Dual-Surface Sensor Input for Display Operability and Confidentiality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices with sensors only on the front surface suffer from reduced operability due to finger obstruction of the display, increased error rates from complex touch operations, and visibility issues for confidential inputs, especially with higher display resolutions and multi-touch variations.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with sensors on both the front and back surfaces, allowing operation inputs to be detected and processed independently, enabling functions to be executed based on combined detection results from both surfaces without displaying back-surface inputs, thus enhancing operability and confidentiality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a sensor is provided only on the front surface, then the device structure is simple, but the operability is reduced due to finger obstruction of the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by adding a sensor on the back surface (opposite side) of the display unit, transforming the input interface from a single-plane (front surface only) to a multi-plane configuration. This allows users to input commands from the back surface without their fingers blocking the display, thereby improving operability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Measurement precision
If the display resolution is increased, then the information display quality is improved, but the operability is reduced due to finger obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling input from the back surface, the patent allows high-resolution displays to be operated without finger obstruction. The user can press buttons or perform gestures on the back surface while the high-resolution front display remains fully visible, resolving the contradiction between display quality and operability.
3Device complexity
If input operation is performed from the front surface, then the interface is simple, but the confidentiality is reduced as inputs are easily seen by others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables confidential input operations by allowing users to enter sensitive information (such as passwords) on the back surface where their actions are not visible to others. The system processes these back-surface inputs just like front-surface inputs, providing confidentiality without complicating the input interface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are provided for multi-touch capability, then the functionality is expanded, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a sensor on the back surface to enable multi-touch capability, allowing simultaneous detection of front-surface and back-surface contact points. This provides expanded functionality (front surface for viewing, back surface for input) while keeping the sensor configuration relatively simple (only one additional sensor needed).
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an information processing apparatus including a display unit, provided on an apparatus front-surface side, for displaying information, a first detection unit, provided on an apparatus back-surface side, for detecting an operation input to a back surface, a second detection unit, provided on the apparatus front-surface side, for detecting an operation input to the display unit, and an operation input information determination unit for causing a function corresponding to the operation inputs to be executed, based on detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. When the operation input is detected by the first detection unit and the operation input for operating an object displayed on the display unit is detected by the second detection unit, the operation input information determination unit executes the function corresponding to the operation inputs detected by the first detection unit and the second detection unit.