Haptic Feedback Threshold Detection on Touch Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of providing haptic feedback in electronic devices with touch-sensitive surfaces are not sufficiently effective in helping users understand the connection between their inputs and device responses, leading to inefficiencies in human-machine interaction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of advanced methods and interfaces that utilize tactile output generators to provide haptic feedback, including detecting specific movements and thresholds on touch-sensitive surfaces, to enhance user interface interactions and reduce the number and extent of user inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional haptic feedback methods are used, then the device provides basic tactile output, but the user cannot clearly understand the connection between inputs and device responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple haptic feedback mechanisms including threshold crossing feedback, scrubbing feedback, rubber band effect feedback, orientation feedback, and scrolling feedback. Each feedback type provides specific tactile information about the device state in response to user input, enabling users to understand the connection between their actions and device responses through tactile cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides haptic feedback before certain actions are completed, such as indicating threshold crossing before an operation is triggered, providing scrubbing feedback during the navigation process, and offering orientation feedback before the device is properly positioned. This allows users to adjust their input accordingly.
2Productivity
If no haptic feedback is provided, then the device operation is simple, but user interaction efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system is divided into distinct modules for different feedback types: threshold crossing feedback, scrubbing feedback, rubber band effect feedback, orientation feedback, and scrolling feedback. Each module handles specific interaction scenarios independently, allowing the system to provide comprehensive haptic feedback while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tactile confirmation of threshold crossing, enables precise navigation through scrubbing feedback, prevents accidental input through rubber band effect, guides device orientation, and indicates scrolling state. This multi-functionality improves interaction efficiency without requiring separate systems for each function.
3Loss of information
If haptic feedback indicates all input movements, then the user receives comprehensive feedback, but the number of tactile outputs increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies haptic feedback selectively based on the specific interaction context and significance. For example, threshold crossing feedback is provided only when a significant operational threshold is reached, scrubbing feedback is provided during navigation operations, and rubber band effect is applied only during specific input corrections. This localized application of haptic feedback provides necessary information while minimizing the total number of tactile outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides haptic feedback for specific critical moments in the interaction rather than continuous feedback for all movements. It selectively triggers tactile outputs for threshold crossings, significant navigation points, and important state changes, omitting feedback for routine or less significant movements, thus balancing feedback completeness with output quantity.
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
These methods improve user interface efficiency and satisfaction by providing clear haptic feedback indicating thresholds, scrubbing actions, rubber band effects, device orientation, and scrolling, thereby reducing input errors and enhancing user interaction with electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
one or more tactile output generators for generating tactile outputs
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An electronic device with a touch-sensitive surface, a display, and one or more tactile output generators for generating tactile outputs displays a user interface that includes a first item. While displaying the user interface, the device detects a first portion of an input by a first contact on the touch-sensitive surface, and detects a first movement of the first contact on the touch-sensitive surface. The device further, in response to detecting the first portion of the input that includes the first movement of the first contact, in accordance with a determination that the first movement of the first contact meets first movement-threshold criteria that are a precondition for performing a first operation, generates a first tactile output, and in accordance with a determination that the first movement of the first contact does not meet the first movement-threshold criteria for the first operation, forgoes generation of the first tactile output.