Vibration Detection Modules for Body-Surface Command Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing command input devices for mobile information devices face challenges in reducing key layout space, leading to complex operations, increased input errors, and poor portability due to the need for separate detection units and large display spaces.
Innovation Solution
A command input device that utilizes first and second detection modules to detect vibrations on the user's body, analyzing these vibrations to identify the point of tapping operations without requiring a large input space on the device, thus allowing the body to serve as an input area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a plurality of functions are allotted to a single input area, then the key layout space is reduced, but the operation complexity increases and input errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional key layout to a three-dimensional body surface utilization. By detecting vibrations at multiple positions on the user's body (hand, arm, shoulder), the system maps input operations to spatial locations on the body rather than requiring a traditional keyboard layout, thereby reducing the need for complex key combinations while maintaining input functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration detection modules as intermediaries between the user's physical actions and the input processing system. These modules detect vibrations at specific body positions and translate them into input signals, eliminating the need for users to directly manipulate complex input mechanisms while reducing operational complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If a detection unit is placed separately from the device, then the device size is reduced, but the portability deteriorates due to the need to wear or carry the detection unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection unit with the device by integrating vibration detection modules into the device structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate detection units that must be worn or carried, thereby maintaining portability while reducing the overall device footprint through efficient space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the user's body as the input interface, eliminating the need for separate detection equipment. The user's body naturally provides the detection surface, and the integrated vibration modules automatically capture input signals without requiring additional portable components.
3Area of stationary object
If a tactile input protrusion unit is placed on the back-face side, then the display space is reduced, but the input positioning precision decreases due to narrow pitch of input areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the input interface from a two-dimensional display surface to a three-dimensional body surface. By detecting vibrations at multiple positions along the user's body (hand, arm, shoulder), the system achieves high positioning precision without requiring large display space, as the body provides a naturally scaled input surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies vibration detection modules at specific local positions on the user's body (hand, arm, shoulder) rather than requiring uniform distribution across a large display area. This localized detection approach maintains high positioning precision while minimizing the overall display space requirement.
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 simplifies operations, reduces input errors, and enhances portability by eliminating the need for separate detection units and large display spaces, allowing for accurate and easy input recognition without specialized skills.
Implementation Method 1
first and second detection modules for detecting vibrations generated by a tapping operation made on a body of a user and transmitted via the body of the user
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a command input device, a mobile information device, and a command input method which can easily be operated by a user even when the input unit in the device is small. A first and a second detection modules arranged on a device which is brought into contact with a user body detect vibration caused by a tapping operation on the user body and transmitted via the user body. The position of the tapping operation on the user body is identified according to analysis data obtained by analyzing the vibration relations detected by the first and the second detection modules such as a known correspondence between a time difference between the detection timings and the position of the tapping operation on the user body. Since the user body can be used as a space for inputting a command, it is possible to secure a sufficient input space.