Finger-Mounted Haptic Press Input for Softer Touchscreen Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch-sensitive displays in electronic devices cause abrupt and fatiguing finger impacts due to their rigid surfaces, leading to jarring sensations during finger press inputs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a finger-mounted device with actuators and an electronic device with repulsive components, such as electrostatic, magnetic, or ultrasonic outputs, that modify the force profile of finger interactions with the input surface, allowing for softer impacts and controlled finger sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid touch-sensitive display surface is used, then the display structure is simple and durable, but the finger impact becomes abrupt and jarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a compliant layer between the rigid display and the finger contact point. This layer is positioned in advance to absorb and distribute impact forces before they reach the rigid display surface, thereby reducing finger impact harshness while preserving the structural simplicity of the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary compliant layer that mediates between the finger and the rigid display surface. This intermediary material absorbs impact energy and reduces the abruptness of finger contact, effectively resolving the contradiction between rigid structure durability and impact comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the touch surface is made softer to reduce impact, then finger comfort improves, but the tactile feedback and input precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating zones of varying compliance within the input surface. Different regions have different softness levels - areas requiring precise input maintain higher rigidity for accurate detection, while other areas are softer to reduce impact and fatigue. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall comfort and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials that combine rigid and compliant properties in a single structure. This composite approach allows the surface to provide both the softness needed for comfortable finger contact and the rigidity required for precise tactile feedback and accurate input detection, simultaneously addressing both concerns.
3Ease of operation
If a compliant input surface is used, then finger impact is softened, but the structural stability and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the compliant cushioning layer to absorb impact forces before they can damage the underlying rigid structure. This beforehand cushioning protects the durable rigid components from repeated finger impacts while still providing a soft contact surface for comfortable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible thin film structures that can deform to accommodate finger pressure and provide comfort, yet are sufficiently durable to withstand repeated use. These flexible films are designed with appropriate thickness and material properties to balance comfort and durability requirements.
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
The system reduces finger fatigue and provides a more comfortable input experience by softening the impact and mimicking the sensation of pressing a physical button, with adjustable force profiles to enhance user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor such as an optical proximity sensor or capacitive proximity sensor may be used in monitoring when the finger-mounted device and a user's finger in the device approach the input surface of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
A sensor such as an optical proximity sensor or capacitive proximity sensor may be used in monitoring when the finger-mounted device and a user's finger in the device approach the input surface of the electronic device
Implementation Method 3
In response to detection of motion of the finger towards the input surface, actuators in the finger-mounted device may squeeze the finger inwardly
Implementation Method 4
These components may produce repulsive force using electrostatics, magnetic repulsion or attraction, ultrasonic output, and mechanical output
Implementation Method 5
These components may produce repulsive force using electrostatics, magnetic repulsion or attraction, ultrasonic output, and mechanical output
Implementation Method 6
These components may produce repulsive force using electrostatics, magnetic repulsion or attraction, ultrasonic output, and mechanical output
Implementation Method 7
The components may, as an example, include an array of electromagnetics overlapping the input surface that magnetically repel a component such as a permanent magnet in the finger-mounted device
Data Source
AI summary
A user may provide finger press input to a surface such as a touch sensitive input surface. The input surface may be formed from a two-dimensional touch sensor overlapping a display of an electronic device. The electronic device and an associated device such as a finger-mounted device may form a system for gathering the finger press input from the user. A sensor may be used in monitoring when the finger-mounted device and a user's finger in the device approach the input surface of the electronic device. In response to detection of the finger near the input surface, actuators in the finger-mounted device may squeeze the finger inwardly to cause a finger pad on the finger to protrude outwardly towards the input surface, thereby softening impact between the finger and the input surface. The electronic device may also have an array of components to repel the finger-mounted device.