify users when a manipulating object on the back surface moves out of the touch-sensitive region, leading to unexpected termination of operations and difficulty in manipulating objects on the display screen.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a back surface detection unit, processing unit, area determination unit, and edge notification unit that detects and notifies users when the operating member moves from the central area to the edge area of the back surface, using visual and audio cues to indicate the boundary of the touch-sensitive region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the touch sensor on the back surface is made smaller or positioned differently from the display screen, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the user cannot accurately manipulate objects on the display screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third dimension by adding a back surface touch sensor layer behind the display screen. This allows the touch input area to be physically separated from the display area while maintaining functional correspondence through coordinate transformation, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coordinate conversion unit as an intermediary that translates touch coordinates from the back surface sensor to the corresponding positions on the display screen. This mediator enables accurate object manipulation despite the physical separation and size differences between the touch sensor and display areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the user drags an object on the back surface without notification, then the operation continues smoothly, but the user cannot notice when the finger moves beyond the touch sensor boundary causing unexpected termination

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a notification mechanism that provides continuous feedback to the user during drag operations. When the finger approaches or exceeds the touch sensor boundary, the system notifies the user through visual or auditory signals, preventing unexpected operation termination while maintaining smooth productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The notification unit activates before the drag operation terminates unexpectedly by detecting when the finger approaches the touch sensor boundary. This preliminary notification allows the user to adjust their finger position proactively, preventing information loss and maintaining operational continuity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2500813B1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2019.02.13 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2500813B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2500813B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2500813B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method is provided for generating notifications. The method comprises obtaining position information of an operating member. The method further comprises determining an operation area based on the position information. The method also comprises generating a notification when the determined operation area corresponds to an edge region of a surface of a device.