Method and configuration for generating haptic effects on a user device
The described configuration using a tactile transducer with magnets and coils in user devices addresses the challenge of generating realistic tactile effects in movable parts, optimizing size, energy, and cost, while providing precise haptic feedback.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PS AUDIO DESIGN
- Filing Date
- 2022-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
Smart Images
Figure 0007873239000001 
Figure 0007873239000002 
Figure 0007873239000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of user devices having a tactile effect as part of the user experience.
[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to electrically actuated transducers that can be used to convey a tactile effect to a user on one or more surfaces of a user device.
Background Art
[0003] Haptics generally refers to technologies that use forces, vibrations, and / or motions to the user to create a sense of touch. Haptics can be used in handheld user devices as an effect to make the user experience more diverse. For example, a handheld control device used as part of the user interface of many video game devices may include means for generating tactile effects such as vibration. A well-designed tactile effect can actually be used to deceive a person's sensory system so that the user believes that they feel, for example, the macroscopic movement of a button under their finger, even if there is only a relatively stable structure that undergoes short, concentrated elastic deformations or vibrations on a much smaller scale.
[0004] In order to have optimal applicability in handheld user devices, the configuration for generating a tactile effect should be small in size, consume low energy, allow for diverse ways of attaching to other structures of the device, and preferably be manufacturable at a low cost.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] It is an object to provide a method and configuration for generating a tactile effect in a user device in an optimal way. Another object is to enable the generation of a tactile effect in such parts of a user device that are movably attached. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] According to a first aspect, a configuration is provided for generating a tactile effect in a user device. The configuration comprises a first component of the user device and a second component of the user device that constitutes a handheld body of the user device. A movable mounting portion between the first component and the second component of the user device allows the user of the user device to hold the second component in their hand and move the first component relative to the second component during use of the user device. A tactile transducer generates a tactile effect for the user during the use of the user device. The tactile transducer comprises a first half and a second half and a configuration of permanent magnets, wherein at least a first permanent magnet is located in the first half and at least a second permanent magnet is located in the second half. At least one coil is located in the tactile transducer and is configured to generate a dynamic magnetic force in the tactile transducer under the influence of an electric current flowing through the coil. The first half is attached to the first component of the user device, and the second half is attached to the second component of the user device.
[0007] According to one embodiment, a second component of the user device includes a current source for supplying the current to the at least one coil.
[0008] According to the embodiment, the movable mounting portion is a swivel joint, a sliding joint, or an elastic deformation joint that allows the user to use it as a trigger to pull the first component with the fingers of the same hand that is holding the second component.
[0009] According to one embodiment, the configuration includes a detection device configured to generate a detection signal in response to a user applying force to the first part to move the first part relative to a second part. A controllable drive circuit can then generate the current to the coil in response to the control signal. A control device may be connected to the detection device and the drive circuit, and the control device is configured to generate the control signal in response to receiving the detection signal.
[0010] According to the embodiment, the detection device and the tactile transducer are different elements.
[0011] According to the embodiment, the tactile transducer is configured to also function as the detection device.
[0012] According to the embodiment, the configuration includes an electrical connection between the coil and the control device so that the control device can detect the current induced in the coil and use such detected current as the detection signal.
[0013] According to the embodiment, the first component is movable between a release position and an operating position relative to the second component. Therefore, in the release position, the first and second halves of the tactile transducer may be located at a first distance from each other. In the operating position, the first and second halves of the tactile transducer may be located at a second distance from each other, the second distance being smaller than the first distance.
[0014] According to one embodiment, the movable mounting portion is a swivel joint configured to rotate the first component relative to the second component around a pivot axis. The first and second halves of the tactile transducer can be rotationally symmetric with respect to a common axis of symmetry, and can be positioned such that the axis of symmetry coincides with the pivot axis.
[0015] According to the embodiment, the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have similarly designated magnetic poles facing each other in the configuration of the permanent magnets, and the magnetic repulsion between the similarly designated magnetic poles pushes the first component to a release position away from the second component, provided there is no intentional reaction force caused by the user.
