Force Detection Input Device for Portable Trailing Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices for mobile devices face challenges in reducing the input area while maintaining accurate and portable input operations, such as handwriting text input, due to the need for complex operating systems and delicate manipulation, and separate detection units that compromise portability.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a detection section that detects forces transmitted via an object when a trailing operation is performed near the contact point, using a timer management control unit to record data and an input information specifying unit to compare with stored data, allowing for detailed operations and accurate input even with a reduced input area on the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the input area on the device is reduced to improve portability, then portability is improved, but the ability to perform detailed inputting operations such as positioning and speed control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the input area from the device surface to the user's body surface. By detecting forces transmitted through the object (e.g., smartphone) held in the hand, the system utilizes the three-dimensional space of hand movements and body positioning, transforming a two-dimensional input area constraint into a three-dimensional solution space that maintains portability while enabling detailed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that detects forces transmitted through the object rather than requiring direct contact with a large input area on the device. The force detection section measures forces applied to the object, serving as a mediator between the user's intent and the device's response, thereby enabling precise control without a large input area.
2Area of stationary object
If a separate detection unit is attached to the human body to reduce the input area on the device, then the input area on the device is reduced, but portability deteriorates due to the need to attach a detection section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function with the object itself (e.g., smartphone). The force detection section is integrated into the device, detecting forces transmitted through the object when held in the hand. This eliminates the need for separate detection units attached to the body, combining the benefits of reduced device input area with maintained portability.
3Weight of moving object
If the input area on the device is reduced, then portability is improved, but the ability to perform scrolling and handwriting text inputting operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables scrolling and handwriting operations by utilizing the three-dimensional movement space of the hand and body. Instead of requiring a large two-dimensional input area on the device, the system detects force vectors and movement patterns in three-dimensional space, allowing versatile operations while maintaining device portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from detecting contact position on a two-dimensional surface to detecting force vectors and acceleration patterns in three-dimensional space. By monitoring the magnitude and direction of forces transmitted through the object, the system can distinguish between scrolling gestures and handwriting inputs, maintaining operational versatility with a compact device.
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 precise and portable input operations by forming the input area on the human body, allowing for accurate scrolling and start position designation without the need for a large input area on the device, and eliminates the botheration of attaching a separate detection unit.
Implementation Method 1
detects a force transmitted via the object and outputs the force as detection data
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes an input section having a detection section which detects a force transmitted via a human body when a trailing operation is performed on a part of the body contacting the input device, and outputs the force as detection data “a”; a timer management control unit which generates a timing for converting the detection data “a” into time-series data and outputs the timing as timing data “c”; an input information specifying unit which converts the detection data “a” into time-series data based on the timing data “c”, compares the time-series data with stored data “b” in a database which has been set beforehand, to thereby specify an input operation and output the input operation as input information specifying data “d”; and an information presenting unit which, upon receiving the input information specifying data “d”, displays a function assigned to the input operation.