Multi-Mode Haptic Feedback for Aircraft Touch Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic feedback in aircraft user interfaces is unsuitable due to display size and physical environment constraints, leading to inadequate user interaction in avionics systems.
Innovation Solution
A user interface system with a touch screen panel coupled to first and second actuators, operating in distinct modes to generate non-overlapping haptic feedback nodes, ensuring consistent tactile responses across the entire panel, even in environments prone to vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional haptic feedback is used in aircraft user interfaces, then user interaction is simplified, but the feedback is inconsistent and has dead spots due to display size and environmental constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the haptic feedback system into multiple independent actuators (first actuator and second actuator) that operate in distinct modes. Each actuator covers specific regions of the touch screen panel, segmenting the feedback generation to eliminate dead spots and ensure consistent haptic response across the entire display surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different haptic feedback characteristics for different regions of the touch screen panel. The first actuator generates haptic feedback in a first mode for certain regions, while the second actuator generates haptic feedback in a second mode for other regions, allowing optimized local haptic response tailored to specific display areas.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple actuators operate in the same mode, then haptic feedback coverage is increased, but overlapping nodes create interference and reduce feedback quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric operation modes for the multiple actuators. The first actuator operates in a first mode while the second actuator operates in a second mode, ensuring that their vibration patterns and node distributions are asymmetric and non-overlapping. This asymmetric coordination allows expanded feedback coverage without interference.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator is used for haptic feedback, then device complexity is reduced, but dead spots appear on the touch screen panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the haptic feedback function across multiple actuators, with each actuator responsible for specific regions or modes. This segmentation eliminates dead spots by ensuring every region of the touch screen panel has at least one actuator providing haptic feedback, while maintaining manageable system complexity through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the touch screen panel serve multiple functions: visual display and haptic feedback generation. By integrating multiple actuators that operate in different modes, the system provides comprehensive haptic feedback coverage across the entire panel surface, making the display universally responsive to touch interactions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a robust and consistent haptic feedback experience, enhancing user interaction and reducing 'dead spots' on the touch screen, improving operational awareness and reducing clutter and costs in avionics systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuator coupled to the controller and the touch screen panel and configured to operate in a first mode based on the feedback signal
Implementation Method 2
a second actuator coupled to the controller and the touch screen panel and configured to operate in a second mode based on the feedback signal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for a user interface with haptic feedback. The user interface includes a display element configured to display a visual image; a touch screen panel coupled to the display element and configured to receive a user input; a controller coupled to the touch screen panel and configured to generate a feedback signal based on the user input; a first actuator coupled to the controller and the touch screen panel and configured to operate in a first mode based on the feedback signal; and a second actuator coupled to the controller and the touch screen panel and configured to operate in a second mode based on the feedback signal.