Optical Joystick Haptic Feedback via Piezoelectric Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback systems in electronic devices often fail to provide localized and distinct vibrations, making it difficult for users to differentiate between device-wide vibrations and vibrations specific to navigation surfaces, which can lead to confusion and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
The use of a piezoelectric transducer coupled with a flexible shim and a tactile feedback dome, positioned to isolate vibrations and provide localized tactile feedback on an optical navigation device, allowing for unique vibratory patterns and frequencies to be transmitted directly to the user's finger or thumb, distinguishing them from ambient vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor coupled to an imbalanced weight is used to generate vibration, then haptic feedback can be produced, but the vibration is imparted to the entire device case rather than being localized to specific areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibration generation system into multiple independent piezoelectric transducers, each capable of generating localized vibration at specific positions on the navigation surface. This segmentation allows different regions to produce independent haptic feedback, resolving the contradiction between providing clear localized feedback and maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by placing piezoelectric transducers at specific locations on the navigation surface, allowing each region to have tailored vibrational characteristics. This enables differentiated haptic feedback for different navigation zones while avoiding the need for complex device-wide vibration control systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If device-wide vibration is used for haptic feedback, then simple implementation is achieved, but users cannot differentiate between device-wide vibrations and vibrations specific to navigation surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation surface is divided into multiple independent vibration zones, each with its own piezoelectric transducer. This segmentation enables distinct vibrational patterns for different navigation areas, allowing users to differentiate between gestures and actions without requiring complex device-wide vibration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible shim as an intermediary element between the piezoelectric transducer and the navigation surface. This mediator efficiently transmits localized vibrational energy from the transducer to the specific navigation region, enhancing gesture differentiation while maintaining simple implementation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple piezoelectric transducers are used for localized vibration, then distinct haptic feedback can be provided, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning piezoelectric transducers at specific strategic locations on the navigation surface where localized feedback is most needed. This targeted approach achieves high vibration localization precision while minimizing the total number of transducers required, thereby controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible shim as a thin film structure to couple the piezoelectric transducers to the navigation surface. This flexible intermediary simplifies the mounting process and reduces structural complexity while maintaining precise vibration localization at the transducer positions.
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 clear and intuitive haptic feedback, allowing users to perceive specific gestures and actions without needing to view the device's display, enhancing usability and safety by providing non-visual indications of selections and interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric transducer coupled with a flexible shim and a tactile feedback dome, positioned to isolate vibrations and provide localized tactile feedback
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric transducer coupled with a flexible shim and a tactile feedback dome, positioned to isolate vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
An optical joystick is connected to a vibratory transducer such as a piezoelectric transducer, where the vibratory transducer produces vibration which may be perceived upon a surface of the optical joystick. The vibration is perceived primarily at the surface of the optical joystick, and not upon a case of the computing device, and is distinguishable from other vibrations which may be induced in the computing device. Vibrations are created to indicate scrolled items in a list, selected items, or navigation within certain displayed zones.