Haptics Signal Generator Real-Time Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptics signal generation techniques provide a limited user experience as they are typically pre-composed and lack the ability to effectively convey complex tactile information in real-time, especially when using high Q/narrow bandwidth haptics transducers.
Innovation Solution
A haptics signal generator that amplitude, frequency, and/or bandwidth modulates a carrier signal based on an input signal, such as an audio signal, to embed information in the haptics signal, allowing for real-time generation of complex haptics effects by controlling or limiting frequency bandwidth and peak modulation frequency deviation based on the transducer's resonant frequency, Q factor, and harmonic frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If haptics signals are pre-composed and stored in memory, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and information conveyance capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores amplitude envelopes and frequency information from audio signals in memory before haptics playback. This preliminary processing allows the haptics signal generator to reconstruct complex haptics effects in real-time by combining stored envelopes with carrier signals, resolving the contradiction between reduced device complexity and maintained adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces amplitude envelopes as an intermediary element that bridges the audio signal and the haptics transducer. These envelopes modulate the carrier signal to embed audio characteristics into the haptics output, enabling real-time information conveyance without requiring complex real-time audio processing hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If haptics signals are generated in real-time from audio data, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of audio signals to extract amplitude envelopes and frequency information, storing these in memory for later use. This pre-processing approach reduces real-time computational requirements while maintaining the ability to generate adaptive haptics effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time mechanical signal processing with a combination of stored lookup tables (amplitude envelopes) and simple modulation operations. This substitution reduces processing complexity while preserving real-time adaptability
3Device complexity
If simple amplitude modulation is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the information conveyance capability and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges amplitude modulation with frequency modulation by combining stored amplitude envelopes with frequency information from the audio signal. This combination enriches the tactile information conveyed to the user while keeping individual modulation components relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The haptics signal is constructed as a composite of multiple elements: carrier signal, amplitude envelope, and frequency modulation components. This composite approach enables rich information conveyance by combining simpler individual signals that each contribute different aspects of the tactile experience
Data Source
AI summary
A haptics signal generator configured to generate a haptics signal for driving a haptics transducer by amplitude modulating and frequency modulating a carrier signal based on an input audio signal.