Haptic Actuator Integration in Mobile Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices often have limited haptic feedback capabilities due to cost and size constraints, restricting them to simple notifications with limited vibrotactile feedback, as they typically include only a single vibrotactile actuator.
Innovation Solution
Integrating haptic actuators into accessories such as collapsible grips, kickstands, or phone cases connected to the mobile computing device, which include a haptic controller with a network interface, microprocessor, and haptic driver to receive and generate nuanced haptic information signals, enabling multi-directional feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile computing device includes only a single vibrotactile actuator, then cost and size constraints are satisfied, but haptic feedback capabilities are limited to simple notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the haptic feedback system into two separate components: the mobile computing device and an accessory device. The accessory device contains one or more haptic actuators that provide additional haptic feedback capabilities, while the mobile device maintains its simple single-actuator design. This segmentation allows complex haptic functionality without increasing the complexity of the main device.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device acts as an intermediary between the mobile computing device and the user's tactile senses. It receives haptic information from the mobile device via wireless communication and translates it into nuanced haptic feedback through its dedicated haptic actuators, thereby extending the mobile device's haptic capabilities without modifying the device itself.
2Loss of information
If additional haptic actuators are integrated into the mobile computing device, then nuanced haptic information can be conveyed, but cost and size constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the haptic feedback functionality into a separate accessory device that attaches to or connects with the mobile computing device. This allows the mobile device to remain compact and lightweight while the accessory provides additional haptic actuators for conveying nuanced haptic information.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding haptic actuators in the same physical space as the mobile device, the patent extends the haptic feedback capability to a separate dimension by using an accessory device that connects to the mobile device. This spatial separation allows additional actuators without increasing the mobile device's footprint.
3Loss of information
If additional haptic actuators are integrated into the mobile computing device, then nuanced haptic information can be conveyed, but cost constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the haptic feedback system into separate components, allowing the mobile computing device to be manufactured with a single actuator (lower cost), while the accessory device contains additional actuators. This segmentation enables nuanced haptic feedback without increasing the manufacturing cost of the main device.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device essentially copies the haptic feedback functionality of additional actuators that would otherwise need to be integrated into the mobile device. This allows the system to achieve nuanced haptic information conveyance while keeping the mobile device's bill of materials and manufacturing costs lower.
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 the conveyance of complex and nuanced haptic information to users through additional actuators in accessories, enhancing the usability of haptic feedback beyond what a single actuator in a mobile device can provide, allowing for more sophisticated notifications and interactions.
Implementation Method 1
the haptic actuator to receive the input drive signal and to output a haptic vibration associated with the input drive signal received from the haptic driver
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques, apparatuses, and systems are described for integrating haptic actuators into accessories for mobile computing device. Current accessory devices and their associated housings lack the necessary space to implement multiple haptic actuators for conveying complex haptic information. The accessory device attached to the mobile computing device provides additional space for integrating haptic actuators, which provide complex haptic information to a user of the mobile computing device. Using the haptic device accessory, the mobile computing device can convey haptic information to a user of the accessory device. In this way, a haptic device accessory can improve the otherwise limited haptic experience for a user of the accessory device.