Hysteretic Multilevel Touch Control for Camera Shutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized cameras in portable devices face challenges in providing intuitive and reliable tactile feedback for shutter release, as traditional mechanical switches introduce camera shake and are difficult to make compact and water-resistant, while touchscreens lack the ability to provide distinct tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A processor-controlled tactile feedback system using a piezoelectric actuator and stationary impact mass to generate distinct clicks, providing haptic confirmation of the shutter release without introducing camera shake, and allowing for forceless actuation with capacitive touch sensors, enabling compact and durable designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical switches are used for shutter release, then tactile feedback is provided, but camera shake is introduced and the design becomes difficult to make compact and water-resistant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical switch with a capacitive touch sensor that detects touch force levels. This substitution eliminates the mechanical moving parts that cause camera shake while maintaining tactile feedback through software-controlled haptic motors that simulate button press sensations without physical shutter movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a haptic motor as an intermediary between the capacitive touch sensor and the user's finger. The haptic motor provides tactile feedback by creating resistance and vibration patterns that simulate a mechanical button press, allowing the user to feel confirmation of shutter release without the camera body moving.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical switches are used for shutter release, then tactile feedback is provided, but the device size increases and water resistance becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch assembly with a capacitive touch sensor integrated into the device housing. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical components, reducing overall device volume while enabling tactile feedback through haptic motors that can be embedded within the existing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the device housing serve multiple functions: it acts as both the structural body and the capacitive touch sensor surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate button components, reducing device complexity and size while maintaining tactile interaction capabilities through the haptic feedback system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If forceless actuation with capacitive touch sensors is used, then camera shake is reduced and device size is minimized, but distinct tactile feedback cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a haptic motor as an intermediary component that generates tactile feedback sensations. When the capacitive touch sensor detects a sufficient touch force, the haptic motor activates to create vibration and resistance patterns that simulate a mechanical button press, providing distinct tactile confirmation without requiring physical shutter movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the capacitive touch sensor detects user input and triggers a haptic response through the haptic motor. This closed-loop system provides immediate tactile feedback to confirm shutter release, allowing users to feel the action without the camera body moving, thus maintaining both forceless actuation and distinct tactile confirmation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple force threshold values are implemented, then user-friendly control of disparate actions is achieved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes different force threshold parameters of the capacitive touch sensor to trigger different functions. By calibrating multiple force levels (first threshold for focus lock, second threshold for shutter release), the system achieves versatile control of disparate actions using a single sensor component, avoiding the need for multiple physical buttons or complex control mechanisms.
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 provides reliable tactile feedback confirming the picture has been taken, reducing camera shake, and allowing for compact, water-resistant designs while maintaining user intuition, even with long exposure times or touchscreen interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A processor-controlled tactile feedback system using a piezoelectric actuator and stationary impact mass to generate distinct clicks
Implementation Method 2
A processor-controlled tactile feedback system using a piezoelectric actuator and stationary impact mass to generate distinct clicks
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a processor reads a force from a touch control. Hysteretic behavior is provided through at least three different actuation states and at least four different force threshold values, allowing user-friendly control of disparate actions through one touch interface with applications in volume control, photography, and user authentication. Other possibilities are shown and discussed.