Dual-Chip Haptic Unit with Piezoelectric Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch sensors detect position information but not pressing load, and existing solutions do not effectively utilize pressing load data for application processing, leading to a lack of integrated control between touch sensor and tactile sensation provision chips.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensation providing apparatus with dual chips, a host unit for overall control and a haptic unit for tactile sensation control, exchanges signals indicating pressing load detected by a piezoelectric element to enable application processing based on the detected load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tactile sensation providing chip is added to enable tactile feedback, then tactile sensation function is improved, but device complexity increases due to dual chip architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional modules: a host unit containing the touch sensor and application control, and a separate haptic unit containing the piezoelectric element for tactile feedback. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently while maintaining clear functional boundaries through defined communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve both tactile sensation provision and pressing load detection purposes. By integrating the piezoelectric element that can both generate vibrations and detect applied pressure, the system reduces overall complexity despite the dual-chip architecture.
2Measurement precision
If pressing load detection is implemented in the haptic unit, then measurement capability is improved, but information utilization is worsened as the host unit cannot access load data for application processing
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic unit provides feedback to the host unit about the pressing load detected by the piezoelectric element. This feedback mechanism enables the host unit to access load information for application processing decisions, such as determining whether a touch input constitutes a valid button press or gesture command.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the pressing load detection capability with the tactile feedback function in the haptic unit. The same piezoelectric element that generates vibrations also detects applied pressure, and both functions are coordinated through communication between the haptic and host units to provide integrated touch input processing.
3Ease of operation
If the haptic unit independently controls tactile provision, then ease of operation is improved, but integration with application processing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A defined communication interface acts as an intermediary between the haptic unit and host unit. This intermediary mechanism allows the haptic unit to independently control tactile feedback while receiving control signals and status information from the host unit, coordinating both functions without direct complex integration.
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 application processing and tactile sensation feedback by effectively utilizing pressing load data, allowing for appropriate user interface responses and reduced processing and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
detects the pressing load applied to a predetermined area (pressing load corresponding area) of a touch sensor face by using, for example, the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
vibrates the touch sensor when the input apparatus detects an input applying a predetermined pressing load or greater to a predetermined area of the touch sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
By dual chips exchanging a signal indicating a pressing load detected for providing the tactile sensation, application process based thereon is performed. A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a touch sensor, a load detection unit for detecting the pressing load on the sensor for providing the sensation, a tactile sensation providing unit for vibrating a surface the sensor, a provision control unit for controlling drive of the providing unit, and a main control unit for controlling an application. The main control unit determines whether a predetermined area of the surface is touched based on an output of the sensor and, when touched, transmits an instruction to the provision control unit. The provision control unit, upon receiving the instruction from the main control unit, detects the pressing load and transmits the detected load to the main control unit. The main control unit, based on the load, performs the application process.