Directional Vibration Input Device for Vehicle Touchpads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices for vehicles, such as touchpads, require visual confirmation of operation, which can be burdensome and reduce user operability, as they rely solely on vibration feedback based on pressing force without providing distinct feedback for different directional movements.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a detection unit, vibration unit, and vibration control unit that differentiates vibration modes based on the direction of touch movement on the operation surface, using piezoelectric elements to create varying friction sensations by adjusting vibration frequency, intensity, and interval, allowing users to intuitively recognize directional movements without visual contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vibration feedback based solely on pressing force is used, then the device structure remains simple, but user operability and intuitive recognition of directional movements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration feedback is segmented into different modes based on movement direction. The vibration control unit divides the vibration feedback into at least a first vibration mode for a first direction and a second vibration mode for a second direction, allowing users to intuitively recognize directional movements through distinct tactile sensations without requiring complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration feedback is made dynamic by adapting it to the detected movement direction. The vibration control unit dynamically switches between different vibration modes depending on the direction of touch movement detected by the detection unit, enabling intuitive directional recognition while maintaining a relatively simple device structure
2Ease of operation
If visual confirmation of operation is required, then operation accuracy is improved, but user burden increases and operability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements tactile feedback through vibration that provides operation confirmation without visual contact. The vibration control unit generates appropriate vibration modes based on detected touch movements, giving users immediate tactile confirmation of their operations and enabling intuitive recognition of directional inputs, thereby reducing the need for visual verification
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses mechanical vibration as the feedback mechanism to convey operation information. By controlling the vibration unit to produce different vibration modes corresponding to different movement directions, the system provides rich tactile information that enables users to understand operation content and direction through touch alone, eliminating the need for visual confirmation
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
Enhances user operability by providing distinct tactile feedback for different directional movements, enabling intuitive recognition of operation content without visual contact, thereby improving the usability of the input device.
Implementation Method 1
using piezoelectric elements to create varying friction sensations by adjusting vibration frequency, intensity, and interval
Data Source
AI summary
An input device according to the present embodiment includes a detection unit, a vibration unit, and a vibration control unit. The detection unit detects a touch position on an operation surface. The vibration unit vibrates the operation surface. The vibration control unit controls the vibration unit to provide different vibration modes between a case where a direction of movement of the touch position is a first direction defined on the operation surface and a case where the direction of movement is a second direction different from the first direction.