Operation Input Device With Finger Count Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation input devices lack improved operability and design freedom, particularly in devices with separate touch pads and dials, which restrict user interaction and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An operation input device with a finger sensor integrated into the operation member, allowing the computer to detect the number of gripping fingers and switch operation commands accordingly, enhancing operability and design freedom by varying reaction forces, vibration, and visual cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch pad and dial are physically separated, then both input operations can be performed simultaneously with one hand, but the operability and degree of freedom for design are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dial operation member with the touch pad into a single integrated structure. The dial is positioned on the touch pad surface, allowing both dial rotation/touch operations and touch pad operations to be performed simultaneously on the same physical area, thereby improving operability while enhancing design freedom
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of operation commands is increased to improve functionality, then the device becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single operation member (dial on touch pad) perform multiple functions by detecting the number of fingers gripping it. One operation member handles multiple operation commands (scrolling, selection, mode switching) based on finger count detection, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the operation member by detecting the number of gripping fingers. The computer specifies different operation commands based on whether one, two, or three fingers are gripping the dial, allowing a single physical component to access multiple functions through parameter variation rather than requiring separate physical controls
3Adaptability or versatility
If finger detection is added to the operation member to enable multi-mode operation, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the finger detection function with the existing operation member structure. The finger sensor is integrated into the operation member, and the computer processes finger count information to determine operation mode, merging detection and control functions into a unified system that enhances adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An operation member 30 of an operation input device 20 includes a finger sensor 54 adapted to detect each of a plurality of fingers gripping the operation member 30. A controller 36 specifies the number of gripping fingers Ngf which is the number of fingers 300 gripping the operation member 30 based on the detection result of the finger sensor 54 and switches, in accordance with the number of gripping fingers Ngf, a type of an operation command corresponding to the operation input.