Haptic Interface Device Dynamic Signal Modulation for Texture Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic user interface devices are limited in their ability to convey surface feature details to users through haptic effects, as they primarily rely on fixed periodic haptic effects to indicate feature presence and texture, lacking the capability to simulate complex tactile sensations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate a periodic drive signal based on touch input, altering amplitude, frequency, or wave shape to simulate various tactile sensations, such as texture and edge transitions, using haptic output devices like electrostatic friction generators, to create dynamic and realistic haptic effects on user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a fixed periodic haptic effect is used to indicate feature presence, then the haptic effect is simple to generate, but the ability to convey detailed tactile information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed periodic haptic effects into dynamic haptic effects by continuously adjusting signal parameters (amplitude, frequency, waveform shape) based on touch input characteristics such as location, velocity, acceleration, pressure, and contact area. This dynamic adaptation enables rich tactile information conveyance while maintaining system simplicity through software-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs parameter changes by modifying amplitude, frequency, and waveform shape of the periodic drive signal according to touch dynamics. Different parameter combinations simulate various surface textures and features, enabling detailed tactile information conveyance without increasing hardware complexity.
2Reliability
If haptic effects are used to simulate surface textures, then tactile feedback is provided, but the realism and complexity of simulated textures are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simulates different surface textures by dynamically adjusting haptic signal parameters including amplitude, frequency, and waveform shape. For example, high-frequency vibrations simulate rough surfaces while low-frequency vibrations simulate smooth surfaces, achieving realistic texture simulation through software control without complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides realistic texture simulation by continuously adapting haptic feedback based on real-time touch dynamics such as velocity and pressure. This dynamic response creates immersive tactile experiences that accurately reflect the virtual surface properties being simulated.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the haptic effect parameters are dynamically altered based on touch input, then realistic tactile sensations are achieved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring touch input parameters (location, velocity, acceleration, pressure, contact area) and using this information to dynamically adjust haptic signal characteristics. This feedback mechanism enables versatile tactile sensation generation while maintaining control system simplicity through direct parameter mapping from touch to haptic output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves versatile tactile simulation using a single haptic output device that can generate multiple different tactile sensations by varying signal parameters. This multi-functional approach allows one device to simulate various surface textures, edges, and tactile features without requiring multiple specialized components.
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 the simulation of complex surface features and textures, enhancing user interaction by providing a more immersive and realistic tactile experience, allowing for the simulation of gradients, discrete regions, and even pseudo-random haptic effects, thereby improving the conveyance of detailed tactile information.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic output device may be configured to generate electrostatic friction
Implementation Method 2
altering an amplitude, frequency, or wave shape of the periodic drive signal to alter a level of friction at the surface of the interface device
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic effect enabled device for simulating a tactile sensation on a surface. In some cases, the haptic effect enabled device may be a user interface device, and the tactile sensation may be simulated on a surface of the user interface device. The interface device may include a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect, such as a periodic haptic effect, at the surface. The interface device may include a drive module configured to generate a periodic drive signal based on a touch input at the surface of the interface device and based on the tactile sensation to be simulated at the surface. The interface device may include a drive circuit operatively coupled to the drive module and the haptic output device and configured to apply the periodic drive signal to the haptic output device. In some cases, the surface may be separate from the device.