Virtual Touchpad for Single-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices are not customizable and often require both hands to use, making them awkward for users regardless of handedness and increasing the size of portable devices, which affects portability, ergonomics, and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A virtual touchpad system for touch devices that dynamically adjusts its location, size, and appearance based on user input and spatial relationships, allowing single-handed operation and customizable interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hardware input device is added to a touch device, then input functionality is provided, but the device size increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of a physical touchpad on the touchscreen display. This virtual touchpad replicates the functionality of a hardware input device using software-based touch sensitivity detection, eliminating the need for additional physical components while maintaining input capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware touchpad system with a software-based virtual touchpad that utilizes the touchscreen's existing capacitive or resistive sensing capabilities. This substitution eliminates mechanical parts while achieving the same input device function
2Ease of operation
If a fixed-position hardware input device is used, then input functionality is provided, but the device becomes awkward for users with different handedness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual touchpad that can change its position, size, and orientation based on user preferences and usage context. The touchpad can be relocated to different areas of the screen and resized to accommodate different hand sizes and usage scenarios, making it adaptable for both right-handed and left-handed users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows modification of key parameters including the touchpad's screen position coordinates, dimensions, orientation angle, and sensitivity level. These parameters can be adjusted through settings or dynamically changed based on detected usage patterns, enabling customization for different user preferences and handedness
3Ease of operation
If a hardware input device is included in a portable device, then input functionality is provided, but ergonomics and convenience are negatively influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of a physical touchpad on the touchscreen display. This virtual touchpad replicates the functionality of a hardware input device using software-based touch sensitivity detection, eliminating the need for additional physical components while maintaining input capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the touchscreen serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display surface and the input sensing surface. By detecting touch gestures directly on the display, the system eliminates the need for separate input hardware, reducing overall device weight while maintaining input functionality
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and computer program product are disclosed to provide a virtual touchpad for a touch device. A placement module places a virtual touchpad at a dynamic location within a touch sensitive area of a touch device. A touch input module positions a pointer on a screen of the touch device in response to a touch input on the virtual touchpad.