Haptic Mouse Friction Feedback for Pointer Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in locating and navigating a pointer or cursor on larger or multi-display setups with traditional mice, as visual feedback alone is insufficient for guiding precise movements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a haptic mouse with friction, vibro-tactile, or force feedback systems to provide users with tactile responses when interacting with graphical user interfaces, such as boundaries, edges, and GUI elements, enhancing navigation and interaction by encouraging or discouraging specific behaviors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mouse with visual feedback only is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates when using larger or multi-display setups as users cannot easily locate the pointer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by adding haptic response mechanisms to the mouse that provide tactile feedback corresponding to the pointer's position and interactions on the display. This allows users to feel the pointer's location and boundaries through tactile sensations, solving the problem of locating the pointer on large or multi-display setups without requiring visual attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from purely visual feedback (2D screen space) to include tactile feedback (physical sensation dimension). By mapping digital boundary interactions to physical haptic responses, the system adds a new sensory dimension for pointer localization, enabling users to perceive pointer position through touch rather than sight alone.
2Measurement precision
If visual feedback alone is provided, then the device complexity remains low, but the measurement precision of pointer location deteriorates on large displays
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by detecting when the pointer approaches or crosses digital boundaries and triggering corresponding haptic responses. This tactile feedback provides precise information about the pointer's location relative to boundaries, enhancing measurement precision without requiring the user to visually verify the exact position on large displays.
3Ease of operation
If haptic feedback systems are added to provide tactile responses, then the ease of operation improves by guiding pointer movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop system where the mouse detects pointer position relative to digital boundaries and provides appropriate haptic feedback. This guidance system makes navigation intuitive by providing tactile cues that naturally guide users through interface boundaries without requiring complex manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely visual mechanical feedback with haptic feedback mechanisms. Instead of relying on visual observation of pointer movement, the system uses tactile sensations to communicate boundary positions and guide movement, substituting one sensory modality for another to improve operational ease.
4Loss of information
If traditional visual feedback is used, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of information occurs when users cannot perceive pointer position or boundary interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The system prevents information loss by providing redundant feedback channels. When the pointer interacts with digital boundaries, the system generates haptic responses that convey information about the interaction state tactilely, ensuring users receive complete information about pointer position and boundary status even when visual attention is directed elsewhere.
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 haptic feedback system improves user interaction by providing additional sensory cues, making it easier to manage pointer movement and interaction with screen boundaries, reducing errors, and enhancing usability in multi-display setups.
Implementation Method 1
the mouse may include at least one of: a friction feedback system, a vibro-tactile system, or a force feedback system
Implementation Method 2
the mouse may include at least one of: a friction feedback system, a vibro-tactile system, or a force feedback system
Implementation Method 3
the mouse may include at least one of: a friction feedback system, a vibro-tactile system, or a force feedback system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for guiding a user with a haptic mouse are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the processor, cause the IHS to: detect a behavior of a pointer or cursor, where the pointer or cursor is controlled by a user via a peripheral device; and cause the peripheral device to provide a haptic response to the user, where the haptic response is selected to encourage, discourage, or highlight the behavior.