WO2009035184A1 - Method for implementing touch pad using tactile sensor - Google Patents

Method for implementing touch pad using tactile sensor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009035184A1
WO2009035184A1 PCT/KR2007/005672 KR2007005672W WO2009035184A1 WO 2009035184 A1 WO2009035184 A1 WO 2009035184A1 KR 2007005672 W KR2007005672 W KR 2007005672W WO 2009035184 A1 WO2009035184 A1 WO 2009035184A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tactile sensor
center point
touching
force
mouse cursor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2007/005672
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jong-Ho Kim
Hyun-Joon Kwon
Yon-Kyu Park
Min-Seok Kim
Dae-Im Kang
Jae-Hyuk Choi
Original Assignee
Korea Research Institute Of Standards And Science
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
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Application filed by Korea Research Institute Of Standards And Science filed Critical Korea Research Institute Of Standards And Science
Publication of WO2009035184A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009035184A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/0414—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using force sensing means to determine a position
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03547—Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/0414—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using force sensing means to determine a position
    • G06F3/04144—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using force sensing means to determine a position using an array of force sensing means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • G06F3/04883—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • G06F3/04886—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for implementing a touch pad that uses a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors to provide a mouse function to allow free X and Y-direction movements and rotations of a cursor on a screen and a character input and font face change function so that the touch pad can be used as an interface device for mobile appliances that tend to be slim.
  • Computer systems employ various types of input units to perform input operations. These operations generally include cursor movement and selection on a display screen and provide functions such as page turning, scrolling, panning, and zooming.
  • Well-known input units include a button, a switch, a mouse, a trackball, etc.
  • the button and switch are generally mechanical so that they are limited in their control to move the cursor or make selections.
  • the button or switch provides only a function to move the cursor in a specific direction using a key such as an arrow direction key or to make a specific selection using a key such as an enter key, delete key or number key.
  • an input pointer is moved according to the relative movement of the mouse.
  • the input pointer is moved according to the relative movement of the trackball.
  • Text messages which users of mobile appliances send using keypads, generally contain letters in a uniform font face without incorporating their emotion.
  • a touch pad which has both a mouse function, which allows users to freely move the cursor through force-based detection of touch states, and an input device function which allows users to input letters and to change the font face.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for implementing a touch pad that uses a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors to provide a mouse function to allow free X and Y-direction movements and rotations of a cursor on a screen and a character input and font face change function so that the touch pad can be used as an interface device for mobile appliances that tend to be slim.
  • the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a method for implementing a touch pad algorithm for mobile appliances to process a touch input using a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors, wherein the touch pad algorithm performs a mouse function which calculates a center point and magnitude of touching force of the tactile sensor and uses a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor obtained based on the calculated center point and a character input function which uses touching of the tactile sensor.
  • the implementation of the algorithm for the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using the center point of force in the method for implementing the touch pad using the tactile sensor includes the steps of calculating a center point (X 1 C , Y 1 C ) of a touched area when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after a specific time (i) elapses, terminating the algorithm when touching of the tactile sensor is not detected after a specific time (i+1) elapses and calculating a center point (X 1+1 C/ Y 1+1 c) of a touched area when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after the specific time (i+1) elapses, and calculating a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor using the calculated center points (X 1 C , Y X c) and (X 1+1 C Y i+1 c ) of the touched areas.
  • direction of the mouse cursor may be based on ,
  • the implementation of an algorithm for the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using the center point of force in the method for implementing the touch pad using the tactile sensor includes the steps of calculating a center point (X 1 C , Y 1 C ) of a touched area of the tactile sensor after a specific time (i) elapses, calculating a center point ( X 1 , y t ) of the touched area changed based on momentum in consideration of the calculated center point of the touched area and a distribution of the force, terminating the algorithm when touching of the tactile sensor is not detected after a specific time (i+1) elapses and calculating a center point (X 1+1 C , Y 1+1 C ) of a touched area of the tactile sensor when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after the specific time (i+1) elapses, calculating a center point ⁇ x M ,y M ) of the touched area changed based on momentum in consideration of the calculated center point of the
  • touching can be detected as a click if a detected force magnitude corresponds to an impulse signal or if a Z-axis magnitude detected through each sensor is equal to or greater than a reference level.
