Deformable Membrane Input Surface for Force and Gesture Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional input devices, such as computer mice, are limited by the number of static buttons and lack force-sensitive controls, making them inadequate for controlling electronic devices and robots, which often require complex and difficult training.
Innovation Solution
An input device featuring a deformable membrane enclosed with a medium and an internal sensor that detects deformations, allowing for customizable inputs and gestures, enabling force-based control and flexible programming for electronic devices and robot training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional input devices use static buttons, then the device structure is simple, but the input capability is limited and lacks force sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical buttons with a deformable membrane coupled to a pressure-sensitive sensor. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple discrete mechanical buttons while enabling continuous force-sensitive input detection, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the input mechanism from discrete button presses to continuous pressure and deformation parameter detection. The pressure-sensitive sensor measures varying force magnitudes and the deformable membrane captures spatial deformation patterns, enabling rich gesture recognition and force-sensitive control without adding mechanical complexity
2Ease of operation
If robot training devices have fixed controls, then the device structure is simple, but the training process is arduous and not natural for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic deformable membrane that can be shaped and reconfigured, allowing the control surface to adapt to different user gestures and interaction patterns. This dynamic flexibility makes the control system more natural and intuitive for users while maintaining manageable complexity through a single adaptive component
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive sensor with deformable membrane serves multiple functions: detecting force magnitude, recognizing gesture patterns, and providing tactile feedback. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate controls into a single universal input surface, improving ease of operation without increasing overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If input devices have limited buttons, then the device structure is simple, but the number of controllable functions is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple discrete mechanical buttons with a single pressure-sensitive sensor system that detects force magnitude and deformation patterns. This substitution enables recognition of numerous different gestures and input types through software interpretation of sensor data, greatly expanding functional versatility without adding mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional richness to the input mechanism by measuring not just binary button states but continuous pressure magnitudes and spatial deformation patterns across the membrane surface. This multi-dimensional data capture enables sophisticated gesture recognition and controls numerous functions through a unified sensor system
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 input device provides a versatile and intuitive control mechanism, allowing users to configure any surface area as input regions and utilize various gestures, enhancing the capability to control electronic devices and train robots with greater precision and ease.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable membrane coupled to the body such that the body and the deformable membrane define an enclosure
Implementation Method 2
an internal sensor disposed within the enclosure, the internal sensor having a field of view configured to be directed through the medium and toward a bottom surface of the deformable membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Input devices having a deformable membrane and methods of their use are disclosed. In one embodiment, an input device includes a body, a deformable membrane coupled to the body such that the body and the deformable membrane define an enclosure filled with a medium, and an internal sensor disposed within the enclosure, the internal sensor having a field of view configured to be directed through the medium and toward a bottom surface of the deformable membrane. The input device further includes a controller configured to receive an output signal from the internal sensor corresponding to a deformation in the deformable membrane, determine a gesture based on the output signal from the internal, and provide a gesture signal corresponding to the gesture.