Adaptive Haptic Feedback Thresholds for Input Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with haptic feedback systems provide limited variability in tactile output, as they typically rely on fixed mechanical responses that cannot be adjusted based on user input or application-specific requirements.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a processor and input device featuring sensors to detect user input, allowing for the variation of down-stroke and up-stroke thresholds to provide adaptive haptic feedback, which can be adjusted based on factors like input force, speed, and application context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mechanical buttons or haptic actuators are used, then the device structure is simple, but the haptic feedback cannot be varied or adapted to different user inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment where the down-stroke and up-stroke thresholds are no longer fixed values but are dynamically modified based on detected input characteristics. The processor continuously adjusts these thresholds according to the rate of change of input force, enabling the haptic feedback system to adapt its behavior in real-time while maintaining the same physical actuator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the haptic actuator by dynamically adjusting the force thresholds rather than physically modifying the actuator itself. By varying the down-stroke and up-stroke thresholds based on input characteristics such as force application speed, the system achieves multiple haptic feedback modes using a single actuator, effectively changing system behavior through parameter modification rather than structural change.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single haptic actuator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide differentiated haptic feedback for different input types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the characteristics of user input (such as the rate of force application) and uses this information to dynamically adjust the haptic feedback thresholds. This closed-loop feedback enables a single actuator to provide differentiated feedback for various input types by adapting its response characteristics based on real-time input analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single haptic actuator universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions through dynamic threshold adjustment. The same physical actuator can provide different haptic feedback experiences for different input types (e.g., deliberate clicks versus accidental touches) by modifying its operational thresholds, effectively making one component serve multiple purposes.
3Measurement precision
If fixed thresholds are used for haptic feedback, then the system is easier to control, but it cannot distinguish between deliberate user input and accidental touches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing baseline down-stroke and up-stroke thresholds before actual user input occurs. These thresholds serve as reference values that are then dynamically adjusted based on the characteristics of the detected input. This preliminary setup enables the system to quickly evaluate whether an input is deliberate or accidental by comparing it against pre-established criteria and making real-time adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is related to a computer for providing output to a user. The computer includes a processor and an input device in communication with the processor. The input device includes a feedback surface and at least one sensor in communication with the feedback surface, the at least one sensor configured to detect a user input to the feedback surface. The processor varies a down-stroke threshold based on a first factor and varies an up-stroke threshold based on a second factor. The down-stroke threshold determines a first output of the computing device, the up-stroke threshold determines a second output of the computing device, and at least one of the first factor or the second factor are determined based on the user input.