Control Device Initial Vibration for Mechanical Switch Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input systems fail to provide an operational feeling similar to a mechanical switch, lacking in depth and tactile feedback when simulating a click action.
Innovation Solution
A control device with an operation detecting unit and a driving unit that generates an initial vibration of lower frequency followed by a main vibration, along with a sound source vibration, to replicate the sensation of pressing a mechanical switch, enhancing tactile and acoustic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vibration element is driven to vibrate the panel when a pressing operation is detected, then tactile feedback is provided to the user, but the operational feeling is insufficient to replicate a mechanical switch sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration is segmented into two distinct phases: an initial vibration phase with lower frequency and amplitude that provides a repulsive force sensation, followed by a main vibration phase with higher frequency that provides the click sensation. This segmentation allows each phase to fulfill a specific tactile function that collectively replicates the mechanical switch feeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The initial vibration is generated in advance before the main vibration occurs. This preliminary action creates the repulsive force sensation first, preparing the user's tactile perception before the main click sensation is delivered, thereby accurately reproducing the temporal sequence of sensations from a mechanical switch press.
2Ease of operation
If only a single vibration waveform is generated, then the control system remains simple, but the operational feedback lacks depth and realism
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration control uses periodic action with two distinct periods: an initial period with lower frequency and amplitude characteristics, and a main period with higher frequency characteristics. This periodic structure with varying parameters creates rich tactile feedback while maintaining relatively simple control logic through sequential activation of predefined vibration patterns.
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
The solution effectively provides a similar operational feeling to a mechanical switch, improving user experience by combining initial repulsive and main click vibrations with an operational sound, thus enhancing the overall tactile and acoustic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the driving unit drives a vibration element attached to the panel to vibrate the panel
Implementation Method 2
generates an initial vibration having a lower frequency than that of a main vibration in advance of the main vibration... combining initial repulsive and main click vibrations with an operational sound
Data Source
AI summary
A control device according to the embodiment includes an operation detecting unit and a driving unit. The operation detecting unit detects a pressing operation onto an operation surface of a panel having the operation surface. The driving unit drives a vibration element attached to the panel to vibrate the panel. Moreover, the driving unit generates an initial vibration having a lower frequency than that of a main vibration in advance of the main vibration when the pressing operation is detected by the operation detecting unit.