Tactile Feedback Apparatus for Compact Touch Input Edge Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operators have difficulty recognizing the end of a character string input in a compact electronic device with a touch panel, especially when the characters are the same or similar, making it hard to determine if the cursor has reached the edge of the input area without visual or auditory feedback in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensation providing apparatus that includes a contact detection unit, a tactile sensation unit, and a control unit, which generates distinct vibrations when the cursor moves within the input area, displaces the displayed portion, or reaches the edge of the input area, providing clear tactile feedback to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch panel is used for input, then the device can be miniaturized and operated easily, but the operator cannot recognize the end of input area through tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by providing tactile sensations through vibration when the cursor reaches the end of the input area or when the display portion is displaced. The vibration unit generates specific vibration patterns that give operators tactile feedback about cursor position and input area boundaries, resolving the information loss inherent in touch panel operation.
2Loss of information
If visual or auditory feedback is used to indicate cursor position, then the operator can recognize the end of input area, but the device cannot be used effectively in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes auditory feedback with mechanical vibration feedback. Instead of using sound signals that are ineffective in noisy environments, the system uses a vibration unit to provide tactile feedback through mechanical oscillation, allowing operators to recognize cursor position and input area boundaries through touch rather than sound.
3Area of stationary object
If the input area is made compact, then the device size is reduced, but the operator has difficulty recognizing the end of character string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tactile feedback mechanism between the operator and the compact input area. The vibration unit acts as an intermediary that provides indirect information about cursor position and input area boundaries through vibration patterns, enabling operators to detect the end of the input area in compact devices without visual or auditory cues.
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
Ensures the operator can easily recognize the results of their operations through distinct tactile sensations, enhancing usability and reducing confusion in recognizing the end of the input area, even in distracting environments.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that generates voltage in response to applied pressure
Implementation Method 2
the piezoelectric element operates as a vibrator that generates mechanical vibration in response to applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 includes a contact detection unit 40, a tactile sensation providing unit 50 for providing a tactile sensation to the contacting object contacting the contact detection unit 40, a display unit 30 for displaying an input area and a cursor, and a control unit 10 for controlling the display unit 30. The cursor is moved based on the detected contact and the portion of the displayed input area is displaced based on the movement of the cursor. The control unit 10 controls to cause a first tactile sensation to be provided when the portion of the input area is displaced as the cursor is moved, and a second tactile sensation to be provided when the edge of the input area is displayed as the portion of the input area is displaced, thereby notifying the operator of the results of the operation.