[0016] According to a second aspect, a method is provided for generating a tactile effect in a user device. The method includes the step of a user responding to a predetermined method detected by a user using a user device comprising two components that are movably mounted together, by passing an electric current through the coils of a tactile transducer, wherein two halves of the tactile transducer are attached to one of the two components of the user device. The electric current, together with a static magnetic force produced by a permanent magnet of the tactile transducer, creates a dynamic magnetic force that generates a desired tactile effect.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the method includes the steps of detecting a predetermined movement of a first component of a user device relative to a second component of the user device, and generating the current in response to the detection.
[0018] According to one embodiment, the method includes the step of detecting a predetermined movement by detecting the current induced in the coil of the tactile transducer.
[0019] To provide a further understanding of the present invention, the accompanying drawings, which are included and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, help to illustrate the principles of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0020] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of the configuration. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the possible configurations of Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating possible uses of a separate detection device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the possible use of a converter as a detection device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram of possible locations of components in the configuration. [Figure 6] It is a diagram of other possible locations of components in the configuration. [Figure 7] It is a diagram of the configuration according to the embodiment. **MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION**
[0021] This description uses the term tactile transducer. Specifically, this means a transducer described as an auditory transducer and / or a tactile transducer in any of the following previous patent or utility model applications, namely FI20195599, FI20175942, FI20205298, FI20206132, US Patent Application No. 16 / 776,428, US Patent Application No. 16 / 138,993, US Patent Application No. 16 / 427,377, EP19216516.5, GB1420483.8, GB15801194.0, CN202020145485.4, FI20215082. All of these patent or utility model applications are incorporated herein by reference.
[0022] Certain features are common to the transducers meant and described as tactile transducers herein. The transducer comprises two parts that may be called the first half and the second half. The use of the term "half" does not mean that the said parts of the transducer have equal size, mass, diameter, height, or any other dimension with respect to each other. This term is used herein only as an exemplary name for making an explicit reference to the two main parts of the transducer. Other names such as "first transducer part" and "second transducer part" may be used equally well.
[0023] The types of transducers as meant in this specification comprise a configuration of permanent magnets with at least a first permanent magnet located in a first half and at least a second permanent magnet located in a second half. The purpose of the permanent magnets is, in some cases, to create a static magnetic force together with other parts of the transducer, such as one or more surrounding cover parts made of magnetic material. The static magnetic force can be arranged, for example, such that the first and second halves of the transducer have one or more equilibrium positions where they are at a local minimum of magnetic potential energy.
[0024] Typically, the physical structure of the transducer can be arranged such that at least one of the first and second halves has a natural direction of movement in which it can move relative to the other during operation. If the general outline of the transducer is that of a box or case with an essentially flat lower part and an upper part parallel to and relatively flat with respect to the lower part, the lower part can generally be defined by the first half and the upper part can generally be defined by the second half. In such a case, the direction of the symmetry axis extending essentially vertically through the lower and upper parts can be the natural direction of movement. Thus, one or more points along the natural direction of movement are the aforementioned equilibrium positions.
[0025] Still other features common to the tactile transducers as meant in this specification are the provision of one or more coils in the transducer. At least one such coil is configured to create a dynamic magnetic force in the tactile transducer under the influence of a current flowing through the coil. There are various options for placing the coil not only with respect to the first and second halves of the transducer but also with respect to the permanent magnets making up the permanent magnet configuration. Each such option can have its own advantages and disadvantages, but for the purposes of the description here, the location of the coil, such as the exact outer shape of the permanent magnet configuration, is of little importance.
[0026] The tactile effect generated by the transducer is a result of sending a current of a desired waveform into the coil. Under the combined influence of the dynamic magnetic force created in this manner and the static magnetic force inherent in the permanent magnet configuration, relative movement occurs between the first and second halves of the transducer. Attachment of the first and second halves of the transducer to further components of the device housing the transducer further transmits this relative movement, and thus ultimately, the user perceives the result of the relative movement using their senses. The user can perceive the result of the relative movement either directly by touching at least one of those components of the user device to which at least one of the first and second halves is attached, or indirectly, such that there is one or more further components in between.
