Orientation-Aware Haptic Feedback for Aerosol Provision Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining how and when to provide haptic signals in aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, to effectively communicate sensory information to users is challenging.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an orientation sensor and control circuitry to adjust settings of haptic components based on the system's orientation and movement, allowing for tailored haptic feedback, and optionally adjusting display and speaker components accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If haptic components are added to provide sensory feedback to users, then user interaction and understanding of system status are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect user actions (such as puff detection) and providing corresponding haptic feedback through vibration motors or other tactile actuators. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enhances user understanding of system status without requiring complex manual controls
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry is designed to serve multiple functions: it controls the heating element for aerosol generation, processes sensor inputs, manages battery power, and controls haptic feedback components. This multi-functionality approach consolidates control logic into a single unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced user interaction capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If orientation sensors and movement sensors are incorporated to adjust haptic feedback, then contextually relevant sensory cues are provided, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback characteristics (intensity, frequency, duration) are dynamically adjusted based on real-time sensor data regarding device orientation and movement. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide contextually relevant feedback (e.g., different vibrations when device is held vertically vs. horizontally) without requiring separate control systems for each condition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor inputs (orientation sensors, movement sensors) and integrates them with the existing control circuitry that manages the heating element and power supply. This merging of sensor processing into the existing control architecture avoids creating separate independent systems, thereby managing complexity while achieving adaptable haptic feedback
3Ease of operation
If display and speaker components are adjusted based on movement, then user experience is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display and speaker components are activated periodically or event-driven rather than continuously. For example, the display may only illuminate when a button is pressed or when specific sensor conditions are met, and the speaker may only activate during specific operational phases. This periodic activation significantly reduces overall power consumption while maintaining enhanced user experience during critical moments
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts display brightness and speaker volume locally based on specific operational conditions and sensor inputs rather than maintaining uniform high levels. For instance, display brightness may be increased only when ambient light sensors detect low light conditions, and speaker volume may be adjusted based on detected ambient noise levels or specific operational modes, thereby conserving energy while enhancing user experience when needed
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an aerosol provision system comprising a haptic component, an orientation sensor and control circuitry configured. The control circuitry is configured to determine an orientation of the aerosol provision system based on one or more readings from the orientation sensor, and adjust a setting of the haptic component based on the determined orientation.