Finger-Mounted Haptics for Softer Touchscreen Press 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 causing user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates repulsive forces (electrostatic, magnetic, or mechanical) before the finger contacts the display surface, creating a cushioning effect that prevents abrupt impact. The repulsive force builds up as the finger approaches, softening the interaction before actual contact occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary force fields (electrostatic fields, magnetic fields, or ultrasonic fields) between the finger and the rigid display surface. These intermediary fields act as a mediator that modifies the interaction, providing a softer tactile experience without changing the physical rigidity of the display itself.
2Ease of operation
If repulsive forces are applied to soften finger impact, then finger fatigue is reduced, but additional components and energy consumption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the parameters of repulsive forces (strength, duration, type) based on the detected finger approach velocity, distance, and pressing force. This allows the system to use minimal energy for light touches while providing stronger repulsion only when needed for high-impact inputs, optimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The repulsive forces are applied periodically or in pulses rather than continuously, activating only during the brief moment when finger contact is detected or anticipated. This intermittent activation significantly reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous force application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple repulsive force mechanisms are implemented, then finger sensation control is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes systems where a single component or mechanism can provide multiple types of repulsive forces (electrostatic, magnetic, mechanical) or where the same hardware infrastructure supports different force-generation modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each force type, simplifying manufacturing.
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 by softening the impact and providing haptic feedback similar to clicking on a physical button, enhancing the user experience during input operations.
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
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
Implementation Method 6
These components may produce repulsive force using electrostatics, magnetic repulsion or attraction, ultrasonic output, and mechanical output
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.