Electro-vibration Tactile Feedback Using Transparent Conductive Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch screen displays lack effective methods for providing tactile feedback that are both efficient and power-friendly, particularly for portable devices, as existing vibration methods consume significant energy and are not adaptable to varying textures or user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A portable display device incorporating an optically transparent sheet with an electrically conductive layer and electro-vibration circuitry that generates a time-varying voltage signal to induce electro-vibration, allowing for adjustable tactile feedback without moving parts, low power consumption, and integration with flexible display panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If piezoelectric or mechanical actuators are used to provide tactile feedback, then vibration feedback can be provided to users, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuators with an electrostatic field-based system. Two conductive layers create an electrostatic field that interacts with the user's finger, producing tactile feedback through electrostatic attraction and repulsion forces without mechanical moving parts, thereby significantly reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage applied to the conductive layers to modulate the electrostatic field strength. By changing voltage parameters in response to touch events, the system provides variable tactile feedback intensity while optimizing power consumption based on actual feedback requirements.
2Ease of operation
If traditional vibration motors are used, then tactile feedback is provided, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical vibration motors by using electrostatic fields generated between two conductive layers. This substitution removes complex mechanical components while providing tactile feedback through electrostatic forces that interact directly with the user's finger.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layers serve multiple functions: they are part of the touch sensor structure and simultaneously generate the electrostatic field for tactile feedback. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining feedback generation with existing structural elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed vibration patterns are used, then simple feedback is provided, but adaptability to different textures and user preferences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage parameters including amplitude, frequency, and duration based on touch event characteristics and user preferences. This dynamic control enables adaptation to different textures and user needs without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from touch sensor data to adjust electrostatic field parameters in real-time. By monitoring touch location, pressure, and duration, the system adapts the tactile feedback characteristics to match the interacted element's properties and user preferences.
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 solution provides efficient, adjustable, and energy-efficient tactile feedback, enhancing user interaction by simulating various textures and surface profiles, while being suitable for portable devices and visually impaired users, with potential applications beyond touch screens.
Implementation Method 1
electro-vibration circuitry connected to the electrically conductive layer and the electrode element, in use the electro-vibration circuitry being configured to provide a time-varying voltage signal across the electrically conductive layer and the electrode element so as to cause a user to experience electro-vibration
Implementation Method 2
an optically transparent sheet comprising an electrically conductive layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus includes an optically transparent sheet having an electrically conductive layer, an electrode element, and electro-vibration circuitry configured to provide a time-varying voltage signal across the electrically conductive layer and the electrode element so as to cause a user to experience electro-vibration in a first body part of the user when the first body part is moved across an exterior surface of the optically transparent sheet while a second body part of the user is in contact with the electrode element.