Directional Vibration Array for Spatial Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices currently provide limited capability in conveying linear or spatial information through vibrations, primarily offering vibrations at specific points rather than enabling directional feedback to users.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and electronic device that utilizes a vibration device to provide vibrations with directivity, allowing users to feel and respond to linear information by inducing movement or input in specific directions through controlled vibration patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a vibration device is embedded to provide mechanical stimulus at a specific point, then the device can provide localized vibration feedback, but it cannot provide linear or spatial directional information to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration device is divided into multiple independent vibration units arranged in an array. Each unit can be controlled independently to generate vibrations at different locations, allowing the system to encode directional information through spatial patterns of vibration rather than relying on a single vibration source.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the vibration device surface have different vibration characteristics. By controlling which specific vibration units are activated and their respective intensities, the system creates localized vibration zones that guide users in specific directions, providing spatial information through variations in local vibration quality.
2Ease of operation
If conventional vibration devices are used to provide tactile feedback, then the device can alert users to inputs, but it cannot guide users to move or input in specific directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time tactile feedback through the vibration device array that responds to user actions and guides subsequent actions. By analyzing user input and providing directional vibration cues in response, the system creates a feedback loop that enables directional guidance while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from providing vibration feedback at a single point to distributing vibrations across a two-dimensional array of vibration units. This spatial dimension allows the system to encode directional information (left/right, up/down) through the pattern and location of vibrations, enabling users to perceive spatial cues through touch.
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 users to perceive and interact with directional cues, enhancing user experience by providing tactile feedback that guides movement or input in specific directions, thereby improving interaction with electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic may mean a technique for converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus recognizable by the user
Data Source
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Figure 2A
AI summary
Various embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and apparatus for providing a vibration in an electronic device. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a memory including instructions stored therein, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor coupled to the memory is configured to execute the stored instructions for detecting an event for a user's input related to a direction, identifying a vibration pattern having directivity, in response to the detected event, and providing a vibration having directivity by driving the one or more vibration devices, based on the vibration pattern.