Haptic Button With Proximity Sensing for Clear Multi-Function Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with physical buttons face challenges such as increased power consumption, user uncertainty when interacting with buttons not in direct line of sight, and ambiguity in function activation due to multiple functions tied to a single button.
Innovation Solution
A button comprising a mechanical switch actuator, an electromagnetic sensor for touch and proximity sensing, and a responsive material structure for providing haptic feedback, which reduces user uncertainty and power consumption by providing function-specific feedback without requiring line of sight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical buttons are placed on electronic devices, then user interaction functionality is provided, but user uncertainty increases when buttons are not in direct line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing visual indicators (such as LEDs or display elements) that illuminate or activate when a button is pressed or hovered over. This feedback mechanism communicates to the user which button is currently active or being interacted with, even when the button is not in direct line of sight. The feedback resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while preventing information loss about button state and location.
2Device complexity
If multiple functions are tied to a single physical button, then device complexity is reduced, but function ambiguity increases for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by displaying visual indicators that show the user which function is currently active for each button. When a button can perform multiple functions depending on the active application, the visual feedback clearly indicates which function will be triggered by pressing that button at that moment. This eliminates function ambiguity while maintaining the benefit of having fewer physical buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing visual feedback before the button is pressed, indicating what function will be activated. This allows the user to understand the current function assignment before making the interaction, preventing accidental activation of unintended functions while keeping the button multi-functional.
3Loss of information
If visual feedback cues are displayed on buttons or device display, then user understanding of button function is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing visual feedback that activates only during relevant moments - such as when the device is in sleep mode, when a button is hovered over, or when a button is pressed. The feedback is not continuously active but rather periodically activated based on user interaction or device state, thereby reducing overall power consumption while still providing necessary information to the user.
4Loss of information
If audible feedback cues are provided to the user, then function information is communicated, but content being listened to is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual feedback as an intermediary medium to communicate button function information to the user, replacing audible feedback cues. Instead of using sound that would disturb music or audio content, the system uses visual indicators (such as LEDs or display elements) that convey the same information without interfering with the audio content the user is consuming.
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 solution effectively reduces user uncertainty and power consumption by providing clear haptic feedback associated with specific functions, allowing for more functions to be triggered by fewer physical buttons without disturbing content or requiring direct line of sight.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic sensor for sensing touch and/or proximity of an object interacting with the button
Implementation Method 2
a responsive material structure for providing haptic feedback to the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method, performed by an electronic device for triggering a function of the electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a button which comprises a mechanical switch actuator for triggering a function related to the button, an electromagnetic sensor for sensing touch and/or proximity of an object interacting with the button and a responsive material structure for providing haptic feedback to the object is provided. The electronic device senses touch and/or proximity of the object with the electromagnetic sensor. The electronic device generates a haptic feedback with the responsive material structure in response to sensing the touch and/or proximity of the object. The haptic feedback is associated with the function which is triggered by the mechanical switch actuator. The electronic device triggers the function in response to the mechanical switch actuator being actuated.