Haptic Feedback Control via Variable Pulse Driving Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in accurately controlling haptic feedback for simulating a click feeling on input portions like keyboards due to varying characteristics of vibration generators across different environments, such as voltage and temperature, which affects the peak acceleration and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a vibration generator that receives a driving signal with a specific pulse structure, including a first pulse for acceleration and a second pulse for deceleration, and a vibration control portion that adjusts the number of first pulses based on the operating environment, such as voltage, temperature, or detected acceleration, to maintain optimal acceleration within a predetermined range while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of first pulses is increased to achieve higher peak acceleration for click feeling, then the haptic feedback effectiveness is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of first pulses variable rather than fixed. The vibration control portion dynamically adjusts the number of first pulses in the driving signal based on detected operating conditions (temperature, acceleration) to optimize the balance between haptic feedback effectiveness and power consumption. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to use more pulses when high acceleration is needed and fewer pulses when power conservation is prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pulse count in the driving signal based on operating conditions. By varying the number of first pulses according to temperature and acceleration feedback, the system optimizes power consumption while maintaining adequate haptic feedback performance. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the energy consumption level to the actual operational requirements.
2Reliability
If the vibration generator operates at high acceleration to provide strong click feeling, then the haptic feedback is improved, but the temperature increases beyond safe limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using an acceleration detection portion to monitor the actual acceleration of the vibration generator and a temperature detection portion to monitor device temperature. The vibration control portion uses this feedback information to adjust the driving signal parameters, specifically the number of first pulses, to maintain haptic feedback performance while preventing excessive temperature rise. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by continuously adapting operation to stay within safe temperature limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of first pulses based on real-time temperature and acceleration conditions. When temperature approaches safe limits, the system reduces the pulse count to lower power consumption and heat generation, while maintaining adequate haptic feedback through optimized pulse timing and resonance utilization.
3Speed
If the driving voltage is increased to improve vibration performance, then the peak acceleration is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed action instead of continuous high voltage. By applying voltage in discrete pulses (first pulses and second pulses) rather than continuously, the system achieves the necessary peak acceleration for haptic feedback while allowing the system to rest between pulses, reducing average power consumption. The periodic nature of the driving signal optimizes the balance between acceleration performance and energy usage.
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 effectively controls the haptic feedback to achieve a consistent click feeling across varying environments while optimizing power usage, ensuring the device operates within safe temperature limits and maintains performance.
Implementation Method 1
a driving signal having an acceleration period including a first pulse of a predetermined pulse width vibrating the vibration generator by resonance
Data Source
AI summary
To appropriately control an input portion by haptic feedback an electronic device has a vibration generator vibrating an input portion in response to contact with the input portion, a driving circuit portion supplying a driving signal having an acceleration period including a first pulse of a predetermined pulse width vibrating the vibration generator by resonance and a deceleration period including a second pulse of a phase opposite to the phase of the first pulse to the vibration generator, and a vibration control portion changing the number of first pulses included in the driving signal supplied to the vibration generator by the driving circuit portion according to the operating environment.