Haptic Feedback System Pulse Width Modulation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback systems for electronic devices lack the ability to adjust the strength of impact feedback effectively, as current methods require large-scale circuits to continuously change pulse voltage amplitude, which is inefficient and not user-specific.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback system utilizing a haptic actuator that performs reciprocating motion, driven by a drive circuit applying a predetermined number of basic pulse voltages, with a controller adjusting the average voltage by modifying pulse width, pulse height, and duty ratio of basic pulse voltages, allowing for precise control of impact strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the amplitude of each pulse voltage is changed to adjust impact magnitude, then the haptic feedback strength can be customized, but the circuit scale becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled from pulse voltage amplitude to average voltage through pulse width modulation. By adjusting the pulse width (duty ratio) of basic pulse voltages rather than changing amplitude continuously, the system achieves haptic feedback strength adjustment while keeping the circuit scale manageable. The controller modifies the temporal characteristics of fixed-amplitude pulses instead of requiring variable amplitude generation circuitry.
2Force
If a large number of basic pulse voltages are applied to achieve strong impact, then the user can feel the impact, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies only the necessary number of basic pulse voltages required to achieve the desired impact effect, rather than continuously applying maximum voltage. By controlling the average voltage through selective application of a smaller number of pulses with optimized width, the system achieves sufficient impact strength while minimizing energy consumption. The controller determines the minimal pulse sequence needed for effective haptic feedback.
3Measurement precision
If the pulse width of basic pulse voltages is adjusted to control average voltage, then the impact strength can be precisely controlled, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulse voltages with fixed characteristics (amplitude, frequency) and controls the average voltage by adjusting the duty ratio (pulse width within each period). This periodic approach simplifies control compared to continuous amplitude modulation, as the controller only needs to vary the pulse width parameter while maintaining regular pulse timing. The rhythmic nature of the control signal reduces computational complexity while achieving precise impact strength adjustment.
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 adjustable and efficient control of haptic feedback, allowing users to customize the intensity of impact sensations, improving user experience by allowing finer adjustments and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a haptic actuator that makes a reciprocating motion... a drive circuit that applies to the haptic actuator a drive voltage composed of a predetermined number of basic pulse voltages
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric actuator using a piezoelectric element... The impact type uses a vibration element to hit a chassis or a keyboard plate so as to apply transient vibration
Implementation Method 3
a Shape Memory metal Impact Actuator (SIA) using shape-memory alloy
Implementation Method 4
a linear resonant actuator (LRA) which causes an alternating current to flow through a coil in a magnetic field so as to vibrate a mover
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic feedback system configured to apply an impact to an electronic device is provided. The haptic feedback system includes a haptic actuator that makes reciprocating motion, a drive circuit that applies to the haptic actuator a drive voltage composed of a predetermined number of basic pulse voltages for acceleration, and a controller that controls an average voltage of a subset of the basic pulse voltages.