Dynamic Thresholds for Haptic Feedback in Touch Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in accurately processing user inputs during various activities, leading to cognitive and physical burdens, particularly in strenuous conditions, resulting in unintended triggers and energy wastage, especially in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing systems and methods that dynamically adjust thresholds and provide haptic feedback based on activity states, using touch-sensitive displays to differentiate input intensities and adjust responses accordingly, thereby reducing errors and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed intensity threshold is used for touch input, then the device response is simple and fast, but the accuracy of input detection deteriorates during strenuous activities causing unintended triggers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput detection accuracyVSAvoidthreshold adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed intensity threshold to a dynamic threshold that adapts based on detected activity state. The system monitors user activity (e.g., exercise intensity, movement patterns) and adjusts the touch input threshold accordingly - raising it during strenuous activities to prevent false triggers and lowering it during normal activities for responsive interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the intensity threshold parameter based on activity state. The system detects changes in user activity level and correspondingly adjusts the threshold parameter, transforming it from a static value to a dynamic one that optimizes input detection accuracy for current conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the device provides frequent feedback during user input, then the user interface responsiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface efficiencyVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by providing feedback only at specific intervals or under specific conditions rather than continuously. The system monitors touch inputs and provides haptic or visual feedback selectively based on whether the input meets the activity-adjusted threshold, reducing unnecessary feedback events during strenuous activities while maintaining responsiveness during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that are optimized based on activity state. The system provides haptic feedback, visual feedback, or both, depending on the detected activity level and input characteristics, creating an adaptive feedback loop that improves user interface efficiency while managing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the intensity threshold is lowered to detect light touches, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of input detection deteriorates during strenuous activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch input accessibilityVSAvoidinput accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making the intensity threshold dynamic rather than static. During normal activities, the threshold remains low to ensure ease of operation and accessibility. During detected strenuous activities, the threshold automatically increases to maintain reliability and prevent false triggers, thus adapting to contextual requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the intensity threshold parameter based on activity state detection. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain low thresholds for accessibility during calm periods while raising them during strenuous activities to ensure reliable and accurate input detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10409483B2Activity based thresholds for providing haptic feedback
Publication Date: 2019.09.10 APPLE INC
  • US10409483B2 patent drawing
  • US10409483B2 patent drawing
  • US10409483B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A technique for providing feedback based on activity. In particular, the technique detects inputs with various input intensities and provides varying feedback based on the activity state of an electronic device.