Touch Panel Vibration Layout for Uniform Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stationary digital multifunction apparatuses face challenges in uniformly transmitting vibrations to users due to non-optimal placement of vibration elements and high-density component arrangements, leading to non-uniform vibration states when interacting with touch panels.
Innovation Solution
An input device and image forming apparatus featuring a vibration element positioned near the gravity center axis, connected to an operation panel via vibration absorption members, and a vibration control unit that adjusts vibrations based on operation input states to ensure uniform vibration across the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vibration element is disposed on the back surface of the terminal (portable terminal configuration), then the vibration is directly transmitted to the user's hand, but the vibration is non-uniform across different touch positions on the touch panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration transmission unit as an intermediary component between the vibration element and the touch panel. This unit includes a vibration transmission member that selectively transmits vibration to the touch panel based on touch position, and a vibration isolation member that prevents unwanted vibration transmission. This mediator structure enables uniform vibration distribution across different touch positions while isolating the apparatus main body from excessive vibration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various components are disposed in the apparatus at high density (stationary apparatus configuration), then the apparatus functionality is enhanced, but the vibration element cannot be always disposed on the optimum position for uniform vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration transmission function into separate components: a vibration element, a vibration transmission unit (with transmission members and isolation members), and a vibration control unit. This segmentation allows the vibration element to be positioned in available space within the high-density component layout, while the vibration transmission unit compensates for positioning constraints to achieve uniform vibration distribution across the touch panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a vibration control unit that dynamically adjusts vibration characteristics based on touch position detection. The control unit modifies vibration parameters in real-time to compensate for fixed component positions, enabling uniform vibration feedback across the entire touch panel area despite the vibration element being positioned at a fixed location due to high-density component arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If the touch panel is vibrated to perform response (vibration feedback), then user interaction is enhanced, but the vibration state becomes difficult to control uniformly across different touch positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the vibration control unit receives touch position information and adjusts vibration characteristics accordingly. The system detects the touch position on the touch panel and controls the vibration element to produce uniform vibration distribution across the panel, automatically compensating for position-dependent vibration variations through closed-loop control.
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 enables uniform and precise vibration feedback to users regardless of touch position, improving user interaction by ensuring consistent vibration strength and reducing vibration state variations across the panel.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration element (115) mounted on the operation panel (110) and vibrating the operation panel (110) in at least one direction
Implementation Method 2
a vibration absorption member (107) connecting the operation panel (110) to an apparatus main body (101-106) and absorbing the vibration of the operation panel (110)
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes: an operation panel that receives an operation input; a vibration element that is mounted to the operation panel and that vibrates the operation panel in at least one vibration direction; a vibration absorber that connects the operation panel to an apparatus main body and that absorbs a vibration of the operation panel; and a CPU that causes the vibration element to vibrate based on the operation input, wherein the vibration element is mounted on a gravity center axis of the operation panel in the vibration direction.