Haptic Trackpad Sonic Feedback Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mechanical properties of trackpads and computing device components can change over time, leading to inconsistent sonic and haptic feedback due to alterations in mechanical resonance properties.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop feedback process using a microphone to measure trackpad sonic outputs and adjust the driving signal for the haptic actuator to maintain consistent sonic and haptic feedback, potentially involving additional speakers or haptic actuators in separate devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the haptic actuator operates without ongoing calibration, then the device structure remains simple, but the sonic and haptic feedback becomes inconsistent over time due to changes in mechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the microphone captures sonic output from the haptic actuator, the processor analyzes the captured signal to determine mechanical property changes, and the system automatically adjusts future actuator operation to compensate for detected variations, thereby maintaining consistent haptic and sonic feedback over time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by using its own microphone to monitor its haptic actuator's output and automatically adjusting its operation without requiring external calibration equipment or user intervention, enabling the device to maintain consistent performance autonomously over its lifespan
2Reliability
If the driving signal is adjusted frequently to maintain consistency, then the sonic and haptic feedback remains stable, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration operations periodically rather than continuously, using the microphone to capture sonic output at scheduled intervals and adjusting the driving signal only when necessary based on detected variations in mechanical properties, thereby maintaining stability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption
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
This approach enables ongoing calibration of the trackpad's sonic and haptic output, ensuring consistent user experience despite changes in mechanical properties over the device's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic actuator is driven with a driving signal to generate a first trackpad sonic output
Implementation Method 2
The first trackpad sonic output is measured using a signal from the microphone of the computing device
Implementation Method 3
a haptic actuator coupled to the trackpad. The haptic actuator is driven with a driving signal
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device comprises a microphone, a trackpad, and a haptic actuator coupled to the trackpad. A memory stores instructions executable by a processor to drive the haptic actuator with a driving signal to generate a first trackpad sonic output. The first trackpad sonic output is measured using a signal from the microphone of the computing device. A sonic variance is determined by comparing the first trackpad sonic output to a target trackpad sonic output. The sonic variance is used to adjust the driving signal for the haptic actuator to an adjusted driving signal. The haptic actuator is driven with the adjusted driving signal to cause a second trackpad sonic output from the trackpad different from the first trackpad sonic output.