Piezoelectric Touch Panel Tactile Feedback Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch panel input apparatuses lack effective tactile feedback, leading to repetitive inputs and potential erroneous operations due to low response thresholds and lack of distinct feedback in noisy environments or when the input object is small.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus utilizing a piezoelectric element as both a load sensor and actuator, providing a tactile sensation when a predetermined pressure load is detected, mimicking the feel of a push-button switch, with a control unit managing the piezoelectric element's operation to ensure appropriate feedback without unnecessary vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the panel's threshold for receiving input is lowered to improve responsiveness, then input sensitivity is improved, but erroneous operation increases due to unintentional touches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the panel provides tactile feedback through vibration only when a predetermined pressure threshold is met. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain low response threshold for sensitivity while using the tactile confirmation to prevent erroneous operations, as users can distinguish between intentional presses (meeting pressure threshold) and unintentional touches (below threshold).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pressure threshold differentiation. Instead of a single fixed threshold, it uses a predetermined pressure threshold for triggering tactile feedback. By adjusting this pressure parameter, the system can respond to intentional presses while ignoring unintentional touches, thus improving operational accuracy without sacrificing input sensitivity.
2Loss of information
If auditory or visual feedback is provided to prevent repetitive input, then input confirmation is improved, but feedback effectiveness deteriorates in noisy environments or when input object is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces auditory and visual feedback mechanisms with a tactile feedback system. The panel vibrates when a predetermined pressure threshold is met, providing tactile confirmation that is not affected by environmental noise or the size of the input object. This mechanical/tactile substitution eliminates the harmful effects of environmental interference on feedback effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the feedback modality from auditory/visual to tactile. By using vibration as the feedback mechanism, the system provides input confirmation that is independent of environmental conditions such as noise level or display size, thereby eliminating the harmful factors that would otherwise interfere with feedback effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If a load sensor and actuator are added to provide tactile feedback, then tactile sensation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the panel itself multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as the input detection surface and as the tactile feedback actuator. The panel can detect pressure inputs and generate tactile feedback through vibration, eliminating the need for separate load sensors and actuators. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity and component quantity while maintaining tactile feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel serves itself by using its own structure to provide tactile feedback. Instead of requiring external sensors and actuators, the panel utilizes its inherent properties (pressure detection and vibration capability) to both detect input and provide feedback. This self-service approach eliminates additional components, reducing device complexity and cost.
4Ease of operation
If the panel provides tactile sensation for all touches to improve feedback, then user experience is improved, but unnecessary vibrations occur due to light touches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of pressure threshold for triggering tactile feedback. By setting a predetermined pressure threshold, the system provides tactile feedback only for intentional presses that meet this threshold, while ignoring light touches that fall below the threshold. This parameter adjustment prevents erroneous vibrations while maintaining appropriate feedback for valid inputs.
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 solution provides reliable tactile feedback, preventing repetitive inputs and erroneous operations by ensuring the operator feels a distinct click sensation only when the input is registered, thus enhancing user experience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element mounted on the panel... an output detection unit configured to detect an output of the piezoelectric element corresponding to pressure on a touch face of the panel
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric element drive unit configured to drive the piezoelectric element so that when the output detection unit determines that the output satisfies the standard, the tactile sensation is provided to an object pressing the touch face
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus includes a panel (11), a piezoelectric element (13) on the panel (11), an output detection unit (18) that detects output of the piezoelectric element (13) corresponding to pressure on a touch face (11a) of the panel (11) and determines whether the output satisfies a standard for providing a tactile sensation, a piezoelectric element drive unit (15) that drives the piezoelectric element (13), when the output is determined to satisfy the standard, so that the tactile sensation is provided to an object pressing the touch face (11a), and a control unit (17) that controls the start timing of the determination by the output detection unit (18), thereby, after the piezoelectric element (13) is driven, the control unit (17) controls the output detection unit (18) to resume the determination when a predetermined period elapses after detection of the output by the output detection unit (18) enters a resumable state.