Transparent Input Apparatus with Multi-Direction Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for touch-sensitive user interfaces often require additional space and resources for sensors and display units, and lack efficient feedback mechanisms, limiting their compactness and usability.
Innovation Solution
A compact input device design featuring a disc and holder arrangement with sensors on the pane and holder to measure forces and displacements in multiple directions, integrated haptic feedback, and a transparent design allowing users to see through the operating element, which reduces space requirements and enhances user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors and display units are added to existing input devices, then measurement precision and feedback capability are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (force sensors and displacement sensors) and the display unit into a single integrated housing structure. The sensors are arranged on the same pane or holder as the display unit, merging what would traditionally be separate components into one unified device, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the display unit, mounts the sensors, provides structural support, and acts as the user interface surface. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve advanced measurement and feedback capabilities while maintaining a compact form factor
2Ease of operation
If a transparent pane and operating element are used, then ease of operation and user feedback are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transparent or translucent materials for the pane and operating element, utilizing optical properties (transparency/translucency) rather than color changes. This allows users to see through the operating element to the display unit below, providing immediate visual feedback while maintaining aesthetic appeal and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element is non-positively connected to the pane, merging the operating element and pane into a unified transparent interface. This integration allows the operating element to be actuated while maintaining visibility through the pane, improving user feedback without requiring separate opaque components
3Adaptability or versatility
If the disc is made displaceable in multiple directions, then adaptability and input versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disc is designed to be displaceable in multiple directions (X, Y, and Z directions) rather than being fixed in a single position. This dynamic capability allows the operating element to provide versatile input options including lateral displacement, vertical pressing, and rotational movements, significantly improving adaptability while the mounting mechanism manages the complexity through standardized sensor arrangements
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 efficient and compact data input with simultaneous measurement of forces and displacements in multiple directions, providing haptic feedback and allowing users to track inputs directly, thus improving usability and reducing resource consumption.
Implementation Method 1
One or more sensors are arranged on the pane and/or on the holder in such a way that a force acting on the pane and on the holder can be measured
Implementation Method 2
a displacement of the pane in at least one specified direction can be measured
Implementation Method 3
the pane and/or the operating element are transparent. In this way, for example, a user of the input unit can see through the pane and/or through the operating element
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
Input apparatus (20), comprising a plate (24) and a mounting (22), wherein the plate (24) has an operator control element (100) arranged on it such that the operator control element (100) is connected to the plate (24) with a force fit and wherein the plate (24) is arranged on the mounting (22) such that the plate is supported in the mounting (22). An action of force on the operator control element (100) causes an action of force on the plate (24) and/or on the plate (24) and the mounting (22) at the same time. The plate (24) and/or the mounting (22) have one or more sensors arranged on them such that an action of force on the plate (24) and/or displacement of the plate (24) in at least one prescribed direction are measurable and/or that an action of force on the plate (24) and the mounting (22) at the same time and/or displacement of the plate (24) and the mounting (22) at the same time are measurable in at least one prescribed direction.