Rotary Knob Haptic Feedback Using Lateral Grip Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary input devices cannot detect gripping by the operator's finger on the lateral surface of a dial and thus cannot provide kinesthetic haptic feedback based on the finger's posture.
Innovation Solution
A rotary input device with a lateral surface sensor electrode on the operation knob to detect finger contact, an angle detector for rotation angle, and a kinesthetic haptic feedback part to provide feedback based on the detection results, allowing differentiated feedback for gripping on the lateral and upper surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a touch pad is used to detect finger contact on the upper surface of the dial, then contact detection on the upper surface is improved, but detection of gripping on the lateral surface remains impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is segmented into two distinct detection zones: an upper surface sensor electrode for detecting finger contact on the top surface, and a lateral surface sensor electrode for detecting gripping on the side surface. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific detection location, resolving the contradiction between precise contact detection and comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection capability is extended from two dimensions (upper surface only) to three dimensions by adding lateral surface detection. The lateral surface sensor electrode captures finger gripping actions on the side surface, creating a multi-dimensional detection system that comprehensively monitors both upper surface contact and lateral surface gripping.
2Ease of operation
If kinesthetic haptic feedback is provided based on upper surface contact only, then feedback for touch operations is improved, but feedback for gripping posture remains unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements differentiated kinesthetic haptic feedback based on detection results from both upper surface and lateral surface sensors. When lateral surface gripping is detected, the feedback mechanism provides distinct haptic responses that confirm grip detection and guide proper operation posture, preventing loss of grip posture information and enhancing operational feedback.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide differentiated feedback for different surfaces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensor electrodes are positioned at specific locations: the upper surface sensor electrode is configured to detect contact on the top surface, while the lateral surface sensor electrode is positioned to detect gripping on the side surface. Each sensor has optimized local detection characteristics, enabling surface-specific feedback while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure.
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
Enables kinesthetic haptic feedback tailored to the operator's finger posture, enhancing user interaction and preventing unintended operations by providing distinct feedback for lateral and upper surface interactions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic sensor configured to detect a contact of an operating body with the lateral surface sensor electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary input device includes an operation knob including an upper surface and a lateral surface, an angle detector configured to detect a rotation angle of the operation knob, a kinesthetic haptic feedback part configured to provide at least one of a driving force or a braking force to the operation knob as kinesthetic haptic feedback, control circuitry configured to control the kinesthetic haptic feedback part, a lateral surface sensor electrode provided on the lateral surface of the operation knob, and an electrostatic sensor configured to detect a contact of an operating body with the lateral surface sensor electrode, wherein the control is circuitry configured to control the kinesthetic haptic feedback part so as to provide kinesthetic haptic feedback to the operation knob according to a detection result of the electrostatic sensor and a detection result of the angle detector.