Selector providing tactile feedback
Inventors
Assignees
Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Inc (IHMC)
Publication Number
US-11606987-B2
Publication Date
2023-03-21
Expiration Date
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Abstract
A selector configured to provide tactile feedback to the user. The selector can be incorporated into the fingertip of a glove, or many other suitable locations. Different size selectors can be provided for different application. Arrays of multiple selectors can also be provided. An embodiment of the inventive device includes a central plunger lying behind a conductive covering. A tactile surface is provided on the rear of the plunger. A compressive element is positioned to urge the plunger toward the conductive covering. When a user presses the selector against a touchscreen, the plunger is pushed away from the touchscreen and the tactile surface on the plunger presses against the user. The pressing of the tactile surface provides feedback to the user.
Core Innovation
The present invention comprises a selector configured to provide tactile feedback to the user. An embodiment of the inventive device includes a central plunger lying behind a conductive covering, a tactile surface provided on the rear of the plunger, and a compressive element positioned to urge the plunger toward the conductive covering. When a user presses the selector against a touchscreen, the plunger is pushed away from the touchscreen and the tactile surface on the plunger presses against the user, the pressing of the tactile surface providing feedback to the user.
The invention is intended for incorporation into the fingertip of a glove or many other suitable locations and may be provided in different sizes or as arrays of multiple selectors. The background identifies that the use of capacitive touch screen devices is impaired by the wearing of fabric gloves because the fabric provides an insulating layer and the lack of tactile feedback makes it difficult for the user to know how hard they are pressing; the present invention provides a tactile feedback device that addresses this problem.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains three independent claims and 13 extracted inventive features describing components and configurations that provide tactile feedback in a glove-mounted selector.
Conductive flexible layer with outward tip
A tactile selector including a conductive flexible layer having a tip extending outward from the glove.
Slidable plunger with tactile surface
A plunger slidably connected to the base, having a proximal end contacting the conductive flexible layer, a distal end proximate the base, and a tactile surface on the distal end of the plunger.
Spring element urging plunger toward tip
A spring element configured to urge the plunger toward the tip.
Conductive base contacting fingertip
A conductive base positioned to contact the fingertip, thereby providing a conductive path from the fingertip to the conductive flexible layer.
Selector actuated to provide tactile feedback upon pressing
The tactile touchscreen selector is configured such that when the fingertip presses the selector against an external surface the tactile surface is urged out of the base and against the user's fingertip, thereby providing tactile feedback.
Selector configured to engage a touchscreen and make a pick
A tactile selector configured such that when the fingertip presses the tactile selector against a touchscreen hard enough to make a pick the tactile surface is urged out of the base and against the user's fingertip, thereby providing tactile feedback.
Base providing conductive path for touchscreen interaction
The base is positioned to contact the fingertip, thereby providing a conductive path from the fingertip to the conductive flexible layer so that the user can interact with the touchscreen.
Plunger urged toward tip by spring element
A plunger slidably disposed within the base with a proximal end extending out toward the tip and a distal end proximate the base, and a spring element configured to urge the plunger toward the tip; the plunger has a tactile surface on its distal end.
Base within interior volume of glove
A base lying within the interior volume of the glove configured to house the portion of the user's hand.
Plunger with tactile surface that remains flush until force is applied
A plunger slidably connected to a base with a tactile surface on its distal end configured to remain flush with the base when the user is not exerting force on the external surface, and the tactile surface protrudes out of the base when force is exerted.
Spring element urging plunger out from glove
A spring element configured to urge the plunger out from the glove.
Selector configured to provide tactile feedback upon external force
The tactile selector is configured so that the tactile surface protrudes out of the base when the user exerts force against an external surface, thereby providing tactile feedback.
Plunger and base contained within housing bonded to glove
The base and the plunger are contained within a housing which is bonded to the glove and can be mounted in an opening in the glove.
The independent claims focus on a glove-mounted tactile selector comprising a conductive flexible layer with an outward tip, a conductive base contacting the fingertip, a slidable plunger with a tactile surface urged by a spring element, and a selector configuration that causes the tactile surface to protrude against the user's hand when the selector is pressed, enabling tactile feedback and, in touchscreen configurations, providing a conductive path to interact with the touchscreen.
Stated Advantages
Provides tactile feedback to the user when the selector is pressed.
Allows a user to interact with a touchscreen while wearing protective clothing such as gloves by providing a conductive path from the fingertip to the conductive flexible layer.
Can be provided in different sizes and as arrays of multiple selectors for different applications.
Tactile characteristics can be tuned by changing the spring element so the user perceives protrusion when a pick has been made.
Small size (example outer diameter about 8 mm and depth about 8 mm) makes the device easy to add in many suitable locations.
Can be configured to provide only tactile feedback without conductivity when touchscreen interaction is not required.
Documented Applications
Incorporation into the fingertip region of a glove to allow interaction with a touchscreen while wearing protective gloves.
Placement of multiple tactile touchscreen selectors on a single glove for multi-point contact (e.g., zooming and reorientation operations).
Use of selectors on the back trank of a glove to make selections with the back of the hand.
Provision of smaller selectors along the side of the index finger to indicate hand position against a lateral stop in hand-on-throttle applications.
Application to slip-on flight gloves used by military pilots and to pressurized gloves sealed to a pressure suit.
Use in locations other than gloves and in many other suitable garments or locations.
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