Haptic Output System Addressing Localization and Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with vibrating mechanisms are unable to localize haptic outputs, provide varied haptic feedback based on user input, or maintain consistent haptic experiences regardless of how the device is held or interacted with, due to attenuation and alteration by user interaction methods.

Innovation Solution

A haptic output system that varies haptic characteristics such as vibration, temperature, and friction based on real-time user touch and force input, simulating the presence of physical components on a user input surface by actuating addressable haptic elements with specific characteristics to create perceivable tactile responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional vibrating mechanisms are used to provide haptic output, then the device can generate basic vibration feedback, but the haptic output is attenuated and altered based on user interaction methods, preventing consistent and localized feedback

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of haptic outputVSAvoidlocalization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the haptic output system into multiple independently controllable haptic elements arranged in an array across the user input surface. Each element can be individually actuated to provide localized haptic feedback at specific positions, eliminating the attenuation and alteration problems of conventional single-mechanism systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts which haptic elements are activated and their respective characteristics based on real-time user input detection. This dynamic control enables consistent haptic output that adapts to different interaction methods while maintaining localization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vibrating mechanisms are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the system cannot provide varied haptic outputs at different locations or distinguishable haptic responses based on real-time user input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of haptic outputsVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional haptic element array where each element can produce different types of haptic outputs (vibration, pressure, thermal) and can be individually controlled to serve multiple functions: localization, varied feedback types, and real-time adaptation to user input, replacing multiple separate mechanisms with a unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces conventional mechanical vibrating mechanisms with addressable haptic elements that can be electronically controlled and individually addressed, enabling varied and localized haptic outputs through electronic control rather than mechanical design variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If haptic output is provided through conventional mechanisms, then energy consumption remains low, but the system cannot simulate multiple tactile responses or create the perception of physical components on the input surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile response simulationVSAvoidenergy for haptic elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by activating only the specific haptic elements needed to simulate the perceived physical component at the relevant location on the input surface, rather than energizing the entire system. This enables realistic tactile response simulation while managing energy consumption through selective actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 multiple tactile responses and characteristics, allowing users to perceive physical components on the device surface, enhancing interaction experiences by providing localized and varied haptic feedback that adapts to user input.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic device can include a vibrating mechanism to provide haptic output to a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

haptic elements (e.g., vibrating elements, acoustic elements, electrostatic elements, thermal elements,)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal effect: Heating

Implementation Method 3

haptic elements (e.g., vibrating elements, acoustic elements, electrostatic elements,)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS10416771B2Haptic output system for user input surface

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 APPLE INC

AI summary

A haptic output system configured to generate haptic effects, through a user input surface, by varying one or more haptic output characteristics of one or more haptic elements (e.g., vibrating elements, electrostatic elements, thermal elements, and so on) based on substantially real-time touch input and/or force input information. In this manner, the haptic output system effectively simulates the presence of a physical object (e.g., having textures, edges, features, mechanical responses, and so on) on the user input surface.