Touch Panel Input Device With Magnetized Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for presenting a force sense to operators during input operations on touch panels either separate the force sense from the input operation or do not consider the operation itself, failing to effectively associate the force sense with the input action.

Innovation Solution

A touch panel input device using magnetized surfaces with alternating S-pole and N-pole regions, where an operator performs input operations by changing the relative positional relationship between two magnetized surfaces, creating a shear stress that simulates unevenness, thereby associating the force sense with the input action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a magnetic field generated using an electromagnet is used to present force sense, then the force sense can be presented to the operator, but a power source for driving the electromagnet is necessary which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce sense presentationVSAvoidpower source requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnet-based force feedback system with a passive magnetic sheet system. Instead of using an electromagnet that requires electrical power to generate magnetic fields, the invention uses pre-magnetized sheets with alternating S-pole and N-pole regions that create magnetic forces purely through magnetic attraction and repulsion. This eliminates the need for power sources while maintaining force sense presentation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic sheets are self-powered, generating force feedback without external energy input. The alternating magnetic poles on the sheets create automatic magnetic attraction and repulsion forces that provide tactile feedback to the operator's finger movements, eliminating the need for active power delivery systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the force sense is presented independently of the input operation, then the force sense can be provided, but the association between the presented force sense and the input by the operator is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce sense presentationVSAvoidassociation between force sense and input action

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by placing the magnetic sheet directly on the touch panel input surface. As the operator's finger moves across the touch panel, the magnetic force varies dynamically based on the finger's position and pressure, creating a tactile feedback loop that is directly coupled to the input operation. This ensures the force sense is always associated with the current input action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the force feedback mechanism with the touch panel input surface by placing the magnetic sheet directly on the display. This integration ensures that the magnetic force presentation and the touch input detection occur at the same location and time, maintaining direct association between the operator's input action and the perceived force sense.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution allows operators to perceive a feeling of unevenness during input operations, enhancing the tactile feedback and association between the force sense and the input action on touch panels.

Implementation Method 1

a first texture including a region of an S-pole and a region of an N-pole being previously magnetized on the first surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

an operator presses with a finger and moves a magnetic sheet in which regions of the S-pole and regions of the N-pole are previously magnetized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11340775B2Input device for touchscreen with magnetic sheet and magnetized objects

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

A presented force sense is associated with an input of an operator to a touch panel. An input to the touch panel is performed using a touch panel input device including: a first object including a first surface, a first texture including a region of an S-pole and a region of an N-pole being previously magnetized on the first surface, a plate surface on an opposite side to the first surface being disposed to face an input surface of the touch panel; and a second object including a magnetic sheet and a conductive portion, the magnetic sheet including a second surface, a second texture including a region of an S-pole and a region of an N-pole being previously magnetized on the second surface, the second surface being disposed to face the first surface, the conductive portion forming a conductive pattern on the second surface, the second object being operated by an operator performing an input operation on the touch panel.