Solid State Keyboard Haptic Feedback via Piezoelectric Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual keyboards lack tactile feedback, making it difficult for users to interact efficiently due to the absence of moving parts, which can lead to the need for visual confirmation of key presses.
Innovation Solution
A solid state keyboard device with a user interaction layer and a plurality of haptic actuators that generate variable haptic outputs based on user input parameters such as position, pressure, speed, and duration, simulating the tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual keyboards are used without moving parts, then device reliability is improved, but tactile feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by actuating the touch-sensitive display surface or portions thereof to generate vibrations that simulate tactile feedback. When a user interacts with a virtual key, the corresponding region of the display surface vibrates to provide sensory feedback similar to pressing a physical key, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability (no moving parts) and ease of operation (tactile feedback).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism where the touch-sensitive display surface itself serves as both the input sensor and the output actuator. The display surface mediates between the user's touch and the visual display, providing tactile feedback through controlled vibrations without requiring separate mechanical components, thus maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If virtual keyboards lack tactile feedback, then device complexity is reduced, but user interaction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the touch-sensitive display surface to serve multiple purposes: detecting user input, displaying visual feedback, and providing tactile feedback through vibrations. This universal approach allows the system to maintain low device complexity while significantly improving user interaction efficiency, as all functions are integrated into a single component rather than requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
By incorporating vibration capability into the touch-sensitive display surface, the system provides tactile feedback without adding significant complexity. The vibrations enhance user interaction efficiency by confirming key presses and providing sensory feedback, while the implementation leverages the existing touch-sensitive infrastructure, minimizing additional complexity.
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
Provides users with tactile feedback similar to mechanical keyboards, enhancing interaction efficiency by varying haptic outputs to confirm key presses and provide additional information, thus aiding in adapting to the solid state keyboard.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic actuators may comprise piezoelectric actuators
Implementation Method 2
The haptic actuators may comprise piezoelectric actuators and/or electrostatic actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state keyboard device comprising a user interaction layer for receiving a user input and a plurality of haptic actuators, wherein the solid state keyboard device is operable to cause one or more of the plurality of haptic actuators to generate a haptic output at the user interaction layer in response to a received user input, wherein one or more parameters of the haptic output are variable according to one or more parameters of or associated with the received user input.