  • a click detection region and a scroll region are set in the tactile sensor such that, when touching of the click detection region is detected, a corresponding file is opened or closed and, when touching of the scroll region is detected, it is determined whether or not subsequent touching has occurred and a scroll function is then performed according to the determination .
  • the character input function using touching of the tactile sensor provides a function to change the thickness or color of a character according to the magnitude of force pressing the tactile sensor and to change a font face according to the speed of movement in contact with the tactile sensor.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the concept of a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to the invention when it is mounted on a mobile device to allow the user to freely move a cursor as if it is a conventional PC mouse;
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating sequential processes of a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to an aspect of the invention
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 are graphs showing the relation of a cursor moving distance to the magnitude of force in a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to an aspect of the invention
  • FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating sequential processes of a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to another aspect of the invention.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the concept of a modification of the method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to another aspect of the invention
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 are graphs showing the relation of a cursor moving distance to the magnitude of force in a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to an aspect of the invention
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the concept of modifications of the method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to various aspects of the invention
  • FIG. 13 illustrates an example application of the method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to the invention
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a photograph of a manufactured touch pad applied to a method for implementing a touch pad algorithm using a tactile sensor according to the invention.
  • a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor provides a method for implementing an algorithm that processes a touch input using a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors. This method is to calculate the center point and magnitude of touching force of the tactile sensor and to implement an algorithm for the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using the calculated center point in order to provide a mouse function and to implement a touch input information algorithm that provides a character input function through the touching trace and force of the tactile sensor.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the concept of a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to the invention when it is mounted on a mobile device to allow the user to freely move a cursor as if it is a conventional PC mouse.
  • the tactile sensor-based touch pad according to the invention can perform character recognition and transmission of a font face containing the user's emotion using the touching trace and force.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating sequential processes of a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to an aspect of the invention
  • the implementation of the algorithm for the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using the center point of force in the method for implementing the touch pad using the tactile sensor includes the steps of calculating a center point (X 1 C, Y 1 C) of a touched area when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after a specific time (i) elapses, terminating the algorithm when touching of the tactile sensor is not detected after a specific time (i+1) elapses and calculating a center point (X 1+1 C , Y 1+1 J of a touched area when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after the specific time (i+1) elapses, and calculating a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor using the calculated center points (X 1 C , Y 1 C ) and (X i+1 c , Y 1+1 C ) of the touched areas.
  • the moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor uses the calculated center points (X 1 C , Y 1 C ) and (X i+1 c , Y 1+1 C ) of the
  • ®XH ⁇ direction of the mouse cursor may be based on ,
  • the moving distance of the mouse cursor on the screen based on the relation of the moving distance of the cursor to the magnitude of the force
  • as shown in FIG. 5 it is possible not only to quickly move the mouse cursor on the screen but also to finely move the mouse cursor, thereby achieving smooth movement of the mouse cursor.
  • FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating sequential processes of a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to another aspect of the invention.
  • the implementation of an algorithm for the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using the center point of force in the method for implementing the touch pad using the tactile sensor according to this aspect of the invention includes the steps of calculating a center point (X 1 C , Y 1 C) of a touched area of the tactile sensor after a specific time (i) elapses, calculating a center point ( x,,y, ) of the touched area changed based on momentum in consideration of the calculated center point of the touched area and a distribution of the force, terminating the algorithm when touching of the tactile sensor is not detected after a specific time (i+1) elapses and calculating a center point (X 1+1 C , Y 1+1 c ) of a touched area of the tactile sensor when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after the specific time (i+1) elapses, calculating a center point
  • the touch center point is calculated using
  • FIG. 8 the momentum-based center point in consideration of the
  • the moving distance of the mouse cursor can be obtained from the relation of the moving distance of the mouse cursor to the magnitude of each coordinate in consideration of momentum as shown in FIG. 9.
