Unified Vibration Element for Input Device Feedback

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input devices require separate vibration elements for vibrating and detecting the operation surface, leading to increased size and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A controller that includes a position detecting unit, a switching unit, a vibration controlling unit, and a vibration detecting unit, which switches between vibration and detection modes for a single set of vibration elements based on contact position changes, allowing them to both vibrate the operation surface and detect vibrations, thereby eliminating the need for separate vibration and detection elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate vibration elements are used for vibrating and detecting the operation surface, then the input device can provide tactile feedback and detect depression force, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedback and detection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of vibration elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a vibration actuator to provide tactile feedback to the user, and simultaneously function as a vibration sensor to detect depression force on the operation surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vibration and detection elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the vibration actuator and vibration sensor functions into a single vibration element. By merging these two previously separate components, the input device achieves size reduction and simplified structure while preserving both the ability to provide tactile feedback and detect user input force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate vibration elements are used for vibrating and detecting the operation surface, then the input device can provide tactile feedback and detect depression force, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedback and detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a vibration actuator to provide tactile feedback to the user, and simultaneously function as a vibration sensor to detect depression force on the operation surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vibration and detection elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the vibration actuator and vibration sensor functions into a single vibration element. By merging these two previously separate components, the input device achieves size reduction and simplified structure preserving both the ability to provide tactile feedback and detect user input force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution reduces the size and manufacturing costs of the input device by combining vibration and detection functions in a single set of vibration elements, while providing effective tactile feedback and accurate depression force detection.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration element that vibrates the operation surface P

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a vibration element that detects a vibration of an operation surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10474285B2Controller, input device, input system, display apparatus, and control method

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 FUJITSU TEN LTD

AI summary

A controller includes a position detecting unit, switching unit, vibration controlling unit, and vibration detecting unit. The position detecting unit detecting a contact position with an operation surface. The switching unit switches between vibration and detection modes of at least one vibration element in accordance with temporal change in contact position detected by position detecting unit, the vibration mode being a mode wherein at least one vibration element vibrates, and detection mode being a mode wherein at least one vibration element detects vibration. The vibration controlling unit causes one or more first vibration elements to vibrate so as to vibrate the operation surface, at least one vibration element including one or more first vibration elements. The vibration detecting unit detects an operation surface's vibration based on vibration's detection results detected by one or more second vibration elements, at least one vibration element including the one or more second vibration elements.