Oblique Actuator Layout for Diagonal Haptic Traction Illusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic devices mounted on small portable electronic equipment, such as smartphones and tablets, can only generate traction illusions in directions parallel or perpendicular to the device surfaces, limiting the ability to create illusions in oblique directions.
Innovation Solution
The electronic equipment is equipped with first and second actuators mounted in directions non-parallel and non-perpendicular to at least one surface, allowing vibrations along axes that intersect the device surfaces at angles, enabling traction illusions in arbitrary oblique directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If horizontal and vertical scroll bars are provided separately for a large-size image, then the image can be scrolled in both directions, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines horizontal and vertical scroll bars into a single diagonal scroll bar that operates at a 45-degree angle. This single diagonal scroll bar replaces the traditional separate horizontal and vertical scroll bars, allowing users to scroll through large images in both directions simultaneously by dragging the diagonal scroll bar, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing the time required for scrolling.
2Productivity
If a diagonal scroll bar is provided, then scrolling operation becomes easier and faster, but it is difficult for users to grasp the position of the diagonal scroll bar corresponding to the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to indicate the position correspondence between the diagonal scroll bar and the image. Specifically, a background portion is displayed in a first color when the cursor is not on the diagonal scroll bar, and changes to a second color when the cursor is on the diagonal scroll bar. Additionally, the diagonal scroll bar itself changes color or displays visual indicators to show which portion of the image corresponds to the current scroll bar position, making it easier for users to understand the position relationship.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If thumbnail images are displayed to show current position, then position awareness is improved, but the display screen is occupied and the main image display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays thumbnail images along the diagonal scroll bar in a one-dimensional linear arrangement rather than occupying a separate two-dimensional space. The thumbnails are positioned at different locations along the diagonal scroll bar to represent different portions of the main image, allowing users to see the current position and navigate through the image without reducing the main image display area. This dimensional transformation from 2D thumbnail grid to 1D linear strip resolves the space occupation problem.
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 configuration enhances the richness of the traction illusion experience and improves the expressive power of applications like games by allowing vibrations in multiple directions, including oblique ones.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuator A1 for generating vibration V1 along a first axis O1 is mounted inside a housing 10 of electronic equipment 1 in a direction in which the first axis O1 is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to at least one of six surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Inside a housing (10) of electronic equipment (1), a first actuator (A1) for generating vibration (V1) along a first axis (O1) is mounted. The first actuator (A1) is mounted in a direction in which the first axis (O1) is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to at least one of the six surfaces. Thus, a traction illusion is generated in an arbitrary oblique direction.