Input Surface Force Modulation Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input devices, such as touchpads and touchscreens, lack the ability to reliably lock in a desired level of modulation for user interface parameters, like zoom or audio volume, leading to cumbersome user interactions as they often default back to original settings when force is lifted.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where an additional input, like a second finger touching the surface, can lock in a modulated parameter, allowing the system to maintain or continue modulation from the locked value, and remap the dynamic force range to specific regions of the modulation spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If force modulation is used to control user interface parameters, then dynamic control capability is improved, but the ability to lock in desired settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force modulation interaction into distinct phases: a modulation phase where force controls parameter adjustment, and a locking phase where a secondary input (such as a second finger contact or prolonged pressure) freezes the current parameter value. This segmentation allows the system to provide both dynamic control during modulation and reliable locking when needed, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary detection of a locking input signal (such as a second finger contacting the surface or sustained pressure exceeding a threshold) before the user completes their desired modulation. This preliminary action triggers the locking mechanism in advance, ensuring the parameter is secured at the desired level before the user might inadvertently release or modify their input, thus improving reliability while preserving dynamic control capability.
2Reliability
If traditional timeout and confirm techniques are used, then locking capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing force modulation interaction by using the same input surface and sensing mechanism. Instead of requiring separate timeout mechanisms or additional confirmation buttons, the system uses the natural flow of force input (such as prolonged pressure or second finger contact) to simultaneously complete the modulation and trigger locking. This merging eliminates the need for separate confirm actions, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service locking by automatically detecting when the user has achieved their desired modulation level through the natural characteristics of their input (such as sustained force, second finger contact, or lack of further modulation for a predetermined period). This automatic detection and locking eliminates the need for manual confirmation steps, making the interaction more intuitive and easier to operate while ensuring reliable parameter locking.
3Ease of operation
If force is lifted to release modulation, then ease of operation is improved, but parameter stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system that transitions between locked and unlocked states based on real-time detection of user input characteristics. When force is lifted or a locking input is detected, the system dynamically adjusts the parameter stability state. This allows the system to maintain parameter stability during intended modulation while enabling easy release when the user lifts their finger, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and parameter stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the force sensor to continuously monitor the state of the modulation interaction. When the user lifts their finger or the force drops below a threshold, the feedback mechanism triggers a transition from the locked state to the unlocked state, allowing easy release. This feedback-based approach maintains parameter stability during active modulation while enabling intuitive release, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein provide devices and methods that facilitate improved input device performance. Specifically, the devices and methods provide an input device configured to determine positional and force information for input objects interacting with a sensing region. The system is configured to detect a variable force imparted to an input surface of the sensing region by at least one input object. The variable force dynamically modulates, within a modulation range, a user interface parameter. The dynamic modulation of the interface parameter is modified in response to an additional input object contacting the input surface.