Input Device Haptic Element Groups Overlapping Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input devices lack the capability to provide independent and overlapping haptic effects across multiple areas of a touch surface, limiting their ability to offer nuanced feedback and multi-finger interaction.
Innovation Solution
An input device comprising multiple haptic element groups, driving circuits, and a control circuit that detects objects on the touch surface and provides independent haptic effects, which can overlap in time, allowing for enhanced haptic feedback and multi-finger interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple haptic element groups are used to provide independent haptic effects for multiple fingers, then the haptic feedback capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch surface is divided into multiple independent haptic element groups (first, second, third groups) that can be controlled independently. Each group can provide distinct haptic effects to different fingers simultaneously, enabling multi-finger interaction with independent feedback. This segmentation allows the system to provide complex haptic feedback capabilities while maintaining manageable control through modular organization.
2Area of stationary object
If haptic elements are arranged in multiple areas of the touch surface, then the input area is expanded, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic elements are segmented into distinct groups arranged in different areas of the touch surface (first area, second area, third area). This segmentation enables expansion of the functional input area while maintaining manageable manufacturing through modular assembly of haptic element groups rather than requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple haptic element groups are designed with similar functional characteristics, allowing them to be manufactured using comparable processes and then assembled in different configurations. This universality enables expansion of the input area without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as the same basic haptic element design can be replicated and positioned in multiple areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent haptic effects are provided for multiple objects simultaneously, then the user interaction capability is improved, but the control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control is segmented by associating specific driving circuits with specific haptic element groups. The control circuit can independently control each haptic element group through its dedicated driving circuit, enabling simultaneous independent haptic effects for multiple objects or fingers. This segmentation of control pathways manages the complexity by organizing control signals in a structured, modular manner rather than requiring complex centralized control logic.
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 a larger input area with independent haptic effects for multiple fingers and objects, providing a more immersive user experience by offering both haptic and audio feedback.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure applied by the user to the touch surface can be converted into electrical signals using Haptic elements
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment an input device comprises: a plurality of haptic elements comprising a plurality of haptic element groups; a touch surface mechanically coupled to the plurality of haptic elements; a plurality of driving circuits, wherein each driving circuit in the plurality of driving circuits is configured to drive a corresponding hap-tic element group in the plurality of haptic element groups for providing a haptic effect via the touch surface; and a control circuit electrically coupled to each haptic element in the plurality of haptic elements and to each driving circuit in the plurality of driving circuits and configured to: detect at least one object on the touch surface using the plurality of haptic elements; and provide a plurality of independent haptic effects using the plurality of driving circuits and the plurality of haptic element groups, wherein the plurality of independent haptic effects at least partially overlap in time.