Crown Module Haptic Feedback for Head-Mountable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mountable devices face challenges in providing effective user interaction and feedback without causing discomfort through haptic feedback applied across the entire device, which can be unpleasant for users.
Innovation Solution
A crown module with an input system that allows users to provide inputs by rotating a crown, interpreted by the device, and a feedback system that provides localized haptic feedback using a magnetic element moved by induced magnetic fields, ensuring closed-loop control and localized sensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If haptic feedback is applied across the entire head-mountable device, then feedback effectiveness is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to unpleasant sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the haptic feedback system into localized segments rather than applying feedback across the entire device. The crown module contains its own haptic actuator that generates feedback locally at the crown interface, separating the feedback generation from the overall device structure. This segmentation allows effective feedback delivery to the user's finger while avoiding uncomfortable whole-device vibrations against the head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating haptic feedback generation at the crown module where the user interacts with the device. The haptic actuator is positioned specifically within the crown to provide localized tactile feedback to the user's finger, rather than distributing feedback across the entire head-mounted device. This localized approach maintains feedback effectiveness while eliminating harmful whole-device vibrations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a crown module is added for localized haptic feedback, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the haptic feedback functionality into the existing crown module structure. Rather than adding a separate haptic feedback system to the head-mountable device, the haptic actuator is integrated within the crown module that already serves as an input interface. This merging approach provides localized haptic feedback while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing the existing crown structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The crown module is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an input interface for user interaction and a localized haptic feedback generator. By making the crown module universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components for haptic feedback, thereby reducing overall device complexity while still achieving comfortable localized feedback.
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
Enables effective user interaction and pleasant haptic feedback localized to the crown, preventing the entire device from vibrating against the user's head or face, thus enhancing the user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a coil coupled to the housing and configured to induce a magnetic field in the magnetic element, such that, when the coil is activated, the magnetic element provides haptic feedback by moving the shaft and the crown relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mountable device can include a crown module that receives input from a user and provides localized haptic feedback to the user. A magnetic element coupled to a crown can be moved by inducing magnetic fields, and the position and/or movement of the magnetic element can be detected to provide closed-loop control of the induced magnetic fields. The haptic feedback can be effectively perceived by the user at the crown without causing the entire head-mountable device to vibrate against the head and/or face of the user.