Haptic Feedback Signal Isolation in User Input Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Haptic feedback signals from haptic output devices often interfere with user input signals in electronic devices, such as game controllers, causing unintended feedback that can disrupt the accuracy of user input execution.

Innovation Solution

The user input signal is isolated by separating it from the haptic feedback signal using filters like low pass, high pass, or band filters, allowing the user input signal to be processed while discarding the haptic feedback signal, thereby reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If haptic feedback signals are generated by the haptic output device, then haptic feedback is provided to enhance user interaction, but the haptic feedback signals interfere with user input signals causing unintended feedback

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of user input executionVSAvoidinterference from haptic feedback signals

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The received signal is separated into two distinct components: a user input signal component and a haptic feedback signal component. This segmentation allows the system to process only the user input signal while discarding the haptic feedback signal, thereby eliminating interference while maintaining accurate user input execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The haptic feedback signal component is extracted and removed from the received signal before processing. By taking out the harmful haptic feedback component, the system prevents it from interfering with user input execution while preserving the integrity of the user input signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If the received signal is separated into components using filters, then the user input signal can be processed accurately, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of user input signal detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of signal processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Filter components act as intermediaries between the received signal and the processing system. These filters selectively pass the user input signal component while blocking the haptic feedback signal component, enabling precise signal detection without requiring complex processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach ensures that user input signals are executed accurately by eliminating the interference from unintended haptic feedback signals, enhancing the precision and reliability of user input in devices like game controllers.

Implementation Method 1

The received signal is separated into a first component including a user input signal, and a second component including a haptic feedback signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS10725548B2Feedback reduction for a user input element associated with a haptic output device

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 IMMERSION CORP

AI summary

The embodiments are directed toward techniques for isolating a user input signal at a haptic output device. A signal originating from a user input element associated with the haptic output device is received. The received signal is separated into a first component including the user input signal, and a second component including a haptic feedback signal. While the first component is processed, the second component can be discarded or otherwise ignored.