  • using the relation of the moving speed of the cursor in units of pixels to the magnitude of the force of the coordinates in consideration of momentum as shown in FIG. 10 it is possible not only to quickly move the mouse cursor on the screen but also to finely move the mouse cursor since movement between pixels is detected, thereby achieving smooth movement of the mouse cursor.
  • touching is detected as a click if the magnitude of force detected by the touching corresponds to an impulse signal or if a Z-axis magnitude detected through each sensor is equal to or greater than a reference level.
  • a click detection region and a scroll region may also be set in the interface device using the tactile sensor as shown in FIG. 12 such that, when touching of the click detection region is detected, a corresponding file is opened or closed and, when touching of the scroll region is detected, it is determined whether or not subsequent touching has occurred and a scroll function is performed according to the corresponding moving direction of the mouse cursor.
  • character recognition can be performed based on the touching trace and the font face can be changed based on both the magnitude of force pressing the touch pad including a tactile sensor and the speed of movement in contact with the touch pad as shown in FIG. 13.
  • the thickness or color of each character can be changed according to the magnitude of force pressing the touch pad including the tactile sensor and the font face can be changed according to the speed of movement in contact with the touch pad.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a manufactured touch pad for mobile appliances using a tactile sensor with a 10x10 force sensor array.
  • the present invention implements a touch pad for mobile appliances that uses a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors to detect force applied to the interface device to provide a mouse function to allow free X and Y-direction movements and rotations of a cursor on a screen and a character input and font face change function.
  • the touch pad according to the invention can be used as an interface device for slim mobile appliances such as mobile phones and thus can replace an existing mouse or joystick with the tactile sensor so that it can be applied to a GUI environment .

Abstract

A method for implementing a touch pad is provided. The method uses a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors to provide a mouse function to allow free X and Y-direction movements and rotations of a cursor on a screen and a character input and font face change function. The method for implementing the touch pad provides a method for implementing an algorithm that processes a touch input using a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors. This method is to implement a touch input information algorithm that calculates the center point and magnitude of touching force of the tactile sensor to provide a mouse function using the moving distance and direction of a cursor calculated from the center point and to provide a character input function using touching of the tactile sensor and a function to change the font face by detecting the touching force of the user.

Description

METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING TOUCH PAD USING TACTILE SENSOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for implementing a touch pad that uses a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors to provide a mouse function to allow free X and Y-direction movements and rotations of a cursor on a screen and a character input and font face change function so that the touch pad can be used as an interface device for mobile appliances that tend to be slim.
Description of the Related Art Currently, computer systems employ various types of input units to perform input operations. These operations generally include cursor movement and selection on a display screen and provide functions such as page turning, scrolling, panning, and zooming. Well-known input units include a button, a switch, a mouse, a trackball, etc.
The button and switch are generally mechanical so that they are limited in their control to move the cursor or make selections. For example, the button or switch provides only a function to move the cursor in a specific direction using a key such as an arrow direction key or to make a specific selection using a key such as an enter key, delete key or number key.
When the user moves the mouse along the surface, an input pointer is moved according to the relative movement of the mouse. When the user moves the trackball within the housing, the input pointer is moved according to the relative movement of the trackball.
Notebooks generally have a touch pad to allow the user to freely control a cursor on the screen by touching the screen with their finger. However, it is difficult for mobile appliances, which are spatially limited, to employ the touch pad since the touch pad uses touch detection to move the cursor. It is still not easy to apply the thick input device to recent mobile appliances which tend to be slim, especially in terms of their GUI environment design.
It is also not easy for middle-aged and elderly people to operate the conventional keypad on the mobile appliance to send a text message to their counterpart. Thus, some recent mobile appliances are equipped with a touch pad with character recognition. However, all existing mobile appliance send a text message with letters (or characters) in a uniform text format to the counterpart so that the counterpart receiving the text message cannot feel emotion of the user. Therefore, there is a need to provide a touch pad with a function to allow users to deliver their emotion to the counterpart when they exchange text messages, specifically a function to allow users to change, when they enter letters, the font face of the letters based on a change in the contact force of a tactile sensor. For reference, there is a need for the conventional keypad to change the color and thickness of letters according to the magnitude of force pressing the keys. There is also a need to set the font face to italic depending on the speed of pressing keys on the keypad (i.e., the typing speed). Text messages, which users of mobile appliances send using keypads, generally contain letters in a uniform font face without incorporating their emotion.