[0027] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a configuration for generating haptic effects in a user device. The configuration comprises a first component 101 and a second component 102 of the user device. Of these, the second component 102 constitutes the handheld body of the user device. This means that the second component 102 is sized and shaped to be grasped and held by a human user with one or both hands. Typically, but not always, the first component 101 is smaller than the second component 102 of the user device.
[0028] The configuration shown in Figure 1 includes a movable mounting section 103, referred to herein as a movable joint, between a first component 101 and a second component 102 of the user device. The purpose of the movable mounting section 103 is to allow the user of the user device to hold the second component 102 in their hand and move the first component 101 relative to the second component 102 during use of the user device. As an example that is not limiting to the illustrative examples, one can imagine that the user device is a game controller used by the user to play video games. In such a case, the second component 102 may be the handheld body of the game controller, while the first component 101 may be a trigger, joystick, knob, or similar user interface mechanism that can be operated by the user with one or more fingers.
[0029] The configuration includes a haptic transducer 104 for generating tactile effects for the user during the aforementioned use of the user device. The haptic transducer 104 comprises a first half 105 and a second half 106. Also provided in the haptic transducer is a configuration of permanent magnets, which is not shown in Figure 1 but has already been described. At least a first permanent magnet is located in the first half 105, and at least a second permanent magnet is located in the second half 106. Also provided in (and located in) the haptic transducer 104 is at least one coil, which is configured to generate a dynamic magnetic force in the haptic transducer 104 under the influence of a current flowing through the coil.
[0030] The first half 105 of the haptic transducer 104 is attached to the first component 101 of the user device, and the second half 106 is attached to the second component 102 of the user device. Therefore, by providing a movable mounting portion between the first component 101 and the second component 102 of the user device, the first half 105 of the haptic transducer 104 moves together with the first component 101 of the user device, and the second half 106 of the haptic transducer 104 moves together with the second component 102 of the user device.
[0031] The attachment of the first half 105 to the first part 101 in one hand and the attachment of the second half 106 to the second part 102 in the other hand means that the user can feel the tactile effects generated by the haptic transducer 104 in either or both of the first part 101 and the second part 102. Following the illustrated example above, if the user device is a game controller and the first part 101 is a trigger, the user can feel, for example, the vibrating effect of movement and / or a sensation of deceiving the sensory system while pulling the trigger.
[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of specific, more detailed parts of the configuration according to the embodiment. The first half 105 and the second half 106 of the haptic transducer are shown as parts of the first part 101 and the second part 102 of the user device. Both the first permanent magnet 201 and the second permanent magnet 202, each located in each half of the haptic transducer, have a rough contour of a relatively flat plate or sphere. The polarity of the permanent magnets is schematically shown in shading. In this embodiment, the similarly designated magnetic poles of the first and second permanent magnets face each other in the configuration of the permanent magnets. This has the obvious consequence that part of the resulting static magnetic force is a repulsive force that tries to push the first half 105 of the haptic transducer away from the second half 106.
[0033] As can be seen from many of the patent applications previously mentioned and incorporated herein by reference, other structures, such as cover components of a haptic transducer, can direct the magnetic field to create a balanced attractive magnetic force. Since the magnitudes of both the repulsive and attractive forces depend on distance, these forces together can produce one or more equilibrium positions where the net magnetic force in the direction of movement is zero. However, the repulsive force mentioned above may be used as an addition or replacement for a return spring. In such embodiments, the magnetic repulsion between similarly designated poles of a permanent magnet pushes the first component to a released position away from the second component, provided there is no intentional reaction force induced by the user. Such functionality may be particularly useful if the first component 101 of the user device is a spring, joystick, knob, or other mechanism that is designed to always return to a released position when not actively operated by the user.
[0034] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the coil 203 has the shape of a relatively flat ring surrounding the second permanent magnet 202. As there are many other locations for the permanent magnet, many other shapes are possible for the coil. In non-limiting examples, the coil may be superimposed on or below one or more of the permanent magnets, or the coil may be located at an opening in the center of a ring-shaped permanent magnet, or in the center of a set of ring-shaped permanent magnets.
