Flexible Communication Device Shape Adaptation for Haptic Rendering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible communication devices often face challenges in rendering haptic effects due to their current shape, which may not be suitable for optimal haptic actuation.

Innovation Solution

A method is proposed where the communication device recognizes a request for a haptic effect, determines the necessary shape modifications to meet predefined conditions for haptic rendering, and executes or stores these modifications to ensure effective haptic actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication device maintains its present flexible shape, then it provides flexibility and adaptability for different usage scenarios, but it cannot meet the requirements for rendering haptic effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic effect rendering capabilityVSAvoidshape flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device dynamically changes its shape from a first shape to a second shape based on the haptic effect rendering requirements. The device includes a controller that determines the required shape modification and actuators that execute the shape change, enabling the device to adapt its physical configuration in real-time to meet haptic rendering conditions while maintaining overall flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device modifies specific shape parameters (such as curvature, length, or cross-sectional dimensions) of specific areas to meet haptic rendering requirements. The controller determines the necessary parameter adjustments based on haptic effect properties and device properties, then actuators adjust the shape parameters accordingly while preserving flexibility in non-critical areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the device modifies its shape to meet haptic rendering conditions, then haptic effect quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic effect rendering qualityVSAvoidshape modification mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides its structure into multiple areas, with at least one specific area configured to be modifiable in shape. The controller selectively modifies only the necessary specific areas rather than the entire device, reducing the complexity of the shape modification mechanism while ensuring haptic rendering quality in critical regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuators and controller are designed to perform multiple functions: they not only modify the shape for haptic rendering but can also maintain the device's flexibility and adaptability for different usage scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the device automatically determines and executes shape modification, then haptic rendering suitability is improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic rendering suitabilityVSAvoidshape determination and modification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device includes pre-stored haptic rendering condition data and shape modification strategies. When a haptic rendering request is received, the controller quickly matches the current device state with pre-analyzed solutions from storage, reducing the time required for determination and execution of shape modifications compared to real-time calculation from scratch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors device properties and haptic rendering conditions, using feedback to optimize the shape modification process. By learning from previous rendering experiences and current sensor data, the system refines its shape determination algorithms, reducing processing time and energy consumption over time while maintaining high suitability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12316804B2Method for and a communication device adapted to modify the shape of the device

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method and a communication device for changing the shape of a flexible communication device is suggested. The suggested method is initiated by recognizing a request for actuating a haptic effect on the communication device. At least one property associated with the requested haptic effect, and at least one property of the communication device, where the latter is being caused by the shape of the communication device, are determined. Based on the mentioned properties, a determination is made on whether conditions, specifying requirements for reproducing the haptic effect on the communication device, are met or not. In case the mentioned conditions are not met, a modification of the shape of the device is determined, such that after such a modification the conditions are met with respect to the mentioned properties.