Transparent Cover Haptics for Touchscreen Input Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touchscreen computing devices face challenges in providing accurate input without obscuring the user's view, as contact with the display can obscure the input location and lead to improper operation.
Innovation Solution
A computing device design incorporating a texture haptics layer to increase friction along the display and an impact haptics layer to provide vibrations upon contact, allowing for tactile feedback without obstructing the view, using a controller to activate these layers in response to user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the user provides input by contact directly on the display, then input accuracy can be improved, but the user's view of the display is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent cover layer is introduced as an intermediary between the user's finger and the display. This cover allows the user to provide tactile input through contact while maintaining visibility of the display content, as the cover is transparent and does not obscure the view when contacted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tactile feedback mechanisms with haptic feedback generated through the transparent cover. The cover incorporates haptic actuators that provide tactile sensation without requiring direct contact with the display surface, thus maintaining visibility while providing input accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If haptic feedback is provided through direct contact with the display, then tactile feedback accuracy is improved, but the display view is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cover serves as a mediator that delivers haptic feedback to the user's finger while allowing the display content to remain visible through the cover. The haptic actuators are integrated into the cover structure, enabling tactile feedback without obscuring the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is constructed as a thin, transparent film or shell that can incorporate haptic actuators while maintaining optical transparency. This thin-film structure allows tactile feedback to be transmitted through the cover without significantly affecting display visibility.
3Measurement precision
If multiple haptic layers are activated, then user interaction precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple haptic feedback functions (texture feedback and impact feedback) are merged into a single transparent cover structure. The cover integrates both texture haptics layer and impact haptics layer, allowing both types of feedback to be delivered simultaneously or sequentially through the same component, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent cover is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a protective layer, a touch input interface, and a haptic feedback delivery mechanism. By making the cover multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
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 precise user interaction by providing tactile feedback that informs the user of boundaries and contact points, enhancing the accuracy and usability of touchscreen devices without obscuring the display.
Implementation Method 1
A computing device can include a cover, a texture haptics layer adjacent to the cover... The controller can be configured to activate the texture haptics layer in response to an object moving along the cover
Implementation Method 2
activate the impact haptics layer in response to the object contacting the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device can include a cover, a texture haptics layer adjacent to the cover, a display layer adjacent to the texture haptics layer, an impact haptics layer adjacent to the display layer, a controller, and a housing enclosing the controller and supporting the cover, the texture haptics layer, the display layer, and the impact haptics layer. The controller can be configured to activate the texture haptics layer in response to an object moving along the cover, control an image presented by the display layer, and activate the impact haptics layer in response to the object contacting the cover.