Haptic Actuator Array Spatial Focusing via Waveform Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic technologies face challenges in providing precise and focused tactile feedback to users, particularly in determining the location of user input and conveying information effectively through haptic sensations in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a controller and multiple haptic actuators that sense user input and drive haptic sensations by generating different waveforms, amplitudes, and phases to focus feedback at specific locations, such as on a touch display or in response to notifications, orientations, or proximity events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple haptic actuators are used to provide tactile feedback, then the haptic feedback coverage and information conveyance capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system is divided into multiple independent actuators distributed across the device surface. Each actuator can be individually controlled to provide localized tactile feedback, enabling precise spatial mapping of haptic sensations to visual elements on the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial distribution of actuators across the device surface, adding a dimensional aspect to haptic feedback. By mapping actuators to corresponding regions on the display, the system creates a multi-dimensional haptic-visual correspondence that enhances information conveyance.
2Measurement precision
If haptic actuators are driven with different waveforms to focus sensation at specific locations, then the precision of haptic feedback localization is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the device surface are assigned different actuator configurations and driving waveforms based on local requirements. Each actuator group can be optimized for its specific location, enabling precise localization of haptic sensations to match visual elements at different positions on the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts the driving waveforms of multiple actuators in real-time based on the position and characteristics of visual elements. This dynamic control enables flexible focusing of haptic sensations at varying locations without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If the touch display senses user input location to drive haptic feedback, then the user interaction precision is improved, but the system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the touch display's inherent capability to sense user input location as feedback to drive the haptic actuators. This closed-loop approach allows the system to automatically adjust haptic feedback based on where the user touches, creating an intuitive interaction without requiring additional sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch display serves multiple functions: it acts as both the visual display interface and the sensing interface for detecting user input location. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing components and simplifies system integration while maintaining precise location detection capability.
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 precise and customizable haptic feedback that enhances user interaction by accurately conveying information and providing intuitive tactile experiences, improving user engagement and device usability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of haptic actuators may include a haptic actuator housing, a field member movable with the haptic actuator housing, and a coil cooperating with the field member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a device housing, a touch display carried by the device housing and configured to sense a user input at a location thereon, and haptic actuators spaced apart within the device housing. The electronic device may also include a controller coupled to the touch display and the haptic actuators. The controller may be configured to cooperate with the touch display to determine a sensed location of the user input on the touch display, and drive the haptic actuators to focus a haptic sensation at the sensed location on the touch display.