Touch Panel Vibration Feedback for Vehicle Control Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
In car-mounted navigation and AV systems, operators cannot confirm changes in control objects, such as music or sound levels, without visually checking the screen, especially when driving, due to lack of tactile feedback for long key presses and gradual changes.
Innovation Solution
A vibration-function-equipped control input system that includes a touch panel, pressure-position detector, and vibration section, controlled by a system controller to generate distinct vibration patterns for long key presses and changes in control objects, allowing operators to recognize changes tactically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If vibration feedback is provided only for key press confirmation, then the operator can recognize that the key has been pressed, but the operator cannot recognize changes in the control object (e.g., music playback progress) without visual display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple vibration feedback mechanisms: initial vibration upon key press, continuous vibration during long press operation, and distinct vibration patterns when control objects change. This multi-stage feedback system ensures the operator receives comprehensive information about system state changes without needing to visually check the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration characteristics are dynamically adjusted based on the operational state. The system transitions from initial press vibration to continuous long-press vibration, and then to state-change vibration patterns, creating a dynamic feedback system that adapts to different phases of user interaction and provides context-appropriate information.
2Reliability
If the operator must visually check the display screen to confirm control object changes, then accurate information can be obtained, but the operator cannot safely operate the system while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration feedback system serves itself by providing all necessary operational information through tactile means alone. The operator can independently confirm key press registration, long press duration, and control object state changes through distinct vibration patterns without requiring external visual verification, enabling safe operation while driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration of the touch panel as the primary information delivery mechanism. Different vibration patterns (initial press, continuous long-press, state-change vibrations) convey specific operational information tactually, allowing the operator to maintain accurate awareness of system state without visual distraction.
3Ease of operation
If conventional vibration feedback is used for long key press confirmation, then the operator can confirm the long press action, but the operator cannot determine when the control object has changed to the desired state
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration feedback is segmented into distinct phases: initial press vibration, continuous vibration during long press maintenance, and separate vibration pulses when control object state changes occur. This segmentation allows the operator to distinguish between the act of pressing/holding the key and the resulting state changes, providing comprehensive operational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic vibration patterns to indicate control object state changes during long press operation. Each state change (e.g., music track transition, volume level change) triggers a distinct periodic vibration signal, allowing the operator to monitor progress and identify when the desired state has been reached through rhythmic tactile feedback.
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 long key presses and changes in control objects, like music or sound levels, without visual reference, enhancing usability and safety, particularly in vehicle environments.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration section operable to generate vibration to apply to the touch panel
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration-function-equipped control input system includes: a display panel capable of displaying a control screen; a touch panel; a pressure-position detector; a vibration section that generates vibration to apply to the touch panel; and a controller operatively connected to the display panel, the touch panel, the pressure-position detector, and the vibration section. The controller directs the vibration section to generate a vibration of a first vibration pattern when a predetermined time has passed after the part of the touch panel corresponding to the position of a control key displayed on the control screen is pushed, and subsequently directs the vibration section to generate a vibration of a second vibration pattern when a change of a control object controlled by the control key is detected after the predetermined time has passed.