Localized Haptic Feedback via Active Vibration Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Haptic feedback systems often fail to localize effects effectively, leading to unwanted vibrations in adjacent and non-adjacent zones, which compromises the intended haptic experience by making it less immersive and less precise.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a processor to control actuators in specific zones to provide haptic effects while suppressing vibrations in adjacent and non-adjacent zones using closed-loop control systems, such as Active Sensing Technology (AST), to ensure localized haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If actuators in adjacent and non-adjacent zones are not controlled to suppress vibrations, then the haptic effect can be provided in the first zone, but unwanted vibrations extend to nearby zones causing the haptic effect to not be localized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic effect localization precisionVSAvoidunwanted vibrations in adjacent zones
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the haptic effect in the first zone and proactively generating counteracting vibrations in adjacent and non-adjacent zones before the unwanted vibrations can propagate. The processor controls actuators in these zones to produce vibrations that cancel out the sustain effects, preventing the haptic effect from extending to nearby zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the haptic effect parameters in the first zone and using this information to adjust the suppression actions in adjacent and non-adjacent zones. The processor receives feedback about the haptic effect characteristics and dynamically controls the actuators to maintain proper localization while suppressing unwanted vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If actuators in adjacent and non-adjacent zones are controlled to suppress vibrations, then the haptic effect is localized to the intended zone, but the system complexity increases due to multi-zone control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic effect localization precisionVSAvoidmulti-actuator control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies segmentation by dividing the display surface into multiple zones (first zone, adjacent zones, and non-adjacent zones), each with its own actuator or group of actuators. This segmentation allows independent control of each zone, enabling precise localization of haptic effects while managing complexity through modular zone-based control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements local quality by applying different control strategies to different zones based on their specific requirements. The first zone receives the primary haptic effect with specific parameters, while adjacent and non-adjacent zones receive tailored suppression control. This localized approach optimizes performance for each zone's function while reducing overall system complexity through differentiated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the realism and precision of haptic effects by confining vibrations to intended zones, improving the user's interaction with electronic devices, particularly in large displays, by reducing unwanted vibrations and providing a more pleasing and immersive experience.

Implementation Method 1

controlling at least one actuator included in the first zone to provide the haptic effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

controlling at least one actuator included in the determined at least one adjacent zone and non-adjacent zone to reduce or suppress the haptic effect in such zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration suppression: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11983322B2Systems and methods for controlling a multi-actuator system to generate a localized haptic effect
Publication Date: 2024.05.14 IMMERSION CORP
  • US11983322B2 patent drawing
  • US11983322B2 patent drawing
  • US11983322B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In aspects, zoned haptic effects are provided by assigning a plurality of zones corresponding to each of a plurality of zone actuators for providing haptic effects. A desired haptic response is provided for zones selected for actuation, and the response by the zone actuators is detected. Adjacent and non-adjacent zones are assigned for the detected zones as being driven by any of the plurality of zone actuators. Vibration on the adjacent and non-adjacent zone is suppressed in accordance with control parameters associated with the respective adjacent and non-adjacent zones. If a duration of the provided haptic effect has not passed, the suppression of vibration in the adjacent and non-adjacent zones is maintained and if the duration has passed, the suppression of vibration is terminated. Numerous other aspects are provided.