Rotary Operation Input Device with Tactile Vertex Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation input devices, such as slide switches with sawtooth-like projections and recesses, are difficult for visually impaired users or those operating without looking to adjust set values accurately due to linear movement and lack of tactile feedback on the number of set values.
Innovation Solution
An operation input device featuring a guide unit with vertices for the operating knob, pressure sensors to detect vertex positions, and a calculating unit to convert input information into set values, allowing users to input values scale by scale through a non-linear, zigzag motion and tactile feedback on the main body edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a slide switch with sawtooth-like projections and recesses is used, then operation input can be performed scale by scale, but it is difficult for visually impaired users to accurately control the number of projections passed due to linear movement
Solution Approach 1:
The operating knob is designed with a cylindrical shape that rotates around a central axis, replacing the linear slide movement with rotational motion. This curved motion path provides better tactile feedback and allows users to sense their position through rotation angle, making it easier for visually impaired users to control the number of set values passed while maintaining scale-by-scale precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional linear slide movement to two-dimensional rotational movement around a central axis. This dimensional change allows the operating knob to pass through sawtooth-like projections in a rotational manner, providing tactile feedback through the rotation angle and enabling more precise control for visually impaired users
2Ease of operation
If up and down buttons are used, then simple operation is possible, but the current set value and overall range are not known
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates visual display elements that show the current set value and the overall range of adjustable values. This feedback mechanism allows users to see their current position and understand the full range of options, eliminating the information loss problem of simple buttons while maintaining operational simplicity through the rotary knob interface
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wheel or slider bar is used, then continuous adjustment is possible, but visually impaired users cannot sense their position and adjust force scale by scale
Solution Approach 1:
The operating knob features a specialized interaction surface with sawtooth-like projections and recesses that engage with corresponding features on the knob. This localized structural quality provides distinct tactile feedback at specific angular positions, allowing visually impaired users to sense their position and control the adjustment in discrete scale-by-scale increments while maintaining continuous rotational 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
Enables visually impaired users or those operating without looking to accurately input set values scale by scale, providing clear tactile feedback on the range of set values and preventing errors in adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
first sensors each for detecting whether the operating knob is present at a corresponding one of vertices
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
To provide an operation input device (100) including an operating knob (11) to be operated by a user; a guide unit (12) having vertices and formed in different directions with respect to each of the vertices being base points, the guide unit (12) indicating an operating area for the operating knob; first sensors (23) each for detecting whether the operating knob (11) is present at a corresponding one of the vertices; and a calculating unit (2) for calculating a set value on the basis of input information received from each of the first sensors (23), by which the user can accurately perform an input operation scale by scale even without looking at the operation input device (100).