LRA Electromagnetic Damping for Context-Adaptive Haptic Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic output systems in electronic devices are not adaptable to specific applications or contexts, leading to inadequate perceptibility and suitability for associated audio and/or video outputs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamically adjusting haptic output characteristics, such as peak amplitude and bandwidth, by controlling electromagnetic damping in linear resonant actuators (LRAs) based on detected contexts or events, using a conductive plate positioned adjacent to the LRA mass to vary damping levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If haptic output is generated with high peak amplitude for perceptibility, then user perception is improved, but bandwidth is reduced limiting adaptability to different contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic damping adjustment by moving the conductive plate to different positions relative to the LRA mass based on detected context. The controller adjusts the separation distance between the conductive plate and LRA mass, thereby dynamically changing the damping level to optimize haptic output characteristics for different applications or contexts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of damping by varying the distance between the conductive plate and the LRA mass. By adjusting this spatial parameter, the system modifies the electromagnetic damping effect to achieve different haptic output characteristics suitable for various contexts
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LRAs are used to provide different haptic characteristics for different contexts, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single LRA multi-functional by adding a movable conductive plate that can be positioned at different locations. This single haptic component can then produce different haptic output characteristics (different damping levels) to serve multiple contexts and applications, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized haptic components
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive plate acts as an intermediary element between the LRA and the housing. By positioning this intermediate component at different distances from the LRA mass, the system mediates the haptic output characteristics without requiring multiple LRAs, thus simplifying the overall device structure
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
Enhances user experience by providing context-appropriate haptic output, ensuring perceptibility and suitability for various applications, without the need for multiple LRAs, thus optimizing space, cost, and power usage.
Implementation Method 1
dynamically adjusting a level of damping of the haptic output device to generate, by the haptic output device, haptic output having the first characteristic
Implementation Method 2
a mass having at least one magnet coupled therein, and a conductive plate positioned adjacent the mass
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method may dynamically control and/or dynamically adjust haptic output based on a particular application or context within which the output is to be generated. This may allow for output of an appropriate level of vibratory, or haptic output, that is dynamically tailored, or dynamically adjusted, for the particular situation, or application, or context for which the output is generated. This may include a mode in which an output having a relatively high peak amplitude is desired or most effective for the particular situation, or application, or context, a mode in which a relatively large bandwidth is desired or most effective for the particular situation, or application, or context, and the like.