Haptic Signal Transformation for Multi-Device Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Haptic effect developers face significant design challenges when creating haptic effects that can be seamlessly played on multiple hardware types, as each type of haptic output device requires tailored effects, leading to increased design time and effort.

Innovation Solution

A system that transforms haptic signals from one hardware type to another by considering the spectral and temporal characteristics of the target device, allowing the same haptic content to be optimally rendered across different actuators, such as transforming high-definition signals for standard-definition actuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If haptic effect developers tailor haptic effects for each specific hardware type, then optimal haptic experience is achieved for each device, but design time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic experience qualityVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal haptic effect design approach where a single haptic effect authored for one hardware type can be automatically adapted and played on multiple different hardware types. The system transforms haptic effects between different hardware types while preserving the intended haptic experience, eliminating the need for separate customizations for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms haptic effects by adjusting parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and duration based on the characteristics of the target hardware. This automatic parameter adaptation allows the same haptic effect to be optimally rendered across different actuators without requiring manual re-authoring for each hardware type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If haptic effect developers author different haptic effects for multiple hardware types, then optimal haptic experience is provided for each device, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic experience qualityVSAvoidhaptic effect design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a universal haptic effect authoring system where effects can be created once and automatically adapted to multiple hardware types. The transformation system handles the complexity of hardware-specific adjustments, allowing developers to work with a single unified haptic effect design rather than managing multiple hardware-specific versions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a transformation layer that acts as an intermediary between the universal haptic effect authoring system and hardware-specific actuators. This intermediary automatically adapts the haptic effects to match the characteristics of different hardware types, shielding developers from hardware complexity while ensuring optimal performance on each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If haptic effects are designed for high-definition actuators, then high-quality haptic output is achieved, but compatibility with standard-definition actuators deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic signal qualityVSAvoidhardware compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adapting standard-definition effects to high-definition actuators, the system inverts the approach by transforming high-definition haptic effects down to standard-definition actuators. This ensures that high-quality effects authored for capable hardware can be played on simpler actuators while preserving the intended haptic experience as much as possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts haptic effect parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and duration when transforming between different hardware types. When playing high-definition effects on standard-definition actuators, the system modifies parameters to match the capabilities of the target hardware, ensuring compatibility while maintaining the essence of the original haptic effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2846221B1Method, system and computer program product for transforming haptic signals
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 IMMERSION CORP
  • EP2846221B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2846221B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2846221B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system is provided that transforms haptic signals. The system receives an original haptic signal, where the original haptic signal includes a first haptic effect space, and where the first haptic effect space includes one or more haptic effects that can be generated by a first haptic output device. The system further transforms the original haptic signal into a new haptic signal, where the new haptic signal includes a second haptic effect space that is different from the first haptic effect space, where the second haptic effect space includes one or more haptic effects that can be generated by a second haptic output device, and where data contained within the new haptic signal is based on data contained within the original haptic signal. The system further sends the new haptic signal to a haptic output device to generate one or more haptic effects.