Touch Input Apparatus Haptic Feedback for Key Lock State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input apparatuses with mechanical switches fail to provide tactile feedback to operators about the execution state of operations such as key lock or auto repeat functions, making it difficult for users to confirm correct detection and execution of operations, especially in noisy environments or for visually impaired individuals.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus equipped with a touch sensor, load detection unit, and tactile sensation providing unit that vibrates the touch face when a continuous pressure load is detected for a predetermined period, allowing operators to feel the execution state through tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a motion is executed after detection of operation, then the operation is processed efficiently, but the operator cannot confirm execution through tactile feedback from mechanical keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tactile feedback through vibration motors that provide haptic feedback to the operator when operations are executed. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to confirm operation execution through tactile sensation, resolving the information loss while maintaining efficient processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vibration motors as an intermediary device between the operation detection system and the operator. These motors convert electrical signals into tactile vibrations that the operator can feel, serving as a mediator to transmit execution confirmation without interrupting the efficient operation processing.
2Loss of information
If visual display is used to inform operation execution, then execution state is clearly communicated, but visually impaired operators cannot access this information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual display mechanisms with tactile vibration mechanisms. Instead of relying on optical information that visually impaired users cannot access, the system uses mechanical vibrations that can be perceived through touch, making the execution state information accessible to all users regardless of visual capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the information transmission parameter from visual (optical) to tactile (mechanical vibration). By transforming the nature of the feedback from something seen to something felt, the system becomes accessible to visually impaired users while still clearly communicating execution state information.
3Loss of information
If sound is used to inform operation execution, then execution is communicated, but noisy environments interfere with perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic feedback mechanisms with tactile vibration mechanisms. Instead of using sound waves that can be masked by environmental noise, the system uses mechanical vibrations transmitted through the device structure, providing execution confirmation that is immune to acoustic interference from noisy environments.
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 operators to confirm the correct detection and execution of operations without visual feedback, improving usability in noisy environments and for visually impaired users by providing tactile sensations that indicate the status of key lock or auto repeat functions.
Implementation Method 1
a tactile sensation providing unit (13) having a piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus capable of informing an operator of an execution state of a motion, executed based on pressing of keys and buttons after a predetermined period, through the keys and buttons pressed is provided.An input apparatus 1 has a touch sensor 11 configured to detect a contact, a load detection unit 12 configured to detect a pressure load on a touch face of the touch sensor 11, a tactile sensation providing unit 13 configured to vibrate the touch face, and a control unit 15 configured to control the tactile sensation providing unit 13 when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit 12 continuously satisfies a predetermined standard for a predetermined period such that a tactile sensation is provided to an object pressing the touch face.