Force-Sensing Track Pad Illumination via Touch Interface Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control systems become increasingly complex and cluttered with numerous controls, making them difficult to operate and design within confined spaces, and existing track pads are limited to two-dimensional sensing and are susceptible to moisture interference.
Innovation Solution
A force-based track pad system with a two-dimensional array of force sensors and a touch interface plate that provides tactile and audible feedback, incorporating a light source for illumination and a processor to adjust light intensity based on ambient conditions, allowing for multi-dimensional data recording and improved user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional control systems use numerous switches, buttons, levers, knobs and dials to accommodate all necessary controls, then the control functions become more comprehensive, but the control panels become cluttered and more difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into a grid of modular control elements arranged in rows and columns. Each control element can be independently activated through touch, replacing the need for numerous physical switches and buttons. This segmentation allows comprehensive control functions to be achieved through a structured, organized layout that is easier to navigate and operate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control systems increase in complexity to accommodate more controllable features, then the system capabilities improve, but the control panels become cluttered with switches, buttons, levers, knobs and dials
Solution Approach 1:
Each control element in the grid serves multiple functions: it can be touched for basic activation, pressed for enhanced activation, and its illumination can be adjusted independently. This multi-functionality allows a single control element to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, thereby maintaining comprehensive system capabilities while reducing panel clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from traditional two-dimensional physical controls to a three-dimensional interface that incorporates light emission and detection. By adding the dimension of illumination control, the system achieves more functionality without adding physical clutter, as controls can be activated and differentiated through optical properties rather than physical form factors.
3Illumination intensity
If illumination is provided by directing light vertically into the touch interface plate through holes or from below, then visual markers are provided, but the structure becomes more complex and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control elements themselves generate and direct the illumination light. Each control element includes a light source that emits light upward through the touch interface plate, and the element's structure serves as its own light guide. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate illumination systems, reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective visual markers.
4Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are disposed on different sides of the touch interface plate for illumination, then uniform illumination is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources are merged into a single integrated circuit board layer. The light sources are disposed adjacent to each other on the same side of the touch interface plate, sharing common support structures, wiring, and control circuitry. This merging approach achieves uniform illumination across the panel while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to having separate illumination systems on multiple sides.
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
The system enhances user interaction by providing tactile and audible feedback, improving usability and reducing clutter, while the illumination method reduces power consumption and production costs, and allows for customizable and efficient illumination of control interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is configured for directing light through the touch interface plate to illuminate at least a portion of the upper surface of the touch interface plate
Implementation Method 2
The touch interface plate passes touch forces incident on an upper surface thereof to one or more of the force sensors in the array
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations of a track pad system include an array of force sensors disposed between a base surface and a touch interface plate. The touch interface plate passes touch forces incident on an upper surface thereof to one or more of the force sensors in the array. At least one light source is disposed adjacent the touch interface plate such that the light from the light source is directed through the touch interface plate to illuminate at least a portion of the upper surface of the touch interface plate. One or more icons may be disposed adjacent the illuminated portion of the touch interface plate.