Dynamic Tactile Display Surface for Touch Interface Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in distinguishing between different functions and pieces of information on apparatuses, such as touch screen devices, leading to potential errors in operation due to the lack of tactile feedback for user interface items.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that associates tactile indications with user interface items, using a processor and memory to control a display and provide tactile feedback through raised or indented portions, or electroactive polymers, allowing users to differentiate between items by touch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch screen display is used without tactile feedback, then the device can maintain a simple flat structure, but users cannot distinguish between different user interface items by touch
Solution Approach 1:
The display surface dynamically changes its topology by generating raised portions at specific locations based on the displayed user interface items. These raised portions are temporarily formed and can be repositioned as the display content changes, providing tactile feedback without requiring permanent physical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a tactile dimension to the otherwise two-dimensional flat display by creating raised portions that protrude from the display surface. This third dimension (height/depth) provides tactile differentiation between different user interface items while maintaining the base flat structure of the display.
2Reliability
If tactile feedback is added to help users distinguish interface items, then user operation accuracy improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display device performs multiple functions: it displays visual information and simultaneously provides tactile feedback through raised portions. The same display structure serves both as the visual output medium and as the tactile feedback mechanism, eliminating the need for separate tactile feedback components.
Solution Approach 2:
The display surface itself generates the tactile feedback by forming raised portions directly on its own structure. The display device uses its own resources (the display surface) to provide tactile information, rather than requiring external or separate tactile feedback mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If raised portions are provided on the display surface, then tactile feedback is enhanced, but the display surface area available for user interface items is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The raised portions are localized at specific positions on the display surface corresponding to the locations of user interface items. Rather than covering the entire display surface, the tactile feedback is concentrated only where needed, leaving the rest of the display area available for visual content and additional interface elements.
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 experience by providing intuitive tactile feedback, reducing the likelihood of incorrect inputs and enabling operation without visual attention, such as during hands-free use, while also allowing grouping of user interface items for easier navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The tactile indication may be provided by an electroactive polymer
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, method, computer program and apparatus wherein the apparatus comprises: a user input device;at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code;wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, enable the apparatus to: control a display to display a user interface item; and associate, in response to actuation of the user input device, a user interface item with a tactile indication so that the tactile indication is provided whenever the user interface item is displayed.