Force-Sensing Input Device with Segmented Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional handheld input devices, such as smart pens and styluses, are limited in providing complex gesture inputs and do not allow inputs at various locations, restricting user interaction modalities and productivity.

Innovation Solution

A touch-sensitive input device with an elongated body equipped with a plurality of force-sensing elements and a wireless communication subsystem, enabling users to provide a wide range of inputs at any location on the device by interpreting signals from these elements as user inputs, and communicatively coupling with a computing device to process these inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical buttons or simple input mechanisms are used, then device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but input complexity and user interaction capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput complexityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input device body is segmented into multiple discrete force-sensing elements distributed along its length. Each element independently detects force inputs, enabling complex multi-dimensional gesture recognition while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that can be manufactured using conventional techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The force-sensing elements serve multiple functions: they detect simple button presses, recognize complex gestures, determine input locations along the device body, and provide tactile feedback. This multi-functionality increases input versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If inputs are restricted to specific locations only, then device structure is simplified, but input flexibility and gesture recognition capabilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput location flexibilityVSAvoidsensing element distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device body is divided into multiple discrete force-sensing elements distributed along its length, enabling input detection at multiple specific locations. This segmentation provides input location flexibility for gesture recognition while keeping each sensing element simple and the overall structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Force-sensing elements are distributed along the length of the device body, adding a spatial dimension to input capabilities. This allows the system to distinguish inputs based on their location along the device, enabling gesture recognition without requiring a complex two-dimensional or three-dimensional sensor array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11507206B2Force-sensing input device

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Examples are disclosed that relate to touch-sensitive input devices, systems, and methods for providing user input to a computing device. In one example, a touch-sensitive input device comprises an elongated body and a plurality of force-sensing elements spaced along a length of the body. The touch-sensitive input device also comprises a wireless communication subsystem configured to communicatively couple the input device to the computing device and provide signals from the plurality of force-sensing elements to the computing device.