Haptic Output and Sensor Control for Low-Interference Touch Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haptic systems suffer from latency issues and interference between vibrational output systems and input sensory systems, such as force sensors, which affects the accuracy and timing of haptic feedback, particularly in devices like mobile phones and video game controllers.

Innovation Solution

A controller is introduced that adjusts the operation of both vibrational output and input sensor systems to minimize interference by filtering signals based on the operating frequency of the input sensor system, using a processing block that ensures integer harmonic tones fall outside the input sensor's frequency band, and dynamically adjusting filtering to reduce latency and enhance haptic response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the vibrational output system operates at high amplitude to provide strong haptic feedback, then the haptic response intensity is improved, but interference with the input sensor system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback intensityVSAvoidsensor interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent measures the actual interference caused by the vibrational output system on the sensor system and uses this measured interference signal to generate a compensation signal. This compensation signal is then applied to cancel out the harmful interference, effectively converting the harmful vibration-induced noise into a useful correction that improves both haptic feedback quality and sensor accuracy simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Measurement precision

If signal processing is enhanced to filter out interference, then measurement precision is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor signal accuracyVSAvoidhaptic response latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the interference characteristics during calibration phases when no user interaction is occurring. The interference model is pre-computed and stored, so that during actual haptic operations, the pre-characterized compensation can be applied immediately without requiring real-time complex filtering, thus maintaining both precision and low latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If the haptic response latency is reduced for faster feedback, then the responsiveness is improved, but the ability to filter interference is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic response speedVSAvoidsignal filtering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical signal filtering approaches with a digital signal processing approach that uses measured interference characteristics to generate compensation signals. This substitution allows for extremely fast processing speeds while maintaining high filtering accuracy, as digital processing can be performed in real-time without the physical constraints of mechanical filters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If the vibrational output system is active continuously to maintain readiness, then the responsiveness to user input is improved, but the interference with sensor operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem responsivenessVSAvoidvibration-induced noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the haptic output based on the detected sensor signal quality and interference levels. When sensor accuracy is critical, the vibrational output is reduced or paused; when haptic feedback is needed, the system activates the vibrational output with appropriate compensation applied. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between responsiveness and sensor accuracy in real-time based on operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10976825B2Methods and apparatuses for controlling operation of a vibrational output system and/or operation of an input sensor system

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 CIRRUS LOGIC INC

AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatuses for controlling an operation of a vibrational output system and/or an operation of an input sensor system, wherein the controller is for use in a device comprising the vibrational output system and the input sensor system. A controller comprises an input configured to receive an indication of activation or de-activation of an output of the vibrational output system; and an adjustment module configured to adjust the operation of the vibrational output system and/or the operation of the input sensor system based on the indication to reduce an interference expected to be caused by the output of the vibrational output system on the input sensory system.