Coordinate Input Tapping for Faster Character Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input devices for electronic devices require a predetermined period of time to confirm character input completion or necessitate moving the operating body away from the input area, making quick and simple input operations cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

An input device with a coordinate input unit that detects position coordinates and outputs an operation confirmation signal upon tapping, allowing confirmation without releasing the operating body, using X-direction and Y-direction electrodes and a data processing unit to simplify the input confirmation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the input device waits for a predetermined period of time to confirm character input completion, then the character inputting can be confirmed, but the input operation speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacter input confirmationVSAvoidinput operation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the operating body's contact state and movement status before confirmation is needed. By continuously monitoring whether the operating body remains in contact with the input device and detecting tapping movements in advance, the system can immediately confirm input completion when tapping is detected, eliminating the need to wait for a predetermined time period while ensuring reliable character input confirmation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the operating body is moved away from the input area to confirm character input, then the character inputting can be confirmed, but the operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacter input confirmationVSAvoidinput operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The input device uses the operating body itself to perform the confirmation action. Instead of requiring the operating body to move away from the input area, the system detects tapping movements of the operating body while it remains in contact with the input device. The tapping action serves dual purposes: it maintains contact for continuous input and simultaneously signals confirmation, making the operation simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the operating body is released from the operation unit to confirm input, then the input can be confirmed, but character deformation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput confirmationVSAvoidcharacter shape accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 quick and straightforward input confirmation without the need to wait for a predetermined period or move the operating body away from the input area, reducing the time required for input operations and preventing deformation of characters.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of common electrodes are provided on either the one surface or the other surface for providing predetermined capacitances between the common electrodes and the X-direction electrodes, and between the common electrodes and the Y-direction electrodes.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS7656314B2Input device

Publication Date: 2010.02.02 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

AI summary

An input device is provided. The input device includes an operation unit. A coordinate input unit capable of detecting that an operating body is in contact with the operation unit and detecting a position coordinate on the operation unit of a position where the operating body contacted the operation unit. A data processing unit outputs an operation processing signal on the basis of a detection signal received from the coordinate input unit. The data processing unit outputs an operation confirmation processing signal for the input operation after an input operation is performed while the operating body is contacting the operation unit, when tapping is performed on the operation unit, with the operating body kept in contact with the operation unit.