Input Apparatus Vibration Control via Touch Duration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input apparatuses that provide a sense of touch through vibration can lead to increased temperature of the operation surface when a user continues to touch the vibrating surface for an extended period, potentially causing discomfort and requiring complex temperature control systems.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus with a detector, vibration element, and element controller that detects touch continuation time and adjusts or stops vibration to maintain the operation surface at a safe temperature, using a piezoelectric element to vibrate the surface and a microcomputer to control the vibration based on measured continuation time and stored threshold times, eliminating the need for temperature sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vibration element continues to vibrate the operation surface during prolonged user touch, then the sense of touch feedback is maintained, but the temperature of the operation surface increases causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration element operates periodically rather than continuously - it vibrates when a touch is detected and stops when the touch is released or when a predetermined time period elapses. This periodic operation maintains tactile feedback during interaction while preventing excessive heat accumulation during prolonged contact
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration control system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time touch detection. The element controller monitors touch state through the detector and automatically modulates the vibration element's operation, transitioning between vibrating and stopped states to balance user feedback needs with temperature control
2Temperature
If temperature sensors and complex control systems are added to control operation surface temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its existing touch detection capability to indirectly monitor and control temperature. Instead of adding dedicated temperature sensors, the element controller leverages the detector's touch state information and elapsed time data to determine when to stop vibration, allowing the system to self-regulate temperature based on operational parameters it already tracks
Solution Approach 2:
The element controller acts as an intermediary that translates touch detection data and time information into vibration control decisions. Rather than directly measuring temperature, the controller uses touch state and duration as proxy indicators to infer thermal conditions and adjust vibration accordingly, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensing hardware
3Ease of operation
If the vibration element operates continuously to provide consistent tactile feedback, then user interaction quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration element operates in periodic cycles - activated when touch is detected and deactivated after a predetermined time period or when touch is released. This periodic operation provides tactile feedback only when needed for user interaction, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation while maintaining interaction quality
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
Effectively controls the temperature of the operation surface, preventing overheating and allowing for miniaturization and reduced manufacturing costs by automatically adjusting vibration based on touch duration, ensuring user comfort and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
vibration element that vibrates the operation surface
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a detector, a vibration element, and an element controller. The detector detects a touch on an operation surface. The vibration element vibrates the operation surface. The element controller reduces or stops a vibration of the vibration element based on a continuation time of the touch that is detected by the detector in a state where the operation surface is being vibrated.