Accordingly, there is a need to develop a touch pad which has both a mouse function, which allows users to freely move the cursor through force-based detection of touch states, and an input device function which allows users to input letters and to change the font face.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for implementing a touch pad that uses a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors to provide a mouse function to allow free X and Y-direction movements and rotations of a cursor on a screen and a character input and font face change function so that the touch pad can be used as an interface device for mobile appliances that tend to be slim.
In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a method for implementing a touch pad algorithm for mobile appliances to process a touch input using a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors, wherein the touch pad algorithm performs a mouse function which calculates a center point and magnitude of touching force of the tactile sensor and uses a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor obtained based on the calculated center point and a character input function which uses touching of the tactile sensor.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the implementation of the algorithm for the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using the center point of force in the method for implementing the touch pad using the tactile sensor includes the steps of calculating a center point (X1 C, Y1 C) of a touched area when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after a specific time (i) elapses, terminating the algorithm when touching of the tactile sensor is not detected after a specific time (i+1) elapses and calculating a center point (X1+1C/ Y1+1c) of a touched area when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after the specific time (i+1) elapses, and calculating a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor using the calculated center points (X1 C, YXc) and (X1+1 C Yi+1 c) of the touched areas.
Here, the moving distance and direction of the mouse
cursor are calculated, respectively, from magnitude and sign
components m equations AX' = k'+i Z'+i (X"1 - Xc') and
Figure imgf000007_0001
, where "k" and "Z" are a proportionality
constant and the magnitude of force pressing the touch pad at
time (i+1) , respectively.
The method for calculating the moving distance and
Figure imgf000007_0002
direction of the mouse cursor may be based on ,
Figure imgf000007_0003
, where (Xc, Yc) is the center point of a touched area of the tactile sensor and "Z" is the
magnitude of force pressing the touch pad.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the implementation of an algorithm for the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using the center point of force in the method for implementing the touch pad using the tactile sensor according to this aspect of the invention includes the steps of calculating a center point (X1 C, Y1 C) of a touched area of the tactile sensor after a specific time (i) elapses, calculating a center point ( X1, yt ) of the touched area changed based on momentum in consideration of the calculated center point of the touched area and a distribution of the force, terminating the algorithm when touching of the tactile sensor is not detected after a specific time (i+1) elapses and calculating a center point (X1+1 C, Y1+1 C) of a touched area of the tactile sensor when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after the specific time (i+1) elapses, calculating a center point {xM,yM ) of the touched area changed based on momentum in consideration of the calculated center point of the touched area and a distribution of the force, and calculating a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor using the momentum- based center points ( X15J,- ) and ( xM,yi+l ) calculated in consideration of the calculated center points (X1 C, Y1 C) and (X1+1 C, Y1+1 c) of the touched areas and the force distributions. Here, the moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor are calculated, respectively, from magnitude and sign components in equations AX' = kM xM (X^ - Xe') and
Δ7' = k i+\ s v i+ ,1 ( VY c1+1 - F c ) J .' The touch center point is calculated using
Figure imgf000009_0001
and
Figure imgf000009_0002
and the momentum-based center point in
consideration of the Z-direction force is calculated using
ffixJf)XdA _ ®Ax,y)ydA
Figure imgf000009_0003
Alternatively, the momentum-based center point in
consideration of the force distribution is calculated by
finding coordinates ( x,y ) which give the maximum value of a Z
function expressed using
" Z = f(x,y) = βo+βιx+β2y+βux2+j322y2+βuxy )" obtained by fitting
the force distribution of the tactile sensor to a quadratic
polynomial in variables x and y. Here, βij is a fitting
constant.
In the method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor, touching can be detected as a click if a detected force magnitude corresponds to an impulse signal or if a Z-axis magnitude detected through each sensor is equal to or greater than a reference level.
