Customized Haptic Feedback for Handheld Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld communication devices rely on auditory and visual cues for alerts, which can be distracting or annoying, and vibratory alerts lack customization, failing to convey personalized information effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing customized haptic effects that utilize actuators in handheld communication devices to provide personalized feedback based on input signals, such as location information, remote control commands, and communication signals, allowing users to associate specific haptic effects with events or sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auditory and visual alerts are used in handheld communication devices, then users can be alerted to incoming messages, but users experience distraction and annoyance in certain situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces auditory and visual alert systems with a haptic feedback system that uses tactile sensations through vibration motors. This substitution allows information delivery without the distracting nature of sound and light, particularly in environments like meetings or concerts where auditory and visual cues are inappropriate or disruptive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements customizable haptic alert profiles that modify vibration patterns, intensity, and duration based on user preferences and situational context. Different alert types (e.g., text message vs. voice mail) can be assigned distinct haptic signatures, allowing users to distinguish between different communication sources through tactile feedback alone.
2Reliability
If standard vibratory alerts are provided in communication devices, then users receive tactile feedback, but the alerts cannot be customized or personalized according to applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic haptic alert profiles that can be adjusted in real-time based on the application context, user activity, and environmental conditions. The system adapts vibration characteristics dynamically rather than using fixed patterns, enabling personalized feedback for different scenarios such as driving, exercising, or working in quiet environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the alert system into multiple independent haptic profiles, each configurable for specific applications or communication sources. Users can create and switch between different alert profiles for different contacts, message types, or time of day, providing granular customization control over tactile feedback characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple customized haptic alert profiles are implemented, then personalized information delivery is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated profile selection and configuration features that reduce manual setup complexity. The system can automatically detect contextual factors (location, time, active application) and select appropriate haptic profiles without requiring extensive user configuration. Pre-configured templates and intelligent defaults further simplify the customization process while maintaining personalization capabilities.
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 users to receive personalized and discreet information through tactile feedback, enhancing usability in various environments and situations by conveying information about incoming messages, reminders, and status events without the need to visually or audibly acknowledge the device.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of haptic actuators, each configured to output a corresponding haptic effect
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for providing customized “haptic messaging” to users of handheld communication devices in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, a method of using haptic effects to relate location information includes: receiving an input signal associated with a position of a handheld communication device (100); determining the position of the handheld communication device (100) relative to a predetermined location; and providing a haptic effect associated with a distance between the position of the handheld communication device (100) and the predetermined location. In another embodiment, a handheld communication device (100) can be used as a two-way haptic remote control.