Haptic Actuator Modulation for Perceptible Low-Frequency Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Haptic actuators in computing devices, such as smartphones, are unable to produce haptic feedback strong enough to be sensed by users at vibrational frequencies below 60 Hz, limiting their ability to create certain tactile sensations.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a beating phenomenon by combining a carrier frequency above 100 Hz with a modulation frequency to generate haptic feedback patterns that simulate vibrational frequencies below 60 Hz through interference patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a haptic actuator operates at vibrational frequencies below 60 Hz, then it can produce haptic feedback associated with breathing, flutter, or roughness sensations, but the haptic feedback is not strong enough to be sensed by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by using a haptic actuator to generate high-frequency vibrations (above 100 Hz) that are then modulated to create perceptible low-frequency tactile sensations. The actuator vibrates at frequencies within its optimal range while amplitude modulation transfers the perception to lower frequencies that users can feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of vibrational frequency from the actuator's natural operating range (above 100 Hz) to effectively produce low-frequency sensations (below 60 Hz) through amplitude modulation. By varying the amplitude of high-frequency vibrations over time, the system creates the perceptual effect of low-frequency haptic feedback without requiring the actuator to physically operate at those low frequencies.
2Force
If a haptic actuator operates at vibrational frequencies above 100 Hz, then it can produce smooth and penetrating tactile sensations, but it cannot produce haptic feedback associated with vibrational frequencies below 60 Hz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action through amplitude modulation, where the amplitude of high-frequency vibrations is varied periodically to create the perception of low-frequency haptic effects. By modulating the amplitude at specific rates, the system generates breathing, flutter, or roughness sensations while the actuator continues to operate at its optimal high-frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of vibrational frequency perception from the actuator's operating frequency (above 100 Hz) to effective perception frequencies (below 60 Hz) through amplitude modulation. This allows the actuator to maintain its optimal operating range while producing the full spectrum of haptic sensations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a haptic actuator has a narrow vibrational frequency band centered around 150 Hz, then it can operate efficiently at that frequency, but it cannot produce haptic feedback strong enough to be sensed by the user when operating at vibrational frequencies below 60 Hz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of vibrational frequency from the actuator's narrow operational band (centered at 150 Hz) to effectively produce low-frequency haptic sensations (below 60 Hz) through amplitude modulation. The actuator operates efficiently at its resonant frequency while the modulation technique creates the perceptual effect of lower frequencies, expanding the effective frequency range without sacrificing operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic amplitude modulation of the actuator's vibrations to create low-frequency haptic effects. By periodically varying the amplitude of the high-frequency vibrations, the system generates tactile sensations at lower frequencies while the actuator continues to operate efficiently within its narrow frequency band.
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 haptic actuators to produce haptic feedback associated with vibrational frequencies at or below 60 Hz, enhancing the range of tactile sensations perceivable by users.
Implementation Method 1
The techniques of this disclosure uses a beating phenomenon to enable a haptic actuator to produce tactile sensations similar to those produced by a haptic actuator operating at vibrational frequencies below 60 Hz. In the beating phenomenon, an interference pattern between two vibrations of slightly different frequencies can be perceived as a vibration pattern having a periodic variation in the vibration intensity, and where the frequency of the periodic variation in the vibration intensity of the vibration pattern may be the difference between the two frequencies.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device determines a haptic effect to be produced by a haptic device of the computing device. The computing device selects, based at least in part on the haptic effect, a modulation frequency. The computing device determines a combination of a carrier frequency and the modulation frequency to produce the haptic effect. The computing device drives the haptic device according to the combination of the carrier frequency and the modulation frequency to output a vibration pattern associated with the haptic effect.