Detachable Keyboard Attachment for Touch Panel Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices with touch panels, such as those described in JP 2015-73179 A, are limited by pre-formed recessed portions that restrict their use as smooth input devices, compromising user convenience and operability.

Innovation Solution

An attachment that is attachable to and detachable from a touch panel, featuring one or more operation units that receive user input and transmit it to corresponding positions on the touch panel, allowing for flexible operation modes without pre-formed recessed portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If recessed portions are formed in advance on the touch panel surface, then operability as a keyboard input device is maintained, but user convenience is impaired when smooth touch panel usage is desired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard input operabilityVSAvoidusage flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard structure is segmented into a separate attachment component rather than being integrated into the touch panel itself. This allows the keyboard attachment to be added only when needed for typing tasks, while the touch panel remains smooth for other uses such as drawing or scrolling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard structure transitions from a static, permanently-formed feature to a dynamic, attachable component. The keyboard can be attached to the touch panel when keyboard input is needed and removed when smooth surface usage is desired, providing adaptive functionality based on user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the touch panel surface is kept smooth without recessed portions, then user convenience is improved, but operability as a keyboard input device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage flexibilityVSAvoidkeyboard input operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A keyboard attachment serves as an intermediary component that provides tactile feedback and physical structure for keyboard input without requiring permanent modification to the touch panel. The attachment mediates between the user's need for tactile feedback and the touch panel's smooth surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard attachment provides localized tactile features only in the specific areas where keyboard input is needed, while leaving the rest of the touch panel surface smooth. This allows different regions to have different functional qualities - the attachment area provides tactile feedback while the surrounding panel remains smooth for other interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If recessed portions are formed in advance on the touch panel, then keyboard shape is maintained, but the touch panel cannot be used as a smooth input device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard shape retentionVSAvoidsmooth touch panel usability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard shape and structure are separated from the touch panel into a distinct attachment component. This segmentation allows the keyboard attachment to maintain its physical shape and tactile features while the touch panel itself remains smooth and unmodified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard structure is extracted from the touch panel as a separate, removable component. This extraction allows the touch panel to maintain its smooth surface for general use while the keyboard functionality is available through the detachable attachment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12204711B2Attachment, input device, input method, and computer program

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 SHARP DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

An attachment is attachable to and detachable from a touch panel of an input device including the touch panel, and supports user operation on the input device by being attached to the touch panel. The attachment includes one or more operation units that receive user operation and transmit the user operation to a corresponding position of the touch panel when attached to the touch panel.