Ultrasonic Haptic Array Cell Control for Focus Height and Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic arrays suffer from unintentional parasitic output points and weak tactile responses due to undesired constructive interference and inadequate control over focus point height and direction, leading to suboptimal haptic experiences.
Innovation Solution
A haptic array device comprising independently controllable cells with ultrasonic transducer elements, a support structure for positioning, and a controller to manage focus point height and direction, utilizing deformable materials and robotic structures to enhance output precision and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transducers are mounted on a flat surface in conventional haptic arrays, then the device structure is simple, but parasitic output points are generated due to undesired constructive interference
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic array is divided into multiple independently controllable cells, each with its own sub-elements. This segmentation allows individual control of each cell's output, enabling precise cancellation of parasitic interference patterns while maintaining simple flat mounting of each transducer element.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cell in the array is assigned different control parameters and phase relationships, creating local variations in output characteristics. This allows each local region to contribute differently to the overall haptic pattern, enabling cancellation of parasitic outputs at specific locations while maintaining desired output at target points.
2Device complexity
If conventional haptic arrays are used, then the device configuration is simple, but the tactile output is weak and perceived as too weak
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cells are activated simultaneously with coordinated control, merging their individual haptic outputs to create a stronger combined tactile effect. The controller synchronizes the operation of multiple cells to produce constructive interference at the desired haptic output point, significantly enhancing the perceived strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic array employs dynamic control of cell activation patterns, adjusting which cells are active and their respective output levels in real-time. This dynamic coordination allows the system to concentrate energy at the target haptic point, maximizing tactile output strength while maintaining a relatively simple overall device configuration.
3Measurement precision
If independent control of each cell is implemented, then focus point height and direction can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements independent control of cells only when and where needed to achieve the desired focus point precision. Rather than fully complexifying the entire system, the control is applied selectively to specific cells based on their contribution to the target haptic output, maintaining simplicity in non-critical areas.
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 enables precise control over focus point height and direction, reducing parasitic outputs and enhancing haptic sensations, providing more efficient and intense mid-air haptic effects without unintended stimulation, thereby improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
each cell includes a base element and an array of ultrasonic transducer elements
Implementation Method 2
the base element of each cell is a concave structure, and wherein the array of ultrasonic transducer elements of each cell are located on an inner surface of the concave structure
Implementation Method 3
These unintentional effects may be due to undesired constructive interference of ultrasound at other regions of space
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for ultrasonic haptic array devices. One embodiment of haptic array device includes a plurality of cells, each cell including a base and an array of ultrasonic transducer elements, and a support structure configured to independently position each cell. A controller of the haptic array can control a focus point and a direction of ultrasonic output for each of the plurality of cells. Another embodiment is directed to a vehicle user interface having a user interface surface and a haptic array device integrated with the user interface surface. Embodiments are also directed to methods for controlling a haptic array device. One method includes controlling output of at least one first cell of the plurality of cells to control a focus point and a direction of ultrasonic output of the at least one cell, and updating output of the plurality of cells.