Handheld Device Haptic Feedback for Safe Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices pose challenges in navigation and information entry, particularly when users cannot look at the device, such as while driving or for visually impaired individuals, due to the need to visually interact with unconventional keyboards.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that provide feedback through audible sounds or graphics, allowing users to identify input elements without visual confirmation, using a sensor system that distinguishes between light and firm presses to trigger functions, and a processor that accesses sound tags or graphics for feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a user interacts with a handheld electronic device without visual confirmation (e.g., while driving), then safety is improved, but the ability to accurately perform input operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements tactile feedback through a vibration motor that provides haptic feedback to the user. When the user presses a key, the system detects the pressure and provides corresponding tactile feedback through the vibration motor, allowing the user to confirm input without visual confirmation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate input operations while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual feedback mechanisms with tactile feedback mechanisms. Instead of relying on the user to see which key is highlighted or pressed, the system uses a vibration motor to provide tactile confirmation through the keyboard structure. This substitution of mechanical/tactile feedback for visual feedback enables safe operation while maintaining input accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If a user looks at the device to perform input operations, then input accuracy is improved, but safety deteriorates when driving or performing other activities requiring visual attention
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides tactile feedback through the vibration motor that corresponds to the pressed key, allowing the user to confirm input operations without looking at the device. This feedback mechanism maintains input accuracy while eliminating the need for visual attention, thereby improving safety during driving or other activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes visual feedback with tactile feedback by using a vibration motor integrated into the keyboard structure. When a key is pressed, the vibration motor provides tactile confirmation through the keyboard, replacing the need for visual confirmation and enabling safe operation without compromising input accuracy.
3Volume of moving object
If an unconventional keyboard is used to reduce device size, then portability is improved, but ease of use for visually impaired individuals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements tactile feedback through a vibration motor that provides haptic confirmation when keys are pressed. This enables visually impaired users to accurately identify and confirm input operations on the unconventional keyboard without visual assistance, maintaining ease of use while preserving the compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces visual feedback mechanisms with tactile feedback mechanisms by integrating a vibration motor into the keyboard structure. This substitution enables visually impaired users to operate the unconventional keyboard effectively through tactile sensation alone, improving usability without increasing device size.
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
Facilitates navigation and data entry without visual attention, enhancing usability in unsafe conditions and for visually impaired users by providing tactile and auditory cues for input operations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor system may include a strain gauge wherein the key indicating signal comprises a voltage signal generated by the strain gauge in response to a first pressure exerted on the strain gauge by the key
Implementation Method 2
The collapsible dome is fully collapsed in response to at least a second pressure, greater then the first pressure, being exerted on the collapsible dome by the key
Data Source
AI summary
A method of facilitating the input of information in a handheld electronic device having a plurality of input elements such as, without limitation, keys. The method includes receiving a signal indicating that a particular one of the input elements is being touched in a first manner, providing a feedback signal, such as a sound or graphic, that identifies the particular input element after the signal is received, and performing a function associated with the particular input element when it is being touched in a second manner. Also, a handheld electronic device that includes an input apparatus having a plurality of input elements, a processor, and a memory in electronic communication with the processor. The memory stores one or more routines executable by the processor for implementing the method described above.