Operation Input Device Vibration Control via Localized Key Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In stationary machines like digital multifunctional machines, it is challenging to effectively transmit vibration to the user's finger due to the dense arrangement of components, making it difficult to install a large vibrating element for adequate vibration intensity, and controlling vibration intensity across multiple regions is impractical with existing techniques.
Innovation Solution
An operation input device with a vibrating element installed at a specified position on the operation panel unit, where operation keys are arranged more densely or frequently used near the vibrating element, allowing for controlled vibration transmission to specific keys, even with a low driving force vibrating element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large vibrating element is installed to provide strong vibration force, then vibration intensity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase making it difficult to install in densely arranged components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning the vibrating element at a specific location on the operation panel unit where it can most effectively transmit vibration to the user's finger. The vibration element is installed at a position that corresponds to the arrangement of operation keys, creating a localized vibration zone that maximizes transmission efficiency without requiring a large-sized element throughout the entire panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from considering only the size of the vibrating element to optimizing its positional dimension on the operation panel. By changing the dimensional parameter from area/size to position/location, the solution achieves effective vibration transmission with a compact element that fits within the densely arranged component layout.
2Area of stationary object
If vibration is transmitted uniformly across the entire touch panel, then coverage is improved, but vibration intensity at specific keys is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating a focused vibration zone at the specific position where the vibrating element is installed, rather than distributing vibration uniformly across the entire panel. This localized approach concentrates vibration energy on specific operation keys, providing sufficient intensity at those locations while maintaining a compact element size.
3Measurement precision
If multiple vibrating elements are installed to control vibration intensity across different regions, then vibration control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single vibrating element that serves multiple functions: it provides vibration feedback for multiple different operation keys, adapts to various operation modes, and delivers adequate vibration intensity across different regions through strategic positioning rather than through multiple specialized elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple potential vibrating elements into a single element by positioning it at a location that allows it to effectively serve multiple operation keys and regions, thereby reducing component count while maintaining vibration control capability.
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
Ensures reliable vibration response to the user's finger by associating the vibrating element's position with key placement, ensuring adequate vibration transmission to specific operation keys, even with a small driving force, enhancing user interaction in digital multifunctional machines.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating element which is installed at a specified position of the operation panel unit and vibrates the operation panel unit at least in one direction
Data Source
AI summary
An operation input device includes: an operation panel unit which receives an operation input by a user touching a displayed operation key; a vibrating element installed at a specified position of the operation panel unit to vibrate the unit at least in one direction; and a vibration control section which causes the element to vibrate according to an operation input receiving condition on the panel unit. On the panel unit, operation keys are arranged more densely in a first region near the installed vibrating element than in a second region remote from the vibrating element, or keys which are more frequently used are arranged in the first region than in the second region. Alternatively, an operation key for user interfacing to set display of keys is arranged in the first region.