Back Touch Sensor for Unobstructed Display Data Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional input devices on electronic devices, such as cellular phones and tablets, are often located on the front, obstructing the user's view of the display during data entry and can result in a cluttered arrangement on smaller devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a back touch sensor that acts as a dorsal virtual keyboard or pointer, allowing users to input data on the back surface of the device while keeping the front display unobstructed, with a touch control module that processes touch sensor input and adjusts thresholds for different input actions based on pressure and finger positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If input devices are located on the front of the electronic device, then data entry functionality is provided, but the user's view of the display is obscured during data entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional location of input devices by placing touch sensors on the back surface of the electronic device instead of the front. This allows users to input data on the back while viewing the front display without obstruction, directly resolving the contradiction between data entry functionality and display visibility.
2Ease of operation
If input devices are located on the front of the electronic device, then data entry is enabled, but the arrangement becomes cluttered on smaller devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the input device from the traditional two-dimensional front surface to the three-dimensional back surface of the device. This spatial relocation eliminates the clutter problem on smaller devices while preserving full data entry capability, as the back surface provides adequate space without competing for front display real estate.
Data Source
AI summary
A back touch sensor positioned on a back surface of a device accepts user input in the form of touches. The touches on the back touch sensor map keys on a virtual keyboard, a pointer input, and so forth. Touches on a touch sensor positioned on a front surface provide additional input while also allowing the user to grasp and hold the device.