Configurable Computer Interface With Adaptive Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional computer interfaces, such as keyboards and mice, have remained largely unchanged for decades, failing to adapt to the evolving needs of users in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Innovation Solution
A configurable computer interface that combines a display panel, a touch-sensitive input layer, a haptic feedback layer, an optional force input assembly, a memory device, and a housing, allowing for arbitrary configuration of input patterns and gesture recognition, providing haptic and auditory feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional keyboards and mice are used, then the interface is simple and reliable, but the interface cannot adapt to evolving user needs and technological changes
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple input functions (keyboard, trackpad, touchscreen) into a single universal interface. The display panel can present different input patterns including virtual keys, trackpad zones, and gesture areas, allowing one device to replace traditional keyboard and mouse while adapting to various computing tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically reconfigures based on user interaction. The display panel can switch between different input patterns, and the haptic feedback system dynamically adjusts resistance and vibration patterns based on the detected touch location and pressure, creating an adaptive interface that responds to user needs in real-time
2Ease of operation
If a touch-sensitive interface without haptic feedback is used, then the interface is simple, but the interface lacks tactile response and user feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display panel, touch-sensitive input layer, haptic feedback layer, and force input assembly into a single integrated device. This combination provides tactile feedback and force sensing capabilities within the same structure, eliminating the need for separate keyboard and trackpad devices while enhancing user interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback layer provides real-time tactile feedback to the user based on touch location and pressure. The system detects user input through the touch-sensitive layer and force sensors, then generates appropriate haptic responses including vibration and resistance changes, creating a closed-loop feedback system that enhances ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed keyboard layouts are used, then the interface is simple to manufacture, but the interface cannot support different languages, layouts, or specialized applications
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel dynamically generates different input patterns including various keyboard layouts (QWERTY, Dvorak, Colemak, ortholinear), numpads, arrow keys, and custom configurations. The interface can switch between layouts and present specialized input patterns for different applications, all through software control without physical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
A single device serves multiple functions by presenting different input patterns for different languages, keyboard layouts, and specialized applications. The touch-sensitive layer and display panel work together to create virtual keyboards, trackpads, and gesture zones, replacing multiple specialized devices with one universal interface
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 a highly customizable and intuitive user interface that adapts to various computing tasks, enhancing user experience through dynamic and localized haptic feedback, improved ergonomics, and seamless interaction with both traditional and specialized applications.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic feedback layer can include an array of haptic response elements distributed across the haptic feedback layer, wherein the haptic response elements are in physical connection with the display panel to create a haptic response across the input pattern to the physical touches from the user
Implementation Method 2
The optional force input assembly can include an array of force sensors adapted to measure a force of the physical touches
Implementation Method 3
The touch sensitive input layer can be oriented adjacent the display panel and can be adapted to recognize a location of physical touches from a user
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable computer interface can include a display panel, a touch sensitive input layer, a haptic feedback layer, a memory device, and a housing. The display panel can be adapted to display an input pattern including input keys, where the input pattern is arbitrarily configurable. The haptic feedback layer can include haptic response elements distributed across the haptic feedback layer, where the haptic response elements create a haptic response across the input pattern to physical touches from the user. The memory device can include instructions that cause the configurable computer interface to: receive an input pattern profile and create the input pattern; send the input pattern to the display panel; receive user input signals from the touch sensitive input layer; and generate a haptic response signal in a region of the location of the physical touches.