Tactile Presentation Panel Friction Control for Switch Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch panels lack tactile feedback, making it difficult for users to confirm the position of switches without visual assistance, particularly in environments where visual attention is limited or for visually impaired individuals.
Innovation Solution
A tactile presentation panel that includes a tactile presentation knob, a touch detection circuit, a pressure detection circuit, and a tactile control circuit. The panel generates tactile feedback by controlling the friction force between the tactile presentation knob and the operation surface based on positional and pressure information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a touch panel is used to replace mechanical switches, then the device design property is improved and visual appeal is enhanced, but tactile feedback is lost making it difficult to confirm switch positions without visual assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic vibration to the operation surface at the switch position. When a user touches the operation surface, the vibration generator produces periodic vibrations that create tactile feedback, allowing users to confirm switch positions through tactile sensation rather than visual inspection. This periodic mechanical action restores the tactile feedback function that was lost in conventional flat touch panels.
2Ease of manufacture
If the operation surface is made flat for design purposes, then manufacturing simplicity and aesthetic quality are improved, but the ability to provide tactile confirmation of switch positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating permanent convex-concave structures on the flat operation surface, the patent uses a vibration generator to produce periodic vibrations at specific locations corresponding to switch positions. This dynamic approach provides reliable tactile feedback for operational confirmation while maintaining the simplicity and aesthetic quality of a flat surface, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and operational reliability.
3Measurement precision
If visual confirmation is required for touch operations, then operation accuracy is improved, but operability in environments where visual attention is limited deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration generator produces periodic tactile feedback that enables users to accurately locate and identify switch positions through touch alone, without visual assistance. This tactile guidance system maintains high touch position accuracy while making the device adaptable to environments where visual attention is limited, such as nighttime driving or situations requiring divided attention.
4Strength
If a protection plate is added to the touch screen, then toughness and longevity are improved, but the transmission of tactile vibrations to the user deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated vibration generator as an intermediary component that directly contacts the operation surface. This intermediary device generates tactile vibrations independently and transmits them through the operation surface to the user's finger, bypassing the attenuation effect of the protection plate. The vibration generator acts as a mediator that ensures sufficient tactile feedback reaches the user despite the presence of the protective glass layer.
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
The tactile presentation panel provides consistent and strong tactile feedback, independent of the user's arm and wrist angle, enhancing the reliability and operability of touch-based interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a tactile presentation panel presenting tactile having constant clarity and tactile strength without being influenced by an angle of an arm and a wrist of a user in an operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a tactile presentation device presenting tactile to a user, and includes: a touch detection circuit detecting the user having contact with the tactile presentation knob and outputting positional information of the tactile presentation knob; a pressure detection circuit detecting an amount of pressing of the operation surface by the tactile presentation knob; a tactile control circuit determining a voltage signal generating friction force between the tactile presentation knob and the operation surface; and a pressure amount calculation circuit calculating a pressure amount based on the amount of pressing detected in the pressure detection circuit and adding the pressure amount to the pressing information, wherein generated is tactile caused by a change of the friction force between the tactile presentation knob and the operation surface by the voltage signal determined by the tactile control circuit.