Flexible Tactile Input Surface Reshaping for User Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tactile input devices are rigid and limited in shape and size, making them uncomfortable and less intuitive for a wide range of users, as they require specific orientations and contact areas for input.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tactile computer input system comprising modules that reshape in response to user interaction, allowing orientation-agnostic and button-less input, utilizing pressure-sensitive surfaces and sensors to interpret user manipulation as input, potentially integrated with devices like smartphones or PDAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tactile input devices use fixed shapes and sizes, then manufacturing is simplified, but user comfort and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The input device employs a flexible surface that can dynamically change its shape in response to user interaction and external objects. The surface module reshapes when proximity to bodily appendages is detected and restores its default shape when not in use, allowing the device to adapt to different user preferences and physical characteristics without requiring multiple fixed device variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical parameters (shape, contour, surface configuration) based on detected conditions. When proximity to user appendages is sensed, the surface module transitions to a different configuration optimized for interaction. This parameter change enables a single device to serve multiple users with different preferences, resolving the adaptability versus complexity contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If tactile input devices have designated contact areas, then input precision is improved, but user flexibility and intuitiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the contact area for input, detects user interaction through manipulation, and adapts its configuration based on the type of interaction detected. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate designated buttons or contact zones, allowing any part of the flexible surface to serve as an input area while maintaining input precision through the sensing module's ability to detect manipulation anywhere on the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically determines where and how the user is interacting with it through the sensing module, which detects manipulation of the flexible surface. The analysis module then automatically interprets this manipulation as input without requiring the user to consciously identify or press specific designated areas. This self-service approach maintains input accuracy while greatly enhancing user flexibility and intuitiveness.
3Ease of operation
If tactile input devices require specific orientations, then input precision is maintained, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible surface dynamically adapts its configuration based on the detected interaction mode. When the device detects that it is being manipulated in a particular way (indicating a specific input mode), the surface reshapes to optimize for that mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain high input detection accuracy regardless of the device's spatial orientation, as the surface configuration automatically adjusts to match the user's interaction style.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing module continuously monitors the flexible surface for manipulation and provides feedback to the analysis module about the type and location of interaction. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust its interpretation of input based on the detected manipulation characteristics, maintaining accurate input detection regardless of device orientation while making the device easier to operate.
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
Enables a wider range of input options and user comfort by adapting to individual physical characteristics and preferences, eliminating the need for specific orientations and contact areas, enhancing usability and flexibility in input methods.
Implementation Method 1
a surface module that defines a surface of a flexible input device, the surface having a default shape, reshaping the surface in response to physical proximity to one or more external objects
Implementation Method 2
a sensing module that senses manipulation of the flexible input device by the one or more bodily appendages in proximity to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for flexible tactile computer input. A surface module may define a pressure-sensitive surface, any physical surface, or a virtual surface of a flexible input device, the surface having a default shape, reshaping the surface in response to physical proximity to one or more external objects, including one or more bodily appendages of a user, and restoring the default shape when the surface is not in physical proximity to the objects. A sensing module may sense manipulation of the flexible input device by the bodily appendages in proximity to the surface. An analysis module may interpret the manipulation of the flexible input device as input to a computer.