In a method for implementing a mouse using a tactile sensor, a click detection region and a scroll region are set in the tactile sensor such that, when touching of the click detection region is detected, a corresponding file is opened or closed and, when touching of the scroll region is detected, it is determined whether or not subsequent touching has occurred and a scroll function is then performed according to the determination .
The character input function using touching of the tactile sensor provides a function to change the thickness or color of a character according to the magnitude of force pressing the tactile sensor and to change a font face according to the speed of movement in contact with the tactile sensor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates the concept of a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to the invention when it is mounted on a mobile device to allow the user to freely move a cursor as if it is a conventional PC mouse;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating sequential processes of a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to an aspect of the invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates the concept of a method for implementing a mouse algorithm using a force distribution function Z=f(x, y) when the tactile sensor is touched according to the aspect of the invention; FIGS. 4 and 5 are graphs showing the relation of a cursor moving distance to the magnitude of force in a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to an aspect of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating sequential processes of a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to another aspect of the invention;
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the concept of a modification of the method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to another aspect of the invention; FIGS. 9 and 10 are graphs showing the relation of a cursor moving distance to the magnitude of force in a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to an aspect of the invention;
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the concept of modifications of the method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to various aspects of the invention;
FIG. 13 illustrates an example application of the method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to the invention; and FIG. 14 illustrates a photograph of a manufactured touch pad applied to a method for implementing a touch pad algorithm using a tactile sensor according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to the present invention provides a method for implementing an algorithm that processes a touch input using a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors. This method is to calculate the center point and magnitude of touching force of the tactile sensor and to implement an algorithm for the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using the calculated center point in order to provide a mouse function and to implement a touch input information algorithm that provides a character input function through the touching trace and force of the tactile sensor.
FIG. 1 illustrates the concept of a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to the invention when it is mounted on a mobile device to allow the user to freely move a cursor as if it is a conventional PC mouse. The tactile sensor-based touch pad according to the invention can perform character recognition and transmission of a font face containing the user's emotion using the touching trace and force.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating sequential processes of a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to an aspect of the invention and FIG. 3 illustrates the concept of an algorithm for calculating the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using a force distribution function Z=f (x, y) with respect to a touched position when the tactile sensor is touched according to the aspect of the invention.
First, referring to FIG. 2, the implementation of the algorithm for the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using the center point of force in the method for implementing the touch pad using the tactile sensor includes the steps of calculating a center point (X1C, Y1C) of a touched area when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after a specific time (i) elapses, terminating the algorithm when touching of the tactile sensor is not detected after a specific time (i+1) elapses and calculating a center point (X1+1 C, Y1+1J of a touched area when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after the specific time (i+1) elapses, and calculating a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor using the calculated center points (X1 C, Y1 C) and (Xi+1 c, Y1+1 C) of the touched areas. Here, the moving distance and direction of the mouse
cursor are calculated, respectively, from magnitude and sign
components in equations AX'
Figure imgf000014_0001
-Xc') and
Figure imgf000014_0002
, where "k" and "Z" are a proportionality
constant and the magnitude of force pressing the touch pad at
time (i+1) , respectively.
The method for calculating the moving distance and
®XHΛ
Figure imgf000014_0003
direction of the mouse cursor may be based on ,
Figure imgf000014_0004
, where (Xc, Yc) is the center point of a touched area of the tactile sensor and "Z" is the
magnitude of force pressing the touch pad using a force
distribution function f(x,y).
