Haptic Matrix Driving with Floating Rows to Reduce Crosstalk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haptic interface technologies face challenges in reducing unwanted parasitic haptic effects in non-addressed haptic elements, leading to user confusion and suboptimal haptic experiences, particularly in matrix-based systems where crosstalk between elements can occur.

Innovation Solution

A haptic element matrix with a driving circuit that addresses haptic elements by applying specific voltage pulses and reference voltages, leaving non-addressed columns and rows in a floating state to minimize crosstalk, and using piezoelectric elements arranged in rows and columns to provide targeted and pronounced haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage is applied to all rows and columns in a matrix-based haptic system, then complete coverage of haptic elements is achieved, but parasitic haptic effects occur in non-addressed elements causing crosstalk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback accuracyVSAvoidparasitic haptic effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the matrix addressing into distinct phases: first activating only the targeted row while keeping other rows in high-impedance state, then activating only the targeted column while keeping other columns in high-impedance state. This temporal segmentation prevents simultaneous activation of all elements, thereby eliminating parasitic haptic effects in non-addressed elements while maintaining complete coverage of the targeted element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If all haptic elements are continuously driven, then uniform haptic response is achieved, but energy consumption increases and crosstalk occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic response uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through phased voltage application: first applying row voltage, then column voltage in sequence, with non-addressed lines returning to high-impedance state between activations. This periodic, pulsed approach ensures that haptic elements are driven only when needed, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous driving while maintaining uniform haptic response through consistent activation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by setting non-addressed rows and columns to high-impedance state before activating the targeted element. This preparatory step prevents unwanted activation and energy dissipation in non-addressed elements, ensuring that energy is directed only to the intended haptic element while maintaining system readiness for uniform response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 significantly reduces parasitic haptic effects, enhances the clarity of intended haptic feedback, and allows for more precise control over haptic sensations, providing a more intuitive and effective user interface experience.

Implementation Method 1

mechanical deformations caused by the converse piezoelectric effect in the at least one piezoelectric element make the device surface to move

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConverse piezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3935475B1Haptic element matrix
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 AITO
  • EP3935475B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3935475B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3935475B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

It is an object to provide a device that may provide haptic effect. According to an embodiment, a device comprises a haptic element matrix comprising haptic effect elements, wherein the haptic effect elements are electrically arranged into rows and columns and a driving circuit. The driving circuit may be configured to, in a first phase drive an addressed column of the haptic element matrix with a first voltage;drive an addressed row of the haptic element matrix with a second voltage, leave at least one column of the haptic element matrix to a floating voltage while driving the addressed column and the addressed row;and leave at least one row of the haptic element matrix to a floating voltage while driving the addressed column and the addressed row. The device may reduce crosstalk between the haptic effect elements. A device, a method, and a computer program product is provided.