Haptic Resonance Surface Interface for Eyes-Free Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional human-machine interfaces are limited in configurability, often requiring users to choose between physical and virtual input elements, which can increase device size and cost, and do not allow for both types in size-constrained devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating an interface on a resonance surface using a composite surface with haptic output devices that create resonance patterns based on control signals, allowing users to interact without visual attention, by configuring haptic output devices to generate constructive or destructive interference patterns on a resonance surface comprising resonance and non-resonance materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both physical and virtual interface elements are included in a device, then interface configurability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates haptic copies of physical interface elements by generating resonance patterns on the touchscreen surface. These resonance patterns simulate the tactile sensation of physical buttons, knobs, or other interface elements without requiring actual physical components. The haptic output devices produce localized vibrations that mimic the feel of pressing physical buttons, allowing users to interact with virtual interface elements as if they were physical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical physical interface elements with haptic resonance patterns generated by haptic output devices. Instead of using actual physical buttons, switches, or knobs that occupy space, the system uses controlled vibrations and resonance on the touchscreen surface to create tactile feedback. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical components while preserving the tactile interaction experience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If redundant interface elements are included in a device, then interface configurability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface system where a single touchscreen with haptic output devices can perform multiple interface functions. The same hardware platform can dynamically generate different types of interfaces (buttons, sliders, knobs, etc.) through software-controlled haptic resonance patterns. This eliminates the need to manufacture separate physical interface elements for different functions, as one universal system can adapt to provide various interface types as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates dynamically reconfigurable interfaces where the characteristics of interface elements can change in real-time. The haptic resonance patterns can be adjusted through software to create different tactile sensations, button layouts, and interaction modes without any physical reconfiguration. This dynamic adaptability allows a single device to provide multiple interface configurations without requiring redundant physical components for each configuration.
3Ease of operation
If haptic output devices generate resonance patterns on a surface, then user interaction without visual attention is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function and haptic feedback function into a single integrated system. The touchscreen surface serves both as a visual display and as a haptic interface through resonance patterns. The haptic output devices are integrated with the touchscreen structure, allowing the same surface to provide both visual and tactile information. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate visual and tactile interface systems.
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 users to interact with interfaces, such as menus, without diverting their gaze, reducing visual and auditory overload and providing an alternative communication method, while maintaining device size and cost efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
determining a resonance pattern corresponding to a set of interface elements. The technique further includes configuring one or more haptic output devices to generate haptic output that creates the resonance pattern on the resonance surface
Implementation Method 2
configuring haptic output devices to generate constructive or destructive interference patterns on a resonance surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
One embodiment of the present disclosure sets forth a technique for generating an interface on a resonance surface. The technique includes determining a resonance pattern corresponding to a set of interface elements. The technique further includes configuring one or more haptic output devices to generate haptic output that creates the resonance pattern on the resonance surface.