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the moving distance of the mouse cursor on the screen based on the relation of the moving distance of the cursor to the magnitude of the force |Z| as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, using the relation of the moving speed of the cursor in units of pixels to the magnitude of the force |Z| as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible not only to quickly move the mouse cursor on the screen but also to finely move the mouse cursor, thereby achieving smooth movement of the mouse cursor.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating sequential processes of a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to another aspect of the invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the implementation of an algorithm for the moving distance and direction of a mouse cursor using the center point of force in the method for implementing the touch pad using the tactile sensor according to this aspect of the invention includes the steps of calculating a center point (X1 C, Y1C) of a touched area of the tactile sensor after a specific time (i) elapses, calculating a center point ( x,,y, ) of the touched area changed based on momentum in consideration of the calculated center point of the touched area and a distribution of the force, terminating the algorithm when touching of the tactile sensor is not detected after a specific time (i+1) elapses and calculating a center point (X1+1 C, Y1+1 c) of a touched area of the tactile sensor when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after the specific time (i+1) elapses, calculating a center point ( xl+x,yl+l ) of the touched area changed based on momentum in consideration of the calculated center point of the touched area and a distribution of the force, and calculating a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor using the momentum- based center points ( Xx,yt ) and ( xM,yM ) calculated in consideration of the calculated center points (X1 CA Y1 C) and (X1+1 C, Y1+1 c) of the touched areas and the force distributions.
Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor are calculated, respectively, from magnitude and sign components in equations
Figure imgf000016_0001
The touch center point is calculated using
y =■z™*
ΨdA and and the momentum-based center point in
consideration of the Z-direction force is calculated using
Figure imgf000016_0002
Figure imgf000016_0003
nΨftxjyiA . Alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 8, the momentum-based center point in consideration of the
force distribution is calculated by finding coordinates ( x,y )
which give the maximum value of a Z function expressed using
" Z = f(x,y) = βo+βιx+β2y+βnx2+β22y2+βuxy )" obtained by fitting the force distribution of the tactile sensor to a quadratic
polynomial in variables x and y. Here, βi:) is a fitting
constant .
In a method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor according to another aspect of the invention, the moving distance of the mouse cursor can be obtained from the relation of the moving distance of the mouse cursor to the magnitude of each coordinate in consideration of momentum as shown in FIG. 9. In addition, according to this aspect of the invention, using the relation of the moving speed of the cursor in units of pixels to the magnitude of the force of the coordinates in consideration of momentum as shown in FIG. 10, it is possible not only to quickly move the mouse cursor on the screen but also to finely move the mouse cursor since movement between pixels is detected, thereby achieving smooth movement of the mouse cursor.
In the method for implementing the touch pad using the tactile sensor according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 11, touching is detected as a click if the magnitude of force detected by the touching corresponds to an impulse signal or if a Z-axis magnitude detected through each sensor is equal to or greater than a reference level. In the method for implementing the touch pad using the tactile sensor according to the invention, a click detection region and a scroll region may also be set in the interface device using the tactile sensor as shown in FIG. 12 such that, when touching of the click detection region is detected, a corresponding file is opened or closed and, when touching of the scroll region is detected, it is determined whether or not subsequent touching has occurred and a scroll function is performed according to the corresponding moving direction of the mouse cursor.
Further, in a method for implementing character input and font face change using a tactile sensor, character recognition can be performed based on the touching trace and the font face can be changed based on both the magnitude of force pressing the touch pad including a tactile sensor and the speed of movement in contact with the touch pad as shown in FIG. 13.
For example, the thickness or color of each character can be changed according to the magnitude of force pressing the touch pad including the tactile sensor and the font face can be changed according to the speed of movement in contact with the touch pad.
Using the tactile sensor-based touch pad makes it possible to send characters having a font face incorporating the emotion of the user, instead of sending characters having a uniform font face using the conventional keypad. FIG. 14 illustrates a manufactured touch pad for mobile appliances using a tactile sensor with a 10x10 force sensor array.
As described above, the present invention implements a touch pad for mobile appliances that uses a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors to detect force applied to the interface device to provide a mouse function to allow free X and Y-direction movements and rotations of a cursor on a screen and a character input and font face change function. Accordingly, the touch pad according to the invention can be used as an interface device for slim mobile appliances such as mobile phones and thus can replace an existing mouse or joystick with the tactile sensor so that it can be applied to a GUI environment .
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims .

