Removable Input Module With Orientation Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Touch-sensitive screens on computing devices lack physical reference points and tactile feedback, making them difficult to use for certain applications and users, especially during rapid or frequent input tasks, and can obscure screen areas, impacting usability, particularly on smaller devices.
Innovation Solution
A removable input module with attachment mechanisms, sensors, and processors that provide tactile feedback and orientation determination, allowing users to attach input controls around the periphery of touch-screen devices, mapping inputs to on-screen actions without obscuring the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical input controls are integrated into the touch-screen device, then tactile feedback and input precision are improved, but device complexity and screen area obstruction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The input controls are segmented from the main device body and integrated into removable input modules that can be attached to the device periphery. This allows tactile input controls to be added without permanently increasing device complexity or obstructing the screen, as modules can be removed when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating controls into the two-dimensional screen surface, the patent adds a third dimension by attaching input modules to the periphery of the device. This spatial relocation provides tactile feedback without obstructing the display area.
2Measurement precision
If physical input controls are integrated into the touch-screen device, then input alignment precision is improved, but screen area obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input controls are relocated from the screen surface to the periphery of the device, utilizing three-dimensional space. This provides precise physical alignment references without reducing the usable screen area, as the modules attach to the device edges rather than overlaying the display.
3Ease of operation
If removable input modules are attached to the device, then tactile feedback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input functionality is segmented into separate removable modules rather than being permanently integrated into the device. This allows users to add tactile input capabilities only when needed, avoiding permanent increase in device complexity while still providing the desired feedback mechanism.
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
Enhances usability by providing tactile feedback and clear input alignment, reducing finger misalignment and screen obstruction, improving user experience, especially for games and visually impaired users, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer and/or magnetometer configured to provide signals to be used to determine the orientation of the input module relative to the touch-screen device
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer and/or magnetometer configured to provide signals to be used to determine the orientation of the input module relative to the touch-screen device
Data Source
AI summary
A removable input module for a touch-screen device is described. The input module comprises an attachment mechanism to attach the module to the touch-screen device, one or more input controls and an accelerometer and/or magnetometer. The accelerometer and/or magnetometer are configured to provide signals to be used to determine the orientation of the input module relative to the touch-screen device and/or to another input module which is attached to the same touch-screen device. In an embodiment, the input module comprises a processor arranged to analyze the output of the accelerometer and/or magnetometer and determine the orientation of the input module.