[0035] Another feature shown in the embodiment of Figure 2 is the provision of a current source 204 in a second component 102 of the user device. Since the second component 102 constitutes the handheld body of the user device and is typically larger than the first component 101, placing the current source 204 in the second component allows for greater structural design freedom in the user device than attempting to cram the current source 204 into the first component 101. If the second component 102 is further connected to a larger device, such as when there is a power cord between the second component 102 and such a larger device, the current source 204 can be conceptually considered as a path for current through the second component 102, even if the actual original source of current is further away. For design simplification, it is advantageous to have a coil 203 located in the half of a haptic transducer attached to the user device component housing the current source 204. However, this is not always a necessary requirement, as various connector means can be used to power the coil even from components of different configurations.
[0036] The exact nature of the movable mounting portion 103 between the first part 101 and the second part 102 of the user device is not particularly important. It could be, for example, a slewing joint, a sliding joint, or an elastic deformation joint. As already mentioned earlier, one possible reason for providing such a movable mounting portion is to allow the user to use it as a trigger to pull the first part 101 with the fingers of the same hand holding the second part 102.
[0037] Figure 3 shows an example of connections between some possible further components of the configuration. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the configuration includes a detection device 301 configured to generate a detection signal in response to a user applying force to the first component 101 to move the first component 101 relative to the second component 102. Also included in the configuration is a controllable drive circuit 302 for generating current to a coil in the second component 102 in response to a control signal. A control device 303 is connected to the detection device 301 and the drive circuit 302. The control device 303 is configured to generate the control signal in response to receiving the detection signal.
[0038] The embodiment shown in Figure 3 has the advantage that a control device 303, which may be, for example, a microprocessor or microcontroller, can timely determine the generation of haptic feedback to the user in a precise manner by referring to how the user uses the user device. Referring again to the trigger example, the detection device 301 can inform the control device 303 when, how far, and / or how fast the user pulls the trigger. The control device 303 can then instruct the drive device to generate an electric current that will cause the user to feel the appropriate haptic feedback resulting from such action of the trigger.
[0039] The detection device 301 and the tactile transducer can be different elements of the user device, as suggested by their separate depiction in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows another alternative in which the tactile transducer 104 is configured to also function as a detection device. Such embodiments can take advantage of the fact that relative movement of a first and second part of the user device, such as pulling a trigger, results in a corresponding relative movement of the first and second halves of the tactile transducer 104. This further implies a relative movement of at least one of the permanent magnets in a permanent magnet configuration relative to a coil, which can induce a current of detectable magnitude and direction in the coil. There may be an electrical connection between the coil and the control device so that the control device can detect the current induced into the coil. If the control device 303 has suitable means for detecting such a current, that current can also be used as the detection signal mentioned earlier.
[0040] Figure 5 shows an example of a broad classification of possible embodiments in which the first component 101 is movable relative to the second component 102 between a release position (shown on the left in Figure 5) and an operating position (shown on the right). In the release position, the first half 105 and the second half 106 of the haptic transducer are located at a first distance from each other. In the operating position, the first half 105 and the second half 106 of the haptic transducer are located at a second distance from each other. Of these, the second distance is smaller than the first distance. The idea here is that the actual operating position of the haptic transducer (i.e., the relative position of the first and second halves that facilitates the effective generation of haptic effects) should occur at the operating position of the first component 101, because it is more likely that haptic feedback will be provided when the user is operating the movable first component 101 than when it is not.
[0041] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the movement of the first part 101 relative to the second part 102 is a pivotal movement around the axis 501. However, the same principle can be easily applied, for example, to linear movement in which the first part slides along a pair of guides or rails. The nature of the relative movement is not limited in any respect.
[0042] Figure 6 shows another embodiment in which the movable mounting is a slewing joint. The slewing joint is configured to rotate the first part 101 around a pivot axis 601 relative to the second part. The second part is not shown in Figure 6, but it is easy to understand how the slewing joint can be implemented, for example, by engaging a round shaft 602 in the first part 101 with a corresponding round hole or slot in the second part.
