Virtual Input Keys via Acoustic Touch Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in controlling complex mobile gaming actions on smartphones due to the limitations of using only two thumbs on touch screens, and existing solutions like game grips and joysticks are inconvenient as they require additional hardware and installation.

Innovation Solution

An add-on-free Man-Machine Interface (MMI) is provided by creating virtual input keys on the housing of mobile electronic devices, utilizing audio receivers to detect touch events through reference signals, allowing for more flexible interactions without additional hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hardware add-ons like game grips and joysticks are provided, then more fingers can press action buttons simultaneously, but the device complexity increases and requires additional installation steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to press multiple action buttons simultaneouslyVSAvoidadditional hardware components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary acoustic field between the user's finger and the touchscreen surface. By detecting acoustic signals generated when fingers press the touchscreen, the system can identify press locations and simulate additional input keys without physical hardware add-ons, thus resolving the contradiction between operational capability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware add-on system (game grips, joysticks, physical buttons) with an acoustic detection system. Instead of adding mechanical components to enable multi-point input, the system uses acoustic signal processing to detect finger presses on the existing touchscreen, eliminating the need for additional mechanical hardware while maintaining enhanced operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hardware add-ons are installed, then more input capabilities are available, but the installation process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput capabilities for gamingVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the touchscreen to serve itself by using its existing acoustic reception capability to detect finger presses. The system processes acoustic signals generated during normal touchscreen interaction to identify press locations, allowing the device to provide enhanced gaming input capabilities without requiring external installation or configuration of additional hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the existing touchscreen serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display interface and the input detection mechanism. By utilizing the touchscreen's inherent acoustic properties to detect finger presses, the system provides both standard touchscreen functionality and enhanced gaming input capabilities through a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate hardware installations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If only touch screen GUI is used, then the device remains simple, but users cannot perform complex gaming actions with multiple simultaneous inputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of device structureVSAvoidability to perform complex gaming actions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for complex mechanical input devices with an acoustic detection system that leverages the existing touchscreen structure. By detecting acoustic signals generated during finger presses, the system can identify multiple simultaneous input locations without adding mechanical complexity, thus maintaining device simplicity while enabling complex gaming actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary between the user's finger and the touchscreen controller. This acoustic mediator allows the system to detect press locations and simulate additional input keys without modifying the physical structure of the device, maintaining simplicity while enhancing operational capability for complex gaming actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 users to perform complex gaming actions with greater ease and convenience by detecting touch events on virtual input keys, enhancing the gaming experience without the need for external hardware.

Implementation Method 1

an audio receiver (e.g., a microphone) within the mobile electronic apparatus to receive a reference signal output by an audio output device (e.g., a speaker). Based on the reference signal received via the extra hole, a touch event occurring on the extra hole may be detected.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS11291910B2Apparatuses and methods for providing a virtual input key

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 INTERLINK SILICON SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A mobile electronic apparatus including an audio receiver and a controller is provided. The audio receiver receives a reference signal via a first hole and a second hole on a housing of the mobile electronic apparatus. The controller detects a touch event on the second hole according to the received reference signal.