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A method for implementing a touch pad using a tactile sensor including multiple force sensors to implement a touch pad algorithm for mobile appliances that uses the tactile sensor to provide a mouse function to allow free X and Y- direction movements and rotations of a mouse cursor and a character input and font face change function, wherein the mouse function calculates a center point and magnitude of touching force of the tactile sensor and uses a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor obtained based on the calculated center point and the character input function uses touching of the tactile sensor.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein an algorithm for the moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor is implemented using the center point of the force, the implementation of the algorithm including the steps of: calculating a center point
Figure imgf000020_0001
Y1C) of a touched area when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after a specific time (i) elapses; terminating the algorithm when touching of the tactile sensor is not detected after a specific time (i+1) elapses and calculating a center point (X1+1 C, Y1+1 C) of a touched area when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after the specific time (i+1) elapses; and calculating a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor using the calculated center points (X1 C? Y1C) and (X1+1 C, Y1+1 C) of the touched areas.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the moving
distance of the mouse cursor is calculated from respective
relations of the moving distance of the mouse cursor and a
moving speed of the cursor in units of pixels to magnitude
components |Z| in equations AX' - Xc') and
Figure imgf000021_0001
AY' =£'+1|z'+1|(Tc'+I-7c') , and the moving direction of the mouse
cursor is calculated from sign components in the equations.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the moving
distance and direction of the mouse cursor are calculated based
Figure imgf000021_0002
on a touch center point ( ) of the tactile sensor and the magnitude of force
Figure imgf000022_0001
using a force distribution function f (x,y) of the tactile sensor.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein an algorithm for the moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor is implemented using the center point of the force, the implementation of the algorithm including the steps of: calculating a center point (X1 C, Y1 C) of a touched area of the tactile sensor when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after a specific time (i) elapses; calculating a center point ( X1,y, ) of the touched area changed based on momentum in consideration of the calculated center point of the touched area and a distribution of the force; terminating the algorithm when touching of the tactile sensor is not detected after a specific time (i+1) elapses and calculating a center point (X1+1 C, Y1+1 C) of a touched area of the tactile sensor when touching of the tactile sensor is detected after the specific time (i+1) elapses; calculating a center point ( X1+1,y,+l ) of the touched area changed based on momentum in consideration of the calculated center point of the touched area and a distribution of the force; and calculating a moving distance and direction of the mouse cursor using the momentum-based center points ( xλ,yt ) and
( xM,yM ) calculated in consideration of the calculated center points (X1 C, Y1 C) and (X1+1 C, Y1+1 C) of the touched areas and the force distributions.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the moving
distance of the mouse cursor is calculated from respective
relations of the moving distance of the mouse cursor and a
moving speed of the cursor in units of pixels to magnitude
components x and y in equations AX' = Jc1+ X1+1 (Xc'+ -Xc') and
i and the moving direction of the mouse
Figure imgf000023_0001
cursor is calculated from sign components in the equations.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the moving
distance and direction of the mouse cursor are calculated based
Figure imgf000023_0002
on a touch center point ( ) of the tactile sensor and a center point
Figure imgf000024_0001
) in consideration of a Z- direction force distribution.
8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the moving
distance and direction of the mouse cursor are calculated based
on coordinates ( x,y ) which give the maximum value of a Z
function calculated from
" Z = f(x,y) = βo+βιx+β2y+βux2 +β22y2 +βnxy ) " obtained using a force
distribution function and a touch center point
Figure imgf000024_0002
) of the tactile sensor.
9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein touching is detected as a click if a detected force magnitude corresponds to an impulse signal or if a Z-axis magnitude detected through each sensor is equal to or greater than a reference level.
10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a click detection region and a scroll region are set in an interface device using the tactile sensor such that, when touching of the click detection region is detected, a corresponding file is opened or closed and, when touching of the scroll region is detected, it is determined whether or not subsequent touching has occurred and a scroll function is performed according to a corresponding moving direction of the mouse cursor.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the character input function using touching of the tactile sensor provides a function to change the thickness or color of a character according to the magnitude of force pressing the tactile sensor and to change a font face according to the speed of movement in contact with the tactile sensor.
PCT/KR2007/005672 2007-09-14 2007-11-12 Method for implementing touch pad using tactile sensor WO2009035184A1 (en)

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