[0043] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the first half 105 and the second half 106 of the tactile transducer are rotationally symmetric about a common axis of symmetry 603. The term “rotational symmetry” is used herein in a broad sense to avoid considering details that are not important to the actual operation, such as the location of the input and output wires connecting the coils in the transducer to an external current source. The first half 105 and the second half 106 of the tactile transducer are positioned on their axis of symmetry 603, which coincides with the pivot axis 601. This has the advantage that the shape factors affecting the operation of the tactile transducer do not change at all during operation. Thus, all kinds of tactile effects can be generated regardless of whether the user operates the first part 101, and if so, to what extent.
[0044] Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the first component of the user device comprises a first sub-component 701 and a second sub-component 702. As previously described, the haptic transducer 104 comprises a first half and a second half. In difference from the other embodiments described earlier, the first half of the haptic transducer 104 is attached to the first sub-component 701 of the first component, and the second half is attached to the second sub-component 702 of the first component.
[0045] The first sub-component 701 and the second sub-component 702 are connected to each other via a suspension means 703. Depending on the embodiment, the suspension means 703 constitutes an elastic suspension means for moving the first sub-component 701 relative to the second sub-component 702 under the influence of the tactile effect generated by the tactile transducer 104. Another possibility is that the suspension means 703 constitutes a rigid suspension means for causing the first sub-component 701 to undergo elastic deformation under the influence of the tactile effect generated by the tactile transducer 104. Thus, the terms “elastic” and “rigid” are used herein as relative definitions. Their meanings are to be interpreted by considering whether the generated tactile effect primarily involves moving the entire first sub-component 701 relative to the second sub-component 702, or whether the generated tactile effect primarily involves (at least) the elastic deformation of the first sub-component 701.
[0046] The suspension means 703 may include elements that are elastic by form and / or material, such as a spring and / or a solid piece of elastomer material. In addition or alternatively, the suspension means 703 may include rigid mounting means, such as adhesive, screws, rivets, or welded joints. In some embodiments, the suspension means 703 may include coupling means, such as a swivel joint or a sliding joint. In one embodiment, the suspension means includes a coupling located in one direction from the tactile transducer and a spring or other elastic member in the other direction such that the movement of the first sub-part caused by the tactile transducer is essentially movement with respect to the coupling while it attempts to return to a loosened position determined by the elastic member.
[0047] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the magnetic repulsion between the two halves of the tactile transducer 104 can be used as a spring force. In other words, the first permanent magnet in the first half of the tactile transducer 104 and the second permanent magnet in the second half can have similarly designated magnetic poles that are opposite each other in the configuration of the permanent magnets. Therefore, the magnetic repulsion between the similarly designated magnetic poles pushes the first sub-component 701 to a release position away from the second sub-component 702, unless there is an intentional reaction force caused by the user.
[0048] Since the first component 101 is assumed to be relatively small compared to the second component 102 of the user device, the current source 204 is also part of the second component in the embodiment of Figure 7. The connection 704 is present to pass the current generated in the current source 204 to the coil in the tactile transducer 104. The connection 704 is advantageously constructed so as not to interfere with the movement of the first component relative to the second component. Figure 7 schematically shows how the connection 704 passes through a swivel joint, of which the shaft 602 is part. A sliding connector ring or other known means may be used in such a solution. Other methods are possible, for example, by using an area where a conductor running between the first and second components is loosely attached, preferably in a place that is well concealed.
[0049] An example of the classification of embodiments schematically shown in Figure 7 can be broadly described as a configuration for generating tactile effects in a user device comprising a first component of the user device and a second component of the user device, wherein the second component constitutes the handheld body of the user device. A movable mounting portion is provided between the first component and the second component of the user device to allow the user of the user device to hold the second component in their hand and move the first component relative to the second component during use of the user device. Consistent with other embodiments described earlier, the purpose of the tactile transducer included in the configuration is to generate tactile effects for the user during the use of the user device. In this specific classification of embodiments, the first component comprises a first subcomponent and a second subcomponent, and the tactile transducer comprises a first half and a second half. Of these, the first half is attached to the first subcomponent of the first component, and the second half is attached to the second subcomponent of the first component.
