Input Panel Ultrasonic Friction Control for Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices only provide vibration feedback based on pressing force and do not consider the tactile feedback during touch operations, limiting user experience and operability.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a panel that includes a detecting unit, a vibrating element capable of changing frictional force, and a panel supporting unit that allows movement parallel or perpendicular to the input surface, enabling novel tactile feedback through the squeeze effect and elastic resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration feedback is provided based on pressing force, then the user is notified that the input device has received the input, but the tactile feedback during touch operation is not considered, limiting user experience and operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibrating element that vibrates the panel at ultrasonic frequencies to change the frictional force between the input operation surface and the user's finger. This creates novel tactile feedback sensations (adhesion feeling, sliding feeling, resistance feeling) that enhance the ease of operation while maintaining reliable input recognition through the detecting unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frictional force parameter of the input operation surface by utilizing ultrasonic vibration. By controlling the vibration state of the panel, the system dynamically adjusts the frictional characteristics to provide different tactile feedback sensations, thereby improving user experience without compromising input detection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the panel is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot experience novel tactile feedback through panel movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed panel into a dynamic structure that can move in response to user touch operations. The panel supporting unit enables the panel to move in directions parallel or perpendicular to the input operation surface, creating novel tactile feedback sensations. This dynamic capability is controlled based on detection results, providing varied tactile experiences while managing structural complexity through controlled movement rather than complete mechanical freedom.
3Ease of operation
If the frictional force is constant, then the structure is simple, but the user experience during touch operation is单调 and lacks engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasonic vibration of the panel to dynamically change the frictional force between the input operation surface and the user's finger. This vibration-based approach to friction control provides engaging tactile feedback sensations (adhesion, sliding, resistance) without requiring complex mechanical friction adjustment mechanisms, thus improving ease of operation with moderate device complexity.
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
Enhances user experience by providing distinct tactile feedback, improving operability and allowing accurate input operations even in vibrating environments, such as those experienced in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating element 120 which can vibrate the panel 110, thereby capable of changing the frictional force of the input operation surface 115
Implementation Method 2
By performing switching between a first vibration mode for giving a user a feeling as if his or her finger slides and a second vibration mode for giving the user a feeling as if his or her finger adheres to the input operation surface, it is possible to provide an input device capable of giving a novel feeling to a user
Implementation Method 3
a panel supporting unit 300 that supports the panel 110 such that the panel can move in a direction parallel with or perpendicular to the input operation surface 115
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an input device. A panel has an input operation surface. A detecting unit detects a user's touch operation on the input operation surface. A vibrating element can vibrate the panel, thereby capable of changing the frictional force of the input operation surface. A panel supporting unit supports the panel such that the panel can move in a direction parallel with or perpendicular to the input operation surface.