3D Tactile Feedback Apparatus with Segmented Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D tactile feedback apparatuses lack precision in providing accurate magnitude and texture of force, leading to ineffective haptic feedback when controlling robots or objects in virtual spaces.
Innovation Solution
A 3D tactile feedback apparatus comprising a tactile feedback providing unit, a position measuring unit, and a movement controlling unit that independently controls the tactile feedback providing unit in X, Y, and Z axial directions, using sensors and actuators to accurately position and shape the feedback based on user input, ensuring precise tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 3D tactile feedback apparatus is used to provide haptic feedback, then the user experience is enhanced, but the precision and accuracy of the tactile feedback magnitude and texture are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile feedback providing unit is divided into multiple independent actuators (first actuator, second actuator, third actuator, fourth actuator) that can be controlled independently along different axes (X-axis and Y-axis). This segmentation allows precise control of feedback magnitude and texture by adjusting each actuator's contribution, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability of haptic feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including the position of the tactile feedback providing unit (measured by position measuring unit), the magnitude of force applied by each actuator, and the texture characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on user input and measured position, the system achieves both high precision and reliability in tactile feedback.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tactile feedback providing unit is controlled in multiple directions (X, Y, Z axes), then the 3D tactile feedback capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control loops for each actuator and axis. The movement controlling unit controls the first and second actuators along the X-axis, while the third and fourth actuators operate along the Y-axis. This segmented control architecture enables 3D tactile feedback capability while managing complexity through modular, independent control of each directional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The position measuring unit serves multiple functions: it measures the position of the tactile feedback providing unit, determines the magnitude of tactile feedback, and provides feedback for closed-loop control. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full 3D tactile feedback capability.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the tactile feedback providing unit, then the position measurement accuracy is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The position measuring unit combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated component that measures horizontal position by detecting the position of the tactile feedback providing unit. This merging of measurement functions achieves high position measurement accuracy while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The position measuring unit acts as an intermediary between the tactile feedback providing unit and the movement controlling unit. It measures horizontal position and provides this information to the movement controlling unit, which then adjusts actuator positions accordingly. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall control architecture while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional (3D) tactile feedback apparatus and method for implementing the same may include a tactile feedback providing unit which provides a 3D tactile feedback, in response to a motion input by a user, a position measuring unit which measures a position of the tactile feedback providing unit, and a movement controlling unit which controls a movement of the tactile feedback providing unit based on the position of the tactile feedback providing unit.