[0050] A sub-classification of the embodiment may have the first and second sub-components connected to each other via elastic suspension means for moving the first sub-component relative to the second sub-component under the influence of the tactile effect generated by the tactile transducer.
[0051] Other sub-classifications of the embodiments may have the first and second sub-components connected to each other via a rigid suspension means to cause the first sub-component to undergo elastic deformation under the influence of the tactile effect generated by the tactile transducer.
[0052] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, with advances in technology, the basic idea of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. Therefore, the present invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but may be modified within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]
[0053] 101 First part 102 Second part 103 Movable mounting part 104 Tactile Transformer 105 The first half 106 The second half 201 First permanent magnet 202 Second permanent magnet 203 Coil 204 Current supply source 301 Detection device 302 Controllable drive circuit 303 Control device 501 axis 601 Swivel axis 602 Shaft 603 Axis of Symmetry 701 First sub-component 702 Second sub-component 703 Suspension means 704 Connection
Claims
1. A configuration for generating haptic effects on a user device, The first component of the user device, The second component of the user device, which constitutes the handheld body of the user device, A movable mounting portion between the first and second parts of the user device, which is a swivel joint, a sliding joint, or an elastic deformation joint, for allowing the user of the user device to hold the second part by hand and move the first part relative to the second part during use of the user device, A haptic converter for generating haptic effects for the user during the use of the user device. The tactile transducer is equipped with, The first half and the second half, A permanent magnet configuration in which at least a first permanent magnet is located in the first half and at least a second permanent magnet is located in the second half, At least one coil located in the tactile transducer, configured to generate a dynamic magnetic field in the tactile transducer under the influence of the current flowing through the coil. The first half is attached to the first component of the user device, and the second half is attached to the second component of the user device. The above configuration is, A detection device configured to generate a detection signal in response to the user applying force to the first part to move the first part relative to the second part, A controllable drive circuit for generating the current to the coil in response to a control signal, A control device connected to the detection device and the drive circuit, the control device configured to generate the control signal in response to receiving the detection signal, Equipped with, The tactile transducer is configured to also function as the detection device.
2. The configuration according to claim 1, wherein the second component of the user device comprises a current source for supplying the current to the at least one coil.
3. The configuration according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first component, the second component, and the movable mounting portion are configured to allow the user to use the first component as a trigger to be pulled by the fingers of the same hand that is holding the second component.
4. The configuration according to claim 1, wherein an electrical connection is provided between the coil and the control device so that the control device can detect the current induced in the coil and use such detected current as the detection signal.
5. The first component is movable between a released position and an operating position relative to the second component. In the aforementioned release position, the first half and the second half of the tactile transducer are located at a first distance from each other. The configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, in the operating position, the first half and the second half of the tactile transducer are located at a second distance from each other, and the second distance is smaller than the first distance.
6. The movable mounting portion is a swivel joint configured to rotate the first component relative to the second component around a pivot axis, The configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first half and the second half of the tactile transducer are rotationally symmetric with respect to a common axis of symmetry, and are arranged such that the axis of symmetry coincides with the axis of rotation.
7. The first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have similarly designated magnetic poles facing each other in the configuration of the permanent magnets, The configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in the absence of an intentional reaction force caused by the user, the magnetic repulsion between the designated magnetic poles pushes the first component to a release position away from the second component.
8. A method for generating a haptic effect in a user device using the configuration described in any one of claims 1 to 7, - A step of generating a detection signal in response to the movement of the first component of the user device relative to the second component of the user device by the user, - A step of generating the current to the coil in response to the detection signal, - The current generates a dynamic magnetic force that produces the desired tactile effect together with the static magnetic force produced by the permanent magnet of the tactile transducer, A method that includes this.
9. The method of claim 8, comprising the step of performing the detection of a predetermined movement by detecting the current induced in the coil of the tactile transducer.