Touch Sensor Vibration Mode Control for Busy State Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Input apparatuses with touch sensors face usability issues due to delayed data processing, leading to misunderstandings about operation receipt and unintended processing, especially when the control unit is busy, resulting in repeated operations and unnoticed vibrations during tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensation providing apparatus with a touch sensor, detection unit, tactile sensation providing unit, and control units that differentiate vibration modes based on the main control unit's busy state, providing distinct tactile feedback to prevent unintended processing and confirm operation cancellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the control unit processes data sequentially, then processing accuracy is improved, but response speed deteriorates causing delayed feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing operation information in a memory unit before the control unit is ready to process it. When an operation is detected during a busy state, the system pre-stores the operation information and retrieves it later when processing capacity is available, ensuring no operation is lost while maintaining processing accuracy.
2Productivity
If the control unit executes operations during busy state, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates causing unintended processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing tactile sensation through vibration feedback when an operation is executed. This tactile confirmation allows the operator to verify whether the operation was successfully processed, creating a feedback loop that improves reliability by enabling detection and correction of unintended processing.
3Ease of operation
If tactile feedback is provided during busy state, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as operator may not notice vibration when finger is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by storing operation information in advance before execution. This allows the control unit to prepare the tactile feedback timing in advance, ensuring feedback is provided at the most appropriate moment when the operator is still attentive, rather than risking feedback delivery when the operator has already removed their finger.
4Loss of time
If operation information is stored in memory unit, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the memory unit into the existing control unit structure, allowing it to serve dual purposes: storing operation information during busy states and managing tactile feedback timing. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to reduce operation delays.
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
Effectively prevents unintended processing and enhances usability by providing distinct tactile feedback, allowing operators to confirm operation completion and ensuring smooth subsequent processing.
Implementation Method 1
drives a piezoelectric element via a piezoelectric element control unit to vibrate the touch sensor such that a tactile sensation is provided as feedback at operator's fingertip
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a touch sensor 11, a detection unit 12, a tactile sensation providing unit 13, a main control unit 16, and a tactile sensation provision control unit 14. The control unit 14 stores a signal related to information from the detection unit in the memory unit and, based on contents thereof and a tactile sensation provision instruction signal from the main control unit 16, determines a state of the main control unit 16. When the instruction signal does not correspond to a busy state, the providing unit 13 vibrates the touch sensor 11 in a first mode, and, when the instruction signal corresponds to the busy state, the control unit 14 controls the main control unit 16 to cancel the process corresponding to the detection information and controls the providing unit 13 to vibrate the touch face 11a in a second mode.