Force-Sensing Touch Screen for 3D Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch screen displays function as two-dimensional user interfaces, limiting user interaction opportunities and device responses, as they only detect touch and not force, which restricts the ability to select objects based on force levels or prevent unintended command activations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one force sensor into a touch screen display to detect force levels, allowing for the selection of objects and control of computing devices based on applied force, thereby enabling three-dimensional interfacing and preventing unintended command activations through secondary confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional touch screen displays are used, then the device complexity is low, but the user interaction capability is limited to two-dimensional touch only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines conventional touch sensing technology with force sensing technology in a single touch screen display system. The force sensor is integrated into the touch screen assembly, allowing the same interface to detect both touch position and applied force simultaneously, thereby enhancing user interaction capability without requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The touch screen display is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting touch coordinates, measuring force magnitude, and interpreting user intentions based on force levels. This multi-functional capability allows a single interface to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate input devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If force sensors are added to detect force levels, then the user interaction capability is enhanced to three-dimensional interfacing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor is integrated directly into the touch screen assembly structure, merging force detection functionality with the existing touch display system. This integration allows force sensing to be added without requiring a completely separate force detection device
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from detecting only two-dimensional touch parameters (x, y coordinates) to detecting three-dimensional interaction parameters by adding force magnitude measurement. This parameter expansion enables new interaction modes such as force-based object selection and intensity-based command execution
3Measurement precision
If force-based object selection is implemented, then the precision of command activation is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to force threshold requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback to indicate the current force level and the force threshold required for different actions. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the force requirements and adjust their input accordingly, making the force-based interaction more intuitive and easier to master
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the force threshold requirements based on the context and the object being interacted with. Different objects or commands can have different force thresholds, allowing the system to adapt to various operational scenarios and maintain ease of use while preserving precision
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 three-dimensional user interaction, allowing for the selection of objects based on force levels and preventing unintended command activations, enhancing user interface capabilities and mimicking real-world force requirements in augmented reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force sensor, each of which provides a signal in response to contact with the touch screen display
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device includes a touch screen display with at least one force sensor, each of which provides a signal in response to contact with the touch screen display. Using force signals from the at least one force sensor that result from contact with the touch screen, the operation of the computing device may be controlled, e.g. to select one of a plurality of overlaying interface elements, to prevent the unintended activation of suspect commands that require secondary confirmation, and to mimic the force requirements of real-world objects in augmented reality applications.