Multi-touch Keypad Using Segmented Quick-Point Controllers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input methods for computers, such as mice and keyboards, are limited in their ability to interpret complex hand and finger gestures, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in user interactions, particularly with multi-touch interfaces.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multi-touch interfaces using multiple quick-point controllers on a keyboard, which allow for various hand and finger gestures to be recognized and interpreted as specific inputs, enabling more intuitive and ergonomic interaction with electronic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional input methods (mouse, keyboard, touchpad) are used, then device complexity is low, but the ability to interpret complex hand and finger gestures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture recognition capabilityVSAvoidinput device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is segmented into multiple independent quick-point controllers (at least three), each capable of detecting finger gestures independently. This segmentation allows the system to recognize complex multi-finger gestures by combining inputs from multiple controllers, thereby enhancing gesture recognition capability while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-point controllers are designed to perform multiple functions: they can detect individual finger presses, recognize multi-finger gesture patterns, and provide tactile feedback. By making each controller multi-functional, the system achieves high adaptability for various gestures without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple quick-point controllers are implemented, then gesture recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture input accuracyVSAvoidkeyboard controller quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the keyboard into multiple independent quick-point controller zones, each controller can accurately detect finger gestures within its specific region. This spatial segmentation improves gesture recognition accuracy by providing dedicated detection areas for different finger positions while keeping each controller's individual complexity low

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple quick-point controllers act as intermediaries between the user's hand gestures and the computer system. Each controller independently processes finger inputs and provides structured output data, improving the overall accuracy of gesture recognition without requiring any single controller to be overly complex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If traditional touchpads are used, then device structure is simple, but tactile feedback and control precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput control precisionVSAvoidcontroller structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each quick-point controller is designed with specific local qualities optimized for finger interaction, including tactile feedback mechanisms and pressure-sensitive detection. This localized optimization provides enhanced control precision and tactile feedback at each interaction point without requiring the entire device structure to be complex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8878787B2Multi-touch user input based on multiple quick-point controllers
Publication Date: 2014.11.04 FUJITSU LTD
  • US8878787B2 patent drawing
  • US8878787B2 patent drawing
  • US8878787B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving first input from a first quick-point controller in a keypad that comprises a plurality of keys; receiving second input from a second quick-point controller in the keypad; and rendering a multi-touch gesture on a display associated with the keypad based on the first and second input.