Haptic Feedback Normalization via Sensor-Driven Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback systems in touch-enabled devices face challenges in providing consistent user experiences due to factors like user pressure, environmental conditions, and distractions, which affect the perception of haptic effects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses sensors to detect these factors and adjusts haptic effects in real-time by varying the coefficient of friction and texture on touch surfaces through a combination of actuators, such as piezoelectric and electrostatic devices, to compensate for user interaction and environmental impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If haptic effects are provided on touch surfaces, then user interaction feedback is enhanced, but perception consistency deteriorates due to user pressure and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user pressure, touch location, and environmental conditions, then dynamically adjusts haptic effect parameters to compensate for detected factors. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent perception despite varying conditions by real-time normalization of haptic output based on sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies haptic effect parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and duration based on detected user pressure levels and environmental conditions. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system compensates for perception distortion and maintains reliable haptic feedback across different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to compensate for environmental factors, then haptic perception consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a single multi-functional actuator capable of producing various haptic effects through parameter modulation. This approach achieves compensation for environmental factors without requiring multiple specialized actuators, thereby maintaining haptic consistency while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding multiple actuators, the system achieves diverse haptic compensation by dynamically changing the parameters of an existing actuator. This parameter-based approach provides the flexibility needed to counteract various environmental factors without increasing hardware complexity.
3Reliability
If haptic effects are intensified to overcome distractions, then perception reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts haptic effect intensity based on real-time detection of environmental factors and user interaction context. Rather than maintaining constant high intensity, the system applies only the necessary amount of haptic feedback to overcome distractions, thereby improving perception reliability while minimizing energy consumption through adaptive intensity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes energy efficiency by dynamically changing haptic parameters such as amplitude and duration based on detected conditions. This allows the system to intensify haptic effects only when necessary to overcome distractions, rather than continuously operating at high power levels.
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 enhances the consistency and effectiveness of haptic feedback, providing a more compelling user experience while optimizing power consumption by selecting the most efficient actuators based on current conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a combination of actuators, such as piezoelectric and electrostatic devices
Implementation Method 2
a combination of actuators, such as piezoelectric and electrostatic devices
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Systems and methods for perceptual normalization of haptic effects are disclosed. One system 100 may include a first sensor 108 configured to detect a user interaction with a touch surface 116 and transmit a first sensor signal associated with the user interaction; a second sensor 110, 130 configured to detect a feature associated with the touch surface and transmit a second sensor signal associated with the feature; a processor 102 in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, the processor configured to: determine a first haptic effect based on the user interaction; determine a modified haptic effect based in part first haptic effect and on the feature; output a haptic signal associated with the modified haptic effect; and a haptic output device 118 in communication with the processor and coupled to the touch surface, the haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the modified haptic effect to the touch surface.