Input Device Feedback Control via Click Force Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional human-computer interface, primarily relying on mice and keyboards for input and monitors for output, is insufficient for effective communication as computing technology advances, necessitating more sophisticated feedback mechanisms to enhance user experience, especially in complex applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus that quantify click force on input devices like mice to provide synchronized tactile and lighting feedback, adjusting parameters such as vibration intensity and lighting duration based on the force, using addressable LED lighting devices to differentiate between soft, medium, and hard clicks, thereby enhancing user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mouse and keyboard interface is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but feedback capability and user experience are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple feedback mechanisms (haptic feedback through vibration motors and visual feedback through LED lights) into a single integrated feedback system that responds to user inputs. This merging of feedback modalities enhances the overall feedback capability without requiring separate complex systems for each feedback type.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback parameters (vibration intensity, LED brightness, feedback duration) are made dynamic and adjustable based on the detected press force magnitude. The system transitions from static feedback to dynamic feedback that adapts to user input intensity, thereby enhancing adaptability without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If click force quantification is implemented, then feedback precision is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force measurement mechanisms with electronic sensing capabilities integrated into the existing input device. The press force is detected through electronic sensors that can quantify force magnitude, and this measurement is then used to modulate feedback parameters, achieving precise measurement without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from simple binary click detection to continuous press force magnitude measurement. By quantifying the magnitude of press force and using it to adjust feedback intensity, the system achieves higher measurement precision while leveraging existing electronic sensing capabilities rather than introducing complex measurement hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronized tactile and lighting feedback is provided, then user experience is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system operates periodically and selectively, activating haptic and visual feedback only when user inputs are detected rather than continuously. The feedback duration is limited and synchronized with the detected press force magnitude, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining enhanced user experience during active interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies feedback selectively based on the magnitude of press force detected. Not all inputs trigger maximum feedback intensity - instead, feedback is partially applied according to the detected force level, optimizing energy consumption by providing stronger feedback only when higher press forces are detected, rather than maintaining constant high-intensity feedback.
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
This approach significantly enhances user experience by providing nuanced and adaptive feedback, improving communication efficiency and engagement in applications like gaming by correlating click force with corresponding lighting and haptic responses, accommodating more complex interactions.
Implementation Method 1
using addressable LED lighting devices to differentiate between soft, medium, and hard clicks
Implementation Method 2
quantify click force on input devices like mice to provide synchronized tactile and lighting feedback, adjusting parameters such as vibration intensity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
A method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus for adjusting feedback parameters are provided. The apparatus may determine a duration of pressing a button of an input device based on a signal associated with the button. To determine the duration of pressing the button, the apparatus may calculate the duration based on a start time and an end time. The start time may be a first time instance at which the button is pressed and the end time may be a second time instance at which the pressed button is released. The apparatus may classify the press force applied on the button of the input device into a category of a plurality of categories based on the duration. The apparatus may adjust a parameter of a feedback corresponding to the press force based on the category. The apparatus may control the feedback based on the parameter.