Force Sensing Input for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices with large screens lack sufficient space for traditional user input buttons, and soft buttons on touch-sensitive screens reduce information presentation area and may obscure the display.
Innovation Solution
Implementing force sensors within or on a rigid body of a computing device to detect user-applied forces, allowing for input through deformation-like actions such as stretching, bending, or twisting, which are mapped to software inputs without actual deformation of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft buttons are implemented on touch-sensitive screens, then user input capability is provided, but the area available for information presentation is reduced and display may be obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces force sensors as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the device. Instead of directly touching the screen, the user applies forces to the rigid body case, and the force sensors detect these forces and translate them into user inputs. This mediator approach allows input capability while keeping the display fully visible and accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical touch interface (where fingers directly press screen areas) with a force sensing system. The rigid body case with embedded force sensors substitutes for the touch-sensitive screen input areas, allowing force-based input without occupying display space.
2Ease of operation
If physical buttons are added to provide user input, then user input capability is improved, but device robustness against dust and liquids is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons with a force sensing system embedded in the rigid body case. The force sensors detect forces applied to the case without requiring physical openings or button mechanisms, thereby maintaining the sealed structure that provides robustness against dust and liquids while still enabling user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid body case itself serves as the sensing surface for force input. By utilizing the case structure as the interface for force detection, the patent eliminates the need for separate button components or openings, maintaining the protective sealed enclosure while enabling input functionality.
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 intuitive user input on devices without the need for physical buttons, maintaining screen real estate and preventing display obstruction, while providing robustness against dust and liquids by eliminating button holes.
Implementation Method 1
A user applies forces to try to compress, stretch or bend the device; however as the body of the device is rigid, there is little or no actual deformation of the device. These applied forces are detected using the one or more force sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for providing a user input to a device through sensing of user-applied forces are described. A user applies forces to a rigid body as if to deform it and these applied forces are detected by force sensors in or on the rigid body. The resultant force on the rigid body is determined from the sensor data and this resultant force is used to identify a user input. In an embodiment, the user input may be a user input to a software program running on the device. In an embodiment the rigid body is the rigid case of a computing device which includes a display and which is running the software program.