Localized Haptic Feedback via Non-Viewing Area Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display screens face inefficiencies in providing haptic feedback, as they often require actuating the entire screen, which is inefficient and non-selective, especially for larger screens, and can obscure visual content.

Innovation Solution

Haptic actuators are placed outside the viewing area of the display screen and activated at specific amplitudes and frequencies to provide localized haptic effects within the viewing area, allowing for selective and efficient haptic feedback without obscuring the image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If haptic actuators are placed inside the viewing area of the display screen, then localized haptic effects can be provided, but the actuators will obscure portions of the images displayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalized haptic feedbackVSAvoidvisual display quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The haptic actuators are extracted from the viewing area and relocated to the non-viewing area (bezel region) of the display screen. This allows the actuators to remain close to the display for effective haptic transmission while not obscuring the visual content during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen itself acts as an intermediary medium, transmitting haptic vibrations from actuators located in the non-viewing area to the user's finger touching the viewing area. The screen surface serves as both the visual display medium and the haptic transmission path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the entirety of the display screen is actuated for haptic feedback, then haptic effects are provided across the screen, but this is inefficient for larger screens and consumes excessive power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of actuating the entire display screen, haptic effects are localized to specific regions where user contact is detected. The system provides haptic feedback only at the touched location(s), reducing the actuated area and corresponding power consumption while maintaining effective user feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen is conceptually segmented into multiple independently controllable haptic zones. Multiple actuators in the non-viewing area can be selectively activated to provide haptic feedback at different locations simultaneously, allowing precise control over where haptic effects occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional haptic actuators are used, then haptic feedback is provided, but the feedback cannot be delivered selectively to different body parts touching the screen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective haptic deliveryVSAvoidhaptic control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The haptic feedback system dynamically adapts to user interaction by detecting touch location and selectively activating appropriate actuators. The system can provide different haptic sensations to different body parts (fingers, palm, etc.) based on real-time touch detection, making the feedback adaptive rather than static

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The array of haptic actuators in the non-viewing area serves multiple functions: providing localized haptic feedback at different screen locations, supporting multiple simultaneous touch points, and adapting to different interaction scenarios. This multi-functional actuator array replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables efficient and selective haptic feedback, conserving power and maintaining a clear visual experience by delivering haptic effects only where needed, with the ability to provide distinct haptic sensations for multiple touch points.

Implementation Method 1

haptic actuators located outside of a viewing area of a display screen and configured to provide localized haptic effects inside the viewing area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

haptic actuators can provide localized haptic effects at specific target locations within the viewing area of the display device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibrating String

Data Source

PatentUS20190378382A1Devices and methods for providing localized haptic effects to a display screen

Publication Date: 2019.12.12 IMMERSION CORP

AI summary

Devices and methods for providing localized haptic effects are provided. The devices include a haptically enabled display device having one or more haptic actuators. The one or more haptic actuators are located in a non-viewing area of a display screen of a haptically enabled display device and cause localized haptic effects in a viewing area of the display screen. The haptically enabled display device includes a processor configured to determine haptic control signals for activating the haptic actuators. The haptic control signal activates the one or more haptic actuators to provide a localized haptic effect at a target location in the viewing area, remote from the non-viewing area location of the one or more haptic actuators.